GK One-Liners

What: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved two new global mechanisms for Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance: an independent scientific panel and a global dialogue forum. These institutions aim to strengthen international coordination on AI opportunities and risks, supporting evidence-based policymaking across member states.

How: UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that these mechanisms advance the Global Digital Compact, which was adopted under the Pact for the Future in September 2024. The scientific panel will provide technical expertise on AI developments, while the dialogue forum will facilitate multi-stakeholder discussions linking researchers, governments, industry, and civil society to inform international AI governance frameworks.

Why: Critical for UPSC GS-II (international organizations, global governance) and GS-III (science & technology, AI policy). Questions may cover UN’s role in emerging technology regulation, India’s participation in global AI frameworks, or comparisons with domestic AI governance. Connects to Digital India initiatives, National AI Strategy, and international cooperation themes. Relevant for Mains essays on technology governance and multilateralism.

What: India–Africa bilateral trade exceeded $100 billion in 2024–25, nearly doubling from approximately $56 billion in 2019–20. This growth reflects expanded Indian investment, concessional financing through development partnerships, and increased scholarships for African students under a ‘shared future’ approach emphasizing South-South cooperation.

How: The trade expansion is supported through multiple channels: India’s Lines of Credit (LoC) for infrastructure projects across Africa, capacity-building programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework, preferential tariffs, and diplomatic engagement through India-Africa Forum Summits. Indian businesses have increased footprint in sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy across African nations.

Why: Essential for UPSC GS-II (bilateral relations, India’s foreign policy) and GS-III (international trade, economic diplomacy). Questions may cover India-Africa Forum Summit outcomes, India’s development cooperation versus China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or the role of diaspora in strengthening ties. Connects to India’s Act East policy extension to “Act Africa,” pharmaceutical exports during COVID-19, and India’s strategic autonomy. Relevant for Mains essays on South-South cooperation and India’s global leadership.

What: For the first time in India’s economic history, personal income tax collections have surpassed corporate tax receipts. This milestone reflects economic formalization, digital payment adoption, strengthened tax compliance mechanisms, and higher Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and advance tax inflows, though India’s overall taxpayer base remains relatively small compared to its population.

How: The shift is driven by multiple factors: expansion of formal employment through initiatives like E-Shram and Aadhaar-based verification, pre-filled Income Tax Returns (ITR) reducing evasion, aggressive pursuit of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) through data analytics, and the introduction of the new tax regime offering lower rates without exemptions. Increased TDS from salaries and professional services has broadened the tax net significantly.

Why: Highly relevant for UPSC GS-III (economy—taxation, fiscal policy, formalization). Questions may cover direct vs. indirect tax ratios, Goods and Services Tax (GST) impact on formalization, or challenges in widening the tax base. Connects to Union Budget analysis, Faceless Assessment schemes, and the government’s focus on reducing cash transactions. Essay potential on inclusive growth, digital economy transformation, and fiscal federalism. Important for understanding India’s tax-to-GDP ratio improvement efforts.

What: An Ernst & Young (EY) report using International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections estimates that India could become the world’s second-largest economy in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms by 2038, reaching approximately $34.2 trillion. PPP measures economic output adjusted for cost of living differences, providing a more accurate comparison of real purchasing power across countries.

How: This trajectory is supported by India’s demographic dividend (world’s largest working-age population by 2030), high domestic savings and investment rates, sustained economic reforms including GST and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), massive infrastructure spending under programs like Bharatmala and Sagarmala, digitalization enabling financial inclusion, and manufacturing growth through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors.

Why: Critical for UPSC GS-III (economy—growth projections, structural reforms). Questions may compare PPP vs. nominal GDP rankings (India is currently 5th in nominal, 3rd in PPP), analyze growth drivers, or discuss challenges like job creation and income inequality. Connects to Vision 2047 for developed nation status, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Relevant for Mains essays on India’s global economic position, demographic dividend utilization, and sustainable growth models.

What: The Union Cabinet approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city. The government will provide financial guarantees and support if the bid succeeds, following the withdrawal of the initial host city and creating an opportunity for India to host its second Commonwealth Games after the 2010 Delhi edition.

How: The bid process involves submitting a comprehensive proposal to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), demonstrating Ahmedabad’s infrastructure readiness including the Narendra Modi Stadium (world’s largest cricket stadium), transportation networks, accommodation facilities, and security arrangements. Government guarantees cover financial underwriting, visa facilitation, tax exemptions, and compliance with CGF hosting requirements. Gujarat’s recent experience hosting sporting events strengthens the proposal.

Why: Important for UPSC GS-II (international relations, sports diplomacy) and GS-III (event management, infrastructure). Questions may cover India’s sports hosting experience, economic impact of mega-events, or comparisons between 2010 and potential 2030 Games. Connects to Khelo India initiatives, sports infrastructure development in tier-2 cities, and India’s soft power projection. Relevant for Mains essays on sports as a tool of diplomacy and urban development through sporting events.

What: From 2025 onwards, Ayurveda Day will be observed on a fixed date—September 23—every year, replacing the previous practice of tracking Dhanvantari Jayanti (which follows the lunar calendar and varies annually). The 2025 theme is “Ayurveda for People & Planet,” emphasizing holistic health and environmental sustainability through traditional medicine systems.

How: The fixed date simplifies national and international coordination for Ayurveda promotion events, conferences, and awareness campaigns. Lord Dhanvantari is considered the deity of Ayurveda in Hindu tradition, and his birth anniversary (Dhanteras) falls on different Gregorian dates each year. The standardization to September 23 enables consistent global observance, academic scheduling, and integration with international traditional medicine initiatives led by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why: Relevant for UPSC GS-I (Indian culture, traditional knowledge systems) and GS-III (health policy, pharmaceutical sector). Questions may cover AYUSH ministry initiatives, India’s leadership in traditional medicine at WHO forums, or integration of Ayurveda in mainstream healthcare. Connects to National AYUSH Mission, export of Ayurvedic products, and India’s pharmaceutical strengths. Relevant for Mains essays on preserving traditional knowledge, alternative medicine’s role in public health, and cultural diplomacy through traditional systems.