UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

The United States Trade Representative has launched a Section 301 investigation into several economies, including India and China, over concerns about structural excess capacity and overproduction in key manufacturing sectors.

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development will participate in the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-70) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Recent reports suggest that Iran has destroyed a key radar system associated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployed by the United States in the Middle East.

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and disruptions in maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, India faces potential risks to its supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s growing role as a global convenor of strategic and geopolitical discussions.

The assassination of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, in a joint US–Israeli attack has marked the end of a defining chapter in the Islamic Republic’s post-1979 leadership.

Amid disruptions in oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating West Asia conflict, the Indian government and public sector refiners are considering increasing imports of Russian crude to maintain supply continuity.

On February 28, 2026, Israel conducted a daylight strike on Tehran, calling it a pre-emptive operation against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. US President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement, and the US Department of Defense named the operation Operation Epic Fury.

India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rare earths and critical minerals during the visit of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to India in February 2026.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a sharp new phase of hostilities after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and other provinces following a cross-border attack on its troops. Pakistan’s Defence Minister described the situation as an “open war” with the Taliban-led Afghan government.