U.S. forces "obliterated" military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, following President Trump's warning against disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amidst escalating tensions, with a missile striking the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and an Iranian drone hitting an oil facility in the UAE. Iran's joint military command threatened to attack U.S.-linked oil and energy facilities in the region if its oil infrastructure is targeted, and warned of striking UAE cities if its ports are used for U.S. attacks. The U.S. is deploying 2,500 more marines and an amphibious assault ship to West Asia.
U.S. forces attacked military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical hub for oil exports, following threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran retaliated with a missile strike on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and a drone attack on a UAE oil facility.
Iran has threatened to target U.S.-linked oil and energy facilities in the region and cities in the UAE if its oil infrastructure is hit.
Exam Points
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the "obliteration" of targets on Iran's Kharg Island on Friday, March 14, 2026.
Kharg Island is home to Iran's primary terminal for oil exports, handling up to 90% of its crude exports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passes.
Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India, carrying a combined 92,712 tonnes of cooking gas. This development was announced by Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Shipping and Waterways, amidst heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf. Of 24 Indian vessels in the region, 22 remain on standby. India, a major LPG importer, faces challenges in securing alternative sources due to the Persian Gulf being out of bounds, with U.S. Gulf Coast imports taking two months for a round-trip.
Two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, carrying significant quantities of cooking gas to India.
The Ministry of Shipping and Waterways confirmed the safe passage, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure energy supply amidst regional instability.
India relies heavily on LPG imports, with a substantial portion historically coming through the Persian Gulf.
Exam Points
LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi carried approximately 46,000 tonnes each, totaling 92,712 tonnes of cooking gas.
Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra Port by March 16, 2026, and Nanda Devi to Kandla Port by March 17, 2026.
India imports about 200 lakh tonnes of LPG annually, with 10% from the U.S. Gulf Coast under a 2025 contract.
The Kerala government has moderated its previous firm stance in the Supreme Court regarding the entry of women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple. In new submissions, the State urged the court to assess if the age-old restrictions are a "genuinely and conscientiously" held essential religious practice, rather than being guided solely by reason or sentiment. This move comes ahead of a Supreme Court Bench hearing review petitions against the 2018 judgment on April 7, 2026, and is seen as politically significant given the upcoming Assembly polls.
The Kerala government has shifted its position on the Sabarimala temple entry issue, urging the Supreme Court for a careful assessment of religious practices.
The State's new submission emphasizes determining if the age-old restriction on women's entry is an "essential religious practice."
This moderation in stance is politically sensitive, occurring just before the State's Assembly elections.
Exam Points
The Sabarimala temple is located in Kerala.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear review petitions against the 2018 judgment on April 7, 2026.
The State's submission was filed by senior advocate Jaideep Gupta and advocate Nishe Rajen Shonker.
Renowned Tamil lyricist and author Vairamuthu has been chosen for the prestigious Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour. He becomes the third Tamil literary figure to receive this award, ending a 24-year gap since the last Tamil recipient. Vairamuthu expressed his profound gratitude, stating that the Jnanpith is the greatest in literature and, for Tamil, it is rarer than the rarest.
Vairamuthu, a celebrated Tamil lyricist and author, has been awarded the Jnanpith Award.
The Jnanpith Award is recognized as India's highest literary honour.
He is the third Tamil literary figure to receive this prestigious award.
Exam Points
Vairamuthu is the recipient of the Jnanpith Award.
He is the third Tamil literary figure to receive the Jnanpith Award.
The award comes after a gap of 24 years for a Tamil writer.
India, as the Chair of BRICS, is actively facilitating discussions among member nations regarding the ongoing West Asia conflict. Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, noted that forging a consensus has been challenging due to the direct involvement of several BRICS members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, in the crisis. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in regular contact with regional diplomats, including his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to exchange views on bilateral matters and BRICS-related issues.
India is leading efforts to build consensus within BRICS on the escalating West Asia crisis.
The direct involvement of BRICS members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE in the conflict complicates consensus-building.
India, holding the BRICS Chair, is using the Sherpa channel to facilitate these crucial discussions.
Exam Points
India is currently the Chair of BRICS.
Randhir Jaiswal is the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a call with Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
The last atomic clock on ISRO's IRNSS-1F satellite has failed, further weakening India's indigenous navigation system, NavIC. Atomic clocks are crucial for positional, navigational, and timing services. This failure brings the number of functional NavIC satellites down to three, from an initial eight launched between 2013 and 2018. ISRO plans to install indigenously developed rubidium clocks in the next series of satellites, with one replacement satellite (NVS-01) already featuring it. The second replacement satellite (NVS-02) launched in January 2025 failed to reach its intended orbit.
The atomic clock on ISRO's IRNSS-1F satellite has failed, impacting the functionality of India's NavIC system.
Atomic clocks are essential for providing accurate positional, navigational, and timing services for satellites.
The failure reduces the number of functional NavIC satellites to three, hindering its intended role as a fallback system for India.
Exam Points
The IRNSS-1F satellite's atomic clock failed on March 13, 2026.
IRNSS-1F completed its design mission life of 10 years on March 10, 2026.
The atomic clocks were imported from SpectraTime, a Switzerland-based maker.
Maharashtra recorded 41 of the 166 tiger deaths in India last year, the highest in the country, as informed by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik in the Legislative Council. Concerns were raised following recent tiger deaths in Pench Tiger Reserve. The State government is implementing various measures to curb poaching and protect wildlife, including a Special Tiger Protection Force, dog squads, camera surveillance, and the M-Stripes app. There's also a controversial proposal to change leopards' protection category, which environmentalists oppose, advocating for forest protection and preventing encroachment.
Maharashtra accounted for the highest number of tiger deaths in India last year, with 41 out of 166 reported.
The State government is deploying advanced measures like a Special Tiger Protection Force, dog squads, and technology for surveillance to combat poaching.
Human-wildlife conflict is intensifying due to changes in animal behavior and habitat patterns, leading to animals entering agricultural fields.
Exam Points
Maharashtra reported 41 tiger deaths out of 166 nationally in 2025.
Data is from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The Pench Tiger Reserve in Nagpur district reported recent tiger deaths.
India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 41 million children aged 5-19 having a high BMI, including 14 million with obesity, projected to rise to 56 million by 2040. Nutrition scientist Zeeshan Ali warns that this crisis, driven by rapid urbanization, poor diets, and high consumption of sugary drinks and unhealthy fats, is leading to a surge in pediatric chronic diseases traditionally associated with adults. He emphasizes the need for policy, socioeconomic, and household-level interventions, advocating for a return to indigenous foods and replacing refined oils and empty calories.
India faces a severe childhood obesity crisis, ranking second globally, with projections indicating a significant increase by 2040.
Rapid urbanization and a shift from traditional plant-based diets to processed foods are key drivers of this nutritional transition.
Children are increasingly developing adult-onset diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease due to excess weight.
Exam Points
India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, after China.
Over 41 million children aged 5-19 in India have a high BMI, with 14 million classified as obese.
The number of obese children is projected to rise to 56 million by 2040.
The Union government has amended the Electricity Rules, 2005, to strengthen captive power generation, aligning it with modern corporate structures and industrial energy needs. The amendments clarify ownership provisions, simplify group captive arrangements, and establish a clear verification mechanism to reduce regulatory ambiguity and disputes. Verification of captive status will now be undertaken for the entire financial year by designated nodal agencies in States/UTs, or by the National Load Despatch Centre for inter-state power. This aims to promote investment in non-fossil fuel based captive projects and provide greater flexibility for users.
The Union government has updated the Electricity Rules, 2005, to support and clarify captive power generation.
Amendments aim to align regulations with modern corporate structures and evolving industrial energy demands, especially for non-fossil fuel projects.
The verification of captive status will now be an annual process, conducted by designated nodal agencies or the National Load Despatch Centre.
Exam Points
The Electricity Rules, 2005, were amended.
Verification of captive status will be undertaken for the entire financial year, effective from April 1.
States and Union Territories are directed to designate a nodal agency for verification.
Indian nuclear experts are divided over the viability of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) combined with Thorium (Th) as fuel for Indian nuclear reactors. While some advocate for its use to enhance energy security and reduce waste, others raise significant concerns about safety, cost, and nuclear proliferation risks. The debate highlights the need for thorough research and regulatory oversight before adopting such advanced fuel cycles, especially given India's existing three-stage nuclear power program. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been studying HALEU-Th, but its feasibility for widespread use remains contentious.
Indian nuclear experts are divided on the adoption of HALEU-Thorium fuel for domestic reactors.
Proponents argue HALEU-Th could improve energy security and reduce nuclear waste.
Opponents highlight potential risks related to safety, high costs, and nuclear proliferation.
Exam Points
HALEU stands for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) is studying HALEU-Th fuel.
India's three-stage nuclear power program aims to utilize its vast thorium reserves.
Scientists have developed new ecological vaccination strategies for bats to protect them from deadly viruses like rabies and Nipah. The methods involve administering oral vaccines through food or as a topical gel, rather than traditional injections. This approach aims to prevent spillover events to humans and other animals by reducing viral loads in bat populations. The research, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and other institutions, has shown promising results in laboratory and simulated field tests, offering a less invasive and more scalable solution for wildlife vaccination.
New ecological vaccination methods, including oral vaccines and topical gels, have been developed for bats.
These methods aim to protect bats from deadly viruses like rabies and Nipah without invasive injections.
The primary goal is to reduce viral loads in bat populations to prevent spillover to humans and other animals.
Exam Points
The U.S. Geological Survey is involved in the research.
The vaccines target viruses like rabies and Nipah.
Methods include oral vaccines (e.g., in food) and topical gels.
A new study challenges the hypothesis that acrylonitrile-based cells could self-assemble and function in the hydrocarbon lakes of Saturn's moon Titan. Previous research suggested acrylonitrile as a potential building block for life in Titan's unique cryogenic conditions. However, experiments simulating Titan's environment showed that acrylonitrile molecules do not form stable, organized cell-like structures. This finding disfavors acrylonitrile as a basis for life on Titan, suggesting that alternative chemical compositions or entirely different mechanisms might be at play for potential extraterrestrial life forms.
A recent study questions the viability of acrylonitrile-based cells in Titan's hydrocarbon lakes.
Previous theories proposed acrylonitrile as a potential building block for life in Titan's cryogenic environment.
Experiments simulating Titan's conditions revealed that acrylonitrile does not form stable cell-like structures.
Exam Points
Titan is Saturn's largest moon.
The study investigated acrylonitrile as a potential building block for life.
A new study based on paleomagnetic data from ancient stalagmites in China suggests that Earth's magnetic field reversals can be a prolonged process, lasting up to 70,000 years, significantly longer than previously thought. This challenges the conventional view of relatively rapid flips. The research indicates that during these extended periods, the magnetic field weakens considerably, potentially exposing Earth to increased solar and cosmic radiation. Understanding these long-duration reversals is crucial for comprehending Earth's geological history and its impact on life.
Earth's magnetic field reversals can last for up to 70,000 years, much longer than previous estimates.
The study utilized paleomagnetic data from ancient stalagmites found in China to determine the duration of these flips.
During these prolonged reversal periods, Earth's magnetic field significantly weakens.
Exam Points
The study used paleomagnetic data from stalagmites in China.
The duration of magnetic flips can be up to 70,000 years.
The Earth's magnetic field protects it from solar and cosmic radiation.
The Union government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, to manage India's cooking gas supply chain, which was severely disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The Act empowers the government to control production, supply, and distribution of essential goods like LPG, ensuring equitable availability and fair prices. This intervention aims to boost domestic LPG production, prioritize household consumption, and regulate natural gas allocation. The government claims a 25% increase in domestic LPG production, but a 50% import gap remains. The order also sets a priority framework for natural gas distribution, impacting various industries.
The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, has been invoked to address disruptions in India's LPG supply due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
The Act grants the government powers to control the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities.
The intervention prioritizes domestic LPG production and household consumption, aiming to ensure availability and fair pricing.
Exam Points
The Essential Commodities Act (ECA) was enacted in 1955.
Section 3 of the ECA allows the government to issue orders to maintain or increase supplies.
India's LPG coverage increased from 62% in 2016 to almost 100% due to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
The Supreme Court ruled that parental income alone cannot be the sole criterion for determining the 'creamy layer' among OBC candidates, especially for those whose parents work in PSUs or private employment. This judgment aims to resolve decades of confusion regarding the application of the income/wealth test. The Court emphasized that salary and agricultural incomes should be excluded from the income calculation for the creamy layer, as per the 1993 DoPT OM, and found the 2004 clarificatory letter problematic for including them. This ruling provides relief to candidates denied OBC quota benefits due to "hostile discrimination."
The Supreme Court ruled that parental income alone is insufficient to determine the 'creamy layer' for OBC candidates.
The judgment specifically addresses OBC candidates whose parents are in PSUs or private employment, where equivalence with government posts is not established.
The Court clarified that salary and agricultural incomes should be excluded from the income/wealth test, upholding the 1993 DoPT OM.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court's ruling was on March 11, 2026.
The concept of 'creamy layer' was introduced following the 1992 Indra Sawhney case.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued a guiding Office Memorandum (OM) in September 1993.
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court approved passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, who was in a persistent vegetative state for 13 years, marking India's first judicial approval. The Court clarified that the 'right to live with dignity' under Article 21 includes the 'right to die with dignity' for patients with irreversible medical conditions. It distinguished passive euthanasia as the removal of an artificial barrier, allowing natural trajectory, from active euthanasia, which introduces an external agency of harm. The ruling emphasized that the 'best interests' test for such decisions must consider both medical and non-medical factors, with a strong presumption in favor of preserving life.
The Supreme Court granted approval for passive euthanasia in India's first judicial instance for a patient in a persistent vegetative state.
The Court affirmed that the 'right to live with dignity' under Article 21 encompasses the 'right to die with dignity' for patients with irreversible medical conditions.
Passive euthanasia is distinguished from active euthanasia by the absence of an external agency of harm, merely allowing the natural course of life.
Exam Points
The Supreme Court ruling was on March 11, 2026.
The case involved Harish Rana, who was in a persistent vegetative state for nearly 13 years.
The Bench comprised Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan.
Kharg Island, a small coral outpost in the Persian Gulf, is Iran's "crown jewel" and primary oil export terminal, handling up to 90% of its crude exports. Its deep-water location and pipeline connections to major oilfields make it crucial for global oil markets. Recently, U.S. forces "obliterated" military targets on the island, escalating tensions in the U.S.-Israel war on Iran. The island's strategic importance, highlighted by its history as a trade hub and its resilience during the Iran-Iraq War, means any disruption could severely impact global energy prices, with Brent crude already surging.
Kharg Island serves as Iran's most critical oil export terminal, handling the vast majority of its crude shipments.
Its strategic location with deep waters and pipeline connectivity makes it ideal for supertanker loading.
The island has a history as a significant trade hub and has been fortified and rebuilt after past conflicts.
Exam Points
Kharg Island is approximately 8 km long and covers 20 sq. km.
It handles up to 90% of Iran's crude exports.
The island typically handles 1.3 to 1.6 million barrels of oil per day, with a capacity to load up to 7 million barrels daily.
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