At least 56 museums, monuments, and cultural sites in #Iran have been damaged in #US and Israeli strikes, according to the country’s heritage ministry. The damaged sites include the Golestan Palace in #Tehran and heritage areas in Isfahan, such as the Naqsh-e Jahan Square complex.⁠

#Israel

Protests erupted across #India after the Centre introduced the #Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with activists and members of the trans community demanding its withdrawal, alleging it undermines the right to self-identify #gender and violates the spirit of the landmark #NALSA vs Union of India ruling.

Demonstrations were reported in multiple cities as critics argued the Bill narrows the definition of #transgender persons and introduces medical scrutiny, raising concerns over dignity, #privacy, and constitutional rights.

India’s strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) have come under focus amid the West Asia conflict, with government data showing the country’s storage is currently about two-thirds full.

With a total capacity of 5.33 million tonnes, these underground reserves—located in southern India—can cover roughly 9.5 days of crude oil demand at full capacity. India relies heavily on imports, making such buffers crucial during supply disruptions.

As tensions threaten key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, SPRs are designed to cushion short-term shocks, though experts say expanding capacity remains vital for long-term energy security.

@UPSCMentor_PreMains