U.K. Base in the Middle East • The United Kingdom allowed the United States to utilise RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.• Use permitted for limited defensive operations related to the Iran campaign.
Operation Epic Fury: US Military Objectives Against Iran | UPSC GS 2 IR
Context • The United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran, referred to as Operation Epic Fury. Four Objectives Listed by Donald Trump • The operation may last four to five weeks.• Ground force deployment has not been ruled out.
Operation Sankalp: Indian Navy Deployment in Gulf Region | UPSC GS 2 Security
Operation Sankalp • Launched in June 2019• Objective: Ensure safety of Indian-flagged merchant vessels in the Gulf region• Operational Areas: Gulf of Aden | Gulf of Oman• Nature: Maritime security and anti-piracy deployment Current Deployment • Two Indian Navy ships positioned:
India Tea Exports to West Asia Hit by Strait of Hormuz Conflict | UPSC GS 3
Context • Escalating conflict in West Asia has disrupted key maritime routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.• Nearly 45–50% of India’s tea exports to the region are affected.• Rising freight charges, higher insurance premiums, and shipment delays are increasing export costs.• Key markets impacted: Iraq | UAE | Iran | Saudi Arabia Agro-Climatic Conditions Required for Tea Cultivation • Temperature: 20°C–30°C (frost-free climate)• Rainfall: 150–300 cm annually, well distributed• Altitude: 600–2,000 m (quality improves at higher altitudes)• Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5)• High humidity with morning mist• Labour intensive crop requiring skilled plucking Top 3 Tea Producing Countries China | India | Kenya Top 3 Tea Exporting Countries Kenya | China | India Top 3 Tea Producing States (India) Assam | West Bengal | Tamil Nadu Tea Board of India• Established under the Tea Act, 1953• Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry• Headquarters: Kolkata• Functions: Regulation, export promotion, quality control, research support, GI branding (Darjeeling, Assam)
India–Canada Uranium Deal: 10-Year Uranium Supply Pact and CEPA Talks | UPSC GS 2
Context • India and Canada signed a $1.9-billion, 10-year uranium supply agreement during Prime Minister-level talks.• The engagement marked a structured reset in bilateral relations after diplomatic strain.• Focus areas include energy security, trade negotiations, and climate cooperation. Major Bilateral Developments 1. Uranium Supply Deal • Long-term uranium supply for India’s civilian nuclear power reactors.• Supports India’s clean energy targets and baseload electricity requirements.• Strengthens Canada’s position as a key global nuclear fuel supplier. 2. Trade Negotiations – CEPA • Terms of Reference (ToR) issued for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.• ToR defines the scope, structure, objectives, and timelines of negotiations.• Aim is to create a structured roadmap to significantly expand bilateral trade by 2030. 3. Strategic Energy & Technology Cooperation • Collaboration in renewables, LPG, and uranium supply chains.• Cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. 4. Climate & Multilateral Engagement • Canada joined the International Solar Alliance (Headquarters: Gurugram).• Canada joined the Global Biofuel Alliance (launched during G20 2023). Uranium Enrichment Levels • Natural Uranium: approximately 0.7% U-235• Nuclear Power (Electricity Production): 3–5% (Low Enriched Uranium)• Research / Advanced Reactors: up to 20%• Nuclear Weapons: 90%+ (Highly Enriched Uranium) Power reactors require low enrichment, whereas nuclear weapons require very high enrichment, indicating a major technical distinction. Top Uranium Producing Countries Kazakhstan | Canada | Namibia
Consumer Price Index (CPI):
What is CPI Why Base Year Matters Issues with the 2012 Base Year Perception vs Official Inflation New CPI Series (Base Year 2024) Implications for Policy Structural Limitation of CPI Overall Significance A regularly updated CPI is critical for aligning macroeconomic policy with everyday economic experience.
Coconut Cultivation Sustainability – Climate Risks & Policy Measures | UPSC GS 3
Context India is world’s largest producer and consumer of coconuts. Major States: Key Challenges Climate Stress: Disease: Productivity Imbalance: High Domestic Prices: Budget 2026–27 Measures Core shift: From productivity → sustainability & resilience.
India–Canada CEPA – Trade Target, Strategic Significance & GS 2 Analysis
Objective Trade Numbers Areas of Cooperation Trilateral Partnership Australia–Canada–India framework (G20 2025) Strategic angle: Diversification away from China-centric supply chains.
GST Collection Rise – February 2026 Data & Revenue Trends | UPSC GS 3
Context Gross GST collections rose 8.1% YoY in Feb 2026 to ₹1.83 lakh crore. GST Basics Constitutional Basis Rate Rationalisation Significance: Stable revenue despite rationalisation.
Iran–Israel War – Causes, Nuclear Trigger & Regional Impact | UPSC GS 2
Core Thesis The Iran–Israel war is not sudden. It is the culmination of decades of ideological hostility, proxy conflict, failed nuclear diplomacy and recent regional destabilisation. Historical Evolution Proxy War Phase For decades, confrontation remained indirect: Iran: Israel: Nuclear Trigger Immediate Escalation (2025–26) Shift: Proxy war → Open confrontation Strategic Objectives Israel: Iran: Wider Implications
