Rajasthan: In-principle clearance for coal block in Hasdeo-Arand
Rajasthan: In-principle clearance for coal block in Hasdeo-Arand The Indian Express
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Rajasthan: In-principle clearance for coal block in Hasdeo-Arand The Indian Express

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests What’s the ongoing story: For the second time in less than 48 hours, India Friday summoned the US charge d’affaires (CDA) and lodged a “strong protest” over the series of attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman. Key Points to Ponder: — How is the global shipping industry being impacted due to the war? — What are the challenges of seafarers in war torn regions? — Maritime security and the safety of seafarers are a major concern in the Strait of Hormuz area. Elaborate. — What are shadow fleets? — What do you understand about the Indian flag ship? — Why did the US attack the commercial oil thanker? — What are the challenges in reaching a peace deal between Iran and the USA? — What are the steps needed to be taken by countries like India to ensure maritime security in these regions? Key Takeaways: — On Thursday, the government confirmed the death of three Indian seafarers, reported missing a day earlier from MT Settebello after it was attacked — of the 24 Indians on board, 21 were rescued. — The MEA, which usually doesn’t use the word “summoning” for calling in foreign diplomats, said in a statement: “The US Charge d’Affaires, Mr Jason Meeks, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today…” — The war in West Asia, triggered by the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 and the subsequent naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, have jeopardised Indian lives and livelihoods, apart from the economic impact. — Since Indian seafarers are part of the global shipping industry, they have become casualties in the ongoing conflict. At least 13 Indians have been killed since the start of the war, and one remains missing. — The strait is the key channel through which 20 percent of the global energy supply passes in large carriers. Qatar, UAE, Kuwait have all been negatively impacted by the closure of the strait, and that has led to a global rise in prices of oil and gas, and impacted the supply of LPG to India and other countries. Do You Know: — The United States and Iran are expected to sign a memorandum as early as Sunday, likely in Geneva, that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt fighting across multiple fronts in the Gulf, according to Reuters sources familiar with the negotiations. — As the war continues, and ships continue to find themselves stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, industry stakeholders are warning of the increasing risk of “abandonments” — when shipowners cease all support to their crew and ships. — Indians, who make up about 15% of the world’s seafarer workforce — the second biggest share by nationality — top the list of “abandoned seafarers”. — Indian seafarers top abandonment lists owing to a mix of socioeconomic pressures, systemic flaws in recruitment, and a surge in fraudulent practices, says Bahri. — In India, the Directorate General of Shipping is responsible for verifying the credentials of ships, their owners and recruitment and placement agencies. But the shipping community alleges that lax regulatory oversight is behind issues such as abandonment. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍War in West Asia spotlights a growing risk for Indian seafarers: Abandonment 📍US, Iran may sign Geneva memorandum by Sunday as Hormuz reopening nears Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (UPSC CSE 2025) EXPLAINED How trust underpins India’s ties with France Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affectin

3 min readMumbaiApr 30, 2026 06:55 PM IST The report “prima facie” opined that “the possibility of the Petitioner indulging in the same or in similar activity cannot be ruled out”. Dismissing a plea by Fahim Arshad Mohammad Yusuf Ansari, who was acquitted in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, for a police clearance certificate (PCC) to drive an auto-rickshaw, the Bombay High Court has observed that authorities had reasonably denied it “in larger public interest” considering his earlier criminal antecedents. The High Court’s detailed judgement, which was passed on Wednesday, was made...
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