GS Paper I · Physical Geography
Straits & Chokepoints Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper I)
From the syllabus: Salient features of world's physical geography; important geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic activity, cyclone; changes in critical geographical features including water-bodies and ice-caps
Why it matters: Examiners analyze strategic maritime passages to test your grasp of trade route vulnerability, global supply lines, and physical geographical locations critical to international navigation.
In the news
October 2026
13 Oct 2026
Escalation in Strait of Hormuz as Tanker Attacked Amid Regional TensionsIran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for striking a commercial supertanker navigating the Strait of Hormuz, causing an on-board fire. The maritime strike coincides with escalating clashes in Yemen and...
11 Oct 2026
Boat Tragedy off Djibouti Highlights Horn of Africa Migration RouteMore than 100 migrants lost their lives and dozens remain missing after an overloaded vessel capsized off the coast of Obock in Djibouti. The vessel was navigating the perilous maritime route across the Bab-el-Mandeb strait heading...
09 Oct 2026
Strait of Hormuz transits fall to two-month lowShipping data shows that commodity vessel transits through the critical Strait of Hormuz dropped to their lowest levels in over two months following regional security threats and attacks. Only seven major commodity vessels passed...
06 Oct 2026
India Condemns Projectile Attack on Vessel in Strait of HormuzIndia has strongly condemned a projectile attack on the Panama-flagged merchant vessel MT On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz, which left eleven Indian crew members injured. The incident has raised serious international concerns over the...
05 Oct 2026
Horn of Africa Tensions Rise as Regional Powers Meet in EgyptLeaders from Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea convened in Egypt to coordinate responses regarding geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa and the conflict dynamics surrounding Ethiopia's Tigray region. The diplomatic developments...
September 2026
27 Sep 2026
United States and Greenland Sign Strategic Arctic AgreementThe United States has concluded a strategic pact allowing the establishment of two new military bases on Greenland. The move aims to significantly expand the American strategic and operational footprint in the Arctic region. This...
24 Sep 2026
Iranian advisers help Houthis seize Red Sea portsReports indicate that Iranian advisers assisted Houthi rebels in seizing Yemen's critical Red Sea coast, including the strategic port city of Mokha, in under 48 hours. The rapid takeover of these coastal areas and nearby islands has...
16 Sep 2026
Strait of Hormuz Tanker Attack Highlights 'Dark Mode' Vessel RisksThe oil tanker El Gaia, which carried 14 Indian and 11 Pakistani crew members, was attacked in the strategic Strait of Hormuz while operating in dark mode. Dark mode refers to commercial vessels turning off their Automatic...
14 Sep 2026
Escalation in West Asia Triggers Sharp Crude Oil Price HikeCrude oil prices climbed significantly past 108 dollars per barrel following military strikes in the Middle East and rising tension around the Strait of Hormuz. The supply disruptions threaten global energy security and could worsen...
13 Sep 2026
Red Sea Security Crisis Escalates Amid Houthi Attacks and Counter-BlockadesMaritime 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
Bab al-Mandeb Strait Conflict Threatens Global Energy SecurityHouthi fighters in Yemen captured a strategic island near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, leading Saudi Arabia to shut down a major oil pipeline. The conflict has escalated significantly near vital Red Sea shipping lanes, threatening global...
11 Sep 2026
Houthi Rebels Take Control of Strategic Mokha Port Near Bab el-MandebHouthi 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...
10 Sep 2026
Brent Crude Soars Past $100 Amid Strait of Hormuz TensionsGlobal oil prices spiked past 100 dollars per barrel following military exchanges between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military targeted several Iranian oil tankers, and retaliatory actions by Iranian...
05 Sep 2026
Strategic Importance of Kharg Island amid Persian Gulf TensionsRecent missile strikes on commercial tankers near Iran's Kharg Island have heightened security concerns along critical West Asian maritime transit corridors. Kharg Island serves as Iran's primary crude oil export terminal, handling more...
05 Sep 2026
Escalating Clashes in Yemen Threaten the Bab al-Mandab StraitHeavy clashes between Houthi forces and rival combatants near Yemen's southwestern coast have left over 120 people dead, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict. The violence threatens the stability of the Bab al-Mandab strait, a...
02 Sep 2026
Escalation Near Strait of Hormuz Threatens Global Maritime TradeMilitary strikes targeting positions near the Strait of Hormuz have heightened security concerns along one of the world's vital maritime choke points. The conflict has raised risks for international commercial shipping, triggering...
August 2026
18 Aug 2026
Rising Maritime Risks for Seafarers in Critical ChokepointsIndian 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...
July 2026
30 Jul 2026
Yemen's Houthis Plan Transit Fees on Red Sea Maritime RoutesThe 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 HormuzIran 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...
23 Jul 2026
Geopolitical Shipping Vulnerabilities Rise at the Bab el-Mandeb StraitEscalating 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...
21 Jul 2026
Strait of Hormuz Tanker Crisis Escalates Global Oil ConcernsThe 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...
17 Jul 2026
India issues advisory for shipping in Strait of HormuzFollowing 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 HormuzFollowing 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...
15 Jul 2026
Tensions Rise Over Strait of Hormuz TransitsSecurity 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...
09 Jul 2026
US Air Strikes on Iran Rile Global Oil MarketsThe 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...
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July 2026
09 Jul 2026
Strategic Push to Develop Landmark Indira Point LighthouseThe Central government has announced plans to protect and upgrade the iconic lighthouse at Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India located on Great Nicobar Island, to turn it into a major tourism hub. This initiative aligns with...
08 Jul 2026
Security Crisis in the Strait of HormuzThe 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)...
Practise Straits & Chokepoints
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 42).
Question 1 of 10
The strategic Strait of Hormuz connects which two major bodies of water?
Mains practice
In an increasingly volatile global environment marked by maritime chokepoint disruptions, currency fluctuations, and dual-use technological risks, examine how India can build comprehensive national economic and strategic resilience. Suggest policy measures incorporating infrastructure, financial buffers, and international partnerships.
15 marks
The intensifying conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and the introduction of unilateral cargo tariffs threaten global energy security and supply chains. Analyze the strategic and economic implications of this crisis on India. What measures should India adopt to build long-term resilience against such maritime vulnerabilities?
15 marks
The Strait of Hormuz remains a highly volatile maritime chokepoint with profound implications for global trade and energy security. Discuss the geopolitical vulnerabilities of this region and analyze its direct impacts on India's energy security and economic stability.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.