GK One-Liners

What: India and the United States have signed an Interim Trade Agreement featuring an 18% reciprocal tariff, reduced from the earlier 25% level. Under the deal, India has committed to purchasing USD 500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years, covering industrial goods, agriculture, and digital trade.

How: The agreement works on a reciprocal tariff mechanism where both nations agree to a uniform tariff rate to reduce trade friction. It spans multiple sectors including industrial products, agricultural commodities, and digital services, creating a comprehensive framework for bilateral trade expansion.

Why: India–US trade relations are a high-priority topic for UPSC Prelims (GS-III: Economy) and Mains (International Relations). The deal’s scale—USD 500 billion over 5 years—and its coverage of digital trade reflect evolving trade diplomacy. Expect questions linking this to India’s trade deficit, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the broader Indo-Pacific economic strategy.

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 5.25%. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate is now 5.00% and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate stands at 5.50%. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has maintained a neutral stance.

How: A repo rate cut reduces the cost at which commercial banks borrow from the RBI, which in turn encourages banks to lower lending rates for consumers and businesses. The neutral stance signals that the MPC is keeping its options open for future rate actions depending on inflation and growth data.

Why: Monetary policy is a perennial UPSC favourite under GS-III (Economy). Key testable facts include the repo-SDF-MSF corridor, the role of the MPC, and the difference between accommodative, neutral, and hawkish stances. This rate cut also connects to broader themes of credit growth, inflation targeting, and economic recovery.

What: India has signed Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 23 countries to share its India Stack model. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now live in 8 countries, and DigiLocker MoUs have been signed with Cuba, Kenya, the UAE, and Lao PDR.

How: India Stack—comprising Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker—serves as the backbone for digital identity, payments, and document verification. Through bilateral MoUs, India provides technical expertise and interoperability frameworks to partner nations looking to build their own digital infrastructure.

Why: India’s DPI export strategy is a top-tier UPSC topic spanning GS-II (International Relations, Governance) and GS-III (Science & Tech). Questions may test UPI’s international footprint, the components of India Stack, or India’s role in shaping global digital governance standards through forums like the G20.

What: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship programme through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Groningen and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The programme focuses on green hydrogen research and aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

How: The fellowship enables collaborative research between Indian and Dutch scientists, leveraging the Netherlands’ expertise in hydrogen storage and transport and India’s growing electrolyser manufacturing capacity. IIT researchers will work on key challenges such as hydrogen production efficiency, storage solutions, and industrial applications.

Why: Green hydrogen is a rapidly growing UPSC topic under GS-III (Science & Tech, Environment). The NGHM’s target of 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) annual green hydrogen production by 2030 is a key fact. Questions may link this to India’s net-zero 2070 target, electrolyser PLI schemes, and bilateral S&T cooperation.

What: V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu has become the first port in India to deploy an anti-drone defence system. The system offers 360-degree surveillance coverage with a detection and neutralisation range of 5 kilometres and has been developed by Central Electronics Limited (CEL).

How: The anti-drone system uses radar, radio frequency sensors, and electro-optical tracking to detect, identify, and neutralise rogue drones. It can jam drone communication links and force unauthorised drones to land or return, providing a layered defence for critical port infrastructure.

Why: Port security and critical infrastructure protection are emerging UPSC themes under GS-III (Internal Security). The indigenous development by CEL connects to Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. Students should note the port’s location (Thoothukudi, TN) and the broader context of drone threats to India’s maritime assets and coastal security architecture.

What: The Ministry of Mines has notified the Offshore Mining Rules 2026 to curb illegal offshore mineral mining in India’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Violations attract penalties of up to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. The rules also mandate real-time monitoring of offshore mining activities.

How: The framework establishes a licensing regime for offshore mineral extraction with strict compliance requirements. Real-time monitoring systems will track mining operations, and a graded penalty structure ensures deterrence. The rules cover exploration, extraction, and transportation of offshore minerals.

Why: This topic bridges GS-III (Environment, Economy) and GS-II (Governance). It connects to India’s blue economy strategy, deep-sea mining ambitions under the Samudrayaan programme, and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provisions on seabed resource management. Expect questions on EEZ boundaries, mineral governance, and environmental safeguards for marine ecosystems.