GK One-Liners

What: The World Bank approved a USD 280 million programme to improve health systems, digital healthcare infrastructure, and life expectancy for 11 million people in Kerala. This is one of the largest health sector investments by the World Bank in an Indian state.

How: The programme will strengthen primary healthcare, expand telemedicine services, upgrade hospital infrastructure, and improve disease surveillance systems. Kerala’s existing strong health indicators (highest life expectancy, lowest infant mortality) will be further enhanced through technology integration and capacity building.

Why: World Bank projects in India are important for Economy and Governance. Kerala’s health model is frequently cited in UPSC as a case study. Know World Bank lending instruments: IBRD loans (for middle-income countries) and IDA credits (for low-income). Link to National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and state-level health innovations. World Bank HQ is in Washington, D.C.

What: The Reserve Bank of India’s Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) provides free basic banking services as part of Financial Inclusion initiatives. BSBDA-Small Accounts have specific transaction and balance limits to ensure accessibility for unbanked populations.

How: BSBDA requires no minimum balance and offers free services including deposits, withdrawals (limited), ATM card, and passbook. BSBDA-Small Accounts can be opened with simplified KYC (self-certification) but have caps: ₹50,000 annual credit, ₹10,000 monthly withdrawal, and ₹50,000 maximum balance. These accounts are valid for 12 months, renewable upon full KYC compliance.

Why: Financial inclusion and RBI guidelines are core banking exam topics. BSBDA was introduced in 2012 as part of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) ecosystem. Know related concepts: Jan Dhan accounts, RuPay debit cards, overdraft facility, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Financial inclusion indicators include banking penetration, credit access, and digital payments adoption.

What: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Spain launched the Sevilla Forum at UNCTAD16 to tackle the global debt crisis. Developing nations collectively owe USD 31 trillion and now spend more on debt servicing than on welfare programmes like health and education.

How: The Sevilla Forum will serve as a platform for dialogue between creditor and debtor nations, exploring debt restructuring mechanisms, concessional lending, and innovative financing solutions. It addresses the “debt distress” affecting 60+ countries, where high interest rates and currency depreciation have worsened repayment burdens.

Why: Global debt and UNCTAD are important for IR and Economy. UNCTAD (HQ: Geneva) focuses on trade and development issues of developing countries. Know related concepts: G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment, IMF’s Debt Sustainability Framework, and China’s Belt and Road debt controversies. India’s position on sovereign debt restructuring and its role in G20 debt initiatives are exam-worthy.

What: Pune topped India’s clean-air rankings 2025 with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 51 (Good category), followed by Mumbai and Nashik. The ranking reflects successful implementation of green mobility initiatives and pollution control measures in these cities.

How: Cities improved air quality through electric vehicle adoption, public transport expansion, industrial emission controls, construction dust management, and green cover enhancement. Pune’s initiatives include e-bus fleets, cycling infrastructure, and strict vehicular emission norms. AQI below 50 is “Good,” 51-100 is “Satisfactory.”

Why: Air quality and city rankings are important for Environment and Governance. Know AQI categories: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), 401-500 (Severe). Link to National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Swachh Bharat, and Smart Cities Mission. CPCB monitors AQI through the SAMEER app.

What: INS Sutlej completed the 18th joint hydrographic survey with Mauritius, advancing maritime security cooperation under the MAHASAGAR initiative. The survey contributes to safe navigation, resource mapping, and strategic understanding of Indian Ocean waters.

How: Hydrographic surveys map ocean floor topography, currents, tides, and underwater features essential for navigation charts. India’s National Hydrographic Office (NHO) produces charts used by navies and merchant shipping. The India-Mauritius MoU enables joint surveys in Mauritian waters, building the island nation’s maritime capacity.

Why: India-Mauritius relations and Indian Ocean security are important for IR. MAHASAGAR (Maritime Advancement through Hydrography and Security Alliance in Governance and Resources) is India’s Indian Ocean outreach. Know other initiatives: SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Colombo Security Conclave, and IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association). INS Sutlej is a Sandhayak-class survey vessel.

What: China’s CR450 high-speed train achieved a world-record speed of 453 km/h during testing, making it the fastest conventional rail train globally. The train will operate commercially at 400 km/h on the Shanghai-Chengdu corridor.

How: CR450 features advanced aerodynamic design, lightweight materials, regenerative braking, and improved energy efficiency. China’s high-speed rail network (45,000+ km) is the world’s largest. The CR (China Railway) series represents indigenous innovation after initial technology transfer from Japan and Germany.

Why: Global infrastructure comparisons are useful for Economy and S&T. Japan’s Shinkansen operates at 320 km/h, France’s TGV at 320 km/h. India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train (under construction with Japanese tech) will run at 320 km/h. Vande Bharat trains currently run at 180 km/h. High-speed rail is a component of infrastructure modernisation discussions in UPSC.