Today’s Daily Current Affairs is compiled from trusted sources including The Hindu current affairs, Indian Express current affairs, and PIB current affairs in a structured, exam-oriented format to help UPSC aspirants prepare effectively for Prelims and Mains.
India Has 50 Days of Fuel Sufficiency Amid West Asia Crisis
Why in News
- Tensions in West Asia, including conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, have led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The disruption raised concerns about India’s fuel stock position and energy security.
- The government clarified that India currently has sufficient crude oil and fuel reserves.
Current Fuel Stock Position
- India has 25 days of crude oil reserves.
- It also has 25 days of petrol and diesel stocks.
- Combined, this accounts for 50 days of overall fuel sufficiency.
- The 25-day crude oil reserve does not include the emergency Special Petroleum Reserves (SPR), which would extend the sufficiency period further.
Dependence on Strait of Hormuz
- About two-fifths of India’s crude oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Closure of the Strait has disrupted global energy supplies.
- Brent crude prices crossed $80 per barrel amid escalating tensions.
LNG and LPG Position
- India is “comfortably placed” in terms of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
- LNG supplies are sufficient for the next two to three weeks.
- Concerns arose after QatarEnergy halted LNG production due to military attacks.
- India has already diversified LPG sourcing after damage to Saudi Aramco’s Juaymah terminal.
- The government stated that alternative global LPG sources are available, even if located farther away.
Government Measures
- No decision has been taken to cut petroleum product exports.
- The government is exploring alternative suppliers to diversify hydrocarbon procurement.
- A 24×7 control room has been set up by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry to monitor fuel supply and stocks.
- The government remains cautiously optimistic and prioritizes safeguarding consumer interests.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killing: Geopolitical Factors Behind India’s Silence
Why in News
- The Union government has faced criticism from Opposition parties for not issuing a condolence message on the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family members.
- India also did not publicly condemn the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, including attacks on schools and hospitals.
- The government’s silence contrasts with its past responses to similar incidents involving Iran.
Background of the Conflict
- Joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted key locations in Iran at the start of the conflict on February 28.
- Attacks reportedly damaged civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and a primary school.
- India issued general statements expressing concern over escalation but avoided direct condemnation or specific references to the killings.
Shift from Past Precedents
- In 2020, India described the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani as “alarming” and stressed the need for peace.
- In 2024, India declared a day of mourning after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and sent high-level representation to his funeral.
- In 2025, India joined statements by multilateral groupings condemning unilateral strikes on Iran.
- The current silence marks a noticeable shift in tone and diplomatic approach.
Key Geopolitical Factors Behind India’s Position
Israel Factor
- India has strengthened security and defence ties with Israel in recent years.
- High-level political engagements and public expressions of support indicate closer alignment.
- Direct condemnation of Israeli actions could strain this growing strategic partnership.
India-Iran Ties Under Strain
- India-Iran trade has declined significantly due to U.S. sanctions on Iran.
- Oil imports from Iran were reduced to zero after 2018.
- The future of India’s involvement in the Chabahar port project remains uncertain amid sanctions and regional instability.
Concerns Over Khamenei’s Statements
- Iran’s leadership, including Khamenei, has previously criticized India’s policies on Kashmir and minority issues.
- These statements created diplomatic discomfort and may have influenced India’s restrained response.
India-Gulf Relations
- Around 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- India’s energy imports from Gulf nations have increased in recent months.
- Taking a strong position could risk trade, energy security, and the safety of Indian nationals in the region.
India-U.S. Strategic Ties
- India is strengthening economic and technological ties with the United States.
- Recent trade agreements and cooperation in critical technology supply chains are significant.
- Given potential U.S. sanctions related to Iran, India may prefer a cautious diplomatic approach.
Future Challenges
- Continued escalation in the conflict may force India to take clearer positions.
- Energy security, trade routes, and diaspora safety remain immediate concerns.
- India must also consider its image in the Global South and within multilateral platforms such as BRICS, which now includes both Iran and the UAE.
U.S.-Israel Attacks on Iran Threaten Global Fuel Trade
Why in News
- U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation have escalated into a wider regional conflict.
- Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit chokepoint.
- Oil and gas prices have surged, raising concerns over global energy security and fuel trade disruptions.
Immediate Impact on Energy Markets
- Oil prices rose to $78.31 per barrel, nearly 12% higher than a week earlier.
- Prices had already been rising due to U.S. military build-up in the region.
- Qatar halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at the world’s largest export facility following drone attacks.
- Refineries in Saudi Arabia and Iraq also announced suspensions.
Strategic Importance of West Asia
- West Asia accounted for 31% of global oil production in 2024.
- The region contributed 38% of global oil exports.
- Five of the top ten oil-producing countries are from this region:
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Iraq
- Iran
- Kuwait
Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
- The Strait connects Gulf oil producers to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
- It handles about 20% of global oil exports.
- Around 14 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products pass through daily.
- It represents about 31% of all seaborne crude flows globally.
- Iran has reportedly used threats, mine-laying, and direct attacks to halt shipments.
Impact on China
- China imported 5.4 million barrels per day through the Strait in FY25 Q1.
- Over 97% of Iran’s oil exports in 2024 went to China.
- About 56% of China’s oil imports came from West Asia in 2024.
- China holds around 1.2 billion barrels in commercial and strategic reserves, up 30% since 2020.
- Disruptions add pressure, especially after earlier supply constraints from Venezuela.
Impact on India
- India imported about 2.1 million barrels per day via the Strait.
- The Petroleum Ministry has stated India has around 25 days of crude oil reserves.
- Prolonged closure could significantly affect India’s energy security and trade.
Broader Implications
- Escalation threatens global fuel trade and supply chains.
- Energy-importing countries face rising costs and inflationary pressures.
- Prolonged disruption could destabilize global markets and economic recovery.
Centre Inks ₹5,083-Crore Deal to Strengthen Maritime Security
Why in News
- The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to enhance India’s maritime security.
- The agreements include procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard and Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy.
- The acquisitions aim to boost air defence capabilities and promote indigenous manufacturing.
Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for Coast Guard
- Six ALH Mk-III helicopters (maritime role) to be procured.
- Contract valued at ₹2,901 crore signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
- Includes operational role equipment, engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support.
- Falls under the category of indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured products.
- Twin-engine helicopters with advanced features superior to existing airborne platforms.
- Capable of operating from shore-based airfields and ships at sea.
Operational Significance for Coast Guard
- Enhances maritime security missions.
- Strengthens protection of artificial islands and offshore installations.
- Improves safety of fishermen.
- Supports safeguarding of the marine environment.
Employment and Indigenous Push
- Equipment supply involves more than 200 MSMEs.
- Expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.
- Reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives.
Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles for Navy
- Contract valued at ₹2,182 crore signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia.
- Includes procurement of Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames.
- Aimed at enhancing air defence capabilities of frontline warships.
Strategic Importance for Indian Navy
- Strengthens layered air defence architecture.
- Provides rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability.
- Improves survivability in contested maritime environments.
- Reflects continued defence cooperation between India and Russia.