Current Context: Over 1,000 earthquakes occurred around Japan’s Tokara Islands in the past two weeks, indicating intense seismic activity. About Tokara Islands Location: Archipelago south of Kyushu, north of Amami—part of Toshima-mura municipality. Islands: Seven inhabited (e.g., Nakanoshima with Mt Otake, 979 m) and five uninhabited. Geography & Climate: Covers ~160 km; climate is warm, frost-free, with ~2,700 mm annual rainfall. Seismic Importance: Located in one of the most active tectonic zones in the world.Read More

Current Context : The Tamil Nadu government has launched efforts under the TNSHORE project to save the sinking Kariyachalli Island in the Gulf of Mannar region, which faces rapid erosion and ecological degradation. About Kariyachalli Island Location: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu Ecological Zone: Gulf of Mannar is among India’s four major coral reef regions and is highly ecologically sensitive Island Features: One of 21 uninhabited islands in the region Contains beaches, sand dunes, spits, and sandy plains Threats Faced: Landmass reduced by over 70% (1969–2024) – IIT Madras report Causes: Erosion, rising....Read More

Current Context: Taiwan reported over 70 Chinese military aircraft (74 warplanes) operating near its territory, 61 crossing the median line—just days after the UK’s HMS Spey transit through the Strait  ABOUT TAIWAN STRAIT: Definition: A narrow sea channel linking the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Historical Name: Term coined by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century; Taiwan then known as “Formosa.” Geography: Flows include runoff from China’s Jiulong and Min Rivers. Economic Significance: Conduit for over 40% of global container ship traffic. Median Line (Davis Line): Thinly drawn line traditionally separating Chinese and Taiwanese military zones.Read More

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