Current Context : Recent tensions in the Middle East have spotlighted the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil passes. ABOUT STRAIT OF HORMUZ Location: Between Oman (Musandam Peninsula) to the south and Iran to the north. Connectivity: Links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Oil Transit: Approximately 21 million barrels per day (~21 % of global petroleum liquids) in 2022. Geopolitical Importance: Vital for Middle East exports; potential disruptions can spike global oil prices. Subject of naval patrols and security agreements by littoral and foreign navies.Read More

Current Context : Recently, Israel carried out its first naval strike on Yemen’s rebel-held Hodeidah Port, targeting docks suspected of facilitating arms shipments. ABOUT HODEIDAH PORT Location: Western Yemen on the Red Sea coast. Share of Imports: 70–80% of Yemen’s essential goods Strategic Route: Gateway to Bab el-Mandeb straitRead More

Current Context : Recently, a Chinese fishing vessel ran aground during a storm in shallow waters near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island) in the South China Sea near the Philippines-built Subi Reef, causing a maritime alert.  About Thitu Island Thitu Island (Pag-asa): Philippine-occupied island in Spratly archipelago; civilian village, school, airstrip (Rancudo Airfield), coast guard and lighthouse in place. Area approx. 0.37 km². Geopolitical Context: Claims by PRC, ROC, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei – Spratly Islands claimed by multiple countries. China has militarized nearby Subi Reef (~26 km away); US committed to Philippines defense treaty. Incident Details: Ship, possibly Chinese militia-type, grounded ~2.7 km east....Read More

Current Context: The Security Service of Ukraine conducted an underwater explosive operation against the Crimean Bridge over the Kerch Strait—damaging a pillar and temporarily halting road and rail traffic on the 19-kilometre link between the Russian mainland and the Crimean Peninsula. ABOUT: Kerch Strait: Connects the Black Sea and Sea of Azov between Russia’s Taman Peninsula and Crimea’s Kerch Peninsula. Narrowest width: 3–5 km at Chushka Spit. Crimean Bridge: Completed: 2018; Length: 19 km (Europe’s longest). Function: Dual road and rail link critical for Russian military logistics.Read More

Current Context: The University of Liverpool has received formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its first overseas campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This campus will be the second from the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities to set up in India, following the University of Southampton's campus in Gurugram.  ABOUT: University of Liverpool: A member of the UK's Russell Group, representing 24 leading UK universities committed to maintaining the highest research and teaching standards. Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. India Campus: Will offer degrees equivalent to those awarded in the....Read More

Current Context: The United Kingdom has signed a landmark agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, ending decades of dispute over the territory. About Chagos Archipelago: Location: Central Indian Ocean, approximately 1,600 km south of the Indian subcontinent. Composition: Consists of seven atolls, with Diego Garcia being the largest and hosting a significant US military base. History: Purchased by Britain in 1965; Mauritius claims it was coerced into the deal for its independence. Biodiversity: Great Chagos Bank supports high-quality coral reefs. Strategic Importance: Home to a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. Agreement: UK to pay Mauritius....Read More

Current Context : Thousands of locals in the Canary Islands protested against the negative impacts of mass tourism, demanding sustainable tourism policies. About The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa (approx. 100 km from Morocco). Largest and most populated Macaronesian archipelago. Major islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura. Capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Area: 7,447 sq.km. Formed from volcanic activity; includes Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak (3,718 m). Has a subtropical climate with minimal seasonal variation.Read More

Current Context: Recently, Israel conducted airstrikes on the Hodeida and Al-Salif ports in Yemen, which are under Houthi control, in response to missile attacks launched towards Israel. About the Ports: Location: Western Yemen on the coast of the Red Sea. Significance: Together with Ras Issa, these ports handle about 70% of Yemen's imports and 80% of humanitarian assistance. Background: The Houthi rebels have been involved in ongoing conflicts in the region and have launched missile attacks towards Israel. The Israeli strikes aimed to disrupt the Houthis' capabilities to carry out further attacks.Read More

Current Context: New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, has experienced renewed unrest following electoral roll changes and the collapse of political talks. About: Location: Southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. Political Status: French collectivity under the 1998 Nouméa Accord, which promised increased autonomy and a path to potential independence. Recent Developments: Despite rejecting independence in referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021, pro-independence sentiments among the indigenous Kanak population remain strong. Key Issues: Electoral roll changes have been perceived as undermining the political influence of the indigenous Kanak people. The collapse of political talks has led to increased....Read More

Current Context: The Union Cabinet has approved India’s sixth semiconductor fabrication plant near Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh, to be established through a joint venture between Hindustan Computers Limited and Foxconn. About the Semiconductor Unit: Location: Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority region, near Jewar Airport, Uttar Pradesh. Partners: Hindustan Computers Limited (subsidiary of HCL Technologies) and Foxconn (Taiwanese electronics manufacturer). Product Focus: Display driver chips used in mobile phones, laptop screens, automotive displays, and other electronic devices. India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem: Market Growth: Projected to expand from twenty-two billion dollars in 2019 to one hundred ten billion dollars by 2030, representing....Read More