Global Conflicts Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper II)

September 2026

• 18 Sep 2026

  U.S. House Passes Sanctions Bill Targeting Secondary Buyers of Russian Crude

  The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian crude oil and gas, directly targeting major importers including India. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that it...

• 16 Sep 2026

  Escalation in West Asian Maritime and Infrastructure Security

  Saudi Arabia warned that recent Houthi drone and missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including energy pipelines and sacred regions, represent a strategic red line. The ongoing hostility has disrupted key commercial...

• 14 Sep 2026

  Iran Criticizes Access Restrictions at Global IAEA Conference

  Iran criticized the denial of access to senior officials attending the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference. Iranian representatives warned that restricting delegate access undermines global multilateralism and...

• 14 Sep 2026

  UN Clarifies Map Borders Following Sovereignty Concerns

  United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that there is no official UN map with defined international boundaries. The statement followed concerns raised by India regarding anomalies in cartographic representations used in...

• 13 Sep 2026

  Prime Minister Warns Against Weaponisation of Technology and Critical Minerals

  Speaking at the BRICS Summit, India highlighted four core pillars for future cooperation: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. India cautioned global leaders against the growing tendency to weaponise technology and...

• 13 Sep 2026

  Anthropic Reports Misuse of AI Tools in Foreign Influence Operations

  Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic reported that state-linked actors misused its AI chatbot Claude to run targeted influence campaigns and software operations. The operations targeted international bodies and experts discussing...

• 13 Sep 2026

  Red Sea Security Crisis Escalates Amid Houthi Attacks and Counter-Blockades

  Maritime security along the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb chokepoint continues to face severe strain as Houthi forces launched fresh cross-border strikes, leading to rerouting of international commercial vessels. The persistent instability...

• 12 Sep 2026

  Anthropic Flags AI Risks Ranging from Cyber Operations to Illicit Distillation

  AI safety researcher Anthropic released details on disrupted malicious activities, highlighting safety risks across seven core domains. Key concerns included illicit model distillation, automated cyber operations, influence campaigns,...

• 12 Sep 2026

  Tech Report Highlights Risks of AI Misuse in Maritime Conflicts

  AI firm Anthropic reported that regional armed groups in West Asia attempted to utilize artificial intelligence models to assist with guided weapons development. The report highlighted emerging threats where dual-use AI technologies can...

• 11 Sep 2026

  AI safety concerns rise over biological weapons risks

  AI developer Anthropic revealed that malicious actors and non-state groups have attempted to leverage advanced frontier models to gather actionable intelligence on biological weapons and guided armaments. The report underscores growing...

• 11 Sep 2026

  Houthi Rebels Take Control of Strategic Mokha Port Near Bab el-Mandeb

  Houthi insurgents have seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha in Yemen, situated approximately 80 kilometres from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strait serves as a vital global shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf...

• 09 Sep 2026

  UK, France, and Canada Ban Trade with Illegal Settlements in Occupied Territories

  The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have collectively enacted a trade ban on goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories. The move aims to align foreign trade policies with international law,...

• 08 Sep 2026

  Chagos Archipelago Dispute Resurfaces with Maldivian Diplomatic Outreach

  Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu initiated diplomatic discussions concerning the Chagos Archipelago, citing historical and geographical linkages. The strategically located archipelago in the central Indian Ocean remains contested...

• 08 Sep 2026

  UK Bans Trade with West Bank Settlements to Support Two-State Solution

  The United Kingdom announced a ban on trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank to reinforce its diplomatic commitment to a viable two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The move reflects mounting global regulatory...

• 05 Sep 2026

  India Deepens Diplomatic Outreach on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

  External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's active engagement with both Russia and Ukraine during his high-level diplomatic visits to Kyiv and Warsaw. Reaffirming India's stance that solutions cannot emerge from the...

• 04 Sep 2026

  India Reaffirms Support for Peace and Global South Security during EAM Visit to Kyiv

  External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv, extending India's willingness to assist in peaceful conflict resolution between Russia and Ukraine. Highlighting the global repercussions, India emphasized that...

• 03 Sep 2026

  Strategic Considerations in India-China Early Harvest Boundary Talks

  Diplomatic and military talks between India and China have explored potential "Early Harvest" disengagement arrangements along specific friction points of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While preliminary agreements can prevent...

August 2026

• 30 Aug 2026

  External Power Loss at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Prompts IAEA Alarm

  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sounded an urgent alarm after Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost its main external power supply lines. The facility, which requires continuous electricity to cool its six...

• 27 Aug 2026

  Four Indian firms face US sanctions under Operation Economic Outcast

  The United States Treasury Department has imposed secondary sanctions on four India-based companies as part of Operation Economic Outcast. The operation targeting international networks aims to squeeze Iranian state revenue by blocking...

• 26 Aug 2026

  Syria removed from US terror list amid regional shifts

  Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that Syria has been officially removed from the United States terrorism list, marking a major shift in its foreign relations and paving the way for economic rebuilding. However, regional...

• 24 Aug 2026

  DR Congo and M23 Rebels Agree on Roadmap for Peace Negotiations

  The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group have reached a consensus on a sequenced roadmap for peace talks under the Doha Framework Agreement. The agreement aims to de-escalate persistent conflict in the mineral-rich...

• 22 Aug 2026

  Japan Protests Russian Military Drills Near Disputed Kuril Islands

  Japan lodged a formal diplomatic protest against Russian missile tests conducted near the disputed Kuril Islands chain. The territory, seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II and claimed by Japan as the Northern...

• 21 Aug 2026

  United States Demands Economic Isolation of Iran

  Tensions in West Asia escalated as the United States called on international partners to join a renewed campaign aimed at isolating the Iranian economy. Iran dismissed the threats of crushing economic measures, while other global powers...

• 19 Aug 2026

  Ebola Outbreak in Congo Surpasses 5,000 Cases

  The ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 5,000 cases, resulting in over 2,300 deaths. Health authorities report that violent conflict, population displacement, and dense mobility are...

• 19 Aug 2026

  Shifting Security Paradigms and Strategic Hedging in West Asia

  Geopolitical developments across West Asia reflect a shift in how regional nations manage security interests. Faced with escalating regional conflicts and shifting global power dynamics, several Arab states are diversifying their...

• 18 Aug 2026

  Rising Maritime Risks for Seafarers in Critical Chokepoints

  Indian maritime unions raised concerns over crew safety as shipowners pressure sailors to navigate high-risk areas like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait despite growing security threats. Recent drone and missile attacks...

• 01 Aug 2026

  Supreme Court Mandates DNA Testing for Indians Killed in Ukraine

  The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to facilitate DNA testing to identify the mortal remains of Indian nationals killed during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The court also ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to provide legal...

July 2026

• 31 Jul 2026

  Panel Urges India to Appoint Polar Ambassador, Seek Arctic Council Membership

  A parliamentary committee has recommended that India appoint a dedicated "Polar Ambassador" to coordinate its interests in polar science and geopolitics. The panel also urged the government to pursue full membership in the Arctic...

• 30 Jul 2026

  Yemen's Houthis Plan Transit Fees on Red Sea Maritime Routes

  The government of Yemen has warned that Houthi rebels are planning to impose transit fees on commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea. The Red Sea is a critical international maritime artery used for transporting massive quantities of...

• 27 Jul 2026

  Iran and Oman Discuss Joint Management of the Strait of Hormuz

  Iran and Oman have held advanced deputy-ministerial talks in Tehran to discuss the joint management and security of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The discussions come amid rising maritime tensions and reports of shipping disruptions...

• 25 Jul 2026

  Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns

  Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, a long-time ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has officially resigned from his post. In his resignation letter, Shahabuddin defended his decisions during the turbulent transition...

• 24 Jul 2026

  East Asia Summit: S. Jaishankar Stresses Unimpeded Waterways

  External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that international waterways must remain safe and unimpeded during his address at the East Asia Summit. He stated that attacks on seafarers, civilian shipping, and maritime...

• 23 Jul 2026

  Geopolitical Shipping Vulnerabilities Rise at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

  Escalating Houthi blockade threats against Saudi Arabia in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait have triggered severe anxieties in global shipping markets. Several India-bound oil tankers have recently redirected their courses in the Red...

• 22 Jul 2026

  US-Iran Geopolitical Conflict Casts Shadow Over Chabahar Port

  Escalating military tensions and exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran have thrown India's strategic investment plans for Iran's Chabahar Port into deep uncertainty. Recent hostile actions in the Strait of Hormuz and...

• 21 Jul 2026

  Strait of Hormuz Tanker Crisis Escalates Global Oil Concerns

  The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two oil tankers exploded and were immobilized while transiting the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz. This incident has escalated regional security tensions, with India's net...

• 21 Jul 2026

  Death of Indian Seafarers off Odessa Sparks Maritime Safety Concerns

  Four Indian seafarers were killed in a missile strike on a commercial vessel leaving Ukraine's Odessa Port, prompting a strong condemnation from India's Ministry of External Affairs. The government reiterated its firm opposition to...

• 20 Jul 2026

  Escalating West Asia Conflict Threatens Global Energy Security

  Tensions in West Asia have escalated further as reports indicate Iranian missile strikes targeting areas near Jordan's Aqaba Airport and US bases in the region. This regional conflict threatens global maritime trade routes, particularly...

• 17 Jul 2026

  Labour's Andy Burnham poised to lead the UK

  Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the new leader of the UK's Labour Party and is set to be invited by King Charles III to form the next government. This transition follows the formal resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer....

• 17 Jul 2026

  India issues advisory for shipping in Strait of Hormuz

  Following attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Directorate General of Shipping has advised companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on ships passing through this volatile route. The advisory follows incidents where 30...

• 16 Jul 2026

  US-Iran Escalation and Security in the Strait of Hormuz

  Following US airstrikes on Greater Tunb Island, a strategic point in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime tensions have surged significantly. In response to the escalating naval blockade and hostilities, the Government of India has issued an...

• 16 Jul 2026

  Kochi to Host Major Multinational Maritime Exercise

  The Indian Navy is scheduled to host a highly anticipated multinational maritime exercise in Kochi starting July 20, 2026. The exercise is designed to improve joint operational capabilities, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and...

• 15 Jul 2026

  Escalating US-Iran War Strains Global Energy and Indian Diaspora

  The escalation of the US-Iran conflict, marked by US airstrikes on Iranian bases and the reimposition of an energy blockade, has pushed global crude prices to 86 dollars per barrel. For India, the conflict is double-edged, resulting in...

• 15 Jul 2026

  US Reduces Proposed Tariff on Russian Oil to 100%

  In a significant policy adjustment, the United States has reduced its proposed tariff on Russian oil from 500 percent to 100 percent. This decision provides major economic relief to major buyers like India and China, who have heavily...

• 15 Jul 2026

  India Steps Up Bilateral Partnerships with Australia and New Zealand

  Amidst heightened geopolitical turbulence in the Indo-Pacific, India is actively strengthening its economic and strategic ties with Australia and New Zealand. Policymakers emphasize that building robust supply chains, enhancing maritime...

• 15 Jul 2026

  Tensions Rise Over Strait of Hormuz Transits

  Security concerns have spiked in the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian national was killed in an attack on an oil tanker. The External Affairs Ministry summoned the Iranian envoy to convey deep concerns and urge de-escalation, while...

• 14 Jul 2026

  India reiterates support for Palestine's UN membership

  During a ministerial meeting of the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels, India officially restated its support for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized stability in West Asia and a...

• 13 Jul 2026

  Security crisis intensifies as Iran targets military assets in Gulf countries

  Tensions have escalated in West Asia as Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched strikes against radar systems in Oman and targeted US military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. These strikes follow direct US military operations...

• 12 Jul 2026

  Shipping Risks Escalate Amid West Asia Conflicts

  Following an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, India has successfully rescued 10 Indian crew members while searching for one missing mariner. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the persistent...

• 12 Jul 2026

  NATO Adapts Structure to Deepen European Defense Autonomy

  Confronted with persistent geopolitical friction and internal political transitions in the United States, European member states are taking active steps to play a larger role within NATO. The shift is designed to ensure the alliance...

• 09 Jul 2026

  US Air Strikes on Iran Rile Global Oil Markets

  The United States military has conducted fresh strikes on Iran following escalating regional tensions, with President Donald Trump warning of hitting Iranian assets hard. This military flare-up has put the strategic Strait of Hormuz on...

• 08 Jul 2026

  India-Indonesia Strategic Ties and Defense Deals

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, during his visit to Jakarta. The visit saw the signing of critical defense agreements, including the export of BrahMos supersonic...

• 08 Jul 2026

  Security Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz

  The Strait of Hormuz witnessed a sharp escalation in tensions as three maritime tankers, including a Qatari LNG tanker, were struck in separate attacks near Oman within 24 hours. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)...

• 07 Jul 2026

  Amnesty Report Details Ethnic Cleansing in Sudan

  Amnesty International has released a comprehensive report documenting systemic ethnic cleansing and severe conflict-related abuses in Sudan's North Darfur state. Based on an eight-month investigation involving interviews with 247...

• 07 Jul 2026

  Hamas Dissolves Gaza Government to Hand Power to UN-Backed Committee

  Hamas has announced the dissolution of its government in the Gaza Strip, expressing intent to hand over administrative power to a UN-backed technical committee. The Hamas-run Government Media Office confirmed that only technical and...

• 06 Jul 2026

  UNICEF Reports High Child Casualties in Sudan War

  UNICEF has reported that more than 300 children have been killed or injured in the Sudan conflict over the last six months. The ongoing war has displaced 13 million people and pushed various regions into famine, creating a massive...

• 05 Jul 2026

  US Drops Adani Bribery Case Citing Diplomatic Friction

  The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has informed a federal district court that it is dropping bribery and securities fraud charges against Gautam Adani and his associates. The DoJ provided a limited explanation, noting that...

• 05 Jul 2026

  Middle East Conflicts Threaten Historic Heritage Sites

  Escalating armed conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are causing irreversible damage to ancient cultural and archaeological heritage sites. Historians and conservationists warn that ongoing airstrikes and military operations threaten...

• 04 Jul 2026

  Indo-Pacific Security: China's Coast Guard Patrols East of Taiwan

  China has launched a major coast guard patrol operation east of Taiwan, establishing what analysts call a 'new normal' of civil law enforcement projection in international shipping lanes. This shift from using traditional military...

• 03 Jul 2026

  Geopolitical Friction: Persistent US-Iran Hostility and Energy Corridors

  Despite back-channel engagements, geopolitical experts point out that the United States and Iran continue to trade blows through secondary economic sanctions and regional proxy maneuvers. This persistent friction remains a key risk...