GK One-Liners

What: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission aboard PSLV-C60. The mission involves two satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—designed to demonstrate autonomous docking and undocking capabilities in orbit.

How: The two satellites will rendezvous in space and attempt autonomous docking using indigenous sensors and algorithms. This technology is critical for complex missions requiring in-orbit assembly, satellite servicing, and sample return capabilities. The experiment validates India’s ability to perform precision orbital maneuvers without ground intervention.

Why: SPADEX is a precursor technology for Chandrayaan-4’s lunar sample return mission, where docking in lunar orbit will be essential. Questions on ISRO missions, space technology milestones, and India’s space program roadmap frequently appear in UPSC Prelims (GS3: Science & Tech) and are relevant for essay topics on technological self-reliance.

What: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has achieved significant production milestones with cumulative investments exceeding ₹76,000 crore. The mission targets semiconductor self-reliance by 2030, positioning India as a global hub for chip manufacturing and design.

How: ISM operates through a combination of incentive schemes for fab units, Assembly Testing Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facilities, and design-linked incentives. The government has approved projects in Gujarat (Dholera), Karnataka, and Assam, partnering with global players like Micron and domestic companies like Tata Electronics to build end-to-end semiconductor ecosystems.

Why: Semiconductors are central to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and strategic autonomy in electronics. This topic connects to UPSC themes like manufacturing policy, PLI schemes, critical technology supply chains, and India’s industrial transformation. Expect questions linking ISM to Digital India, electronics exports, and geopolitical implications of chip dependency.

What: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the extended-range version of the ASTRA missile. ASTRA is India’s indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile with a range exceeding 160 kilometers, designed for aerial combat superiority.

How: The ASTRA missile uses active radar homing for terminal guidance and can engage targets at varying altitudes and speeds. It is being integrated with multiple Indian Air Force platforms including Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Su-30MKI, and Rafale jets. The extended-range variant enhances India’s standoff strike capability against enemy aircraft.

Why: Indigenous missile development aligns with defence self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat and reduces import dependency. ASTRA is frequently asked in defence-related Prelims questions. Mains relevance includes GS3 topics on internal security, defence indigenization, and the role of DRDO in strategic capability building.

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction limit for tax payments from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. This policy change facilitates higher-value digital transactions for direct and indirect tax compliance through India’s flagship payment system.

How: UPI enables instant fund transfers between bank accounts using a virtual payment address. The enhanced limit allows taxpayers to pay advance tax, self-assessment tax, and GST through UPI without switching to NEFT/RTGS for larger amounts. UPI crossed 16 billion transactions in December 2024, demonstrating massive adoption.

Why: Digital payments and financial inclusion are core UPSC themes under GS3 (Economy). Questions on UPI architecture, NPCI’s role, RBI’s regulatory framework, and Digital India initiatives are frequently tested. This development also connects to ease of doing business and tax administration reforms.

What: The National AI Mission has been allocated ₹10,000 crore to accelerate India’s artificial intelligence capabilities. The mission plans to establish 10,000 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) clusters for AI computing infrastructure. India currently ranks 5th globally in AI research output.

How: The mission focuses on building compute infrastructure through public-private partnerships, developing indigenous AI models, creating datasets for Indian languages, and fostering AI startups through innovation hubs. GPU clusters will be hosted at premier institutions and made available to researchers and startups on a shared-access model.

Why: AI governance, ethical AI, and India’s technological competitiveness are emerging UPSC themes. The mission connects to Digital India, Startup India, and skill development initiatives. Mains essays on “AI and Governance” or “Technology and Employment” can reference this policy. Prelims may test India’s global AI rankings and mission details.

What: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the Initial Public Offering (IPO) listing timeline from T+6 to T+3 days, where T represents the issue closing date. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch announced this reform to improve capital market efficiency.

How: The compressed timeline is achieved through faster Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) processing, streamlined allotment procedures, and digital verification of documents. This reduces the period during which investor funds remain blocked, improving liquidity and market participation.

Why: Capital market reforms and SEBI regulations are important for GS3 (Economy) and banking exam preparation. Understanding T+3 settlement, SEBI’s role as market regulator, and investor protection mechanisms is essential. This reform demonstrates India’s efforts to match global market standards and attract foreign portfolio investment.