Context The UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Report (CCRR) 2026 was released on 16 June 2026. It reveals that nearly 392 million children in India (about 92 per cent of all children) are exposed to extreme heat, while 89 million face recurrent heatwaves. India’s hazard exposure score stands at 9.21 out of 10 (among the highest globally), with only Pakistan (9.44) and Bangladesh (9.38) higher in South Asia. India received the maximum score of 10/10 for extreme heat exposure, 9.94 for air pollution, and 8.84 for drought. Globally, 1.1 billion children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, and more than 4 million children face up to six overlapping threats. The report draws on UNICEF’s Global Child Hazard Database and is the first global assessment since the 2021 “Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis” report. The Report What is the CCRR 2026? Climate Hazards Studied (Verified) Eight Primary Hazards Two Climate-Sensitive Hazards Seven Vulnerability Dimensions Key Findings on India Massive Exposure to Extreme Heat India’s Hazard Exposure Score Specific Hazard Scores for India Hazard India’s Score Extreme heat 10/10 (maximum) Air pollution 9.94/10 Drought 8.84/10 Global Findings Most Affected Countries Comparison with 2021 UNICEF Report Feature 2021 Report 2026 Report Title “Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis” “Children’s Climate Risk Report” Scope 8 climate hazards 8 climate hazards + 2 climate-sensitive (air pollution, malaria) Approach Country-level CCRI Sub-national, granular data via Global Child Hazard Database Vulnerability dimensions 6 dimensions 7 dimensions India’s CCRI rank (2021) 26th out of 163 countries (high risk) Detailed in new framework About UNICEF Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the report was released by UNICEF, NOT UNEP.) Q2. With reference to India’s climate hazard exposure (CCRR 2026), consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Q3. With reference to the global findings of CCRR 2026, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; 2.3 billion children live in areas with unhealthy air quality, NOT less than 100 million.) Q4. With reference to India’s Heat Action Plans (HAPs) as assessed by CCRR 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Q5. With reference to UNICEF, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; UNICEF is funded by VOLUNTARY contributions, NOT mandatory ones.) Answer Key

Source: Down to Earth Context The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed on 11 June 2026 the formation of a new El Niño in the equatorial Pacific, issuing an El Niño Advisory. NOAA placed the odds at 63 per cent that it will intensify into a very strong or “super” El Niño by the northern winter (November 2026-January 2027). A super El Niño is defined by sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies exceeding 2°C in a specific reference patch of the Pacific. Since 1950, only four major events have crossed this extreme threshold: 1972-73, 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16. The 2026-27 event could potentially become one of the strongest on record, with ECMWF projecting SST anomalies of +3°C by December 2026. The event is likely to weaken India’s southwest monsoon, cause droughts globally, push global temperatures above the 1.5°C threshold, and trigger ecological destruction. What is El Niño? What Makes a “Super” El Niño? How El Niño Forms Step 1: Slackening of Trade Winds Step 2: West-to-East Warm Water Drift Step 3: The Feedback Loop (Bjerknes Feedback) Step 4: Climate Change Multiplier Impact on India Monsoon Suppression Erratic Rainfall Distribution Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) Variable Global Impacts Severe Ecological Destruction Extreme Transnational Droughts Breaching Global Temperature Thresholds About ENSO About NOAA Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to NOAA’s June 2026 El Niño announcement, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; NOAA’s El Niño status was upgraded from Watch to Advisory, NOT downgraded.) Q2. With reference to historical super El Niños, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; four super El Niños have been recorded since 1950.) Q3. With reference to the mechanism of El Niño formation, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; climate change has made modern super El Niños MORE intense, NOT less.) Q4. With reference to El Niño’s impact on India, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; El Niño typically WEAKENS the Indian monsoon, NOT strengthens it.) Q5. With reference to El Niño’s global impacts, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; El Niño causes coral bleaching and damage to reefs.) Answer Key Exam Relevance Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims GS Paper I on Geography (El Niño, ENSO, Monsoon); GS Paper III on Environment, Disaster Management UPSC Mains GS Paper I on Geography, Climate; GS Paper III on Environment, Agriculture, Food Security BPSC and State PCS Geography, Environment, Current Affairs Banking and NABARD Macroeconomic awareness, agriculture RBI Grade B Inflation, agricultural economy NABARD Grade A Very high importance, agriculture, monsoon, climate

Source: News on Air Context The Government of India and the Government of Japan officially adopted the ‘Rules of Implementation’ for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) on 8 June 2026, under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This operational milestone activates a bilateral carbon market framework that builds on the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in 2025. India became the 31st partner in Japan’s JCM network, which now covers 32 countries. The first Joint Committee meeting was held on 22 September 2025, leading to the final adoption of the rules. The mechanism allows Japanese entities to invest in emission-reduction projects in India using advanced green technologies, with the resulting carbon credits shared between both countries to count toward their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). What is JCM? Legal Mandate Aim Japan’s JCM Network Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Sectors of Cooperation Under JCM Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) adopted between India and Japan, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Q2. With reference to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Article 6.2 applies to all Paris Agreement parties, including developing countries.) Q3. With reference to JCM’s operational mechanism, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; JCM requires independent third-party validation and verification.) Q4. With reference to JCM’s funding channels, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; JCM is funded primarily by Japan through multiple channels, NOT solely by India.) Q5. With reference to India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; India’s net-zero target is 2070, NOT 2050.) Answer Key

Source: New Indian Express (NIE) Context The ongoing crisis in West Asia (Iran conflict) and a sharp 140-ton decline in Iran’s saffron production have triggered a massive global demand surge for premium Kashmiri saffron. Iran is the world’s largest saffron producer (over 300 tonnes annually on 30,000 hectares), while Kashmir ranks second in supply. Kashmir saffron, historically called “bahukam” in ancient Sanskrit literature and “Red Gold”, received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 1 May 2020. It is grown across about 3,715 hectares in Pulwama, Budgam, Srinagar, and Kishtwar districts, with Pampore as the main hub. It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600-1,800 metres. Lab profiles reveal higher concentrations of crocin (18-22 per cent), safranal (0.8-1.2 per cent), and picrocrocin (8-12 per cent) compared to foreign varieties. What is Kashmir Saffron? Why is Kashmir Saffron Unique? The World’s Highest Altitude Saffron Distinct Physical Appearance Superior Bio-Chemical Properties Component Kashmir Saffron Function Crocin 18-22 per cent Carotenoid pigment, gives golden-yellow color, antioxidant properties Safranal 0.8-1.2 per cent Organic compound responsible for warm, honey-like, earth-toned aroma Picrocrocin 8-12 per cent Provides characteristic bitter flavor Three Traditional Grades (Verified) About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag Notable GI-tagged products of J&K Why is GI Tag Significant for Kashmir Saffron? Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to Kashmir saffron, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; Iran is the world’s largest saffron producer, NOT Kashmir.) Q2. With reference to the cultivation of Kashmir saffron, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Q3. With reference to the chemical composition of Kashmir saffron, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Kashmir saffron has HIGHER concentrations of these compounds than Iranian saffron.) Q4. With reference to the grades of Kashmir saffron, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is partially wrong; the grades differ in processing and purity, not just chemical composition.) Q5. With reference to the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag system in India, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Answer Key

Source: News on Air Context Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a crucial meeting in New Delhi on 16-17 June 2026, where a historic consensus was reached among six stakeholder states (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan) to implement the long-pending Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project, breaking an eight-year deadlock. The six states agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the hydroelectric and water storage project on the Tons River (a tributary of the Yamuna). The 236-metre concrete gravity dam (estimated cost: ₹11,500-15,000 crore) will create a reservoir of 1,324 MCM, generate 660 MW of hydropower (1,379 MU annually), and irrigate 97,076 hectares. Under the new agreement, the Central Government will fund 90 per cent of the water component as a central assistance grant, while the six states will share 10 per cent. A unique water swap allows Himachal Pradesh’s water share to be supplied to Delhi and Rajasthan in lieu of sharing HP’s power component cost (about ₹2,000 crore). The project was initially approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 2018, and the MoU will now be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval. Stakeholder States Location Aim The 90:10 Agreement About the Yamuna River Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the Kishau dam is on the Tons River, NOT the Ganga.) Q2. With reference to the funding framework agreed in June 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the Centre bears 90 per cent of water component, NOT 100 per cent of both components.) Q3. With reference to the six stakeholder states of the Kishau project, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Q4. With reference to the project’s technical features, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 4 only(e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the dam will have a 660 MW hydropower plant.) Q5. With reference to the broader Yamuna basin storage projects, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one(b) Only two(c) Only three(d) All four(e) None Answer Key