PRELIMS
STRAIT OF HORMUZ
Ships collide at the Strait of Hormuz in the shadow of Israel-Iran conflict.
Location: Between Iran (north) and the Arabian Peninsula (south) – specifically the UAE and Musandam (Oman).
Connects: Persian Gulf (west) to Gulf of Oman (east), leading to the Arabian Sea and then the Indian Ocean.
Length: Approximately 167 km.
Width: Ranges from 39 km to 95 km, narrowing towards the north but navigable by large vessels.
Important Islands:
- Hormuz Island
- Qishm Island
- Hengam Island
Economic Significance:
- One of the world’s most critical maritime choke points.
Carries approximately:
- 30% of global LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
- 25% of global oil shipments
HYDRAULICS
Basic Principle: Based on Pascal’s Law:
Pressure applied to an incompressible fluid is transmitted equally in all directions.
How It Works:
- Pressure = Force ÷ Area
- A small force applied to a small area can generate a larger force on a larger area.
- This enables efficient force multiplication.
Components of a Hydraulic System:
- Pump – Pressurizes the fluid
- Pipes – Carry hydraulic fluid
- Valves – Control flow and direction
- Actuators – Convert pressure into motion (linear or rotary)
- Tank – Stores and filters fluid
- Sensors – Track pressure, flow, temperature, contamination
Applications:
- Mobile equipment: Cranes, excavators, loaders
- Static equipment: Presses, injection moulding machines, wind turbines
Advantages:
- High power-to-weight ratio
- Smooth, precise movement and control
- Efficient heat dissipation
- Enables complex motion control
Market Size:
- Global hydraulics market valued at $45–50 billion and growing steadily
ARABIAN PENINSULA
- Region: Southwest Asia; includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, Bahrain, and parts of Jordan & Iraq.
- Borders: Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf.
- Desert: Largely covered by the Arabian Desert.
- Significance: New research shows past humid phases (“Green Arabia”) aided early human migration from Africa to Eurasia.
CYPRUS QUESTION
- Independence: From Britain in 1960.
- Division: Since 1974, Cyprus is divided:
- South: Republic of Cyprus (EU member, globally recognized).
- North: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey).
- Cause: Greek coup + Turkish invasion under 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.
RINDERPEST VIRUS & INDIA
- Rinderpest: Viral disease affecting cattle; globally eradicated in 2011.
- New Recognition: ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, recognized as Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by FAO-WOAH.
- India now among only 6 countries with such facilities (others: USA, UK, France, Japan, Ethiopia).
FATF & PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK
- FATF: Global body to combat money laundering & terror financing
- Established: 1989 (by G7); HQ: Paris; Members: 39
- Grey List: Monitored nations (e.g., Pakistan 2018–2022)
- Black List: North Korea, Iran, Myanmar.
- New: FATF acknowledged state-sponsored terrorism in condemning the Pahalgam attack.
INDIA-SURINAME SEEDS INITIATIVE
- Goal: Support SME growth via passion fruit processing unit.
- Funding: $1 million grant.
- Implementer: NABCONS.
- Suriname: South American country; capital: Paramaribo; official language: Dutch.
INDIA’s TRADE DEFICIT — MAY 2025
- Deficit: $6.6 billion (30% lower YoY).
- Key Stats:
- Total exports: $71.1 bn (↑2.8%)
- Services exports: $32.4 bn (↑9.4%)
- Merchandise exports: $38.7 bn (↓2.2%)
- Total imports: ↓1%
- Causes: Oil price drop, stronger service sector.
- Trade Deficit: Occurs when imports > exports; can lead to currency depreciation & borrowing.
