This preprint examines the persistent discrepancy in measurements of the Hubble constant (H₀), commonly known as the Hubble tension. The paper compares the two primary cosmological pipelines used to determine the present expansion rate of the Universe: late-universe distance-ladder measurements based on Cepheid variables and Type Ia supernovae, and early-universe inferences derived from Cosmic Microwave Background observations within the ΛCDM framework. Particular attention is given to recent constraints from the Planck NPIPE (PR4) data release, the status of Early Dark Energy (EDE) models, and the implications of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations for local distance-ladder systematics. The study evaluates the strengths and limitations of both approaches, distinguishing carefully between direct measurements, model-dependent inferences, observational uncertainties, and theoretical assumptions. In addition to reviewing current constraints on proposed resolutions of the Hubble tension, the paper investigates geometric consistency through the Etherington distance-duality relation and discusses whether deviations from standard assumptions regarding light propagation and cosmological geometry could contribute to the observed discrepancy. The work does not claim a definitive resolution of the Hubble tension. Instead, it provides a structured synthesis of recent literature, evaluates competing explanations, and identifies promising directions for future observational and theoretical research. The paper is intended as a research-oriented review and critical analysis for readers interested in modern cosmology, precision measurements of the expansion rate, and potential extensions to the standard cosmological model.