GK One-Liners

What: On Independence Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the ₹1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) to generate approximately 3.5 crore jobs by 2027. The scheme will be monitored through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

How: The scheme offers a ₹15,000 incentive for first-time employees entering the formal workforce and a ₹3,000 monthly subsidy to employers for hiring new workers. By linking employment to EPFO registration, the scheme promotes formalisation of the workforce while providing verifiable data on job creation and social security coverage expansion.

Why: Employment generation schemes and labour market reforms are crucial topics for UPSC GS-III (Economy) and banking exams. Understanding the connection between formal employment, EPFO coverage, and economic growth demonstrates awareness of India’s demographic dividend challenges. The scheme aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s goal of creating a self-reliant, job-rich economy.

What: PM Modi launched ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’, a 10-year national security programme to protect critical infrastructure using indigenous technologies. The mission integrates Artificial Intelligence-based surveillance, cyber defence systems, and strengthened physical security through coordinated public-private Research & Development partnerships.

How: The mission addresses vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure including power grids, communication networks, transportation hubs, financial systems, and defence installations. It leverages AI for threat detection, predictive analytics for pre-emptive security measures, and indigenous cyber capabilities to counter sophisticated attacks from state and non-state actors.

Why: Critical infrastructure protection, cyber security, and national security architecture are increasingly relevant for UPSC GS-III (Security) and defence examinations. Understanding the convergence of AI, cyber defence, and physical security demonstrates awareness of modern hybrid threats. The mission’s 10-year timeframe and emphasis on indigenous technology align with strategic autonomy goals.

What: PM Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 2025, overtaking Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 consecutive speeches. He now ranks second only to Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 consecutive Independence Day addresses as Prime Minister.

How: The tradition of the Prime Minister addressing the nation from Red Fort on Independence Day began with Jawaharlal Nehru on 15 August 1947. The speech outlines the government’s vision, achievements, and future plans. Unlike Republic Day (where the President is the chief guest), Independence Day celebrations are led by the Prime Minister.

Why: Constitutional practices, Prime Ministerial tenures, and historical records are frequently tested in UPSC Prelims and general awareness sections. Understanding the distinction between Independence Day (PM’s address) and Republic Day (President’s role, chief guest tradition) ceremonies demonstrates awareness of national celebrations and executive functions.

What: India observed its 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025, commemorating the freedom struggle with nationwide flag hoisting, cultural events, and a renewed focus on patriotism and inclusive growth. President Droupadi Murmu delivered the Independence Day-eve address, saluting freedom fighters and highlighting India’s progress in growth, digital innovation, health expansion, and security initiatives.

How: Independence Day celebrations follow a constitutional tradition where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort and addresses the nation, while the President’s address on the eve sets the ceremonial tone. State capitals and district headquarters conduct parallel ceremonies, and government buildings are illuminated. Citizens participate through flag hoisting at homes, schools, and public places.

Why: Understanding Independence Day traditions, the distinction from Republic Day ceremonies, and the historical significance of 15 August 1947 is essential for UPSC Polity and general awareness. The Tryst with Destiny speech by Nehru, the transfer of power from Lord Mountbatten, and the choice of 15 August (coinciding with Japan’s surrender anniversary) provide rich context for examination questions.

What: Kargil apricots entered the Saudi Arabian market for the first time, launched at Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) during India Utsav. This milestone boosts One District One Product (ODOP)-led exports and enhances farmer income in Ladakh.

How: APEDA facilitates agricultural exports by providing market access, quality certification, and promotional support. The ODOP initiative identifies signature products from each district for focused development and export promotion. Kargil apricots, known for their sweetness and organic cultivation in high-altitude conditions, now access Gulf markets with significant Indian expatriate populations.

Why: APEDA, ODOP, and agricultural export promotion are important topics for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Agriculture). Understanding how GI-tagged and region-specific products access international markets, the role of export promotion councils, and initiatives linking farmers to global value chains demonstrates awareness of agricultural trade policy and rural income enhancement strategies.

What: Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran announced that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing a Service Production Index (SPI) on the lines of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). India aims to set global benchmarks for data quality as it strengthens its statistical systems.

How: While the IIP measures manufacturing sector output, India lacks a comprehensive index for the services sector, which contributes over 50% to GDP. The SPI will track output across services sub-sectors including IT, banking, hospitality, healthcare, and retail, providing policymakers with timely data on economic activity in the dominant sector.

Why: Economic indicators like IIP, GDP, WPI, CPI, and now SPI are fundamental topics for banking exams and UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding the methodology, base years, and limitations of economic indices demonstrates statistical literacy. Given services’ growing share in India’s economy and employment, the SPI will fill a critical data gap for evidence-based policymaking.