GK One-Liners

What: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 has been launched with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore for FY 2026-27. The upgraded mission focuses on domestic equipment production, developing full-stack Indian intellectual property (IP), and establishing industry-led research centres. It builds upon the foundation laid by ISM 1.0.

How: ISM 2.0 shifts emphasis from assembly and testing to high-value manufacturing segments. The mission will support indigenous chip design capabilities, incentivize fab equipment manufacturers, and create industry-academia partnerships through dedicated research centres. This marks India’s move up the semiconductor value chain.

Why: Semiconductor self-reliance is a strategic priority amid global chip shortages and supply chain disruptions. Questions on Atmanirbhar Bharat, technology policy, and India’s manufacturing ecosystem are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech) and Mains (GS-III). The ₹1,000 crore figure is a key factual anchor.

What: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed its third unmanned Gaganyaan test flight on January 29, 2026. This critical test validated life support systems and crew escape mechanisms. The crewed human spaceflight mission is now targeted for late 2026.

How: The test involved launching a crew module to demonstrate emergency abort capabilities and environmental control systems. Data from sensors monitored cabin pressure, oxygen levels, and thermal conditions. These tests ensure astronaut safety before the actual crewed mission.

Why: Gaganyaan will make India the fourth nation to independently send humans to space. ISRO missions, their objectives, and timelines are evergreen UPSC topics. The Human Spaceflight Programme links to India’s space diplomacy, scientific capabilities, and technological prestige—relevant for both Prelims and Mains essays.

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot—the Digital Rupee (e₹)—to 28 cities by adding 15 new locations. The pilot has onboarded 5 million users and 500,000 merchants as part of the broader digital payments promotion initiative.

How: The CBDC operates as a digital token representing legal tender issued by the central bank. Users can hold e₹ in digital wallets and transact peer-to-peer or with merchants. Unlike UPI, CBDC is a liability of RBI, making it equivalent to physical cash in digital form.

Why: Digital currency is a hot topic intersecting banking, technology, and monetary policy. UPSC frequently tests concepts like CBDC vs cryptocurrency, RBI’s role in digital payments, and financial inclusion. The 28 cities and 5 million users are key statistics for Prelims.

What: The European Union Artificial Intelligence Act came into full effect on February 1, 2026, becoming the world’s first comprehensive AI governance framework. The law categorizes AI systems by risk levels and imposes corresponding compliance requirements on developers and deployers.

How: The Act creates a tiered system: unacceptable-risk AI (social scoring, manipulative systems) is banned; high-risk AI (healthcare, law enforcement) requires conformity assessments; limited-risk AI needs transparency disclosures; and minimal-risk AI faces no restrictions. Companies face significant penalties for non-compliance.

Why: Global AI regulation is an emerging topic for UPSC International Relations and Science & Tech. The EU’s approach contrasts with India’s proposed Digital India Act framework. Understanding risk-based AI governance helps in Mains answers on technology ethics and global regulatory trends.

What: India’s installed renewable energy capacity crossed 200 GW in January 2026, comprising 95 GW of solar and 48 GW of wind power. This milestone advances India toward its target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, as pledged under the Paris Agreement commitments.

How: Growth is driven by policy support including Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for solar manufacturing, competitive tariff auctions, renewable purchase obligations for DISCOMs, and green hydrogen initiatives. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu lead in capacity additions.

Why: Renewable energy targets, India’s NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), and energy transition are frequently tested in UPSC Environment and Economy sections. The 200 GW milestone, 500 GW target, and the solar-wind split (95 GW/48 GW) are important statistics for Prelims.

What: Budget 2026-27 announced two major initiatives for persons with disabilities: Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana (skill training in IT, Animation-Visual Effects-Gaming-Comics, and hospitality) and Divyang Sahara Yojana (providing assistive devices through ALIMCO—Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India). PM Divyasha Kendras and Assistive Technology Marts will also be established.

How: Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana will partner with industry bodies for placement-linked training. ALIMCO will expand its distribution network through camps and PM Divyasha Kendras. Assistive Technology Marts will serve as one-stop centres for mobility aids, hearing devices, and adaptive equipment.

Why: Social justice and empowerment schemes are important for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-I (Society). The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and related schemes like ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) form a frequently tested cluster. ALIMCO as a nodal agency is a useful factual point.