16 March 2026

International Affairs

1. Force Majeure: Why Gulf Countries Are Invoking It Amid the Iran–US–Israel War

Source: TOI

Context:

Amid the escalating tensions and military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, several Gulf countries and energy companies have invoked the “force majeure” clause in energy contracts. The move reflects disruptions to oil and gas production, damage to infrastructure, and threats to shipping routes in the region.

What is Force Majeure?

Force majeure is a legal provision in contracts that allows a party to temporarily suspend or cancel contractual obligations when extraordinary and uncontrollable events prevent performance.

Such events typically include:

• War or armed conflict
• Natural disasters
• Political instability
• Large-scale infrastructure damage
• Government restrictions or blockades

When invoked, the affected party cannot be penalised for failing to fulfil contractual commitments, as the circumstances are beyond their control.

Why Gulf Countries Are Invoking Force Majeure

1. Escalating Regional Conflict
The ongoing Iran–US–Israel confrontation has triggered missile and drone attacks on strategic facilities across the Middle East, raising serious security concerns for energy production and export operations.

2. Threats to Energy Infrastructure
Oil refineries, LNG terminals, and storage facilities in parts of the Gulf have either suffered damage or halted operations as a precautionary measure.

3. Disruptions in Maritime Trade
The conflict has increased risks to shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

4. Inability to Guarantee Deliveries
Energy producers facing security threats and logistical disruptions cannot ensure the timely shipment of crude oil and LNG to global buyers. Invoking force majeure provides legal protection in such circumstances.

Countries and Companies Affected

Reports indicate that several Gulf energy producers have taken precautionary steps, including:

• Temporary suspension or reduction of oil and gas exports
• Shutdown of vulnerable production facilities
• Declaration of force majeure on certain supply contracts

Global Implications

• Energy Market Volatility:
  Any disruption in Gulf energy supplies can trigger fluctuations in global oil and gas prices.
• Supply Chain Uncertainty:
  Countries in Asia and Europe, heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports, may face supply challenges.
• Strategic Concerns:
  The situation highlights the vulnerability of global energy trade to geopolitical conflicts, particularly in critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
• If you want, I can also convert this into a UPSC-ready “Current Affairs Note” with keywords, prelims MCQ, and mains value addition, which is usually the format used in exam magazines.

2. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974

Source: FE

Context:

The United States government has initiated two major investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against India and several other countries. The probes focus on issues such as excess manufacturing capacity and forced labour practices that may affect U.S. industries.

What is Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974?

Section 301 is a key provision of U.S. trade law that empowers the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate and take action against foreign trade practices considered unfair, discriminatory, or harmful to U.S. commerce.

It is one of the most powerful tools available to the U.S. government for enforcing trade rules and addressing disputes with trading partners.

Aim of Section 301

• To protect U.S. industries and workers from unfair trade practices.
• To enforce U.S. rights under international trade agreements.
• To eliminate trade barriers or policies that disadvantage American businesses.

Current Investigations

1. Investigation on Excess Manufacturing Capacity

• Covers 16 major economies, including India, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam.
• Focuses on sectors where production significantly exceeds domestic demand, raising concerns of dumping in global markets.

2. Investigation on Forced Labour

• A broader probe involving around 60 countries, including India.
• Examines whether countries are taking adequate measures to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering international supply chains.

Key Features of Section 301

1. Unilateral Authority
The U.S. can act independently without waiting for approval from the World Trade Organization (WTO).

2. Wide Coverage
The law can address multiple types of trade issues, including:

• Intellectual property violations
• Government subsidies
• Unfair labour practices
• Excess production leading to dumping

3. Mandatory Investigation Process
Once the USTR initiates or accepts a complaint, a formal investigation with consultations and public hearings must follow.

4. Retaliatory Measures
If unfair practices are confirmed, the U.S. can impose:

• Tariffs (import duties)
• Import restrictions or quotas
• Other trade sanctions.

5. Time-bound Procedure
Investigations usually take six to twelve months before a final decision is made.

Issues Related to India

• The USTR has raised concerns about India’s manufacturing capacity in solar modules, which reportedly exceeds domestic demand and could lead to dumping in international markets.
• Additional concerns involve surpluses in sectors such as steel, petrochemicals, and automotive products.
• The U.S. also cited a trade surplus with India of about $58 billion in 2025, although Indian estimates place it closer to $42.2 billion.
• The second investigation examines whether India has taken adequate measures to prevent forced-labour-linked products from entering global trade networks.

3. Sejjil Ballistic Missile

Source: HT

Context:

Iran reportedly deployed the Sejjil ballistic missile for the first time in active combat during Wave 54 of its military operations against U.S. and Israeli positions. The missile, sometimes referred to as the “dancing missile” due to its evasive manoeuvres, is believed to have targeted strategic infrastructure.

What is the Sejjil Ballistic Missile?

The Sejjil (also spelled Sajjil or Ashura) is an indigenously developed two-stage medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM).

It represents a significant advancement in Iran’s missile programme, as it uses solid-fuel propulsion instead of older liquid-fuel systems, enabling quicker launch readiness and improved operational reliability.

Developed by:
Iran’s aerospace and defence industries.

Aim

The primary objective of the Sejjil missile system is to provide Iran with a rapid-response strategic deterrent capable of striking targets across the Middle East and parts of Southeastern Europe.

It is designed to penetrate advanced missile defence systems, including those deployed by Israel such as Iron Dome and Arrow interceptors.

Key Features

1. Solid-Fuel Propellant
Unlike liquid-fueled missiles, the Sejjil uses solid propellant, allowing it to remain stored and ready for launch for long periods, enabling rapid deployment during conflict.

2. Two-Stage Configuration
The missile employs two solid-propellant stages, which help it reach higher altitudes and achieve greater velocity during its flight.

3. Extended Strike Range
Sejjil has an estimated operational range of around 2,000 kilometres, enabling Iran to target locations across the Levant, parts of the Middle East, and Southeastern Europe.

4. High Payload Capacity
The missile can carry a warhead weighing approximately 700 kg, which may include conventional or potentially other strategic payloads.

5. Evasive Maneuverability
Nicknamed the “dancing missile”, Sejjil is capable of mid-course manoeuvres at high altitudes, making interception by missile defence systems more difficult.

6. Advanced Guidance Systems
The Sejjil-2 variant incorporates inertial navigation systems (INS) combined with satellite-based guidance, improving terminal accuracy.

National Affairs

1. Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) System

Source: The New Indian Express

Context:

The Indian Army has operationalised its seventh Pinaka regiment and is raising an eighth regiment, with plans to expand the fleet to ten regiments by next year. This expansion strengthens India’s long-range artillery and deep-strike capability.

What is the Pinaka MBRL System?

Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system capable of firing 12 rockets in a salvo within about 44 seconds. It is designed as a high-volume area-saturation weapon to neutralise enemy troops, bunkers, and infrastructure across large target zones.

Developed by:
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Aim of the System

The main objective of the Pinaka system is to provide the Indian Army with deep-strike artillery capability. It enables forces to destroy enemy command centres, communication networks, logistics bases, and artillery positions located far behind the front line.

Key Features of the Pinaka System

1. Rapid Fire Capability

• A single launcher fires 12 rockets in less than 44 seconds.
• A battery of six launchers can release 72 rockets within the same time frame.
• The rockets can saturate an area of approximately 1,000 × 800 metres, causing significant damage.

2. Range Variants
The system has evolved through multiple versions:

• Pinaka Mk-I: Range up to 38 km
• Pinaka Mk-II (Extended Range): Around 60 km
• Guided Pinaka: Approximately 75–90 km

3. High Precision
The guided variant uses an Integrated Navigation System (INS) combined with GPS/NavIC, enabling improved targeting accuracy.

4. High Mobility
Launchers are mounted on Tatra high-mobility trucks, allowing shoot-and-scoot operations that reduce vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.

5. Automated Fire Control
The system includes:

• Automated Gun Aiming and Positioning System (AGAPS)
• Computerised Fire Control System
  These technologies enable quick deployment and faster targeting.

6. All-Terrain Capability
Pinaka is designed to operate in diverse environments, including:

• High-altitude areas like Ladakh
• Desert terrain such as the Thar Desert

2. Sharansthli Initiative

Context:

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir distributed compassionate appointment letters to 50 next of kin of terrorism victims in Srinagar under the Sharansthli initiative, aimed at supporting families affected by terrorism.

About Sharansthli Initiative

• Sharansthli is a rehabilitation initiative of the Jammu & Kashmir administration designed to assist families of individuals who lost their lives due to terrorism.
• The programme provides compassionate government employment to the next of kin of terror victims to help them rebuild their livelihoods and restore dignity.
• Aim
• To provide stable government employment to families affected by terrorism.
• To acknowledge the sacrifices and suffering of terror victims and ensure institutional support and rehabilitation.

Key Features

• Compassionate Appointments: Eligible family members of terror victims receive government jobs under compassionate appointment rules, ensuring long-term livelihood security.
• Verification Mechanism: Cases are processed through coordination between police and civil administration to verify victims and ensure legitimate appointments.
• Expansion of Beneficiaries: The administration is reviewing additional cases of terror victim families, enabling more beneficiaries to receive employment assistance.

3. Sujal Gaon ID

Source: PIB

Context:

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Sujal Gaon ID, a unique digital identifier designed to map and monitor rural piped drinking water supply schemes across India.

What is Sujal Gaon ID?

Sujal Gaon ID is a scheme-based unique digital identification number assigned to each rural piped drinking water supply scheme in the country.

It enables digital mapping of water infrastructure and service areas, integrating rural drinking water systems into a national water management platform for improved governance and monitoring.

Launched Under

The initiative has been introduced under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, the Government of India’s flagship programme aimed at providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household.

Aim

• To digitally map and monitor rural drinking water infrastructure across India.
• To enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in rural water governance.
• To enable data-driven decision making for planning and management of water supply schemes.

Key Features

1. Unique Digital Identification
Each rural piped water supply scheme receives a distinct Sujal Gaon ID, enabling accurate tracking of assets and service coverage.

2. Integration with Sujalam Bharat Platform
The ID is integrated with Sujalam Bharat IDs, which combine infrastructure identification and service-area mapping, enabling comprehensive monitoring of water supply systems.

3. National Digital Architecture
Creates a “source-to-tap” digital monitoring framework, tracking water supply from the source to the household level.

4. Real-time Monitoring and Data Governance
Allows governments to monitor:

• Infrastructure performance
• Water supply status
• Service delivery outcomes
  in real time.

5. Wide Coverage

• Around 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs have been generated.
• These are linked with about 67,000 Sujalam Bharat IDs across 31 States and Union Territories.

3. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: Times of India

Context:

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently documented nine new species, including jumping spiders, mayflies, damselflies, and insects, in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.

What is Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary?

Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the High Wavy Mountains, is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.

Since 2021, it has been part of the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR), which is India’s 51st tiger reserve.

Establishment:

• The area became a core component of the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve in 2021.
• Its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) had earlier been notified in 2018.

Habitat and Ecosystems

Megamalai contains a diverse mosaic of ecosystems, including:

• Montane Shola forests and high-altitude grasslands
• Tropical wet evergreen forests
• Plantation landscapes, especially tea and cardamom estates, interspersed with natural vegetation

This ecological diversity supports high levels of endemic flora and fauna typical of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Rivers and Watersheds

The sanctuary forms a major watershed for southern Tamil Nadu.

Key rivers and streams include:

• Vaigai River – A major river supporting several southern districts of Tamil Nadu
• Suruliyaru and Shanmuganathi – Important tributaries feeding the Vaigai Dam
• Seasonal streams such as Arjuna Nadhi, Mudangiar, and Gundar, which contribute to local irrigation and drinking water supply

Newly Identified Species

During the recent ZSI survey, 977 species were documented, including nine species new to science, such as:

• Jumping spider: Stenaelurillus megamalai
• Mayfly: Edmundsula meghamalaiensis
• Damselfly species: including Thraulus vellimalaiensis and Protosticta sholai (endemic to the region)
• Bark lice and cockroaches: Allacta vellimalai and Lachesilla vellimalai

Other notable fauna recorded include the Megamalai rock gecko (Hemidactylus vanam) and historical sightings of the Critically Endangered Malabar Civet.

4. Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP)

Context:

The Government of India has launched the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) to fast-track the scientific remediation of legacy waste dumpsites across cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.

What is DRAP?

The Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) is a national initiative designed to accelerate the clearance and scientific treatment of legacy waste accumulated at municipal dumpsites in Indian cities.

Legacy waste refers to old, untreated solid waste that has accumulated over many years in open dumps, causing severe environmental and public health hazards.

Aim

• To expedite the remediation of legacy dumpsites across urban India.
• To convert reclaimed dumpsite land into green zones, public spaces, or infrastructure facilities.
• To support the goal of creating “Garbage-Free Cities” under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0.

Key Features

1. Time-bound Remediation
DRAP focuses on accelerating the biomining and bioremediation process to clear decades-old waste from municipal dumpsites.

2. Technical and Financial Support
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) receive guidance, monitoring, and capacity-building support from the central government to implement remediation projects.

3. Monitoring and Performance Tracking
Progress is tracked through digital dashboards and periodic reviews, ensuring accountability and faster implementation.

4. Scientific Waste Processing
Legacy waste is treated through biomining, bioremediation, and resource recovery techniques, separating recyclable materials, compostable waste, and inert material.

5. Land Reclamation
Once cleared, the reclaimed land can be used for parks, solar plants, waste management facilities, or other public infrastructure.

5. NavIC’s Atomic Clock Failure

Source: Indian Express

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently reported that the atomic clock onboard the IRNSS-1F satellite has failed. This has reduced the number of operational positioning satellites in India’s NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) navigation system.

What is an Atomic Clock?

An atomic clock is an extremely precise time-keeping device that measures time using the natural vibrations of atoms, typically Rubidium or Cesium.

In satellite navigation systems, precise time measurement is critical because even a billionth of a second of error can cause several metres of location error on Earth.

How Atomic Clocks Work

1. Atomic Resonance
Electrons in atoms move between energy levels and emit or absorb electromagnetic radiation at a fixed and predictable frequency. This frequency is used as a precise time reference.

2. Ultra-Stable Frequency
Unlike mechanical or quartz clocks, atomic vibrations occur at a constant rate, ensuring exceptional time stability.

3. Time-of-Flight Measurement
Navigation satellites transmit signals with precise timestamps. Receivers calculate the distance to the satellite by measuring the time taken by the signal to reach Earth.

4. Trilateration
By combining signals from at least four satellites, receivers determine the exact latitude, longitude, and altitude of a location.

Features of Atomic Clocks in Satellites

• Extremely high precision: Accurate to one second over several million years.
• Redundancy: Satellites carry multiple atomic clocks (usually 3–4) to ensure reliability if one fails.
• Indigenous development: New-generation NavIC satellites (NVS series) use India-developed Rubidium atomic clocks.

About NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)

NavIC, earlier called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is India’s indigenous regional satellite navigation system developed to provide accurate positioning services over India and surrounding regions.

Launch Timeline

• The first satellite IRNSS-1A was launched in July 2013.
• The constellation was designed to include seven satellites and was largely completed by 2016, with additional replacement satellites (NVS series) launched later.

Aim

To ensure strategic and technological independence by reducing reliance on foreign navigation systems such as GPS.

Key Features of NavIC

1. Coverage Area
Provides navigation services over India and up to about 1,500 km beyond its borders.

2. Dual Services

• Standard Positioning Service (SPS): For civilian users.
• Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted signal for military and strategic applications.

3. Geosynchronous Satellite Orbits
NavIC satellites are placed in geosynchronous orbits (~36,000 km), ensuring continuous visibility over the Indian region.

4. High Accuracy
Provides positioning accuracy of around 10 metres within India, especially useful in challenging terrains such as forests and mountainous areas.

5. Frequency Bands

• Operates primarily in L5 and S bands.
• New NVS series satellites also include the L1 band, improving compatibility with smartphones and wearable devices.

6. Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Captive Breeding Programme

Source: News on Air

Context:

The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Captive Breeding Programme has entered its fourth year, with the successful hatching of two new chicks at the conservation breeding centre in Rajasthan. The programme aims to prevent the extinction of one of India’s most endangered bird species.

About the Captive Breeding Programme

The GIB Captive Breeding Programme is a conservation initiative focused on scientifically breeding Great Indian Bustards in controlled environments to increase their population and support long-term species recovery.

Implementing Agencies

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• Rajasthan Forest Department
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Launch

• Project Great Indian Bustard was launched by the Rajasthan Government in 2013.
• Dedicated captive breeding facilities became operational between 2019 and 2022.
• To establish a self-sustaining captive population of Great Indian Bustards.
• To reintroduce captive-bred birds into natural habitats, thereby increasing the species’ population in the wild.
• To strengthen the long-term conservation of India’s grassland ecosystems.

About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is among the heaviest flying birds in the world and is a flagship species of India’s arid and semi-arid grassland ecosystems.

It is also considered an umbrella species, meaning that conserving its habitat helps protect many other species that depend on the same ecosystem.

Habitat

Primarily found in dry grasslands and scrublands, particularly in Rajasthan, with smaller populations historically present in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection in India)
• CITES: Appendix I (strict international trade restrictions)

7. India Submits Seventh National Report (NR-7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Source: PIB

Context:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) submitted India’s Seventh National Report (NR-7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 26 February 2026, ahead of the deadline of 28 February 2026.

Submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation under Article 26 of the CBD, through which member countries report their progress in achieving biodiversity conservation targets.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The CBD is an international treaty aimed at conserving global biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of biological resources.

Three Objectives of the CBD

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Sustainable use of biodiversity components
3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources

About India’s Seventh National Report (NR-7)

The NR-7 provides a comprehensive indicator-based national assessment of biodiversity conservation efforts in India.

Alignment with Global and National Frameworks

The report aligns with:

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–2030
• Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted under CBD.

The assessment is based on:

• 142 national indicators
• 23 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs)

According to the report, all 23 NBTs are currently “on track to achieve.”

Key Highlights of the Report

1. Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach

• Inputs from 33 central ministries/departments, state governments, research institutions and other stakeholders.
• Integration of biodiversity considerations in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, and coastal policies.

2. Forest and Tree Cover

• Recorded Forest Area: 7,75,377 km² (23.59% of India’s geographical area)
• Forest Cover: 5,20,365 km² (15.83%)
• Total Forest and Tree Cover: 8,27,356.95 km² (25.17%)

3. Expansion of Wetlands

• Ramsar Sites: Increased from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026.

4. Protected Area Network

India’s conservation network includes:

• 58 Tiger Reserves
• 33 Elephant Reserves
• 18 Biosphere Reserves
• 106 National Parks
• 574 Wildlife Sanctuaries

5. Key Wildlife Population Estimates

• Tigers: 3,682 (over 70% of the global population)
• Greater One-horned Rhinoceros: 4,014
• Wild Elephants: 22,446
• Asiatic Lions: 891
• Snow Leopards: 718 (first Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India – SLPAI)
• River Dolphins: 6,327 (first nationwide estimation under Project Dolphin)

6. Agrobiodiversity Conservation

• 22 agrobiodiversity hotspots identified.
• 769 Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) conserved across 171 native crops.
• 230 native livestock breeds documented.

7. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has:

• Issued over 5,600 ABS agreements.
• Distributed ₹140 crore in benefits.

Community institutions involved include:

• 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
• 2,72,648 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).

8. Legal and Institutional Framework

India’s biodiversity protection is supported by key laws such as:

• Indian Forest Act, 1927
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Van Panchayat Act, 1931

9. Use of Technology in Conservation

India is increasingly using advanced technologies such as:

• Remote Sensing and GIS
• Satellite telemetry
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Camera traps
• DNA-based monitoring tools

10. Governance and Citizen Participation

• PARIVESH portal (environmental clearance single-window system) ensures transparency.
• Public participation initiatives include:
  • Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
  • “Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam” plantation campaign.