GK One-Liners

What: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) consolidated over 9,000 circulars into 238 unified Master Directions across 11 categories of regulated entities. This major regulatory reform ensures clarity, eliminates redundancies, and simplifies compliance for banks, NBFCs, and other financial institutions.

How: Master Directions compile all existing instructions on a particular subject into a single, updated document. The 11 regulated entity categories include commercial banks, cooperative banks, NBFCs, payment system operators, and others. This exercise removes obsolete guidelines and provides a single-point reference for compliance officers.

Why: RBI regulatory reforms are crucial for banking exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI Grade B). Master Directions were introduced in 2016 to consolidate circulars. This simplification aligns with Ease of Doing Business goals. Know the difference: Master Directions (consolidated rules) vs. Master Circulars (annual compilations, now being phased out).

What: Kerala is set to be declared India’s first state free from extreme poverty on November 1, 2025 (Kerala Formation Day). This achievement results from its multi-sectoral poverty eradication programme launched in 2021, targeting the most vulnerable households.

How: Kerala’s programme identified extremely poor families through comprehensive surveys and provided them convergent support: housing, healthcare, education, skill training, livelihood support, and social protection. Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs) played a central role in implementation. The state used a multi-dimensional poverty index rather than just income criteria.

Why: Kerala’s development model is a classic UPSC topic (high HDI despite moderate income). This achievement reinforces Kerala’s leadership in social indicators. Link to SDG 1 (No Poverty), NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), and comparison with other states. The decentralised planning model (People’s Plan Campaign since 1996) is exam-relevant.

What: Chennai became India’s first city to fully operationalize a Real-Time Flood Forecasting (RTFF) system integrated with a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS). The system combines real-time weather data and hydrological modeling for proactive flood response.

How: RTFF uses data from rain gauges, river sensors, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts to predict flood levels hours in advance. SDSS maps vulnerable areas, drainage networks, and evacuation routes, enabling authorities to issue targeted warnings and deploy resources efficiently. The system was developed after Chennai’s devastating 2015 floods.

Why: Disaster management and urban resilience are important for GS-III (Disaster Management) and Governance. Chennai’s system demonstrates technology-driven disaster risk reduction. Link to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Sendai Framework, and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Urban flooding is increasingly frequent due to climate change—a Mains-relevant topic.

What: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) made its first investment under the AgriSURE Fund in Fambo Innovation Pvt Ltd at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025. This fund aims to boost agri-fintech and rural innovation startups.

How: AgriSURE (Agriculture Start-Up and Rural Enterprise) Fund was launched by NABARD to provide equity/quasi-equity support to agri-tech startups. Fambo Innovation, the first investee, works on agricultural technology solutions. The fund targets startups working on farm mechanisation, supply chain, fintech, and rural services.

Why: NABARD initiatives are important for banking exams. Know NABARD’s role: apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development. Other NABARD funds include NIFF (NABARD Infrastructure Finance Fund), RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund), and Dairy Processing Fund. GFF is India’s largest fintech event held annually in Mumbai.

What: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced 3D Laser-Based Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states covering 20,933 km of highways. These vehicles use AI-driven defect detection for assessing road conditions and enabling preventive maintenance.

How: NSVs are equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), high-resolution cameras, and GPS. They scan road surfaces at highway speeds, detecting cracks, potholes, rutting, and surface distress. AI algorithms analyse the data to prioritise repairs before defects worsen, reducing long-term maintenance costs and improving road safety.

Why: Infrastructure technology and NHAI reforms are relevant for Economy and Governance. NSV deployment demonstrates data-driven infrastructure management. Link to Bharatmala Pariyojana (Phase I: 34,800 km), FASTag for digital tolling, and NHAI’s asset monetisation through InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts). AI in public services is an emerging Mains topic.

What: October 24 marks multiple observances: United Nations Day (founding of UN in 1945), World Polio Day (theme: “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere”), World Development Information Day, and ITBP Raising Day (founded 1962).

How: United Nations Day commemorates the entry into force of the UN Charter after ratification by the five permanent Security Council members. World Polio Day, initiated by Rotary International, honors Jonas Salk who developed the polio vaccine. ITBP was raised during the India-China War to guard the Himalayan border.

Why: Important Days are staple questions in all competitive exams. UN founding date (October 24, 1945), original members (51 countries), and P5 members are frequently asked. ITBP facts: guards 3,488 km of India-China border, 85,000 personnel, operates under MHA, motto is “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour-Determination-Devotion to Duty). India is polio-free since 2014.