Blog

1. Climate finance refers to local, national, and international financial flows from public, private, and alternative sources that support climate change mitigation and adaptation activities.

2. Climate mitigation finance aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies.

1. The Planetary Boundaries framework was proposed in 2009 by Johan Rockström and a team of 28 scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Centre to define a safe operating space for humanity.

2. The framework identifies nine critical Earth-system processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the planet.

1. Nearly 70 percent of India’s surface water is contaminated, and the country ranks 120th out of 122 nations on the global Water Quality Index, highlighting the severity of its water pollution crisis.

2. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India has 296 polluted river stretches spread across 271 rivers.

1. India is the only country in the world that cultivates all four recognised cotton species—G. Arboreum, G. Herbaceum, G. Hirsutum, and G. Barbadense.

2. India ranks first globally in cotton cultivation area and second in cotton production and consumption, reflecting the strength of its agricultural and textile sectors.

1. Rising sea levels caused by climate change threaten the physical existence of several small island nations, creating unprecedented challenges to their sovereignty and statehood.

2. Under the Montevideo Convention, a sovereign state requires a permanent population, defined territory, government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

1. India’s space startup ecosystem has grown from just one startup in 2014 to more than 400 startups in 2026 following major space sector reforms.

2. India’s space economy is currently valued at about USD 8.4 billion and is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion by 2030, with a target of USD 100 billion by 2040.

1. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development in India.

2. According to NABARD’s Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (May 2026), about 77.2% of rural households reported higher consumption levels, while around 51% relied exclusively on formal sources of credit.

1. The India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides zero-duty access to nearly 99% of India’s exports, covering almost the entire value of bilateral merchandise trade.

2. Merchandise trade between India and the United Kingdom reached USD 25.12 billion in 2025–26, with India recording a trade surplus of USD 1.76 billion.

1. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprises six member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

2. India considers the GCC region a key part of its “Extended Neighbourhood” policy due to its strategic, economic, and energy importance.

1. The Indian Navy safeguards a coastline of about 11,098 km, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 2.4 million sq. km, and sea lanes carrying around 90% of India’s trade by volume.

2. On 21 June 2026, INS Dunagiri (Nilgiri-class), INS Sanshodhak (Sandhayak-class), and INS Agray (Arnala-class) were commissioned together at Kolkata.