Archive

1. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the European Union’s climate-linked trade policy aimed at preventing carbon leakage.

2. Carbon leakage refers to the relocation of production from regions with strict climate policies to countries with weaker emission regulations.

1. GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is India’s indigenous Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

2. GAGAN enhances GPS accuracy by providing real-time correction and integrity information for safer aircraft navigation.

1. India and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1947 and elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership for 2026–2030 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s May 2026 visit.

2. The Netherlands is one of India’s major trade partners in Europe, with bilateral trade worth USD 27.8 billion in 2024–25.

1. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was launched on 1 July 2017, replacing multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax system based on the principle of “One Nation, One Tax.”

2. GST subsumed 17 different taxes and 13 cesses into a common indirect tax framework.

1. Between 2014 and 2025, India recorded 181.25 million International Arrivals (IAs) and 93.35 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs).

2. International Arrivals (IAs) include both foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), whereas Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) include only foreign nationals.

1. The definition of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was revised with effect from 1 April 2025 based on investment and annual turnover.

2. As of January 2026, the MSME sector contributes about 31.1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 35.4% to manufacturing output, and 48.58% to exports.

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India’s premier national award recognising exceptional achievements of children aged 5 to 18 years.

2. The award is presented annually by the President of India on Veer Bal Diwas, observed on 26 December.

1. The Digital India Programme, launched in 2015, laid the foundation for India’s emerging technology ecosystem by expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity.

2. Optical fibre coverage increased from 19.35 lakh route kilometres in 2019 to 42.36 lakh route kilometres in 2025.

1. The North-East is collectively known as Ashtalakshmi and includes eight states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.

2. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) provides financial assistance to the eight North-Eastern states through five Central Sector Schemes.

1. India’s counter-terrorism policy has shifted from a reactive response to a proactive prevention-based approach, with a zero-tolerance position against terrorism.

2. The counter-terrorism framework is built around stronger laws, better intelligence-sharing, modern police systems, action against terror financing, and cross-border deterrence.