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📝 Revision Notes
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History & Freedom Struggle
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev — HSRA
All three were members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), founded by Chandrashekhar Azad. They were convicted in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1929) and executed on 23 March 1931 — one day early — at Lahore Central Jail. Their bodies were cremated secretly at Hussainiwala, Punjab.
National Days
Shaheed Diwas — Two Dates
India observes Shaheed Diwas twice: 30 January (assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, 1948) and 23 March (execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, 1931). Other days include 21 October (Police Martyrs’ Day) and 17 November (observed in Odisha).
International Organisations
World Meteorological Day — WMO
Observed on 23 March annually to mark the coming into force of the WMO Convention (1950). First celebrated in 1961. The 2026 theme is ‘Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow’ — emphasising climate observation for resilience. WMO Secretary-General is Prof. Celeste Saulo.
Geopolitics & Energy
Strait of Hormuz & India’s LPG Dependence
Approximately 60–70% of India’s LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. India imports ~60% of its total LPG consumption. The 2026 West Asia crisis triggered by ‘Operation Epic Fury’ (US-Israel strikes on Iran, 28 Feb 2026) led to effective closure of the strait, prompting invocation of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Defence
Operation Sankalp — Indian Navy
Originally launched on 19 June 2019 during West Asia tensions, Operation Sankalp deploys Indian Navy warships in rotation across the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf. Reactivated in 2026, it successfully escorted SCI tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi through the Hormuz crisis. 23 warships were deployed in rotation.
Banking & Finance
Jose Joseph Kattoor — South Indian Bank
Former Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, Jose Joseph Kattoor was appointed Non-Executive Part Time Chairman & Independent Director of South Indian Bank for a three-year term from 23 March 2026, succeeding V.J. Kurian. The transition was disclosed under SEBI listing norms.
Science & Space
Ferric Hydroxysulfate on Mars — Valles Marineris
Scientists discovered Ferric Hydroxysulfate (iron sulfate mineral) in layered deposits near Valles Marineris — the solar system’s largest canyon at over 4,000 km. This mineral typically forms in water + acidic conditions, suggesting ancient water activity on Mars. Key for understanding Mars’ past habitability and climate.
Economy
India’s Direct Tax Collection FY2025-26
India’s net direct tax collection grew by 7.19% YoY to Rs 22.80 trillion (as of 17 March 2026). Growth was driven by stronger corporate tax and personal income tax revenues, reflecting better compliance and a widening tax base — a positive fiscal indicator as FY2026 closure approached.
Health
World TB Day — 24 March
Observed on 24 March to commemorate Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. India targets TB elimination by 2025 under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) — five years ahead of the UN SDG 2030 target. India has one of the world’s highest TB burdens.
Geopolitics
Operation Epic Fury — 2026 West Asia Crisis
On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ — coordinated strikes on Iran’s military, nuclear sites, and leadership. Iran retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz (official IRGC confirmation: 2 March 2026). Brent crude surged to USD 126/barrel — the largest energy supply disruption since the 1970s crisis.
🎴 Revision Flashcards
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Which organisation did Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev belong to?
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
Founded by Chandrashekhar Azad; believed in armed resistance against British rule
Tap to Reveal
On which date was the WMO Convention brought into force, and in which year?
23 March 1950
World Meteorological Day is observed on this date; first celebrated in 1961
Tap to Reveal
What percentage of India’s LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz?
60–70%
India imports ~60% of its total LPG consumption; Essential Commodities Act invoked in 2026 crisis
Tap to Reveal
When was Operation Sankalp originally launched, and in which waters?
19 June 2019; Gulf of Oman & Persian Gulf
Reactivated in 2026 to escort SCI tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi
Tap to Reveal
What mineral was discovered near Valles Marineris on Mars, suggesting ancient water activity?
Ferric Hydroxysulfate (iron sulfate mineral)
Valles Marineris stretches over 4,000 km — the largest canyon system in the solar system
Tap to Reveal
By what percentage did India’s net direct tax collection grow in FY2025-26 (as of March 17)?
7.19% (to Rs 22.80 trillion)
Driven by stronger corporate tax and personal income tax revenues
Tap to Reveal
Who discovered the bacterium that causes TB, and on which date?
Dr. Robert Koch; 24 March 1882
Mycobacterium tuberculosis; India’s elimination target is 2025 under NTEP
Tap to Reveal
What Brent crude price was reached at peak during the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis?
USD 126 per barrel
Largest global energy supply disruption since the 1970s energy crisis
Think & Discuss
India’s Energy Vulnerability: Strategic Lessons from the Hormuz Crisis
Context from today’s quiz: The 2026 West Asia crisis — triggered by ‘Operation Epic Fury’ (US-Israeli strikes on Iran) — effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. With 60–70% of India’s LPG imports transiting through this chokepoint, India was forced to invoke the Essential Commodities Act and reactivate Operation Sankalp. Brent crude surged to USD 126 per barrel, exposing the structural risks of concentrated energy import routes.
🤔 Your Perspective Matters
The Hormuz crisis has laid bare a long-known but inadequately addressed vulnerability: India’s energy import architecture is heavily concentrated through a single maritime chokepoint in a geopolitically volatile region. While Operation Sankalp demonstrated naval capability, the structural dependency on Hormuz remains. Is naval escort and emergency legislation enough, or does India need a fundamentally different energy security doctrine?
Should India treat energy security as a strategic imperative on par with military defence — with matching investments and policy urgency?
Should India treat energy security as a strategic imperative on par with military defence — with matching investments and policy urgency?
- India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, but fossil fuel import dependency remains high. What structural reforms — in refining, storage, pipeline infrastructure, or supplier diversification — would most reduce India’s Hormuz exposure over the next decade?
- Operation Sankalp escorts Indian-flagged vessels, but a large share of India’s energy imports arrive on foreign-flagged ships. Should India accelerate the build-up of its own merchant fleet as a strategic asset, and how does this connect to the Sagarmala Programme?
- The crisis placed India in a difficult diplomatic position: a close partner of the US, yet heavily dependent on Gulf energy. How should India balance its strategic autonomy doctrine with the reality of energy interdependence in a polarised West Asia?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your perspective in the comments.
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