May 15, 2026 - Current Affairs

Digital Chokepoints in the Era of Global Connectivity

Context

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Undersea Cable Networks passing through strategic Digital Chokepoints have emerged as highly vulnerable infrastructure.

What are Undersea Cables?

Undersea or submarine cables are fibre-optic communication cables laid on the seabed to transmit internet and telecommunication data across countries and continents.

Key Features of Undersea Cables:

More than 500 submarine cables connect different parts of the world.

AI-Focused Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India

Context

India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation, with multinational firms increasingly using their India centres not just for back-office operations but for AI development, engineering, research and global business functions.

What are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)?

GCCs are offshore units established by multinational corporations to perform strategic business functions for their global operations.

These functions include technology and software development, engineering and R&D, finance and accounting, data analytics, product development, and operations management.

Achievements Across India’s logistics Sector

In News

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry felicitated winners of the LEAPS Awards 2025 and released the LEADS 2025 report in New Delhi, highlighting achievements across India’s logistics sector.

Overview of India's logistics landscape

Indian economy, growing strongly, supported by recovery across key sectors and improved supply chains.

The logistics sector plays a vital role in enabling trade, manufacturing, and services.

India improved its Logistics Performance Index ranking to 38th in 2023, up six places since 2018, reflecting progress in modernizing the sector. It aims to reach the top 25 globally by 2030 and reduce logistics costs to below 10% of GDP.

MSMEs: The Backbone of India’s Inclusive Growth

Context

India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has become a key driver of economic growth, employment generation, exports and grassroots entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

What are MSMEs?

MSMEs are enterprises classified on the basis of investment in plant and machinery or equipment and annual turnover.

The Union Budget 2025-26 revised the MSME classification criteria to expand coverage and encourage enterprises to scale up without losing benefits.

News In Short 15-05-2026

In News

Recently, India has reiterated its support at the United Nations for a two-state solution that allows Palestinians to live freely in an independent nation within secure borders, while also addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns.

Background

The two-state solution originated from the long conflict between Arabs and Jews in British-ruled Palestine.

In 1947, the United Nations proposed dividing Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states, but Arab nations rejected the plan.

Israel was established in 1948, war broke out with neighbouring Arab states, leading Israel to control most of the territory