Iran has intensified attacks on economic targets and U.S. missions across West Asia, with U.S. President Trump warning against talks. Drones and missiles struck oil facilities and U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE. Concurrently, Israel has bombarded targets in Iran and expanded operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, causing oil prices to surge and impacting global energy security, particularly for major importers like China and India. The U.S. State Department has ordered evacuations from several Gulf nations.
Iran has escalated attacks on economic infrastructure and U.S. missions in West Asia, leading to a regional conflict.
Israel has simultaneously conducted bombardments in Iran and expanded operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The conflict has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, causing oil price surges.
Exam Points
The Strait of Hormuz is a gateway for 20% of the world's oil exports.
U.S.-Israeli strikes, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, have reportedly killed over 780 people in Iran as of March 3.
Over 58,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks.
India's corporate R&D intensity, at just 0.23% of GDP, lags global peers due to information asymmetry and undervaluation of innovation in capital markets. To address this, a mandatory R&D and Technology Disclosure Standard is proposed under SEBI's LODR Regulations. This standard would require listed entities to disclose innovation metrics across five critical dimensions: R&D expenditure, patent activity, technology workforce composition, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) status, and innovation turnover. Such disclosures are expected to reduce information asymmetry, lower capital costs, strengthen market discipline, improve innovation productivity, and act as a non-distortionary policy instrument, fostering a more robust innovation ecosystem in India.
India's corporate R&D intensity is significantly lower than global peers, partly due to a lack of transparent information in capital markets.
A mandatory R&D and Technology Disclosure Standard is proposed under SEBI's LODR Regulations to address this information asymmetry.
The standard would require disclosure of five key innovation metrics: R&D expenditure, patent activity, technology workforce, TRL status, and innovation turnover.
Exam Points
India's corporate R&D intensity stagnates at 0.23% of GDP.
The proposed standard would fall under SEBI's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations (LODR) 2015.
The OECD's 2021 Intangibles Report highlights that compulsory innovation reporting leads to more patents and better commercial outcomes.
India's religious geography often overlaps with ecologically sensitive areas, creating conflict between faith and conservation. Rising visitor numbers and commercialisation of pilgrimage routes are intensely pressuring forest ecosystems. A recent case involving a religious establishment expansion in a Gujarat sanctuary highlighted this tension. The article advocates for a 'green pilgrimage model' with a clear no-expansion principle for new constructions in core forest areas. It emphasizes recognizing long-standing sites subject to strict, impact-based regulation, including caps on pilgrim numbers and robust controls on waste and water use. Multi-stakeholder governance and mandatory settlement of forest rights are crucial for sustainable management.
Religious sites and pilgrimage routes in India frequently coincide with ecologically sensitive protected areas, leading to environmental pressure from mass tourism.
The Forest (Conservation) Act and Wildlife (Protection) Act generally treat new constructions on forest land as encroachment, highlighting the legal conflict.
A 'green pilgrimage model' is proposed, advocating a strict no-expansion principle for new structures in core forest areas.
Exam Points
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 are key legal frameworks.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms are relevant for protected areas.
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 mandates recognition of rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
The escalating U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and Iran's retaliatory actions, including targeting U.S. bases and closing the Strait of Hormuz, have severely impacted global energy security. The closure of the Strait, a critical chokepoint for 31% of seaborne crude flows, caused Brent crude oil prices to soar by 12% to $78.31. This escalation has disrupted oil and LNG production in the Gulf, posing a significant threat to major importers like China and India. China, heavily reliant on West Asian oil and facing disruptions from other discounted sources, is particularly vulnerable despite having strategic reserves. India also faces potential detrimental effects if the closure persists.
Escalating U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and Iranian retaliation have led to a major regional conflict.
Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint, has caused global oil prices to surge.
The conflict threatens global energy security, particularly for major crude oil importers like China and India.
Exam Points
Brent crude oil prices soared to $78.31, almost 12% higher in a week.
The Strait of Hormuz accounts for 31% of all seaborne crude flows.
West Asia accounts for 31% of global oil production in 2024 and 38% of global oil exports.
The Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to significantly boost India's maritime security capabilities. This includes the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-III) for the Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for ₹2,901 crore, promoting indigenous manufacturing. Additionally, Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles will be procured for the Indian Navy from Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport for ₹2,182 crore. These acquisitions, aligned with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, aim to enhance air defence capabilities, protect artificial islands and offshore installations, and generate employment, while reinforcing India's strategic defence partnership with Russia.
India's Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to enhance maritime security.
The deal includes six ALH Mk-III helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard from HAL, promoting indigenous manufacturing.
Shtil surface-to-air missiles will be acquired from Russia for the Indian Navy to bolster air defence capabilities.
Exam Points
Total contract value is ₹5,083 crore.
Six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-III) for Indian Coast Guard, valued at ₹2,901 crore, from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL).
Shtil surface-to-air missiles for Indian Navy, valued at ₹2,182 crore, from JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia).
MGNREGS workers are reporting widespread glitches with the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, particularly its new mandatory facial recognition feature for attendance, implemented from March 1. Workers' unions like MKSS highlight issues such as inability to download muster rolls and authentication failures, impeding workers from registering their presence. While the government claims over 22 lakh workers successfully used the feature on Tuesday and that the update followed preparation, critics argue it creates technological barriers and lacks proper review, despite its aim to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries and curb corruption. The government asserts that exemptions are available for technical difficulties and support is being provided during the transition.
MGNREGS workers are experiencing significant glitches with the NMMS app's new mandatory facial recognition attendance feature.
The issues include difficulties in downloading muster rolls and failures in facial authentication, preventing workers from marking attendance.
Workers' unions criticize the app for creating technological barriers and lacking a proper review of its effectiveness in curbing corruption.
Exam Points
The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app is used for MGNREGS attendance.
Facial recognition for attendance became mandatory from March 1.
Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) is a workers' union highlighting the issues.
India's Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, valued at ₹3.25 lakh crore. While France committed to 'technology transfer', reports suggest restrictions on sharing critical source codes for electronic warfare and radar systems, limiting India's autonomy in customising and integrating indigenous weapons. This raises concerns about India's 'Make in India' goal and its pursuit of strategic autonomy, which is measured by domestic value-add, control over mission software, and freedom for upgrades. The article emphasizes that true geoeconomic asset is proprietary design architecture and software-defined warfare means source codes determine autonomy, highlighting the importance of owning the code for India's ascent in the defence hierarchy.
India's Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation.
Concerns exist regarding the extent of technology transfer, specifically the sharing of critical source codes, which could limit India's strategic autonomy.
True strategic autonomy in defence is measured by domestic value-add, control over mission software, and freedom to integrate indigenous weapons.
Exam Points
Procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, valued at ₹3.25 lakh crore.
India's Air Force operates 29 fighter squadrons against an authorized strength of 42.
India's Defence Budget for 2026-27 allocated ₹7.85 lakh crore, with ₹2.19 lakh crore for capital outlay.
Iran has escalated attacks on economic targets and U.S. missions across West Asia, with drones and missiles hitting oil facilities and U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran it was "too late" for talks, following wide damages inflicted by U.S.-Israel strikes. The conflict, now in its fourth day, has seen Israel bombard targets in Iran and push deeper into Lebanon against Hezbollah. Loud explosions were heard in Iraq, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, with UAE authorities attributing some to air defense interceptions. Iran has widened targets to include infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, leading to suspended LNG production and soaring European energy prices.
Iran has intensified attacks on economic infrastructure and U.S. diplomatic missions across West Asia, including oil facilities and embassies.
The escalation follows significant U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, with President Trump declaring it "too late" for diplomatic resolution.
Israel has simultaneously increased its military operations in Iran and Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.
Exam Points
U.S.-Israeli strikes have hit over 500 locations in Iran, killing at least 787 people, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Lebanese authorities reported over 58,000 people displaced due to Israeli attacks.
France deployed Rafale jets over UAE to protect its naval and air bases.
India's corporate R&D intensity stagnates at 0.23% of GDP, significantly below global peers, due to firms' risk aversion and lack of information in capital markets. This undervalues innovation, leading to underproduction and a lack of mechanisms to filter out low-quality projects. A Mandatory R&D and Technology Disclosure Standard under SEBI's LODR Regulations is proposed to correct this. Such disclosures, covering R&D expenditure, patent activity, workforce composition, Technology Readiness Level, and innovation turnover, would reduce information asymmetry, lower capital costs, strengthen market discipline, and improve innovation productivity, ultimately fostering a more robust innovation ecosystem.
India's R&D intensity is low (0.23% of GDP) due to information asymmetry and undervaluation of innovation in capital markets.
A mandatory R&D and Technology Disclosure Standard is proposed under SEBI's LODR Regulations to address this issue.
The standard would require disclosure of five key innovation metrics, including R&D expenditure, patent activity, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
Exam Points
India's corporate R&D intensity is 0.23% of GDP.
The proposed standard would be under SEBI's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations (LODR) 2015.
The OECD's 2021 Intangibles Report highlights that countries with compulsory innovation reporting get more patents.
India's religious geography is deeply intertwined with its ecological one, with sacred sites often located in sensitive habitats. Rising visitor numbers and commercialization are pressuring forest ecosystems, transforming seasonal rituals into mass tourism. The challenge is to govern this intersection without undermining ecological integrity or forest-dwelling communities' rights. A recent debate in the SCNBWL regarding religious structures in sanctuaries highlighted this tension. A clear no-expansion principle for core forest areas is recommended, while allowing for recognition of long-standing sites under strict, impact-based regulation. Guidelines from ATREE and WWF propose a "green pilgrimage model" focusing on caps on pilgrim numbers, transport restrictions, waste management, and multi-stakeholder governance to integrate ecological protection with cultural continuity.
Religious sites in India are often located in ecologically sensitive areas, facing pressure from increasing religious tourism.
The debate in the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) highlights the tension between religious expansion and conservation.
A "no-expansion principle" is recommended for new constructions or enlargement of existing structures within core forest areas.
Exam Points
The Forest (Conservation) Act (post-1980) treats construction/expansion on forest land as encroachment.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and National Tiger Conservation Authority norms govern interventions in protected areas.
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 mandates recognition of rights of Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers.
U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," have escalated into a regional war, with Iran retaliating by targeting U.S. bases and threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz. This has caused a massive ripple effect on global energy security, leading to a surge in oil prices (Brent crude to $78.31/barrel, up 12% in a week) and suspension of LNG production in Qatar. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global oil exports and 31% of seaborne crude flows, if closed, would severely impact major importers like China and India. China, heavily reliant on West Asian oil and Iran's cheap crude, faces significant energy security pressure, while India claims sufficient crude oil stocks for 25 days.
The U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran have triggered a regional war, with Iran retaliating against U.S. bases and threatening the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict has severely impacted global energy security, causing Brent crude oil prices to surge by 12% in a week.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for 20% of global oil exports, poses a major threat to global fuel trade.
Exam Points
Brent crude oil prices soared to $78.31 per barrel, up almost 12% in a week.
The Strait of Hormuz is a gateway for 20% of the world's oil exports and 31% of all seaborne crude flows.
West Asia accounts for 31% of global oil production and 38% of global oil exports in 2024.
Workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) are reporting significant glitches with the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, which made facial recognition mandatory for attendance from March 1. Workers in Rajasthan, among other places, struggled to download muster rolls and faced authentication failures with the facial recognition system. While the government claims over 22 lakh workers successfully used the feature, unions like MKSS question the system's efficacy in curbing corruption, arguing it creates technological barriers for workers. Officials state the new system, introduced after an e-KYC drive, adds an essential verification layer to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries and that handholding is provided for the transition.
MGNREGS workers are experiencing glitches with the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, particularly its new mandatory facial recognition feature for attendance.
Issues include difficulties in downloading muster rolls and authentication failures, as reported by workers and unions like MKSS.
The government introduced facial recognition from March 1, following an e-KYC drive, to enhance transparency and eliminate ineligible beneficiaries.
Exam Points
The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app is used for MGNREGS attendance.
Facial recognition became mandatory for MGNREGS attendance from March 1 (implied 2026).
The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) highlighted the issues.
The Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to bolster India's maritime security. This includes the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles for the Indian Navy from Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport. The ALH Mk-III choppers, valued at ₹2,901 crore, are indigenously designed and manufactured, enhancing Coast Guard capabilities for protecting artificial islands, offshore installations, and marine environment, while also generating 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The Shtil missiles, valued at ₹2,182 crore, will significantly improve the Indian Navy's air defence capabilities against aerial threats, reinforcing the India-Russia defence partnership.
India's Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to enhance maritime security.
The deals include six indigenously designed Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard from HAL.
Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles will be acquired from Russia for the Indian Navy to boost air defence capabilities.
Exam Points
Total contract value: ₹5,083 crore.
Six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (maritime role) for Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for ₹2,901 crore.
Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles for Indian Navy from JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia) for ₹2,182 crore.
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