GK One-Liners

What: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd to enable Aadhaar-based electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) services. This collaboration allows satellite internet customers to complete paperless, digital onboarding while meeting mandatory KYC compliance norms through biometric or OTP-based authentication.

How: The integration leverages Aadhaar’s existing API infrastructure to allow Starlink’s service centers to verify customer identity electronically. Instead of physical document submission, users can authenticate using biometric fingerprint/iris scans or mobile OTP, with the system instantly fetching demographic and photo details from UIDAI’s Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for compliance verification.

Why: This initiative exemplifies Digital India’s expansion into frontier technologies. UPSC Prelims frequently tests Aadhaar applications, authentication methods (Section 57 debates), and telecom sector reforms. For Mains GS3 (Science & Technology), expect questions on satellite internet infrastructure, last-mile connectivity challenges, and regulatory frameworks for private space companies operating in India.

What: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched ‘Garuda Drishti’—a comprehensive social media monitoring and cyber intelligence initiative in Nagpur. The platform tracks cyber fraud patterns, monitors suspicious digital activities, and coordinates law enforcement responses. During the launch, ₹10 crore recovered from cyber fraudsters was returned to affected victims.

How: Garuda Drishti employs AI-powered analytics to scan social media platforms, flag phishing attempts, track digital financial frauds, and identify malicious actors. It integrates with existing FIR systems and enables real-time alerts to cyber cells across Maharashtra’s districts. The recovered funds mechanism involves freezing fraudulent accounts through coordination with banks and payment gateways.

Why: Cybersecurity governance is a growing UPSC theme under GS3 (Internal Security). Questions may probe state-level cyber infrastructure, comparison with national initiatives like CERT-In and I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre), legal frameworks (IT Act 2000, amendments), and challenges in cross-border cybercrime investigation. The fund recovery aspect connects to victim compensation mechanisms.

What: The 130th Constitution (Amendment) Bill proposes automatic removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and ministers from office if they remain in detention for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges. It includes provisions allowing reappointment after release. The Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) due to concerns about potential misuse and procedural safeguards.

How: The amendment likely modifies Article 75 (Council of Ministers – Union) and Article 164 (Council of Ministers – States), adding a time-bound disqualification clause triggered by continuous detention exceeding 30 days. It differentiates between remand/judicial custody versus conviction, potentially creating a middle ground between presumption of innocence and public office accountability. The JPC will examine threshold definitions of “serious charges” and appeal mechanisms.

Why: Constitutional amendments are high-priority for UPSC Mains (GS2 – Polity). This tests understanding of Article 368 (amendment procedure), disqualification provisions under Article 102/191, Supreme Court judgments on criminalization of politics (Lily Thomas case), and ethical governance debates. Compare with the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection), Representation of People Act disqualifications, and Election Commission recommendations on electoral reforms.

What: The Lok Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, establishing a dedicated regulatory authority for India’s online gaming sector. The legislation aims to promote e-sports and non-monetized games while prohibiting harmful real-money gaming platforms. It includes strict penalties for violations, covering both operators and platforms facilitating illegal gaming.

How: The Bill creates a statutory regulator (likely under MeitY or a separate Gaming Commission) with powers to license, monitor, and penalize gaming operators. It distinguishes between “games of skill” (permissible with regulations) and “games of chance” (restricted), mandates age verification, implements deposit limits, and requires transparency in odds disclosure. The framework draws from the IT Rules 2023 amendments that classified online gaming intermediaries.

Why: Digital economy governance is critical for UPSC GS3. This connects to broader themes: (1) balancing innovation with consumer protection, (2) federalism issues (state vs. central jurisdiction over gambling), (3) taxation models for digital services, and (4) comparison with global frameworks (UK Gambling Commission, Singapore’s remote gaming laws). Mains essays may explore technology regulation ethics and youth protection measures.

What: India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. The test validated the missile’s canisterized, solid-fuel, three-stage design with a strike range exceeding 5,000 km, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence posture against potential adversaries.

How: Agni-5 uses a solid-propellant three-stage rocket motor for rapid launch readiness and operational flexibility. The canisterized storage system (similar to submarine-launched missiles) enables road-mobile deployment, making it harder to detect and pre-emptively strike. The missile features MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) capability, allowing it to carry multiple warheads that can engage separate targets, complicating enemy missile defense systems.

Why: Strategic weapons systems are high-yield for UPSC Defence questions (GS3 – Internal Security). Key exam angles include: (1) India’s No First Use nuclear doctrine and Credible Minimum Deterrence policy, (2) comparison with Agni series progression (Agni-1 to Agni-6), (3) Strategic Forces Command’s tri-service nuclear triad (land, air, sea-based delivery), (4) DRDO’s role in indigenous defense production (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and (5) international arms control regimes (MTCR, NSG) and India’s strategic autonomy.

What: India and Saudi Arabia established a Joint Working Group (JWG) to deepen collaboration in shipping and logistics sectors. This bilateral mechanism aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. Key areas include Saudi support for Indian port development projects and a proposed $3 billion maritime development fund.

How: The JWG will coordinate on multiple fronts: (1) Saudi investment in Indian port infrastructure (Sagarmala Programme linkage), (2) joint shipping routes connecting Indian Ocean and Red Sea trade corridors, (3) technology transfer in port automation and logistics, (4) capacity building in maritime education and training, and (5) collaboration on green shipping initiatives. The $3 billion fund will likely flow through Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) into Indian port trusts and coastal economic zones.

Why: India-West Asia relations are UPSC staples (GS2 – International Relations). Exam dimensions include: (1) India’s energy security (Saudi Arabia is second-largest oil supplier), (2) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) engagement strategy, (3) maritime security in the Arabian Sea and Straits of Hormuz, (4) balancing Saudi-Iran relations (Chabahar Port vs. Saudi investments), (5) diaspora diplomacy (3 million Indians in Saudi Arabia), and (6) countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative through alternative connectivity models. For Mains, analyze how economic partnerships advance India’s strategic autonomy.