Daily News Analysis

Golan Heights

stylish_lining

The Golan Heights is a strategically significant region located in the southwest corner of Syria.

Geographic Features

  • Topography: The Golan Heights is a basaltic plateau that rises sharply from the surrounding areas, providing a commanding view of the surrounding regions.
  • Borders:
  • Yarmouk River to the south.
  • Sea of Galilee and Hula Valley to the west.
  • Anti-Lebanon Mountains and Mount Hermon to the north.
  • Wadi Raqqad to the east.

Political Context

  • Occupied Territory: The Golan Heights has been considered occupied territory under international law and various UN Security Council resolutions since it was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967.
  • Israeli Administration: In 1981, Israel formally annexed the Golan Heights, a move that has not been recognized by most countries and remains a point of contention in Israeli-Syrian relations.

Strategic Importance

  • Military Significance: The Golan Heights is critical for military strategy due to its elevation, providing a vantage point for surveillance and artillery. Control of this area influences military operations and security for both Israel and Syria.
  • Water Resources: The region is important for water resources, with the Sea of Galilee being a primary water source for Israel.

Recent Developments

  • Air Strikes: Israel has conducted air strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, indicating ongoing military tensions in the region. These actions often stem from the complex relationships and hostilities between Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.

Conclusion

The Golan Heights remains a focal point of geopolitical tension in the Middle East. Its strategic location, combined with historical and ongoing military conflicts, makes it a critical area for understanding the broader dynamics of regional security and international relations. The ongoing hostilities, including Israeli air strikes, reflect the persistent instability in the region and the significance of the Golan Heights in broader geopolitical discussions.

Inclusivity of People with Disabilities in STEM Education

Current Situation: India has nearly 63 million people with disabilities (NFHS-5), but their representation in STEM fields is very low. Despite strong laws like the Right to Educat
Share It

National Handloom Day and the Swadeshi Movement

National Handloom Day Date: Celebrated every year on 7th August in India. Significance: Marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905, which promoted indigenous indus
Share It

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Why in the News? India recently called for significant reforms at the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a high-level mini-ministerial meeting in Paris ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conferen
Share It

Israel-US-Iran Conflict

Recently, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, a significant military strike aimed at Iranian nuclear infrastructure and balli
Share It

Philippines President’s Visit to India (2025)

In 2025, during the Philippines President's state visit to India, both nations elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The visit reaffirmed the 1952 Treaty of Friends
Share It

India's Participation in the 51st G7 Summit

India participated as an Outreach Country in the 51st G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Canada in 2025. Key Outcomes of the 51st G7 Summit (2025): Kananaskis Wildfire Charter:
Share It

Quit India Movement (QIM)

India commemorates 8th August every year as Quit India Movement Day (also known as August Kranti Diwas) to honor the historic movement that demanded the immediate end of British colonial rule in I
Share It

National Waterway-57 (Kopili River)

The National Waterway-57 (NW 57), running through the Kopili River in Assam, has been officially operationalised, marking a significant step in India’s development of Inland Water Transport
Share It

Union Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, aiming to address long-standing challenges and transform India into a global sportin
Share It

CIMMYT’s Financial Crisis

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a pivotal institution in the development of agricultural research for maize, wheat, and related crops, is facing significant financia
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS