1. International Relations: Operation Epic Fury & Geopolitical Shift
The global order is witnessing a seismic shift following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the U.S.-Israeli joint military campaign, "Operation Epic Fury." This marks the most direct confrontation with Tehran in decades, reportedly triggered by the collapse of nuclear negotiations in Oman. For aspirants, this is critical for understanding the reversal of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the potential for regime change, and the strategic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, where oil and LNG shipments are currently suspended.
2. Bilateral Pacts: India-Canada & India-Israel Strategic Ties
India is aggressively securing its energy and technology future. A landmark agreement was signed today with Canada for the long-term supply of uranium and critical minerals, essential for India's clean energy transition. Simultaneously, India and Israel have officially elevated their relationship to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity," signing 17 pacts covering cybersecurity, agriculture, and AI. These developments are vital for "International Relations" and "Energy Security" modules.
3. Governance & Economy: New GDP Series and CBIC Reforms
The government has introduced a new GDP series to refine economic signaling, resulting in an upward revision of historical fiscal deficit ratios (e.g., FY25 revised to 4.9%). On the policy front, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) launched a Deferred Customs Duty Payment Facility for manufacturer importers. Effective from March 1, 2026, this scheme allows eligible manufacturers to defer duty payments to a monthly basis, a significant move for "Ease of Doing Business" and industrial liquidity.
4. Energy & Environment: BEE’s Silver Jubilee and Project Cheetah
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day (established March 1, 2002), launching the RCO Portal to monitor Renewable Consumption Obligations. In wildlife conservation, 8 additional cheetahs were translocated to India from South Africa on February 28, 2026, as part of Project Cheetah. Aspirants should note the IUCN status: Asiatic Cheetahs are "Critically Endangered," while African Cheetahs are "Vulnerable."
5. Social Issues & Legal: AI in Judiciary and the Monolith Project
The Supreme Court has issued a landmark warning against "hallucinated" AI-generated verdicts, emphasizing that relying on non-existent legal precedents is a form of judicial misconduct. In the Northeast, Meghalaya has launched a cultural-tourism mega-project to build 123-meter Monolith Towers in New Shillong, funded under the PM-DevINE scheme, aimed at preserving tribal heritage while boosting the state's $16 billion economy goal.