Blog

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.

1. India’s agriculture and allied sector contributes about 18% of the country’s total Gross Value Added (GVA).

2. The GVA of agriculture and allied sectors increased from ₹20.9 lakh crore in 2014–15 to ₹48.7 lakh crore in 2023–24.

1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), earlier known as One Belt One Road (OBOR), was launched by China in 2013.

2. BRI was championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a global infrastructure and connectivity strategy.

1. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was launched in 2014–15 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

2. From 2018–19, NMSA was operationalised as a sub-mission under the Green Revolution–Krishonnati Yojana umbrella scheme.