GK One-Liners

What: The Startup India initiative, launched on 16 January 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has completed 10 years. Over 2 lakh startups have been recognised under the programme, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem after the United States and China. National Startup Day is celebrated annually on 16 January.

How: Startup India provides benefits including self-certification for labour and environmental compliance, tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC (3-year tax holiday), access to Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) managed by SIDBI, fast-tracked patent applications, and easier public procurement norms. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognises eligible startups.

Why: Startup India is a high-yield topic for UPSC GS3 (Economic Development) and banking exams. Questions cover eligibility criteria (turnover below Rs 100 crore, entity age under 10 years), implementing ministry, tax benefits, and Fund of Funds. The 10-year milestone and 2 lakh+ recognition figure are likely Prelims facts for 2026.

What: Andhra Pradesh will host the world’s largest green ammonia project at Kakinada, with AM Green (Greenko-AM joint venture) investing $10 billion. The facility will have a production capacity of 1.5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) by 2030, positioning India as a major player in the global green hydrogen and ammonia value chain.

How: Green ammonia is produced using green hydrogen (from renewable energy-powered electrolysis) and nitrogen from air, with zero carbon emissions. Unlike conventional ammonia made from natural gas, green ammonia serves as a carbon-free fuel for shipping, a hydrogen carrier for export, and a feedstock for fertilisers. Kakinada’s port infrastructure enables export to global markets.

Why: Green hydrogen and ammonia are critical for India’s energy transition under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) launched in 2023. UPSC GS3 questions cover green hydrogen production methods, mission targets (5 MTPA by 2030), and applications. The Kakinada project exemplifies India’s Atmanirbhar clean energy ambitions and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction.

What: India Post has delivered its first order through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), marking its entry into the digital logistics ecosystem. This integration enables India Post’s vast network of 1.6 lakh post offices to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and small sellers on the ONDC platform.

How: ONDC is a government-backed open protocol that unbundles e-commerce into discovery, ordering, and fulfilment layers, allowing any seller to connect with any buyer across platforms. India Post joins as a logistics provider, offering last-mile delivery services. Sellers on ONDC can now choose India Post for affordable shipping to remote and rural areas where private couriers have limited reach.

Why: ONDC is a transformative Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative under GS2 (Governance) and GS3 (Economy). Questions may cover ONDC’s open network architecture, difference from conventional marketplaces, and implementing body (ONDC is a Section 8 company under DPIIT). India Post’s integration strengthens inclusive digital commerce and MSME competitiveness.

What: NITI Aayog released the MSME Scheme Convergence Report highlighting that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises contribute 29-30% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ 28.7 crore people. The report examines overlaps and gaps across central and state MSME support schemes to improve policy effectiveness.

How: The report maps existing schemes across credit access, technology upgradation, marketing support, and skill development. It recommends single-window portals, interoperable databases, and outcome-based funding to reduce duplication. The convergence framework aligns with the Udyam Registration portal, which has registered over 4 crore MSMEs since 2020.

Why: MSMEs are crucial for UPSC GS3 (Economic Development) and banking exams. Questions cover MSME classification criteria (revised in 2020 based on investment and turnover), contribution to exports (45-50%), and flagship schemes like CGTMSE, PMEGP, and MUDRA. The employment figure of 28.7 crore makes MSMEs India’s largest employment generator after agriculture.

What: India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has reached a yearly high, with overall LFPR at 56.1%, Worker Population Ratio (WPR) at 53.4%, and unemployment rate at 4.8%. This data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) indicates improving female workforce engagement in the economy.

How: LFPR measures the percentage of working-age population (15+ years) either employed or seeking employment. WPR indicates those actually employed. The improvement is attributed to rural women’s increased participation in agriculture and allied activities, MGNREGA, and Self-Help Group (SHG) livelihood programmes under DAY-NRLM. Urban female LFPR has also risen with gig economy opportunities.

Why: Labour statistics are frequently tested in UPSC Prelims and banking exams. Students should know PLFS (published by NSO under MoSPI), the difference between LFPR, WPR, and unemployment rate, and India’s historical female LFPR challenges. The improvement connects to GS1 (Women and Society) and GS3 (Employment) essay themes on women’s economic empowerment.

What: Justice Revati Mohite Dere was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Additionally, Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court on the same day, highlighting ongoing appointments in the higher judiciary.

How: High Court Chief Justices are appointed by the President under Article 217 of the Constitution, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of the concerned state. The Collegium system recommends appointments. Transfers of Chief Justices between High Courts are common for administrative and seniority considerations.

Why: ‘First woman’ appointments in constitutional positions are regularly asked in UPSC Prelims and state PSC exams. Questions cover Articles 214-231 on High Courts, appointment procedure, and gender milestones in the judiciary. Justice Fathima Beevi was India’s first woman Supreme Court judge (1989), and tracking subsequent firsts demonstrates judicial diversity progress.