GK One-Liners

What: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to test the ‘Dhvani’ Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) missile by the end of 2025. The missile is designed to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound) with a range of 6,000 to 10,000 kilometres.

How: Hypersonic glide vehicles are launched atop ballistic missiles, then detach and glide through the upper atmosphere at extreme speeds while manoeuvring to evade missile defence systems. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles with predictable trajectories, HGVs can change course mid-flight, making them harder to intercept.

Why: India joins an elite club of nations developing hypersonic weapons (USA, Russia, China). This is a high-value topic for UPSC Science & Tech and Defence sections. Key terms: Mach number (ratio to speed of sound), HGV vs. hypersonic cruise missiles, and India’s missile programme milestones under DRDO.

What: Sonali Sen Gupta has been appointed as Executive Director (ED) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), effective October 9, 2025. She will head the Consumer Education, Financial Inclusion, and Inspection Departments at the central bank.

How: RBI Executive Directors are appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the RBI’s Central Board. EDs manage specific portfolios and report to Deputy Governors. Sen Gupta’s appointment signals continued focus on financial literacy and expanding banking access to underserved populations.

Why: RBI appointments are frequently asked in banking exams (IBPS, SBI PO, RBI Grade B). Know the RBI hierarchy: Governor → Deputy Governors (4) → Executive Directors (typically 8-10). Financial inclusion schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PMJJBY, and PMSBY often appear alongside such appointments in exams.

What: India and the United Kingdom conducted their first Combined Carrier Strike Group drill under Exercise Konkan 2025. The exercise featured INS Vikrant (India’s indigenous aircraft carrier) and HMS Prince of Wales, with participation from Japan and Norway.

How: Carrier strike group exercises involve coordinated operations between aircraft carriers, escort vessels, submarines, and aircraft. The drill focused on air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime strike capabilities. Multi-nation participation enhances interoperability and demonstrates collective Indo-Pacific security commitment.

Why: Exercise Konkan is the annual bilateral naval exercise between India and UK (started in 2004). This edition was significant for being the first combined carrier strike operation. INS Vikrant (IAC-1) was commissioned in September 2022—a key fact for exams. Link to India’s Act East Policy and QUAD partnerships.

What: HDFC Bank launched ‘My Business QR’—India’s first commerce identity QR—at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025. The initiative aims to help small retailers go digital through the SmartHub Vyapar app, with over 2 million merchants already onboarded.

How: The commerce identity QR serves as a unique digital identity for small businesses, enabling them to accept payments, access credit, and manage inventory through a single platform. The SmartHub Vyapar app integrates UPI payments, billing, and business analytics for micro-merchants.

Why: Digital payments and financial inclusion are key themes in banking exams. HDFC Bank’s initiative supports the government’s Digital India and less-cash economy goals. Know other merchant solutions: Paytm for Business, PhonePe for Business, and BharatPe. GFF is India’s largest fintech event held annually in Mumbai.

What: On World Mental Health Day 2025 (October 10), Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda unveiled new features for the Tele MANAS app including an AI chatbot named ‘Asmi’, multilingual user interface, and enhanced accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

How: Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) is a 24/7 toll-free mental health helpline (14416) launched in October 2022. The AI chatbot ‘Asmi’ provides initial screening and connects users to trained counsellors. The multilingual UI now supports regional languages to expand reach.

Why: Health schemes and digital health initiatives are important for UPSC GS-II and State PSC exams. Tele MANAS is part of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and complements the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) and its annual themes are frequently asked.

What: The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed annually on October 13. The 2025 theme is “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” emphasising the need for proactive investment in disaster preparedness and risk reduction infrastructure.

How: The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1989 to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction. It aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), which guides countries on reducing disaster losses in lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

Why: Important Days with themes are staple questions in all competitive exams. The Sendai Framework’s seven targets and four priorities for action are exam-relevant. Link to India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Disaster Management Act 2005, and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) headquartered in New Delhi.