Prelims Pinpointer 14-15 March 2026

Kharg Island

Context: U.S. President claimed military forces “obliterated” targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is home to Iran’s primary oil export terminal. Kharg Island.

About the Island

• Location and Physical Features
  • Kharg Island is a small coral island located in Iran in the northern Persian Gulf.
  • It lies about 30 km from the Iranian mainland.
  • It is a rocky limestone island, notable for being one of the few islands in the Persian Gulf with freshwater stored within porous limestone.
  • Its highest point is Mount Didehban (87 m above sea level).
• Development as an Oil Hub
  • The discovery of an offshore oil field in the early 1960s led to rapid development of Kharg as a major petroleum and petrochemical centre.
  • Pipelines connecting the island to offshore oil fields and fields in Khuzistan province enabled large-scale oil transport.
• Role in Iran’s Oil Exports
  • Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports, making it vital to the country’s economy.
  • The terminal can load around 7 million barrels per day.
  • Its infrastructure can accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs).
  • The port can load eight to nine supertankers simultaneously.

NavIC

What is NavIC?

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s regional satellite navigation system developed by ISRO.
• It was earlier known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
• NavIC provides Position, Velocity and Timing (PVT) services for India and up to about 1500 km beyond the Indian landmass.

Satellite Constellation and Features

• The system was originally designed with 7 satellites supported by a network of ground stations.
• Satellite configuration:
  • 3 satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
  • 4 satellites in Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)
• Satellites transmit signals in two frequency bands:
  • L5 band
  • S band
• The L5 signal is encrypted for military and strategic use.
• At least four operational satellites are required to provide reliable navigation services.
• NavIC provides two types of services:
  • Standard Position Service (SPS): Available for civilian users.
  • Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted service for authorised users including defence forces.

Significance of NavIC

• Ensures strategic autonomy in navigation services.
  • The need for an indigenous system was highlighted during the 1999 Kargil War, when GPS access was denied to India.
• Provides secure navigation signals for defence applications.

Recent Challenge

• The atomic clock onboard the IRNSS-1F satellite stopped functioning.
  • Atomic clocks provide precise timing signals, which are essential for accurate satellite navigation.
• The failure has reduced the number of fully functional satellites, weakening the system’s navigation capability.

Next-Generation NavIC Satellites

• To strengthen the system, ISRO is deploying second-generation NavIC satellites (NVS series).
  • NVS-01 (launched May 2023) carries an indigenously developed rubidium atomic clock.
  • NVS-02 (launched January 2025) failed to reach its intended orbit.

Country / Region	Navigation System
United States	GPS (Global Positioning System)
Russia	GLONASS
European Union	Galileo
China	BeiDou
India	NavIC (IRNSS)

One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme

About the Scheme

• ODOP is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with support from Invest India.
• It promotes one distinctive product from each district to strengthen local economies.
• Inspired by Japan’s “One Village One Product” model.
• Launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018, beginning with Moradabad’s brassware.
• As of 2025, the scheme covers 1,102 products across 761 districts in sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, textiles and food products.

Objectives

• Promote local products as global brands.
• Support artisans, farmers and micro-enterprises.
• Preserve traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
• Improve market access and value addition for district products.

Product Selection

• States and Union Territories identify district-specific products based on local resources and skills.
• These products are then notified to DPIIT.
• ODOP products are promoted through platforms such as:
  • Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
  • ODOP Bazaar

Supporting Initiatives

• ODOP Wall
  • A display space showcasing district-specific products at locations such as SARAS Aajeevika Stores.
• PM Ekta (Unity) Malls
  • Dedicated retail hubs promoting ODOP and GI-tagged products.
  • Developed under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model.
  • 29 Unity Malls approved across 27 States.

Earth’s Magnetic Field Reversals

Earth’s Magnetic Field

• The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the geodynamo, which results from the movement of molten iron in the outer core.
• It performs two key functions:
  • Helps in navigation (compass alignment with magnetic poles).
  • Protects the Earth from high-energy solar radiation by deflecting charged particles.

Magnetic Pole Reversal

• A geomagnetic reversal occurs when the north and south magnetic poles interchange positions.
• These reversals have occurred many times in Earth’s geological history.
• Earlier studies suggested that such reversals typically lasted around 10,000 years.
• New Study Findings
  • Recent research analysing deep-sea sediment records (dating back about 40 million years to the Eocene epoch) suggests that some reversals lasted longer.
  • One reversal lasted about 18,000 years.
  • Another reversal lasted about 70,000 years, much longer than previously believed.

HALEU

Context: A scientific debate has emerged over the use of HALEU (thorium fuel) in India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). A study by  the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) questioned whether this fuel combination is suitable for India’s existing reactors.

Understanding the Fuel

• HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium)
  • Uranium enriched with 5–20% uranium-235 (U-235).
  • U-235 is a fissile material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction.
• Thorium
  • Thorium is a fertile material that can convert into uranium-233 (U-233) inside a reactor.
  • India has large thorium reserves, making it important for the country’s long-term nuclear energy plans.

Key Findings of the Study

• HALEU- thorium fuel showed the highest burn-up (energy extracted from fuel), about 50 gigawatt-days per tonne (GWd/t).
• It also produced much less radioactive waste compared with current fuels.
• However, the study raised a safety concern:
  • The fuel could make shutdown rods about 26% less effective.
  • Shutdown rods are critical safety devices used to rapidly stop nuclear reactions during emergencies.
• Because of this, the study concluded that HALEU-thorium is not a direct replacement for fuel in existing PHWR reactors.

Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955

About the Act

• The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 is a central law enacted to regulate the production, supply and distribution of goods considered essential for the public.
• It empowers the government to prevent hoarding, curb black marketing, and ensure availability of essential goods at fair prices.
• The Act seeks to:
  • Ensure steady availability of essential commodities.
  • Prevent artificial scarcity and price manipulation.
  • Secure essential supplies required for national defence and military operations.

Key Provisions

• Essential Commodities: Items listed in the Schedule of the Act are treated as essential commodities.
• Amendment of Schedule: The Central Government can add or remove commodities from the Schedule in consultation with States.
• Stock Limits: Government can impose limits on the quantity that traders or individuals can store.
• Price Regulation: Prices of commodities such as foodgrains, edible oils and sugar can be regulated.
• Penalties: Violations of orders issued under Section 3 may lead to imprisonment from three months to seven years, along with fines.
• Confiscation: Authorities may seize commodities and confiscate vehicles used in illegal transport.
• The Act is generally invoked during extraordinary circumstances to protect consumers, such as:
  • War or geopolitical crises affecting supplies.
  • Natural disasters or emergencies (for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • Sharp price rise in essential commodities.

Significance

• The Act remains an important policy instrument because it:
  • Helps ensure affordability of essential goods for the public.
  • Prevents speculative hoarding by traders.
  • Enables the government to intervene quickly during supply disruptions.

Passive Euthanasia

Context: In March 2026, the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana, who had remained in a persistent vegetative state for nearly 13 years. It held that continuing treatment had become futile and that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity.

Understanding Euthanasia

• Euthanasia is broadly understood in two forms:
  • Active euthanasia: Directly causing death through a deliberate act, such as administering a lethal injection. (Illegal in India)
  • Passive euthanasia: Withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment such as ventilator support.
• The Court clarified that the difference lies in the source of harm:
  • Active euthanasia introduces a new external cause of death.
  • Passive euthanasia removes artificial medical support, allowing the illness to take its natural course.

The “Best Interests” Test

• The Supreme Court applied the best interests test to determine whether life support should continue.
• Key points of the test:
  • It examines whether continuing medical treatment serves the patient’s best interests.
  • Both medical and non-medical factors must be considered.
  • There is a strong presumption in favour of preserving life, but it may be set aside when treatment only prolongs suffering in an irreversible medical condition.

Evolution of India’s Legal Position

• Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996): Recognised that a terminally ill patient may have a right to die with dignity.
• Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011): Allowed withdrawal of life support under strict guidelines.
• Common Cause v. Union of India (2018): Constitution Bench recognised passive euthanasia and allowed Advance Medical Directives (living wills).
• 2023: Supreme Court simplified procedures for living wills and withdrawal of life support.
• Despite these developments, active euthanasia remains illegal in India.

Purple Fest

Context: Recently, Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted the Purple Fest to celebrate the achievements and talents of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and to promote a more inclusive society.

About the Fest

• Purple Fest is an inclusive awareness and celebration event organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It recognises the talent, achievements and aspirations of Divyangjan and encourages wider public participation in building an inclusive environment.
• The festival aims to:
  • Promote awareness about disability inclusion.
  • Uphold the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
  • Encourage their equal participation in social, cultural and public life.

Key Features

• Inclusive participation: More than 8,000 Divyangjan visited Amrit Udyan during the event.
• Cultural performances: Participants showcased their talents through music, dance and cultural programmes at the Open Air Theatre.
• Interactive activities: Organisations set up accessible games, stalls and learning activities.
• Awareness initiatives: The event highlighted the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities.
• Community engagement: Encouraged participation of citizens, institutions and civil society in empowering Divyangjan.
  

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

About NMDC

• NMDC Limited is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Steel.
• It is the largest producer of iron ore in India and a major player in the country’s mineral development.
• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: Hyderabad

Objectives

• Explore and develop mineral resources in India.
• Ensure a reliable domestic supply of iron ore for the steel sector.
• Support India’s goal of achieving 300 million tonnes steel capacity by 2030.

Major Functions

• Iron ore production: Operates large mechanised mines mainly in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
• Mineral exploration: Conducts geological surveys to identify new mineral deposits.
• Diamond mining: Runs India’s only mechanised diamond mine at Panna (Madhya Pradesh).
• Research and Development: Maintains an R&D centre in Hyderabad, recognised by UNIDO as a Centre of Excellence.
• Sustainable mining: Adopts scientific mining and environmental management practices.

Significance

• Backbone of iron ore supply: Provides key raw material for India’s steel industry.
• Supports industrial growth: Contributes to achieving the 300 MT steel capacity target by 2030.
• Enhances mineral security: Helps reduce dependence on imported iron ore.

SWAMIH Fund

Context: The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund is  aimed at reviving stalled housing projects in India’s real estate sector. Many housing projects had remained incomplete due to financial constraints, affecting homebuyers who had already invested their savings.

About SWAMIH Fund

• SWAMIH is a government-backed investment fund created to provide last-mile financing to stalled residential housing projects.
• The scheme was launched in 2019.
• The fund is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance.
• It is managed by SBICAP Ventures Ltd., a company belonging to the State Bank Group.

Objective of the Scheme

• Complete stalled affordable and mid-income housing projects.
• Protect the interests of homebuyers waiting for possession of their houses.
• Restore confidence in the real estate sector.