Headlines about the latest Ebola outbreak in Central Africa grab your attention immediately- rising numbers, warnings from international agencies, and fears of the virus crossing borders. For a short time, the disease was back in the headlines. On 15th May 2026, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 1 and Level 3 Travel Health Notice for people travelling to Uganda and the DRC, respectively. Illustration by The Geostrata Just a day later, the World Health...

The emergence of critical minerals is increasingly seen as a major driver of both national security and economic growth. This centrality of “future minerals” is driving a fundamental transformation in U.S. foreign policy. Washington's engagement with partner nations is being determined by a vision to diversify and secure supply chains despite global disruption. Within this evolving policy framework, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary due to the country's reported array of...

The ever-growing trend of bilateral FTAs in the global economy today can provide lessons to New Delhi amid its own push for the same. One such example would be Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has been restructuring its EU FTA since 2025. The agreement focuses on adding value to the Malaysian semiconductor industry and on moving from assembly to chip design and fabrication. Trade access is being used as leverage to secure technology and R&D investment. Illustration by The Geostrata This sounds...