🌍 1. Strait of Malacca 🌏 Global Trade Lifeline Expanded Write-up:The Strait of Malacca is the busiest maritime chokepoint in the world, linking the Indian Ocean to the Pacific via Southeast Asia. It is the shortest and most efficient route between Asia and Europe, making it indispensable for global trade. Roughly one-quarter to one-third of all global trade passes through this narrow corridor, including electronics, raw materials, and consumer goods. Major economies such as China, Japan, and South Korea rely heavily on this route for both imports and exports. Because of its narrow width and heavy traffic, any disruption—whether from accidents, congestion, or geopolitical tensions—can immediately ripple across global supply…