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1. On 31 March 2026, India became effectively free from Left-Wing Extremism after nearly six decades of Naxal-related violence.

2. The transformation towards Naxal-Free India was guided by three pillars: Vishwaas, Nirman, and Jan Kalyan.

1. Latin America includes Mexico, Central and South America, parts of the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico.

2. Latin America comprises 20 countries and contributes approximately 6% of nominal global GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

1. In 2025, Africa witnessed major political, economic, security, diplomatic, and climate-related developments.

2. India intensified high-level diplomatic engagement with African countries throughout 2025.

1. In 2025, France reaffirmed its commitment to European autonomy through its National Strategic Review.

2. France increased defence expenditure and shifted strategic focus towards the Indo-Pacific, strengthening ties with India, Japan, and Australia.

1. India’s defence sector transformed significantly between 2014 and 2026 through reforms, higher investment, indigenisation, innovation, and defence diplomacy.

2. India’s defence budget increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27.

1. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 will come into force on 1 May 2026.

2. The Rules operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which was enacted by Parliament in August 2025.

1. India’s Ease of Living journey between 2014 and 2026 focused on secure housing, clean fuel, drinking water, sanitation, electricity, transport, financial inclusion, and digital governance.

2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban was launched in 2015 to provide pucca houses to eligible urban households.

1. India’s middle class has been empowered over the past 12 years through reforms in taxation, healthcare, housing, digital services, infrastructure, education, and entrepreneurship.

2. World Bank classifies lower-middle income economies as those with GNI (Gross National Income) per capita between $1,136 and $4,495 for FY26 (Financial Year 2026).

1. “Necklace of Diamonds” is India’s geopolitical and maritime strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.

2. It is considered India’s direct strategic response to China’s “String of Pearls” policy.

1. The “String of Pearls” refers to China’s strategy of developing a network of commercial and military ports across the Indian Ocean Region.

2. The term “String of Pearls” was coined by the United States to describe China’s expanding strategic presence around India.