GK One-Liners

What: The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was inaugurated in New Delhi on March 5, 2026, with the theme Samskara — Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement. Co-organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it ran from March 5–7. Finland President Alexander Stubb served as Chief Guest, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau led the American delegation. Foreign ministers of Bhutan, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka also attended.

How: ‘Samskara’ is a Sanskrit term denoting civilisational refinement — the dialogue used it as a conceptual lens to examine how nations assert their identity, accommodate contradictions, and advance through change. The first Raisina Dialogue was held in March 2016, making 2026 its tenth anniversary year. The format combines high-level plenary sessions with thematic track discussions, bringing together heads of state, diplomats, academics, and industry leaders.

Why: Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier geopolitics forum and a soft power instrument. It is frequently tested in UPSC GS-II (International Relations) and current affairs rounds in Banking and SSC exams. Key facts to remember: co-organiser (ORF + MEA), first edition (2016), 11th edition theme (Samskara), and the significance of Finland and Nordic engagement with India.

What: India’s nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, launched on February 28, 2026 under PM Modi, is being implemented through free distribution of the Gardasil vaccine. Maharashtra announced a drive to vaccinate 8.94 lakh girls aged 14–15 starting March 8 (International Women’s Day), while Gujarat targets 5.50 lakh girls with a Rs 150 crore state investment. Cervical cancer — caused primarily by HPV — is the second most common cancer in Indian women, with approximately 1.27 lakh new cases and 80,000 deaths annually.

How: The campaign is supported by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) for free Gardasil supply and is tracked on the U-WIN (Universal Immunisation–WIN) digital platform, which digitises India’s immunisation records. Gujarat has activated 2,297 cold chain points to ensure vaccine storage and delivery. The campaign aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) 90-70-90 cervical cancer elimination target for 2030 — 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened by age 35, and 90% of women with disease receiving treatment.

Why: This is a high-yield topic for UPSC GS-II (Health, Social Justice), State PSC, and Banking exams. Key themes include: national immunisation policy, Gavi’s role, U-WIN platform as a digital health tool, WHO elimination targets, and women’s health as a governance priority. The timing with International Women’s Day adds essay-writing relevance.

What: Indian Naval Ship Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, a traditionally stitched sailing vessel (no nails or modern fasteners), was flagged into Mumbai Harbour on March 2, 2026, by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. The vessel had sailed from Porbandar on December 29, 2025, and reached Muscat, Oman on January 14, 2026, completing a historic maritime voyage retracing ancient Indian trade routes.

How: INSV Kaundinya was built using traditional shipbuilding techniques inspired by a depiction in the 5th-century Ajanta Caves murals — one of the earliest visual records of an Indian ocean-going vessel. The “stitched” construction method, using coir ropes and wooden planks without metal fasteners, replicates how ancient Indian merchants navigated the Indian Ocean. The voyage demonstrates the deep civilisational roots of India’s maritime commerce with West Asia.

Why: This topic is highly relevant for UPSC GS-I (Art & Culture, Ancient History) and GS-III (Defence, Maritime Security). Key links: Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), India’s ancient trade ties with Arabia, the Indian Navy’s heritage initiatives, and the broader theme of maritime civilisation in UPSC Mains essays. The vessel’s name — Kaundinya — also references the ancient Indian navigator-brahmin who sailed to Southeast Asia.

What: Nidhi Chhibber assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) with effect from February 24, 2026, succeeding B.V.R. Subrahmanyam. The CEO of NITI Aayog is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer-level appointment and serves as the apex administrative head of India’s premier policy think tank.

How: NITI Aayog, established on January 1, 2015, replaced the Planning Commission. Its CEO is appointed by the Cabinet and functions under the Governing Council chaired by the Prime Minister. The CEO oversees programme implementation, coordination with ministries, and spearheads initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, SDG India Index, and national data governance frameworks.

Why: Appointments to constitutional and statutory bodies are a staple of UPSC Prelims and current affairs rounds in Banking/SSC exams. Key facts: NITI Aayog established in 2015, replaces Planning Commission, PM chairs Governing Council, and CEO is the administrative head. Nidhi Chhibber’s appointment is also noteworthy as a senior woman officer leading a national policy body.

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held its policy repo rate steady at 5.25% following a pause after the December 2025 rate cut. The RBI projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.4% for Financial Year (FY) 2025–26, citing a positive domestic inflation trajectory and strong growth fundamentals. Ongoing trade deals with the United States and the European Union were noted as supporting India’s economic momentum.

How: The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks; holding it steady signals that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) believes current conditions do not warrant further easing or tightening. A rate of 5.25% reflects a calibrated stance — balancing inflation control with growth support. The RBI’s inflation targeting framework (introduced in 2016) targets Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4% with a ±2% band.

Why: RBI monetary policy decisions are among the most tested topics in Banking, UPSC GS-III (Indian Economy), and State PSC exams. Key facts: current repo rate (5.25%), GDP forecast for FY26 (7.4%), last rate change (December 2025 cut), and the RBI’s inflation targeting mandate. Understanding the repo rate’s link to lending rates, EMIs, and economic growth is essential for Mains answers.

What: Scotland became the first nation in the United Kingdom (UK) to legalise alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or aquamation, effective March 2, 2026. The process involves placing a body in a pressurised chamber at 150°C with an alkaline solution, which dissolves soft tissue over several hours, leaving only bone minerals. A 2023 public consultation found 84% support for the practice in Scotland.

How: Alkaline hydrolysis produces approximately 35% fewer carbon emissions than conventional flame cremation, making it a significantly greener end-of-life option. The alkaline solution (typically potassium hydroxide and water) accelerates natural decomposition. The resulting bone ash can be returned to families, similar to traditional cremation. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have not yet legalised the practice.

Why: This topic bridges Science & Technology, Environment, and International Affairs — useful for UPSC Essay, GS-III (Environment), and general awareness rounds in Banking and SSC. It demonstrates how public policy intersects with climate goals and individual rights. Comparative questions on cremation technologies and carbon footprint reduction are increasingly appearing in competitive exam general awareness sections.