GK One-Liners

What: The Union Cabinet approved the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (2024-2031) with an annual allocation of ₹24,000 crore targeting agricultural development across 100 low-performing districts, expected to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers. This seven-year programme addresses persistent agricultural backwardness in aspirational and tribal-dominated districts (primarily in eastern states—Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, northeastern regions) where productivity remains 30-40% below national averages despite 40% population depending on agriculture. The scheme aims to bridge yield gaps through comprehensive interventions covering irrigation, soil health, mechanization, market linkages, transforming subsistence farming into commercially viable enterprises ensuring income security.

How: The scheme operates through integrated approach combining infrastructure development including micro-irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler) covering 20 lakh hectares reducing water consumption by 50% while increasing yields 30-40%, farm ponds for rainwater harvesting, watershed management preventing soil erosion; technology dissemination establishing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (agricultural science centers) in each district demonstrating climate-resilient crop varieties, integrated pest management, precision farming using drones, soil testing; input support providing quality seeds, bio-fertilizers, soil amendments at subsidized rates, custom hiring centers for machinery access (tractors, combine harvesters) avoiding ownership costs; and market infrastructure constructing rural haats (markets), cold storage facilities, connecting farmers to e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) electronic trading platform ensuring remunerative prices. Implementation involves district-level committees comprising agricultural officers, farmers’ representatives, NGOs for bottom-up planning, quarterly monitoring tracking adoption rates, yield improvements, and mid-term evaluation enabling course corrections.

Why: Critical for UPSC Economy (GS3) covering agriculture, regional development, and poverty alleviation. Prelims questions test knowledge of agricultural schemes (PM-KISAN cash transfers, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana irrigation), aspirational districts programme (launched 2018 covering 112 districts), crop productivity metrics, and eastern India’s agricultural challenges. For Mains, this connects to themes of balanced regional development addressing eastern states’ lag despite fertile alluvial soils (low irrigation coverage, small fragmented landholdings, limited mechanization), crop diversification away from low-value cereals toward high-value horticulture, pulses increasing incomes, employment generation through agro-processing industries adding value to raw produce, and challenges in ensuring scheme convergence coordinating across ministries (water resources, rural development, skill development), preventing leakages in subsidy delivery requiring Aadhaar-DBT integration, sustaining post-scheme infrastructure (maintenance of irrigation systems), and addressing structural constraints like land tenure insecurity, inadequate credit access limiting adoption. Essays may explore agriculture’s role in inclusive growth and technology’s transformative potential. Current affairs tracks agricultural distress and rural development schemes.

What: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) expanded the India-Singapore UPI-PayNow linkage by adding 13 more Indian banks, taking the total to 19 banks enabling real-time cross-border remittances between the two countries. Launched in February 2023 as world’s first international real-time payment systems linkage, UPI-PayNow integration allows Indian migrant workers in Singapore (400,000+ population) to instantly transfer money to family in India using UPI apps, while Singaporeans can pay Indian merchants, service providers seamlessly. The expansion enhances accessibility reducing dependence on traditional remittance channels charging 5-7% fees, taking 2-3 days for settlement, by offering instant transfers at minimal costs (₹2-5 per transaction).

How: The integration operates through bilateral API (Application Programming Interface) connectivity where UPI’s NPCI infrastructure and Singapore’s PayNow system (operated by Payments Network of Singapore) exchange transaction messages in real-time. Users initiate transfers through UPI apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, bank apps) entering beneficiary’s PayNow-linked mobile number (for Singapore recipients) or UPI ID (for Indian recipients), transaction routed through NIPL’s international gateway performing currency conversion at interbank rates (INR-SGD), compliance checks (anti-money laundering, transaction limits $5,000 equivalent per transaction), and settlement through nostro-vostro accounts maintained by participating banks. The 13 newly added banks include PSU banks (Bank of Baroda, Union Bank, Indian Bank), private banks (Kotak Mahindra, IndusInd), cooperative banks expanding reach to smaller cities, rural areas beyond initial metro-centric adoption. The linkage complements India’s global UPI expansion operational in UAE, Bhutan, Nepal, France (at Eiffel Tower), with ongoing negotiations with 50+ countries.

Why: Important for UPSC Economy (GS3) and International Relations (GS2) covering digital payments and remittances. Prelims questions test UPI architecture, remittance flows (India received $125 billion in 2024, world’s largest recipient), NPCI International’s role, and India-Singapore CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement). For Mains, this connects to themes of remittance cost reduction achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 10.c (reducing transaction costs below 3%), financial inclusion through digital channels bypassing banking infrastructure requirements, soft power projection exporting India’s digital public infrastructure as global standard, and challenges in ensuring cybersecurity protecting against fraud, phishing attacks exploiting unfamiliar users, regulatory coordination between countries with different data localization, KYC norms, managing exchange rate risks during settlement delays, and preventing misuse for money laundering requiring transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting. Economics questions analyze cross-border payment systems and fintech innovation. Current affairs tracks UPI’s international expansion and remittance corridors.

What: UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and WHO (World Health Organization) reported South Asia achieved record immunization coverage in 2024 with 92% DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis third dose) coverage and significantly fewer zero-dose children (those receiving no vaccines), though millions still remain under-vaccinated. DTP3 coverage serves as global benchmark for immunization system strength since completing the three-dose schedule requires sustained health system engagement over infant’s first year. South Asia’s improvement from 85% coverage in 2019 reflects post-COVID recovery (pandemic disrupted routine immunization globally), intensified campaigns under India’s Mission Indradhanush, and mobile vaccination units reaching remote areas. However, disparities persist with urban-rural gaps (95% vs 88%), inter-state variations (Kerala 98% vs Bihar 82%), and minority community hesitancy requiring targeted interventions.

How: The achievement involved multiple strategies including campaign-based immunization through Mission Indradhanush intensified phases conducting door-to-door drives identifying missed children, special drives in urban slums, tribal areas, conflict-affected regions; digital tracking deploying eVIN (electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) monitoring vaccine stocks preventing wastage, CoWIN-like platforms tracking individual vaccination status enabling follow-up reminders; cold chain infrastructure upgrading deep freezers, ice-lined refrigerators, vaccine carriers maintaining 2-8°C temperature throughout distribution from manufacturing to last-mile delivery; community mobilization training ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), Anganwadi workers as vaccination ambassadors addressing myths, vaccine hesitancy; and supply chain strengthening indigenous vaccine production (Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech manufacturing pentavalent vaccines), procurement reforms ensuring timely availability. WHO-UNICEF coordination provided technical assistance, quality monitoring, and certification validating coverage claims through independent surveys.

Why: Essential for UPSC Governance (GS2) and Health (GS2) covering public health systems. Prelims questions test knowledge of Universal Immunization Programme (UIP covering 12 vaccine-preventable diseases), Mission Indradhanush phases, vaccine-preventable diseases burden, and WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). For Mains, this connects to themes of health infrastructure strengthening addressing last-mile delivery challenges in geographically difficult areas, equity considerations ensuring marginalized communities (migrants, nomadic populations, urban poor) access services, intersectoral coordination between health, women & child development, education departments for school-based campaigns, and challenges in sustaining coverage amid competing health priorities, addressing vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation, religious beliefs requiring culturally sensitive communication, preventing complacency causing routine immunization neglect during non-epidemic periods, and building cold chain resilience withstanding power outages, transportation delays. Public health questions analyze immunization strategies and health system performance metrics. Current affairs tracks vaccination campaigns and child health indicators.

What: In QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, Delhi was rated as the world’s most affordable student city, with other Indian metros (Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai) also improving their positions. The QS rankings evaluate 160+ cities globally across six indicators: university rankings (presence of top institutions), student mix (domestic-international ratio), desirability (safety, pollution, quality of life), employer activity (graduate employment rates), affordability (tuition fees, living costs), and student view (satisfaction surveys). Delhi’s top ranking in affordability reflects significantly lower costs compared to traditional study destinations like London, New York, Sydney where international students spend $40,000-60,000 annually versus $8,000-12,000 in Delhi for comparable quality education.

How: The affordability assessment considers tuition fees at public universities (Delhi University, JNU charging ₹5,000-50,000 annually vs ₹20-30 lakh at international universities), accommodation costs (PG/hostel ₹5,000-15,000 monthly vs $1,500-2,500 abroad), food expenses (₹6,000-10,000 monthly), transportation (₹2,000-3,000 using metro, buses), and purchasing power parity adjustments. Delhi’s advantage stems from subsidized public higher education (UGC grants to central universities keeping fees low), abundant affordable housing stock (both on-campus hostels and private PG accommodations), economical local transport (Delhi Metro covering 390+ km at ₹10-60 fares), and low food costs given agricultural proximity, diverse cuisine options. The rankings encourage international student mobility to India (currently hosting 50,000+ foreign students, targeting 200,000 by 2030 under Study in India programme).

Why: Relevant for UPSC Education (GS2) and International Relations (GS2) covering higher education and soft power. Prelims questions test knowledge of National Education Policy 2020 (enabling foreign university campuses in India), UGC regulations, Study in India initiative, and India’s university rankings globally. For Mains, this connects to themes of education as soft power attracting international students building people-to-people ties, diplomatic goodwill, economic benefits generating $5+ billion revenue from foreign students (tuition, living expenses), quality-affordability balance positioning India as value destination, and challenges in improving university rankings beyond affordability (research output, faculty quality, infrastructure require sustained investment), ensuring quality assurance preventing commercialization diluting academic standards, providing supportive environment for international students (visa facilitation, cultural sensitivity, safety concerns particularly for students from Africa, Southeast Asia), and managing capacity constraints in premier institutions limiting foreign student intake. Essays may explore education’s role in India’s global positioning. Current affairs tracks NEP implementation and university rankings.

What: Goa launched India’s first Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferry service on the Mandovi River with ferries Gangotri and Dwarka cutting Chorao-Ribandar travel time to 12-13 minutes. RoRo ferries allow vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, two-wheelers) to drive directly onto vessels through ramps, travel across water bodies, and drive off at destination eliminating need for separate vehicle transport, contrasting with conventional ferries where only passengers board. Goa operates 200+ passenger ferries across seven rivers connecting islands, coastal areas, with RoRo service specifically addressing commuter frustration at existing ferry terminals where vehicles queue separately causing hour-long delays during peak periods, particularly affecting Divar, Chorao islands’ 25,000+ residents commuting to Panaji for work, education.

How: The RoRo vessels feature drive-through design with bow and stern ramps enabling continuous flow (vehicles board from one end, exit from other eliminating reversing), capacity for 60+ vehicles per trip (mix of cars, two-wheelers, goods vehicles), passenger deck accommodating 300+ people, modern safety equipment (life jackets, fire suppression systems, GPS navigation), and diesel-electric hybrid propulsion reducing emissions. Operations involve automated ticketing through digital payment systems (UPI, FASTag-linked), real-time tracking apps showing ferry locations, estimated arrival times, queue status, and coordinated scheduling ensuring 15-20 minute frequency during peak hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM) reducing wait times. The service operates under Goa’s River Navigation Department, funded through state budget and Central Government’s Sagarmala Programme promoting coastal, inland waterway transport. Success may enable replication on other Goa river crossings (Zuari, Chapora) and nationally in Kerala backwaters, Brahmaputra river systems.

Why: Important for UPSC Governance (GS2) and Economy (GS3) covering transport infrastructure and innovation. Prelims questions test knowledge of inland waterways (National Waterways Act declaring 111 waterways), Sagarmala Programme components, multimodal connectivity concepts, and Goa’s island geography. For Mains, this connects to themes of last-mile connectivity solving island communities’ isolation limiting economic opportunities, education access, healthcare services, cost-effective transport utilizing existing water bodies versus expensive bridge construction (RoRo services costing ₹50-100 crore vs bridges requiring ₹500-1,000 crore for similar capacity), environmental sustainability as waterway transport emits 1/3 carbon compared to road transport, and challenges in operational sustainability ensuring fare revenues cover costs (currently subsidized), managing seasonal variations (monsoon rough waters limiting operations), ensuring safety through crew training, vessel maintenance protocols, and coordinating land-side infrastructure providing parking, ticket counters, pedestrian facilities. Transportation questions analyze multimodal integration and urban mobility solutions. Current affairs tracks coastal shipping initiatives and infrastructure projects.

What: Assam inaugurated India’s first Aqua Tech Park near Guwahati to promote modern fisheries technologies like biofloc, aquaponics, and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) supporting fish farmers with technology demonstration, training, entrepreneurship incubation. The facility addresses India’s fisheries sector modernization needs where traditional extensive aquaculture (low stocking density, natural feeding, pond-based) yields 2-3 tonnes/hectare annually versus 50-100 tonnes using intensive systems, yet adoption remains limited below 5% due to technology unfamiliarity, high capital requirements, technical expertise gaps. Assam’s initiative leverages its aquaculture potential (abundant water resources, 3 lakh hectare water area, favorable climate) aiming to triple fish production from current 3.5 lakh tonnes to 10 lakh tonnes by 2030 creating rural employment, nutritional security.

How: The Aqua Tech Park demonstrates multiple technologies including biofloc systems where microbial flocs convert fish waste into protein-rich feed reducing external feed costs 50%, improving water quality enabling high-density stocking (100-150 kg/m³ vs 3-5 kg conventional); aquaponics integrating fish farming with hydroponics (soil-less plant cultivation) where fish waste nutrients fertilize vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce) achieving dual production from single system; RAS using mechanical filtration, biological treatment recycling 95% water reducing consumption, enabling land-locked farming independent of natural water bodies; and cage culture in rivers, reservoirs maximizing water body utilization without land acquisition. The facility provides hands-on training (3-6 month courses), technical advisory services diagnosing diseases, water quality issues, startup support including subsidized equipment, business plan assistance, market linkages connecting producers to institutional buyers (hotels, supermarkets), and research partnerships with ICAR-CIFA (Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture) developing location-specific protocols.

Why: Critical for UPSC Economy (GS3) covering agriculture, technology, and Blue Revolution. Prelims questions test knowledge of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, ₹20,050 crore scheme promoting sustainable fisheries), India’s fish production ranking (3rd globally, 8% global production), aquaculture technologies, and ICAR institutes. For Mains, this connects to themes of technology-driven productivity enhancement addressing protein malnutrition (India’s per capita fish consumption 6 kg vs global 20 kg), entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, women in rural areas leveraging technical skills, water use efficiency critical amid scarcity where biofloc, RAS minimize consumption, and challenges in technology affordability (biofloc setup costs ₹15-20 lakh limiting small farmer access), ensuring electricity reliability powering aeration, filtration systems, skill development providing sustained handholding beyond initial training, preventing environmental risks from intensification (disease outbreaks in high-density systems affecting surrounding ecosystems), and balancing production enhancement with sustainability avoiding antibiotic overuse, water pollution. Agriculture questions analyze diversification strategies and technology extension models. Current affairs tracks fisheries sector development and aquaculture innovations.