GK One-Liners

What: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Niger the first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis — commonly known as river blindness — as a public health threat. River blindness is a parasitic disease caused by the worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through blackfly bites near rivers.

How: Niger achieved this milestone through decades of mass drug administration using ivermectin, vector control programmes targeting blackfly breeding sites, and strong community-based health delivery systems supported by WHO and international partners.

Why: This is significant for UPSC GS Paper II (Health) and GS Paper III (International bodies). Questions on WHO declarations, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and India’s own disease elimination programmes (like lymphatic filariasis) are frequently tested in Prelims and Mains.

What: India added four new wetlands to the Ramsar Convention list, bringing its total Ramsar-designated sites to 89 — the highest in Asia. Notably, this marks the first Ramsar recognition for both Jharkhand and Sikkim, expanding the geographic coverage of protected wetlands in India.

How: Sites are designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971), an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Nominations are submitted by national governments and reviewed against ecological criteria.

Why: Ramsar sites are a perennial favourite in UPSC Prelims (Environment section). Key facts to remember: India has the most Ramsar sites in Asia, the Convention was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, and Chilika Lake (Odisha) was India’s first Ramsar site. The addition of new states (Jharkhand, Sikkim) is an additional Prelims anchor.

What: The Ministry of Railways launched ‘SwaRail’, an integrated super-application (SuperApp) in beta phase on both Android and iOS platforms. SwaRail consolidates multiple railway services — including ticketing, train status, freight booking, and tourism — into a single digital interface.

How: The app integrates existing railway digital services such as the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) portal, National Train Enquiry System (NTES), and UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) under one unified platform, reducing the need for multiple separate apps.

Why: Relevant to UPSC GS Paper II (Governance, e-Governance) and aligns with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Questions on government digital platforms, SuperApp models in public service delivery, and railway sector modernisation are relevant for both Prelims and Mains Essay/GS II.

What: The Union Budget 2025–26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, set the total expenditure outlay at ₹50.65 lakh crore — the largest ever. The fiscal deficit target was pegged at 4.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), continuing the path of fiscal consolidation.

How: The budget allocates resources across capital expenditure (infrastructure), social sector spending (health, education), and revenue expenditure (subsidies, salaries). The fiscal deficit is managed by balancing tax receipts, non-tax revenues, and disinvestment proceeds against total expenditure.

Why: Budget figures are extremely high-yield for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS III — Economy). Key anchors: total outlay (₹50.65 lakh crore), fiscal deficit (4.4% of GDP), and sector-wise allocations. These appear directly in MCQs and as data points in essay/mains answers on fiscal policy.

What: Budget 2025–26 announced that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh per annum will have zero income tax liability under the new tax regime. For salaried taxpayers availing the standard deduction, the effective tax-free limit extends to ₹12.75 lakh annually.

How: This relief is achieved through revised tax slabs and enhanced rebates under Section 87A of the Income Tax Act in the new tax regime. The new regime (introduced in 2020 and made default in 2023) offers lower rates without exemptions, while the old regime with deductions continues as an option.

Why: Tax policy changes are tested in UPSC Prelims (Economy) and Mains (GS III). This measure aims to boost disposable income and consumption demand — a Keynesian demand-side stimulus. Understanding the difference between old and new tax regimes, and concepts like standard deduction and Section 87A, strengthens both Prelims MCQ and Mains answer writing.

What: Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams completed her 9th Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) — commonly known as a spacewalk — accumulating a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes outside a spacecraft. This sets a new milestone in spacewalking duration, establishing her among the most experienced EVA astronauts in history.

How: EVAs are conducted by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to perform repairs, install equipment, and conduct scientific experiments outside the pressurised environment of the station. Astronauts wear Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) — pressurised spacesuits — to survive the vacuum of space.

Why: Space achievements by Indian-origin scientists and astronauts are regularly featured in UPSC Science & Technology sections. Sunita Williams is also notable for her connections to India (her father is of Indian origin). EVA-related questions may test knowledge of ISS, NASA programmes, and human spaceflight milestones — relevant context for India’s own Gaganyaan mission.