🔥 UPSC/PCS Current Affairs | 9 July 2026

1. U.S.-Iran Tension and Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Why in News?

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran came under fresh strain after renewed clashes and attacks around the Strait of Hormuz.

UPSC/PCS Importance

Important for India’s energy security, West Asia policy, maritime security and global oil price stability.

Prelims Facts

• Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
• It is one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
• India depends heavily on West Asia for crude oil and LNG supplies.
• Maritime security is governed by international norms such as UNCLOS.

Mains Perspective

GS-II: International Relations
GS-III: Energy Security, Economy

Revision Note: Strait of Hormuz crisis = Energy security + oil prices + maritime trade + India’s strategic autonomy.

2. Russia’s Share in India’s Oil Imports Rises Above 40%

Why in News?

Russia’s share in India’s oil imports rose above 40% in May 2026, the highest in nearly two years.

UPSC/PCS Importance

Relevant for India-Russia relations, energy diversification, sanctions politics and crude oil import strategy.

Prelims Facts

• India is one of the world’s largest crude oil importers.
• Russia became a major supplier of crude oil to India after the Ukraine conflict.
• India also imports oil from West Asia, the U.S., UAE and other sources.
• Oil prices impact inflation, current account deficit and rupee stability.

Mains Perspective

GS-II: International Relations
GS-III: Energy Security, Economy

Revision Note: India’s oil strategy = Russia imports + diversification + price stability + strategic autonomy.

3. Bishnoi-Brar Network and Nijjar Killing Case

Why in News?

The U.S. Department of Justice said Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar ordered the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

UPSC/PCS Importance

Important for transnational organised crime, India-Canada relations, extradition and internal security.

Prelims Facts

• FBI is the federal investigation agency of the United States.
• Extradition means surrender of an accused from one country to another.
• Organised crime networks can operate across borders.
• Nijjar was designated a terrorist by India in 2020.

Mains Perspective

GS-II: International Relations
GS-III: Internal Security

Revision Note: Nijjar case = Organised crime + diaspora security + India-Canada tension + international cooperation.

4. Higher Education Enrolment Rises by Over 31%

Why in News?

India’s higher education enrolment rose to 4.5 crore in 2023-24, showing 31.5% growth from 2014-15.

UPSC/PCS Importance

Important for education reforms, demographic dividend, NEP 2020 and skill development.

Prelims Facts

• AISHE stands for All India Survey on Higher Education.
• GER means Gross Enrolment Ratio.
• Higher education is linked with skill development and employment.
• NEP 2020 focuses on multidisciplinary and flexible education.

Mains Perspective

GS-II: Education, Social Sector

Revision Note: Higher education growth = demographic dividend + NEP 2020 + skill India + inclusive development.

🔥 Most Important Topics for UPSC/PCS Today

• Strait of Hormuz and India’s Energy Security
• U.S.-Iran Conflict and West Asia Crisis
• India’s Oil Import Diversification
• Russia’s Share in India’s Crude Oil Imports
• Transnational Organised Crime
• Nijjar Killing Case and India-Canada Relations
• Extradition and International Cooperation
• AISHE and Higher Education Growth
• NEP 2020 and Demographic Dividend
• Airport Infrastructure and Passenger Facilitation
• Wayanad Landslide and Disaster Management
• Cyber Fraud and NCRP Portal
• MGNREGS vs VB-G RAM G
• Assam Illegal Immigration Issue
• Reservation and Religious Conversion

One-Line Fact: Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy chokepoint for India because a major share of India’s oil and LNG supplies passes through the Persian Gulf region.

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