Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that India and four other "friendly nations" (China, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan) are permitted to move their ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran asserted its "sovereignty" over the waterway and thanked India and Sri Lanka for "significant help" after an Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, was sunk in a U.S. attack in the Indian Ocean. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global chokepoint, has seen traffic plunge since the conflict began on February 28. India has already seen four of its ships transit the strait. Iran also stated no direct talks are being held with Washington, despite messages exchanged through intermediaries.
Iran has granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz to ships from India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, asserting its sovereignty over the strategic waterway.
The decision follows a U.S. attack that sank an Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean, for which India and Sri Lanka provided assistance.
The Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil and gas transit, has experienced a significant reduction in traffic since the conflict began on February 28.
Exam Points
Iran's Foreign Minister: Abbas Araghchi.
Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Four Indian ships (Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, Shivalik, Nanda Devi) have transited the strait.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) announced that India has secured one month of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies through imports, with ongoing procurement, and 60 days of crude oil supplies. This comes amidst escalating tensions in West Asia. India has ramped up domestic LPG production by 40%, now meeting over 60% of its requirements and reducing import reliance. The country's total fuel stock reserve capacity is 74 days. The government also warned against misleading social media posts about shortages.
India has secured one month of LPG supplies through imports and 60 days of crude oil supplies, with additional procurement ongoing.
Domestic LPG production has increased by 40%, now covering over 60% of the country's requirements and reducing import reliance.
The nation's total reserve capacity for fuel stocks, including crude, petrol, and diesel, stands at 74 days.
Exam Points
MoPNG (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas) made the announcement.
Domestic LPG production ramped up by 40%.
India's total fuel stock reserve capacity: 74 days.
India is "experimenting" with conducting trade in local currencies with West Asian countries to counter the dual impact of surging oil prices and a depreciating rupee. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar for approximately 80% of India's oil imports and save on currency conversion costs. Each conversion currently costs about 1-2% of the transaction value, and a local currency mechanism could save 5-6%. India already uses a combination of local currencies and dirhams for Russian oil imports. The move, however, risks attracting potential tariffs from the U.S., which has previously threatened countries adopting alternate currencies.
India is exploring trade in local currencies with West Asian countries to mitigate the impact of high oil prices and rupee depreciation.
The initiative aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar for a significant portion of oil imports and save on currency conversion costs.
Currency conversion charges, currently 1-2% per transaction, could be reduced by 5-6% through local currency trade.
Exam Points
India aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar for about 80% of its oil imports.
Currency conversion costs: 1-2% per transaction, potential savings of 5-6%.
Indian basket of oil price: $123.15 per barrel (up from $69 in Feb 2026).
A study by Toxics Link revealed that 84% of 560 surveyed locations across Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Guwahati, and Mumbai continue to use banned single-use plastic items, three years after the nationwide prohibition. The report highlights significant enforcement gaps, with Bhubaneswar showing the highest non-compliance at 89%. Informal markets and small commercial establishments exhibit widespread use of banned items, attributing it to high customer demand and the higher cost of alternatives. The study calls for stronger national action, robust enforcement, and coordinated regulatory efforts to ensure compliance.
84% of surveyed locations in four major Indian cities continue to use banned single-use plastic items, indicating a significant failure in enforcement.
Bhubaneswar recorded the highest non-compliance at 89%, followed by Delhi (86%), Mumbai (85%), and Guwahati (76%).
Informal markets and small commercial establishments are major violators, citing high customer demand and costly alternatives as reasons.
Exam Points
Study conducted by Toxics Link, a New Delhi-based environmental organization.
Survey covered 560 locations across Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Guwahati, and Mumbai.
The Supreme Court reiterated its long-held principle that Scheduled Caste (SC) protections and special provisions are available only to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This judgment arose from a Christian pastor's plea for SC/ST Act protection. The Court affirmed that an SC member converting out of these three religions ceases to be an SC. Historically, SC definition initially included only Hindus, later extended to Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990). The editorial notes that while theological and constitutional arguments support this distinction, the exclusion of Christian and Muslim converts, who still face discrimination, remains a contested and politically surcharged issue, currently under review by a commission.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Scheduled Caste benefits are limited to those practicing Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Conversion out of these specified religions results in the loss of SC status, as per the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
The original SC definition for Hindus was extended to Sikhs in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990, reflecting historical and political realities.
Exam Points
Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
Article 341 of the Constitution.
SC definition extended to Sikhs in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990.
India has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, committing to 60% installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources, a 47% reduction in emissions intensity per unit of GDP, and a 3.5-4 billion tonne CO2 carbon sink. This updates the 2020 NDCs of 50% non-fossil capacity and 45% emissions intensity reduction. While India met its 2030 non-fossil target early, only about 25% of generated power is non-fossil due to insufficient battery storage. The editorial emphasizes that despite ambitious targets and a net-zero goal by 2070, actual improvements in generated supply require urgent enhancement of battery storage and grid infrastructure to fully utilize existing non-fossil capacity.
India updated its NDCs for 2035, targeting 60% non-fossil electric capacity, 47% emissions intensity reduction, and a 3.5-4 billion tonne CO2 carbon sink.
Despite meeting its 2030 non-fossil target early, only 25% of India's generated power is from non-fossil sources due to inadequate battery storage.
The Power Ministry's National Generation Adequacy Plan projects 70% non-fossil capacity by 2035-36.
Exam Points
India's 2035 NDCs: 60% non-fossil electric capacity, 47% emissions intensity reduction, 3.5-4 billion tonne CO2 carbon sink.
India faces a serious military challenge from China, necessitating a robust industrial strategy to bridge the capability gap. The article suggests three approaches: a bold, technology-intensive path; a conservative approach integrating existing technologies; or a middle path focusing on enabling layers for multi-domain operations (MDO). India's current defence-industrial base struggles with speed and scale, hindering its ability to produce critical technologies like missiles, munitions, and drones. Strengthening deterrence requires addressing systemic challenges, reforming procurement, and prioritising key capabilities like C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and deep-strike layers, rather than service-specific acquisitions.
India must develop a robust defence-industrial strategy to counter China's military advantage and bridge the existing capability gap.
The article proposes a middle path focusing on creating and deploying enabling layers for multi-domain operations (MDO) to enhance deterrence.
India's defence-industrial base faces challenges in delivering technologies like missiles, munitions, and drones at speed and scale.
Exam Points
C4ISR: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
MDO: Multi-Domain Operations.
The article highlights the need for a "syncretic, multi-domain force".
An opinion piece argues against the Chief Justice of India's (CJI) characterization of the Supreme Court Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes as "technical" and "Harvard-oriented." Released in 2023, the handbook aims to identify and replace gender-stereotyping language in judicial reasoning, highlight incorrect reasoning patterns, and compile relevant Supreme Court precedents. The author contends the handbook is firmly grounded in Indian realities and precedent, not foreign concepts. While acknowledging the need for improvement and practical training for judges, the article emphasizes that the handbook is a crucial institutional acknowledgment of how language can perpetuate or dismantle inequality, and its significance should not be diminished.
The Supreme Court Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes, released in 2023, aims to eliminate gender-stereotyping language in judicial reasoning.
The author argues that the handbook is rooted in Indian precedent and courtroom realities, not "Harvard-oriented" as suggested by the CJI.
The handbook provides alternative language, explains incorrect reasoning patterns, and compiles Supreme Court decisions rejecting stereotypes.
Exam Points
Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes released in 2023 by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud.
CJI Surya Kant remarked on the handbook in February 2026.
Case example: D. Velusamy vs D. Patchaiammal (2010).
A discussion explores the need for formal paternity leave in India, following a Supreme Court ruling that emphasized the child's right to access both parents as caregivers. Ashwini Deshpande highlights that Indian women spend ten times more hours on domestic work and childcare, leading to a "motherhood penalty" in wages and limiting work opportunities. Sanjoy Ghose points out that existing maternity laws cover only 10% of the formal workforce and discrimination persists. Both agree on the need for "parental leave" instead of just maternity/paternity, with a non-transferable component for fathers, accompanied by a shift in societal norms. Challenges include the informal sector, small enterprises, and patriarchal mindsets.
The Supreme Court highlighted the child's right to access both parents, prompting a debate on formal paternity leave in India.
Indian women disproportionately bear childcare responsibilities, leading to a "motherhood penalty" and limiting their participation in the workforce.
Existing maternity benefits cover only a small fraction of the workforce, and discrimination against women persists in the formal sector.
Exam Points
Supreme Court judgment in Hamsaanandini Nanduri case.
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
Time-Use Survey data shows Indian women spend 10 times more hours on domestic work.
Gold, traditionally a safe haven, has seen a sharp decline since the West Asian conflict began on February 28, defying historical trends. This fall is attributed to several factors: expectations of higher interest rates for longer, a stronger U.S. dollar, and a liquidity crunch. Higher oil prices, triggered by the conflict, fuel inflation fears, prompting central banks to maintain high rates, making interest-bearing assets more attractive than gold. A stronger dollar also makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers. Additionally, a chain reaction of sell orders and profit booking amidst falling stock markets and liquidity needs has intensified the downward pressure. Despite the short-term volatility, analysts expect gold to appreciate in the long term.
Gold prices have fallen sharply since the West Asian conflict, contrary to its traditional role as a safe haven during crises.
The decline is driven by expectations of sustained high interest rates, making government bonds more attractive than non-interest-bearing gold.
A stronger U.S. dollar, fueled by demand for imports and its role as a crisis currency, makes dollar-denominated gold more expensive for international buyers.
Exam Points
West Asian conflict began on February 28.
India's 24-carat gold price dropped from ₹1.9 lakh to ₹1.3 lakh per 10 grams.
International gold prices touched over $5,000 per troy ounce before the conflict.
He Xiaopeng, founder of XPeng Motors, discusses the rapid growth of China's EV market, driven by intelligent driving and in-house innovation. He states that meaningful competition should focus on capabilities, technology, and long-term value, not just price, to avoid eroding profits and innovation. XPeng's success is linked to its full-stack R&D for intelligent driving. He notes the convergence of traditional automakers and tech companies in the EV space, with tech firms having an edge in AI and software. Xiaopeng also highlights China's push into humanoid robotics, with XPeng aiming for mass production of its IRON robot by 2026, and the emerging "low-altitude economy" for flying cars, which he expects to become a major economic pillar.
China's EV market growth is fueled by intelligent driving and in-house innovation, with XPeng emphasizing technology and long-term value over price competition.
The EV industry is entering an "elimination phase," requiring companies to focus on core R&D, AI, and user-centric technology deployment.
Humanoid robotics is a strategic inflection point, with XPeng planning mass production of its IRON robot by 2026 for commercial scenarios.
Exam Points
XPeng Motors delivered 4.3 lakh units in 2025.
China's EV production exceeded 16 million units in 2025, with a 57% penetration rate.
XPeng aims for mass production of its IRON humanoid robot by 2026.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France as a partner country, holding bilateral talks with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot. Discussions included an "in-depth" review of West Asia, with both ministers agreeing to continue close coordination to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. This meeting follows Israel's claim of killing an Iranian commander responsible for closing the Strait. The G7 agenda also covered the Russia-Ukraine war, multilateralism reform, energy challenges, and food security. Jaishankar emphasized the urgency of UN Security Council reforms and also met with Foreign Ministers of Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
EAM S. Jaishankar participated in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France as a partner country, discussing West Asia and Strait of Hormuz security with his French counterpart.
Both ministers agreed to close coordination to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint.
The G7 agenda included discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, reform of multilateralism, and global challenges like energy and food security.
Exam Points
External Affairs Minister: S. Jaishankar.
French Foreign Affairs Minister: Jean-Noël Barrot.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay, France.
India is set to receive the remaining two units of the S-400 air defence system from Russia this year, with one unit expected next month (April) and the final delivery by November. This timeline has been expedited following earlier delays caused by supply chain disruptions and the Russia-Ukraine war. India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system, three of which have already been inducted. Senior officials in the Ministry of Defence confirmed close coordination with Russian counterparts to ensure timely delivery, a matter discussed at the highest levels, including between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov.
India is set to receive the remaining two S-400 air defence system units from Russia by November 2026, with one expected in April.
The delivery timeline has been expedited after previous delays caused by supply chain disruptions and the Russia-Ukraine war.
India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons, three of which are already in service.
Exam Points
India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018.
Total S-400 squadrons: five.
Remaining units: two (one by April, one by November).
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed willingness to work with India for "common interests" in the Global South and the BRICS grouping. This statement followed a meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and outgoing Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat in Beijing. Chinese MoFA spokesperson Lin Jian stated that both sides view each other as "development opportunities" and should treat each other as partners, not rivals. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong in Delhi echoed similar positive sentiments, emphasizing cultural cooperation and acknowledging that "some" stakeholders do not favor positive relations between the two neighbors.
China's MoFA expressed willingness to collaborate with India on "common interests" in the Global South and within BRICS.
Both nations view each other as "development opportunities" and partners, not rivals, according to the Chinese MoFA spokesperson.
The statement followed a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and outgoing Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat.
Exam Points
Chinese Foreign Minister: Wang Yi.
Outgoing Indian Ambassador to China: Pradeep Kumar Rawat.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, in its report on Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Space, has highlighted that India's reliance on a limited number of launch pads poses operational risks. Currently, India has only one spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, with two launch pads. To address this, the Department of Space is developing another launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, which will primarily cater to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).
A Parliamentary Standing Committee report highlighted operational risks due to India's limited number of space launch pads.
India currently operates only one spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, which has two launch pads.
A new launch complex is under development at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu.
Exam Points
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology (report for 2026-27).
India's only spaceport: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
New launch complex location: Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
The Union Home Ministry, through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), issued an average of 290 takedown notices daily for suspicious online content, totaling 1,11,185 blocks under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act from March 2024 to March 2025. Social media platforms are mandated to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving an order. Separately, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) reported a sharp increase in cybersecurity incidents, reaching 29.44 lakh in 2025, up from 20.41 lakh in 2024.
The Home Ministry's I4C issued an average of 290 takedown notices daily, blocking 1,11,185 pieces of suspicious online content under IT Act Section 79(3)(b) from March 2024 to March 2025.
Social media intermediaries are required to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a competent order.
Cybersecurity incidents reported to CERT-In significantly increased, from 20.41 lakh in 2024 to 29.44 lakh in 2025.
Exam Points
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) designated on March 13, 2024.
Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Total content blocked (March 2024-March 2025): 1,11,185.
Around 140 lawyers and women's rights activists have urged President Droupadi Murmu not to grant assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing "constitutional violations" and "procedural infirmities." The letter, from groups like ALIFA and NAJAR, criticized the undue haste in passing the Bill and the lack of public consultation. They argue that the Bill violates the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment (2014) by removing the right to self-perceived gender identity and introducing medical board scrutiny, which infringes on bodily integrity and privacy. Members of the National Council for Transgender Persons also resigned in protest.
Lawyers and activists have urged the President not to assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing constitutional and procedural flaws.
The Bill is criticized for being passed with undue haste and without adequate public and stakeholder consultation.
Activists argue the Bill violates the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment (2014) by undermining the right to self-perceived gender identity.
Exam Points
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026.
NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) v. Union of India (2014) judgment.
Iran and the U.S. are at an impasse, hardening their positions over negotiations amidst escalating tensions in West Asia. Iran has tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, blocking ships it perceives as linked to the U.S. and Israel, while allowing a trickle of others. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reported Iran is charging for safe passage, a process its Parliament is working to formalize. The U.S. has presented a 15-point "action list" for a peace deal via Pakistan, but Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal and put forth its own demands. Thousands of U.S. troops are nearing the region, raising the risk of further escalation in the critical waterway, through which 20% of global oil and natural gas is transported.
Iran and the U.S. remain at an impasse, with both sides hardening their positions on negotiations amid escalating West Asian tensions.
Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking certain ships and reportedly charging for safe passage, a move its Parliament is formalizing.
The U.S. presented a 15-point "action list" for a peace deal through Pakistan, but Iran rejected a ceasefire and made its own demands.
Exam Points
Strait of Hormuz: 20% of all traded oil and natural gas transported through it.
The article emphasizes the critical need for a "living will" (advance directive) to ensure dignified end-of-life care, preventing prolonged suffering for patients and their families. A living will is a legal document outlining an individual's treatment preferences for terminal or irreversible conditions, thereby relieving relatives and doctors from difficult decisions. Without one, patients may endure unwanted treatments, and families face emotional conflict. The Supreme Court legally recognized advance directives in the Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018) case. It clarifies that a living will applies only to irreversible conditions, not routine illnesses, and helps reduce unnecessary medical interventions and expenses, benefiting young adults as well.
A living will is crucial for ensuring dignified end-of-life care and preventing prolonged suffering for patients with terminal or irreversible conditions.
It is a legal document that specifies treatment preferences, such as withholding ventilators or feeding tubes, relieving family and doctors of difficult decisions.
The Supreme Court legally recognized "advance directives" in the Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018) case.
Exam Points
Supreme Court case: Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018).
Guidelines for EOLC (End Of Life Care) by The Indian Association of Critical Care Medicine and the Indian Association of Palliative Care.
A magistrate's signature is no longer required for a living will in India.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory declaring stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as illegal. This move, in compliance with a Supreme Court order, aims to curb illegal practices by private clinics in metropolitan and tier-2 cities that falsely claim to treat autism and cerebral palsy using stem cell therapy. According to the advisory, based on ICMR recommendations, stem cell therapy is now approved only for 32 specific diseases.
The National Medical Commission has declared stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) illegal.
This decision aligns with a Supreme Court order and aims to prevent unproven treatments offered by private clinics.
Stem cell therapy is now approved for only 32 specific diseases, based on ICMR recommendations.
Exam Points
Issuing body: National Medical Commission (NMC).
Based on: Supreme Court order and ICMR recommendations.
Researchers have discovered that serial cloning of mice over two decades leads to grave genetic mutations that accumulate across generations, ultimately proving fatal. A study in Japan generated 1,206 cloned laboratory mice from a single female donor between 2005 and 2025. While no outward issues appeared for the first 25 generations, mutations began piling up thereafter, leading to the fatality of the 58th generation of clones shortly after birth. This research highlights the inherent limitations and risks associated with repeated cloning.
Serial cloning of mice over extended periods results in the accumulation of grave genetic mutations.
These mutations, observed across generations, ultimately lead to the fatality of the cloned organisms.
A study in Japan involving 1,206 cloned mice showed mutations becoming fatal by the 58th generation.
Exam Points
Study conducted in Japan.
1,206 cloned laboratory mice generated from 2005 to 2025.
Britain's medicines regulator announced plans to introduce a framework by the end of 2026 to allow drug makers to seek review of data for drugs developed without animal testing. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on animal studies and aligns with a broader global push to limit such testing in drug development. The draft guidance from the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency encourages companies to adopt alternatives to animal testing, similar to efforts by the U.S. FDA.
Britain's medicines regulator will introduce a framework by end-2026 to allow drug makers to submit data for drugs developed without animal testing.
The initiative aims to reduce reliance on animal studies in drug development.
This move aligns with a broader global trend and efforts by regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA to encourage alternatives.
Exam Points
Issuing body: United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
A study reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) tools can generate fake X-ray images that are convincing enough to fool both experienced radiologists and other AI diagnostic tools. These AI-generated images, designed to resemble true patient results, highlight the potential for manipulation by malicious actors. In the study, 17 radiologists from 12 hospitals across six countries reviewed 264 X-ray images, with half being AI-generated (using tools like ChatGPT or RoentGen). Only 41% of the radiologists spontaneously identified the AI-generated images, underscoring the sophisticated nature of these fakes.
AI tools can generate fake X-ray images that are indistinguishable from real ones, deceiving both human radiologists and other AI diagnostic systems.
This capability highlights a significant risk of manipulation by malicious actors in the medical imaging field.
A study involving 17 radiologists found that only 41% could spontaneously identify AI-generated X-rays.
Exam Points
Study involved 17 radiologists from 12 hospitals in six countries.
Reviewed 264 X-ray images, half AI-generated.
AI tools used: ChatGPT, RoentGen.
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