What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

They may ask about the 'primary cause' of cable faults (accidental human activity at 70-80%), but provide an option stating 'military attacks' as the main cause, which is a rising risk but not the primary historical cause.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: '99% of global internet traffic via subsea cables' (ITU figure). 2. Target this Nodal Body: International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 3. Target this Economic Fact: 'India's auto sector consumes ~60% of secondary aluminium'.

International RelationsScience & Technology

Take AI Challenge ▸

News 0 of 22

Strait of Hormuz Risks: 99% Global Internet Traffic via Subsea Cables and 20-40% India Aluminium Production Cut

Q: Which international organization's data is cited in the article regarding the share of global internet traffic carried by subsea cables?

International Telecommunication Union (ITU), The article explicitly states that according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), subsea fibre-optic cables carry roughly 99% of global internet traffic. The ITU is the UN agency for ICT issues.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the issues discussed in the article: 1. The FALCON subsea cable network directly connects India to Gulf countries and is crucial for enterprise data. 2. Satellite networks like Starlink are considered a scalable and cost-effective alternative to subsea cables for global data traffic. 3. A significant portion of India's aluminium production relies on imported scrap, with the Middle East being a major supplier. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions FALCON connects India (via Mumbai) to Gulf countries. Statement 2 is incorrect because experts in the article state satellite networks cannot handle comparable data volumes and are significantly more expensive, hence not a scalable alternative. Statement 3 is correct as the article states India produces nearly half its aluminium via recycled scrap, much imported from regions including the Middle East.

Q: According to the article, approximately what percentage of India's total aluminium production of 4.2 million metric tonnes comes from recycled scrap?

About 50%, The article states: 'India produces nearly half of its 4.2 million metric tonnes of aluminium via recycled scrap...'. 'Nearly half' corresponds to approximately 50%.

Q: What is the primary concern raised by experts regarding the repair of damaged subsea cables in the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict?

Delays due to security risks and difficulties in obtaining permits., The article highlights that repair operations may face major delays primarily due to security risks, naval activity, insurance constraints, and 'often one of the biggest problems... is getting permits into the waters where the damage is,' as stated by telecom analyst Alan Mauldin.

Intl. Relations Science & Tech Economy Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains Medium

28 Apr 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:99% global internet traffic via cables4.2 MMT aluminium production50% from scrap30% scrap price increase60% auto sector share

Bodies:ITU

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a potential 'digital chokepoint', with major internet cables like AAE-1 and FALCON linking India to global networks being at risk from military conflict.

2.India's aluminium industry, producing 50% of its 4.2 MMT from imported scrap, faces a 20-40% production cut and 30% price hike due to supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

3.Examiners will focus on the strategic vulnerability of digital infrastructure, the economic ripple effects on the auto sector, and the lack of viable alternatives to subsea cables.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Iran-US-Israel conflict highlights the Strait of Hormuz as a critical 'digital chokepoint', endangering subsea cables that carry 99% of global internet traffic and connect India. Simultaneously, supply chain disruptions are severely impacting India's aluminium industry, which relies heavily on imported scrap.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Global Internet Traffic via Subsea Cables99%

India's Aluminium Production (Total)4.2 Million Metric Tonnes

India's Aluminium from Recycled Scrap~50%

Scrap Price Increase~30%

Auto Sector's Share of Secondary Aluminium~60%

1-Minute Revision

›Global Internet Traffic via Subsea Cables: 99%
›India's Aluminium Production (Total): 4.2 Million Metric Tonnes
›Target this Data: '99% of global internet traffic via subsea cables' (ITU figure).
›Target this Nodal Body: International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
›Target this Economic Fact: 'India's auto sector consumes ~60% of secondary aluminium'.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

News Snapshot

🌐

Digital Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical vulnerability for global internet infrastructure, hosting cables that carry 99% of data traffic.

⚓

Accidental Damage Risk

70-80% of cable faults are caused by human activity like fishing, with risks amplified in conflict zones by drifting vessels.

🚗

Supply Chain Shock

India's auto sector faces rising input costs as aluminium scrap supply disruptions lead to production cuts and price hikes.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a critical global oil artery. The Iran-US-Israel conflict has shifted focus to its role as a 'digital chokepoint', highlighting the vulnerability of subsea fibre-optic cables that underpin the modern internet, financial systems, and global AI ambitions. This connects to India's strategic dependence on secure data corridors for its IT-driven economy.

Core Analysis & Implications

The conflict exposes a dual vulnerability: digital and economic. Cable damage in the FALCON or AAE-1 systems would directly slow India's connectivity, disrupt e-commerce and financial transactions. Economically, India's secondary aluminium production, heavily reliant on imported scrap, is already seeing 20-40% cuts, which will cascade into higher costs for automakers like Maruti and Tata, ultimately impacting consumers. There is no scalable alternative to subsea cables, making repair delays in conflict zones a critical strategic risk.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Post-conflict, seabed surveys will be needed to map new hazards from sunken vessels. The incident underscores the need for India to diversify digital cable routes and secure critical material supply chains. It also highlights the geopolitical dimension of infrastructure security, where chokepoints can be leveraged beyond traditional oil flows.

Key Facts at a Glance

Global Internet Traffic via Subsea Cables99%

India's Aluminium Production (Total)4.2 Million Metric Tonnes

India's Aluminium from Recycled Scrap~50%

Scrap Price Increase~30%

Auto Sector's Share of Secondary Aluminium~60%

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC

Which international organization's data is cited in the article regarding the share of global internet traffic carried by subsea cables?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, Banking

Consider the following statements regarding the issues discussed in the article:

1. The FALCON subsea cable network directly connects India to Gulf countries and is crucial for enterprise data.

2. Satellite networks like Starlink are considered a scalable and cost-effective alternative to subsea cables for global data traffic.

3. A significant portion of India's aluminium production relies on imported scrap, with the Middle East being a major supplier.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the article, approximately what percentage of India's total aluminium production of 4.2 million metric tonnes comes from recycled scrap?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the primary concern raised by experts regarding the repair of damaged subsea cables in the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict?

All 20 MCQs ▸

Read original article from Indian Express

You finished this topic

Practice 3 MCQs from this news Next Article

Explore Related Topics

Intl. RelationsView Topic MCQs →Science & TechView Topic MCQs →EconomyView Topic MCQs →Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →

Next 106th Constitutional Amendment (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) 2023: 33% Lok Sabha & Assembly Seats for Women, Yet Unimplemented

Related Current Affairs

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India-Australia ECTA: Zero Tariff on Indian Goods, 200% Export Growth, PACTS & Quad in Focus

India-Australia ties are no longer just cricket—ECTA zero-tariff access, PACTS on critical technologies, space tracking and Quad security now anchor the relationship. Indian exports to Australia have grown ~200% in five years. This is a high-value bilateral story for IR, economy, science-tech and security questions.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Iran-Oman Negotiate Strait of Hormuz Reopening: US Disputes Iran's Proposed 'Service Fee' on 20% Global Oil Route

Iran and Oman are negotiating a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran proposing a 'service fee' for vessels using its controlled lane. The US strongly opposes any arrangement that grants Iran control or revenue from the strategic waterway, creating a complex diplomatic standoff with direct implications for global energy security and India's oil imports.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

US-Iran Talks on Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Oman-Backed Interim Deal Near, India's Energy Security at Stake

US President Trump claims an interim deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, with Oman and Qatar mediating. Any disruption here directly impacts India's crude oil imports and global energy prices, making this a key IR and energy security topic for exams.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Iran President Pezeshkian to Attend 18th BRICS Summit in India; Bilateral Talks on Chabahar and Strait of Hormuz

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit India for the 18th BRICS Summit (Sept 12-13, 2026), marking his first visit since the Iran-US conflict. Key agenda includes bilateral talks on Chabahar port development and safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. This is crucial for India's energy security and West Asia diplomacy.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Xi Jinping's First US State Visit in Decade: Trade Truce, Rare Earths, AI in Focus

The Trump-Xi summit marks a critical moment for global trade, rare earth supply chains, and geopolitical stability. Key outcomes could affect India's economic ties and strategic positioning as the US and China navigate tensions over Taiwan, Iran, and AI.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Brent Crude Falls $4.08 as Trump Halts Iran Attack for Strait of Hormuz Deal

Oil prices crashed over $4/barrel after President Trump halted a planned attack on Iran to pursue a nuclear deal. The move has de-escalated fears over Strait of Hormuz disruptions, but OPEC+ also approved a 188,000 bpd quota increase, adding downward pressure.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Iran's 7-Day Plan to End War: Reopen Strait of Hormuz, US to Waive Sanctions on $12B Frozen Assets

Iran proposes a 7-day plan to end the war with the US, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and restart nuclear talks. The proposal mirrors a June MoU that collapsed. With US midterm elections approaching, the timing is critical as high fuel prices hurt Trump's approval ratings. This has direct implications for global energy markets and India's strategic interests in West Asia.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Oil Jumps 5% as Iran-US Compensation Demands Stall Reopening

Oil prices surged ~5% as hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz faded after Iran demanded US sanctions relief and compensation, while President Trump counter-demanded compensation from Iran for past attacks. This standoff threatens global energy supplies, especially for import-dependent nations like India, and has pushed Brent crude to $87.72/barrel.

Start Today's Quiz(20 Qs)

Take Today's Quiz

20 Qs • 5-7 Mins

Strait of Hormuz Risks: 99% Global Internet Traffic via Subsea Cables and 20-40% India Aluminium Production Cut

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Digital Chokepoint

Accidental Damage Risk

Supply Chain Shock

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance