UPSC Current Affairs 18 March 2026

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 to Begin in New Delhi

Why in News

• Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 will begin on March 18 in New Delhi.
• The festival aims to promote tribal culture, crafts and entrepreneurship across India.

Organisers and Venue

• The festival is organised by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
• It is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Venue: Sunder Nursery.
• Duration: March 18 to March 30.
• Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (open to the public).

Inauguration

• The event will be inaugurated by Jual Oram.
• Durgadas Uikey will also be present.

Key Highlights

• Over 200 stalls representing 78 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
• Participation of more than 310 tribal artisans from across India.
• Display of tribal handicrafts, handlooms and traditional art.

Cultural and Food Experience

• “Forest-to-Plate” initiative featuring tribal cuisine with around 120 food exhibitors.
• 17 live craft demonstrations showcasing traditional techniques.
• Cultural performances by over 400 artists in the evenings.

Bharat Tribes Business Conclave

• Scheduled from March 19 to March 27.
• Brings together policymakers, industry leaders and tribal entrepreneurs.
• Focus areas include:
  • Sustainable textiles
  • Tribal food systems
  • Ethical markets
  • Innovation and skill development

CSR Conclave

• To be held on March 24.
• Aims to promote partnerships between corporate entities and tribal entrepreneurs.
• Focus on sustainable livelihood generation.

RISA Initiative

• RISA (Revival of Indigenous Sustainable Art) connects designers with tribal artisans.
• Notable designers include:
  • Anju Modi
  • Manish Tripathi
  • Gaurav Jai Gupta
  • Sandeep Khosla
  • Sameera Dalvi
• Focus on promoting indigenous textiles such as Eri silk, Kotpad cotton and Dongria embroidery.

Significance

• Promotes tribal culture and heritage.
• Provides market access to tribal artisans and entrepreneurs.
• Encourages sustainable and inclusive economic development.
• Strengthens livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.

Motion to Withdraw Jan Vishwas Bill in Lok Sabha

Why in News

• Piyush Goyal will move a motion in the Lok Sabha to withdraw the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025.
• The development is part of the ongoing Budget Session for 2026–27.

About Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025

• The Bill aims to:
  • Decriminalise minor offences
  • Rationalise legal provisions
  • Promote trust-based governance
• It focuses on improving:
  • Ease of living
  • Ease of doing business
• The withdrawal follows recommendations of a Select Committee.

Key Parliamentary Business

• Discussion and voting on Demands for Grants for the financial year 2026–27.
• Major ministries covered include:
  • Ministry of Railways
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
  • Ministry of Home Affairs

Business Advisory Committee Report

• Motion to be moved regarding the Fifteenth Report of the Business Advisory Committee.
• Key members involved:
  • Kiren Rijiju
  • Kodikunnil Suresh

Parliamentary Committee Reports

• Reports to be presented by various Standing Committees:
• Committee on Home Affairs:
  • Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
  • Vishnu Dayal Ram
• Committee on Communications and IT / Information & Broadcasting:
  • Kangana Ranaut
  • Rabindra Narayan Behera
• Committee on External Affairs:
  • Shashi Tharoor
  • Arvind Ganpat Sawant
• Committee on Finance:
  • Reports related to:
    • Ministry of Finance
    • Ministry of Planning
    • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
• Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development:
  • Covers:
    • Ministry of Labour and Employment
    • Ministry of Textiles
    • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
• Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas:
  • Report to be presented by Sunil Dattatrey Tatkare

Other Proceedings

• The session will begin with Question Hour.
• Ministers will lay papers, including:
  • Virendra Kumar
  • Giriraj Singh

Significance

• Withdrawal of the Bill indicates reconsideration of legal reforms related to decriminalisation.
• Parliamentary discussions on Demands for Grants are crucial for budget approval.
• Committee reports enhance legislative oversight and policy evaluation.

HPV Vaccination Campaign Gains Momentum Across India

Why in News

• A nationwide campaign for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is accelerating across multiple states in India.
• Nearly 3 lakh girls aged 14 years have been vaccinated within two weeks of the campaign’s launch.

States Leading the Campaign

• Several states are actively implementing the vaccination drive:
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Gujarat
  • Odisha
  • Mizoram

About HPV and Cervical Cancer

• HPV is a common viral infection transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
• Certain high-risk strains of HPV cause Cervical Cancer.
• Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in India.

Importance of HPV Vaccination

• The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection from high-risk virus strains.
• It significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.
• Vaccination at an early age (before exposure) is most effective.

Implementation Strategy

• The campaign targets girls aged 14 years.
• It is being conducted during the academic session through schools.
• Health authorities are coordinating with:
  • Schools
  • Local bodies
  • Healthcare workers

Progress and Response

• Around 3 lakh girls have already been vaccinated in the initial phase.
• There has been strong participation from parents, schools and communities.
• Awareness regarding preventive healthcare is increasing.

Challenges and Outlook

• Ongoing school examinations have slightly slowed the campaign in some areas.
• With exams nearing completion, the vaccination drive is expected to gain further momentum.
• Authorities aim to expand coverage and reach more beneficiaries in the coming weeks.

Significance

• The campaign is a major step toward reducing the burden of cervical cancer in India.
• It promotes preventive healthcare and early intervention.
• Supports long-term public health goals of a cancer-free future for women.

India’s Immunisation Drive: Transforming Public Health

Why in News

• National Vaccination Day highlights the impact of vaccination in improving public health.
• India’s immunisation programme continues to expand coverage and introduce new vaccines.

Legacy of Disease Eradication

• India has successfully eliminated major diseases such as:
  • Smallpox
  • Polio
  • Maternal and neonatal tetanus
• The last polio case was reported in 2011 under the Pulse Polio Programme.
• Vaccination has helped reduce child mortality and control diseases like measles-rubella and tuberculosis.

Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)

• Universal Immunisation Programme is one of the largest in the world.
• Implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Provides free vaccines annually to:
  • Around 2.9 crore pregnant women
  • Around 2.54 crore infants

Improvement in Coverage

• Full immunisation coverage increased:
  • From 62% in 2015
  • To 98.4% in January 2026
• Zero-dose children reduced:
  • From 0.11% in 2023
  • To 0.06% in 2024

Expansion of Vaccine Basket

• New vaccines introduced in recent years include:
  • Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
  • Rotavirus Vaccine
  • Measles-Rubella Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
• Key 2026 initiatives:
  • Indigenous Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccine developed at Central Research Institute, Kasauli
  • Nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign

Mission Indradhanush

• Mission Indradhanush targets unvaccinated and partially vaccinated populations.
• Coverage so far:
  • Over 5.46 crore children
  • Over 1.32 crore pregnant women
• Focus on remote and underserved areas.

Digital and Technological Support

• Key digital platforms:
  • CoWIN
  • U-WIN
  • Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN)
• These tools improve transparency, efficiency and monitoring.

Infrastructure Support

• India has a large cold-chain network:
  • Nearly 30,000 storage points
  • Over 1 lakh refrigeration units
• Around 1.3 crore immunisation sessions are conducted annually.
• Delivery through:
  • Primary Health Centres
  • Community Health Centres
  • Government hospitals
  • Outreach camps

Broader Impact

• Vaccination leads to:
  • Reduced healthcare costs
  • Improved child survival rates
  • Better education and productivity outcomes
• Contributes to long-term economic and social development.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s healthcare system and disease prevention capacity.
• Enhances self-reliance in vaccine production (India supplies around 60% of global vaccines).
• Supports national and global health goals, including disease elimination and universal health coverage.

President Murmu Lauds Akshaya Patra Foundation for 5 Billion Meals Milestone

Why in News

• Droupadi Murmu praised the Akshaya Patra Foundation for serving 5 billion meals.
• The remarks were made at an event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

Key Highlights of the Event

• The milestone of 5 billion meals was described as a remarkable achievement.
• The initiative supports school education by addressing child nutrition.
• The event theme aligned with the vision of building a developed India (Viksit Bharat 2047).

Link Between Nutrition and Education

• The President highlighted the strong connection between proper nutrition and effective learning.
• Nutritious meals improve:
  • School attendance
  • Student concentration
  • Overall academic performance

Shared Responsibility for Children

• Ensuring children’s well-being is a collective responsibility.
• Key stakeholders include:
  • Teachers
  • Parents
  • Social organisations
  • Corporate sector
• A collaborative approach helps build a strong foundation for future generations.

Role of Education

• Education is a key tool for:
  • Empowerment
  • Social transformation
• Schools equip children with skills, values and knowledge needed for life.

Contribution of Akshaya Patra Foundation

• The foundation has been working for over 25 years.
• It provides mid-day meals to school children across India.
• Its work helps:
  • Reduce malnutrition
  • Improve school enrolment and retention

Government Initiatives Supporting Nutrition

• PM POSHAN Scheme plays a major role in improving nutrition in schools.
• The scheme has contributed to:
  • Higher enrolment
  • Better attendance
  • Improved learning outcomes
• The initiative complements Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to ensure quality education for all.

Significance

• Highlights the importance of nutrition in human capital development.
• Strengthens the link between health and education policies.
• Supports the long-term goal of achieving a developed India by 2047.
• Emphasises investment in children as a foundation for national growth.

Lok Sabha Revokes Suspension of Eight Opposition MPs

Why in News

• Lok Sabha revoked the suspension of eight opposition MPs.
• The decision was taken by Om Birla after a motion moved by Kiren Rijiju.

Background of Suspension

• The MPs were suspended on February 3 during the Budget Session.
• Reason for suspension:
  • Disruption of proceedings
  • Throwing papers towards the Chair
• All eight MPs belong to the Indian National Congress.

Revocation of Suspension

• The suspension was revoked through a voice vote in the House.
• The decision followed an expression of regret by Kodikunnil Suresh on behalf of the party.
• The regret was described as acknowledgement of “inadvertent indiscretion” by members.

MPs Involved

• The suspended MPs included:
  • Amrinder Singh Raja Warring
  • Manickam Tagore
  • Gurjeet Singh Aujla
  • Hibi Eden
  • C. Kiran Kumar Reddy
  • Prashant Yadaorao Padole
  • S. Venkatesh
  • Dean Kuriakose

Support from Other Parties

• The motion received support from:
  • Dharmendra Yadav
  • Supriya Sule

Emphasis on Parliamentary Discipline

• Kiren Rijiju stressed the need for:
  • Maintaining decorum in the House
  • Following parliamentary rules and conventions
• He highlighted the importance of setting clear boundaries for smooth functioning.
• Referred to the concept of a “Lakshman Rekha” to ensure discipline in proceedings.

Aftermath

• After revocation, the MPs visited Parliament premises.
• They paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Significance

• Reflects efforts to restore normal functioning of Parliament.
• Highlights the role of dialogue and consensus in legislative processes.
• Reinforces the importance of discipline and adherence to parliamentary norms.

Ayushman Bharat: Over 43.5 Crore Cards Issued

Why in News

• The government reported that over 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been issued under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
• The update was shared in the Rajya Sabha.

Coverage and Beneficiaries

• The scheme targets around 12 crore economically vulnerable families.
• Provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family annually for:
  • Secondary care
  • Tertiary care hospitalisation
• Expanded coverage includes:
  • Senior citizens aged 70 years and above
  • Frontline workers such as ASHAs and Anganwadi staff

Healthcare Infrastructure

• A total of 36,229 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme.
• Includes a balanced mix of:
  • Public hospitals
  • Private hospitals

Health Benefit Package

• Updated package includes:
  • 1,961 medical procedures
  • Across 27 specialties
• Enables cashless treatment for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Utilisation of Services

• Over 11.69 crore hospital admissions authorised (as of February 2026).
• Total value of treatments: approximately ₹1.73 lakh crore.

Digital Health Ecosystem

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is expanding rapidly.
• Key achievements:
  • Over 86 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) created
  • More than 90 crore health records linked
  • Over 2.5 lakh healthcare facilities onboarded

Significance

• Enhances access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations.
• Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on medical treatment.
• Strengthens India’s digital health infrastructure.
• Promotes efficient, transparent and interoperable healthcare delivery systems.

Centre Pushes PNG Adoption Amid West Asia Tensions

Why in News

• The Centre is promoting greater adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
• The move aims to reduce pressure on LPG supplies and strengthen energy security.

Government Measures

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced steps to:
  • Expand City Gas Distribution (CGD) infrastructure
  • Encourage commercial users to shift from LPG to PNG
• Citizens have been advised to avoid panic buying as fuel supplies remain adequate.

Fuel Supply Status

• Petrol and diesel supplies are stable across the country.
• LPG availability remains an area of concern due to global uncertainties.
• Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are maintaining steady distribution.

Crackdown on Hoarding and Black Marketing

• State governments have intensified enforcement actions:
  • Around 12,000 raids conducted
  • Nearly 15,000 LPG cylinders seized
• Major actions reported in:
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Kerala
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Jammu and Kashmir
  • Delhi
• OMCs also conducted inspections at around 2,500 retail outlets and LPG distributorships.

Alternative Fuel Arrangements

• The government has activated alternative fuels to ease LPG demand:
  • Kerosene
  • Coal
• These are being used in sectors like hospitality and restaurants.

Maritime and Supply Updates

• Indian sailors and vessels in the Gulf region are safe.
• 161 Indian sailors were repatriated recently.
• LPG carriers such as:
  • Nanda Devi
  • Shivalik
    have reached ports and are unloading cargo.
• Reports of congestion at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority were denied.

Push for PNG Adoption

• The government is encouraging commercial LPG users to shift to PNG.
• City Gas Distribution companies are:
  • Reaching out via emails, call centres and portals
  • Offering incentives for new connections

Role of States

• States and Union Territories have been asked to:
  • Fast-track approvals for pipeline projects
  • Remove procedural delays
• Aim is to expand PNG infrastructure rapidly.

Significance

• Reduces dependence on LPG imports amid global tensions.
• Enhances energy security and supply stability.
• Promotes cleaner fuel usage in urban areas.
• Supports long-term transition to a gas-based economy.

PM Mudra Yojana: Over ₹32 Lakh Crore Disbursed Since 2015

Why in News

• Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha that over ₹32 lakh crore has been disbursed under the Mudra scheme since 2015.
• The scheme continues to support small entrepreneurs and promote financial inclusion.

About PM Mudra Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides collateral-free loans.
• Targets:
  • Micro and small enterprises
  • Non-corporate, non-farm sector
• Objective:
  • Promote entrepreneurship
  • Enable self-employment
  • Expand access to institutional credit

Loan Categories

• The scheme offers loans under three categories:
  • Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
  • Kishor: ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh
  • Tarun: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
• Tarun Plus:
  • Introduced in Union Budget 2024–25
  • Implemented from October 2024
  • Available to borrowers who have successfully repaid earlier Tarun loans

Key Achievements

• Total disbursement: Over ₹32 lakh crore
• Total loans sanctioned: More than 52 crore
• FY 2024–25 (provisional): Around ₹5.5 lakh crore sanctioned
• Women beneficiaries: Nearly 68%

Asset Quality (NPAs)

• Non-Performing Assets (as of March 31, 2025):
  • Shishu: 12.4%
  • Kishor: 9.4%
  • Tarun: 7.92%
• Banks are undertaking recovery measures to manage stressed loans.

Challenges

• Lower uptake of Tarun Plus category due to:
  • Early stage of implementation
  • Limited awareness
  • Need for repayment track record

Significance

• Promotes financial inclusion at the grassroots level.
• Encourages entrepreneurship and job creation.
• Supports women-led enterprises and gender-inclusive growth.
• Contributes to economic self-reliance and MSME sector development.

India aligning growth with climate goals

Why in News

• Jitendra Singh stated that India is aligning its economic growth with climate goals.
• The remarks were made at the Sustainable Business Futures Summit 2026.

India’s Role in Global Green Transition

• India, with a population of 1.4 billion, plays a crucial role in global sustainability efforts.
• The country’s development trajectory will significantly influence the global green transition.
• Green infrastructure is expected to be central to future economic growth.

Focus Areas of Green Growth

• Key priorities include:
  • Recycling and regeneration
  • Environmentally sustainable technologies
  • Clean energy systems
• Emphasis on integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Innovation and Startup Ecosystem

• India has over 2 lakh startups.
• Nearly 50% are from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
• Reflects decentralised and inclusive innovation-driven growth.

Clean Energy and SHANTI Act

• SHANTI Act aims to expand nuclear energy capacity.
• Enables participation of private players in nuclear energy.
• Supports clean and reliable energy for sectors like:
  • Data centres
  • Artificial Intelligence

Integrated Energy Strategy

• Focus on diversified energy mix:
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Nuclear
  • Hydrogen
• Development of:
  • Advanced energy storage systems
  • Flexible digital grids

Climate Commitments

• India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Promotes Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).
• Encourages environmentally responsible lifestyle practices.

Circular Economy Approach

• Emphasis on waste-to-wealth initiatives.
• Promotes efficient resource utilisation and value creation.

Future Infrastructure Priorities

• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Sustainable urban systems
• Clean mobility solutions
• Water security

Significance

• Positions India as a key player in global climate action.
• Balances development needs with environmental sustainability.
• Strengthens long-term economic resilience through green technologies.
• Highlights the importance of collaboration across government, industry and research sectors.

India Leads Global Coconut Production; Centre Announces Promotion Scheme

Why in News

• India has been reaffirmed as the world’s leading coconut producer.
• The government announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27 to boost the sector.

India’s Position in Coconut Production

• India contributes around 30.37% of global coconut production.
• Total area under cultivation: about 21.65 lakh hectares.
• Annual production: nearly 21,373 million nuts.
• Average productivity: around 9,871 nuts per hectare.

Economic Importance

• The coconut sector supports livelihoods of nearly 30 million people.
• Around 10 million farmers are directly involved in coconut cultivation.
• Plays a key role in rural economy and agro-based industries.

Government Initiative: Coconut Promotion Scheme

• Announced as part of Union Budget 2026–27.
• Objective:
  • Increase production
  • Improve productivity
• Key focus:
  • Replacing old and unproductive trees
  • Promoting high-yielding varieties

Financial Allocation

• The scheme is part of a broader ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture.
• Covers crops such as:
  • Coconut
  • Cashew
  • Cocoa

Implementation Status

• The scheme is currently under formulation.
• Details such as state-wise fund allocation and utilisation are yet to be finalised.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s leadership in global coconut production.
• Enhances farmer income and rural livelihoods.
• Promotes high-value agriculture and crop diversification.
• Supports sustainable agricultural growth.

India’s NavIC Not Fully Functional After 27 Years

Why in News

• ISRO confirmed failure of an atomic clock onboard IRNSS-1F.
• This has further weakened India’s regional navigation system NavIC.

Background: Origin of NavIC

• The need for an indigenous system arose after the Kargil War:
  • The US denied GPS access to India.
• NavIC was developed to ensure:
  • Strategic autonomy
  • Reliable navigation for civilian and military use

What is NavIC?

• A regional satellite navigation system developed by ISRO.
• Designed to provide:
  • Positioning
  • Navigation
  • Timing (PNT) services
• Coverage:
  • India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders

How Satellite Navigation Works

• Requires a constellation of satellites transmitting signals.
• Types:
  • Regional systems: minimum 3–4 satellites
  • Global systems: 24+ satellites
• Examples:
  • GPS (31 satellites)
  • GLONASS
  • BeiDou
  • Galileo

NavIC Constellation Design

• Total planned satellites: 7
  • 3 in geostationary orbit
  • 4 in inclined geosynchronous orbit
• Provides two services:
  • Standard Position Service (civilian)
  • Restricted Service (military)

Current Status

• Only 3 satellites remain fully operational.
• Minimum requirement not met → system effectively non-functional.
• Replacement and next-generation launches delayed.

Key Technical Issues

• Failure of rubidium atomic clocks:
  • Earlier affected IRNSS-1A
  • Now impacts IRNSS-1F
• Atomic clocks are critical for:
  • Precise timing
  • Accurate positioning

Other Challenges

• Launch failures:
  • IRNSS-1H failed due to heat shield issue
• Failure of second-generation satellite:
  • NVS-02
• Weak ground infrastructure:
  • Signal tracking and processing systems inadequate
• Delayed replacements and ageing satellites

Institutional and Strategic Issues

• Over-reliance on ISRO as sole operator
• Focus diverted to major missions:
  • Human spaceflight (Gaganyaan)
  • Future space station plans
• Limited private sector participation

Where India is Losing

• Military impact:
  • Indian forces depend on foreign systems like GPS and GLONASS
  • Risk during conflicts if access is denied
• Strategic disadvantage:
  • Countries like China use indigenous BeiDou
• Economic impact:
  • Navigation tech is key for logistics, telecom, and digital economy

Importance of NavIC

• Ensures:
  • Strategic independence
  • Secure military operations
  • Reliable civilian navigation
• Critical for:
  • Modern warfare
  • Precision targeting
  • Border surveillance

Way Forward

• Urgent launch of next-generation satellites:
  • NVS-3, NVS-4
• Strengthening ground infrastructure
• Increased private sector involvement
• Focus on reliability of atomic clocks
• Clear long-term roadmap for expansion

Significance

• Highlights gaps in India’s space-based strategic capabilities
• Shows importance of self-reliance in critical technologies
• Emphasises growing role of space systems in defence and economy

Gulf States Urge Strong Action Against Iran as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Why in News

• Gulf countries are urging the United States to take stronger action against Iran amid escalating tensions.
• The crisis is centred around disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Background of the Crisis

• The ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel with Iran has entered its third week.
• Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting:
  • Airports
  • Ports
  • Oil facilities
  • Commercial hubs in Gulf countries
• Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly disrupted.

Strategic Importance of Strait of Hormuz

• Handles around 20% of global oil trade.
• Acts as a critical energy lifeline for global markets.
• Any disruption impacts:
  • Oil prices
  • Global energy security
  • Trade flows

Gulf States’ Position

• Gulf nations have not explicitly called for war but want:
  • Iran’s military capabilities to be significantly weakened
• Concern that:
  • A partially weakened Iran could continue to threaten regional stability
• Fear of long-term vulnerability if decisive action is not taken.

United States’ Role

• United States is:
  • Conducting military operations with Israel
  • Encouraging Gulf nations to show support for legitimacy
• Donald Trump has called for a coalition to secure the Strait.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

• Includes:
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Bahrain
• Challenges:
  • Lack of consensus among members
  • No unified military response so far

Risks and Concerns

• Fear of a wider regional war.
• Risk of retaliation if Gulf states directly intervene.
• Potential damage to:
  • Oil infrastructure
  • Desalination plants
  • Economic stability

Strategic Dilemma

• Gulf states face a balance between:
  • Countering Iran’s threat
  • Avoiding escalation into a full-scale war
• Preference for:
  • Defensive measures
  • Limited engagement

Global Implications

• Major oil importers like:
  • China
  • Japan
• These countries depend heavily on Gulf energy supplies.
• There are calls for broader international involvement in securing maritime routes.

Significance

• Highlights fragility of global energy supply chains.
• Reinforces the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.
• Underlines the risks of prolonged conflict on global economy and security.

Cuba’s National Electric Grid Collapse

Why in News

• Cuba experienced a nationwide collapse of its electric grid.
• Around 10 million people were left without power.

Nature of the Blackout

• The entire national grid shut down, causing a complete power outage.
• Authorities ruled out a major power plant failure.
• The issue is likely linked to transmission problems.

Causes of the Crisis

• Major contributing factors include:
  • U.S.-imposed oil restrictions limiting fuel supply
  • Reduced oil imports, especially from Venezuela
  • Ageing and obsolete power infrastructure
• Cuba has received only minimal fuel shipments in recent months.

Role of External Factors

• United States has tightened pressure by:
  • Cutting Venezuelan oil supplies
  • Threatening penalties on countries exporting oil to Cuba
• This has severely affected electricity generation capacity.

Impact on Population and Economy

• Millions of people faced:
  • Complete loss of electricity
  • Disruption of daily life and essential services
• The blackout triggered:
  • Rare protests and unrest
  • Food and water shortages in some areas

Restoration Efforts

• Authorities have begun restoring power through:
  • Small “microsystems” or local circuits
• Full restoration is gradual and complex due to grid instability.

Repeated Power Failures

• This is one of several major blackouts in recent months.
• Reflects a deep structural energy crisis in the country.

Broader Implications

• Highlights vulnerability of ageing energy infrastructure.
• Shows impact of geopolitical tensions on domestic economies.
• Raises concerns about energy security in fuel-dependent nations.

Significance

• Demonstrates how fuel supply disruptions can collapse entire power systems.
• Underlines the importance of diversified energy sources and grid resilience.
• Reflects intersection of geopolitics, energy security and economic stability.

Science Behind the “Floating” Lake of the Faroe Islands

Why in News

• Sørvágsvatn has gained global attention for appearing to “float” above the Atlantic Ocean.
• Viral images from Trælanípa create a striking visual illusion that defies normal perception.

Location and Basic Facts

• Located in the Faroe Islands.
• Also known as Leitisvatn.
• Largest lake in the region:
  • Area: about 3.4 sq km
  • Height: about 30 metres above sea level
• Acts as a major freshwater source.

The Optical Illusion (Forced Perspective)

• The “floating” effect is due to:
  • Forced perspective
  • Specific viewing angles from cliffs
• When viewed from Trælanípa:
  • The foreground cliff and distant ocean visually merge
  • The middle ground (actual slope) becomes invisible
• The human brain interprets:
  • Lake surface = same level as cliff edge
  • Result → illusion that the lake is hundreds of metres above the sea

Role of Trælanípa Cliffs

• Height: about 142 metres
• Vertical drop directly into the ocean
• Masks the gentle slope between lake and sea
• Enhances the illusion by:
  • Removing depth cues
  • Compressing visual distance

The Reality: Hidden 30-Metre Gap

• The lake is actually:
  • Only 30 metres above the Atlantic Ocean
• A narrow rock ledge separates:
  • Freshwater lake
  • Ocean water
• This creates:
  • A clear but visually hidden elevation difference

Drainage System – Bøsdalafossur Waterfall

• Bøsdalafossur acts as the lake’s outlet.
• Key functions:
  • Drains excess water into the ocean
  • Maintains stable water levels
• During heavy rainfall:
  • Water cascades over cliffs into the sea
• Prevents overflow and preserves the illusion effect

Geological Formation

• Formed from basaltic rock structure:
  • Originated from volcanic activity about 11 million years ago
• Shaped by two major processes:
  • Glaciation:
    • Carved deep basin holding freshwater
  • Marine erosion:
    • Created steep coastal cliffs like Trælanípa

Dual Erosion Effect

• Glaciers:
  • Scooped out the inland depression
• Ocean waves:
  • Cut vertical cliff edges
• Result:
  • A solid rock rim separating lake and ocean
  • Creates illusion of proximity without actual merging

Scientific Concept Involved

• Forced perspective:
  • A visual illusion where objects appear different in size or distance than reality
• Commonly used in:
  • Photography
  • Films
• Here, nature itself creates this effect through:
  • Topography
  • Viewing angle
  • Light and depth perception

Significance

• Demonstrates interaction of:
  • Geology
  • Human perception
  • Landscape formation
• Highlights how:
  • Visual perception can be misleading
  • Natural landforms can create optical illusions
• Important for:
  • Geography and geomorphology studies
  • Tourism and environmental awareness