Sea lanes of Communications have always played a strong role in the naval doctrines and strategies of countries. Security and command over these vital ‘super highways’ of the oceans strengthens a country’s’ overall security and influence in the region. Sea Line of Communication (SLOCS) in the Indian Ocean Region, which form an important part of the Indian Ocean Region trade and which more importantly carry vital resources such as oil and natural gas to the growing economies of Asia and the Pacific region have become even more crucial to secure.

2014 will not only remain a landmark year for Afghanistan, it is turning out to be extremely crucial year for other regional and global powers with stakes in the country. Afghans are gearing up for the third Presidential elections since 2001 under the backdrop of the imminent withdrawal of NATO led Western military forces by December 2014. Dealing with situation unfolding there and its ramifications present a formidable challenge for a country like India. Besides historical relationship, Afghanistan has bearing on India’s security and economic interest.

The successful landing of the Chang’E-3 spacecraft on the Moon and the rollout of its rover has added a significant milestone to the trajectory of China’s space programme. With this, China became the third country to conduct a soft landing on the Moon, after the USA and Russia. The landing comes after a gap of 37 years, as the last such feat was accomplished in 1976 by the Soviet Union. In addition, this is the first major space achievement of China under the administration of the new leadership led by President Xi Jinping.

Introduction

The civil war in Syria between the forces of President Bashar al Assad and opposition rebel groups has been ongoing since the past two and a half years. The deadlock within Syria has been reinforced by the impasse within the international community on the resolution of the issue. The US and its partners in West Asia and Europe have been supporting the rebels at different levels ranging from financial to lethal as well as non-lethal arms aid.

Assistant  Editors

Assistant Editor (S & T): Ms. Dhanasree Jayaram

Consulting Editors

 Members

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief : Prof. M. D. Nalapat

Managing Editor : Dr. H. Vinod Bhat

Editorial Advisor : Dr. S. M. Bhaskar

Editorial Advisor : Shri. Pradeep Kapur

Features Editor (Foreign Policy and International Organizations): Dr Ravindranathan P