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Current mapping upsc

Current mapping upsc

Tuvalu

The Government of Tuvalu has officially become the 90th State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), marking a significant milestone in the country’s environmental efforts. About Tuvalu Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a small island nation located in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It holds the distinction of being one of the smallest countries in the world, both in terms of land area and population. Land Area and Location: Tuvalu is a collection of small islands and atolls, primarily made of coral reefs and volcanic rock. The country is located about halfway between Australia…

07 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Mount Lewotobi

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, recently erupted, sending volcanic ash approximately 10 kilometers (about 6.21 miles) into the sky. About Mount Lewotobi Mount Lewotobi is a twin-peaked active volcano situated in the Ring of Fire, a major area in the Pacific Ocean where tectonic plates meet and volcanic activity is prevalent. This particular volcano is known for its frequent activity and stands as one of the most notable geological features on Flores Island. Location: Mount Lewotobi is located on the tourist island of Flores in eastern Indonesia. Flores Island is part of the Lesser Sunda…

05 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Gulf of Kutch

A recent report has highlighted the uncertain long-term survival of dugongs in the Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, pointing to significant challenges for their conservation in these areas. The dugong, a marine herbivorous mammal, faces mounting threats to its habitat, primarily due to the degradation of its seagrass beds and other environmental pressures. About Gulf of Kutch The Gulf of Kutch is a biologically rich region located along the west coast of India, in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. This inlet of the Arabian Sea serves as an important ecological zone for various marine species, including…

05 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Gulf of Finland

Recent Incident: Airspace Violation: Recently, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated the airspace of NATO member Estonia over the Gulf of Finland. The jets remained in Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, raising concerns among NATO allies. MiG-31: The MiG-31 is a supersonic interceptor aircraft, primarily used by the Russian Air Force for air defense and long-range intercept missions. These types of incidents involving airspace violations are often seen as a show of military power and can increase tensions between countries, especially in sensitive regions like the Baltic. About the Gulf of Finland: Geographical Location: The Gulf of Finland is the…

04 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Madagascar

Recently, an elite military unit in Madagascar has taken control of the country after a national assembly vote led to the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina. The military backing of youth-led anti-government street protests marked a dramatic shift in the nation's political landscape. This development follows a period of intense political turmoil and unrest within Madagascar. About Madagascar Madagascar is an island nation in East Africa, situated in the Indian Ocean about 400 km off the coast of Mozambique. It is one of the largest island nations in the world and has a rich history and unique biodiversity. Geographical Details:…

03 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Maitri II Station

India's Maitri II Station is set to become the country’s newest research facility in Antarctica, and the Finance Ministry has recently approved the project. This station will be an expansion of India’s polar research capabilities, especially in eastern Antarctica. Key Highlights of Maitri II Station: Location and Size: Maitri II will be established in eastern Antarctica and will be larger than the existing Maitri I station. The station will be designed as a green research base, focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Renewable Energy Use: The station will primarily use renewable energy to power its operations. Solar power will be…

01 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Armenia

Recently, Armenia became the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), joining a global community committed to conserving nature and promoting sustainable development. About Armenia Geography and Location: Landlocked Country: Armenia is nestled in the southern part of the Caucasus Mountain Range. Bordering Countries: It shares borders with Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the southeast, and Turkey to the west. Terrain: The Lesser Caucasus Mountains dominate Armenia's landscape, creating a rugged terrain that influences its climate and agricultural practices. Soil and Agriculture: The country’s soil is highly fertile due to…

01 November, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Coco Islands

Myanmar recently assured India that there is no Chinese presence at the Coco Islands in the Bay of Bengal, a matter of significant strategic interest for India due to the islands' proximity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. About the Coco Islands The Coco Islands are a small group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, near the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. Here are some key facts about the Coco Islands: Location The Great Coco Island, the largest in the group, lies just 55 km from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The islands are part of…

29 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Qatar

India recently defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the U.N. Human Rights Council, emphasizing its right to maintain its domestic policies and governance, particularly in light of international criticisms. About Qatar Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a small but strategically important country located in Western Asia on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Here's a detailed look at the country: Geography and Location: Area: 11,586 square kilometers Borders: It shares a land border only with Saudi Arabia to the south, while it is surrounded by the Persian Gulf on all other sides. Proximity to Other Countries: The Gulf of…

28 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Mig La Pass

The Mig La Pass, located on the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh, has recently set a world record with the construction of the world's highest motorable road at 19,400 feet above sea level. It is taller than both the South Base Camp of Mount Everest in Nepal (17,598 feet) and the North Base Camp in Tibe  (16,900 feet).This significant achievement was carried out by Project Himank under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a critical initiative for improving road connectivity in the strategically important region of Ladakh. Key Highlights of Mig La Pass: World Record: At 19,400 feet, Mig La Pass now…

26 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Black Sea

The Black Sea remains a focal point of global geopolitical and environmental significance. Recently, Russia reported the destruction of 251 Ukrainian drones overnight, mostly over its southwest and in the Black Sea region, with one of the drones even targeting Moscow. Key Facts About the Black Sea: Location and Size: The Black Sea is a large inland sea located at the southeastern extremity of Europe, covering an area of about 436,000 square kilometers. It is one of the marginal seas of the Atlantic Ocean and is bordered by six countries: Turkey (south) Bulgaria and Romania (west) Ukraine (north) Russia (northeast)…

26 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Easter Island's Moai Statues

Recent research has unveiled that the famous moai statues of Easter Island were not dragged or rolled into position as previously believed. Instead, the island's early inhabitants employed a remarkable method of "walking" these giant stone figures upright, utilizing sophisticated engineering techniques. About Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Location: Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui to its original Polynesian inhabitants, is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world. Distance: About 3,540 km west of Chile. Around 1,900 km east of Pitcairn Island. Geography: Area: Covers 163.6 sq.km. Shape: Triangular in…

26 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Baratang Island

India's only mud volcano, located on Baratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has erupted once again, drawing attention both for its unique geological phenomenon and its significance as a tourist destination. About Baratang Island Location: Baratang Island is situated in the North and Middle Andaman district, approximately 150 km from Port Blair. It’s part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Mud Volcano: The island is home to India’s only mud volcano, which makes it a popular tourist spot. This natural wonder has intrigued visitors due to its rare geological formations.…

24 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island is a prominent man-made island in the Kochi area of Kerala, India, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in the region. It holds a special place in both historical and strategic contexts. Key Features of Willingdon Island Man-Made Island: Willingdon Island was created by the British during the colonial era and is named after Lord Willingdon, the 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India (1931–1936). Strategic Significance: The island serves as a hub for various important institutions and facilities: Kochi Naval Base: A key naval base of the Indian Navy, strategically important for the country's…

24 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib is one of the most significant and revered cities for the Sikh community. It holds immense historical and spiritual value as it is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Key Facts about Nankana Sahib: Location: Nankana Sahib is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, approximately 75 kilometers west of Lahore. The city is historically tied to the Sikh faith and remains a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide. Historical Background: Originally known as Rai-Bhoi-Di Talwandi, the city was renamed Nankana Sahib by Rai Bhullar Bhatti, the grandson of the founder Rai Bhoi,…

24 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Leyte Island

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake has recently struck Leyte Island in the Philippines. While the impact details are still emerging, such a significant tremor is likely to cause considerable damage, particularly to infrastructure in populated areas. About Leyte Island Leyte is a large and historically significant island in the Visayas group of islands in the Philippines. Geography Size: Leyte is the eighth-largest island in the Philippines, spanning 7,056 square kilometers. Coastline: It has a coastline of 969 km, providing significant access to marine resources. Location: It is located in the central part of the country and is separated from Samar Island…

16 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Offshore Earthquake Hits Philippines

A 6.9 magnitude offshore earthquake recently struck Cebu province in central Philippines, shaking the region and prompting concerns about potential aftershocks and damage. About the Philippines The Philippines is a tropical island nation located in Southeast Asia, surrounded by seas and oceans. Here are key facts about the country: Geography and Location: The Philippines is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of 7,641 islands. It shares maritime borders with several countries: Vietnam to the west, Taiwan to the north, Palau to the east, Malaysia and Indonesia to the south. Water Bodies: The country is surrounded by several significant…

15 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines has strongly reacted to China’s announcement of establishing a nature reserve in the South China Sea at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. This development has further escalated tensions between the two countries, both of which lay claim to the shoal. About Scarborough Shoal Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island by China, is a disputed atoll located in the South China Sea, roughly 220 kilometers west of the Philippines’ Luzon Island. Geographical Features: The shoal is submerged during high tide, with only a few rocks above sea level. Significance: It is the largest atoll in the South China Sea…

14 October, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Spratly Islands

Vietnam has significantly expanded island-building activities in parts of the Spratly Islands it claims. According to a recent U.S. think tank report, Vietnam’s construction efforts are expected to match or even surpass China’s scale of land reclamation and infrastructure development in the area. About the Spratly Islands Location: South China Sea, north of insular Malaysia, roughly between Vietnam and the Philippines. Geographical Spread: Covers around 158,000 sq miles (409,000 sq km) of ocean. Nature: Comprises reefs, shoals, atolls, and small islets, many of which are submerged at high tide. Key Islets: Itu Aba: Largest natural islet (~90 acres / 36…

10 September, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted recently, sending lava fountains up to 30 meters high. This is the 31st eruption since December 2024, continuing its active phase. About Kilauea Volcano One of the world’s most active volcanoes. Located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii state, USA). It is a shield volcano, characterized by broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid lava flows. Height: 4,090 feet (1,250 meters). The summit caldera contains a lava lake called Halema‘uma‘u, believed to be the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele. Its slopes merge with the nearby Mauna Loa volcano on…

10 September, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Drake Passage

A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 recently struck the Drake Passage, triggering a brief tsunami alert. The quake’s epicenter was located in this turbulent waterway between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. About Drake Passage The Drake Passage lies between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Named after Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. It is a deep, wide waterway connecting the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Known as one of the roughest waterways worldwide due to the clash of cold southern and warm northern seawater…

09 September, 2025 Current mapping upsc

Aravali Range – Facts

The Supreme Court recently opined that if the State of Rajasthan believes that the mining activities in the Aravali Range pose a threat to the environment, it can also prevent mining activities in the Aravalli Range. About Aravalli Range It is a mountain range located in northwestern India. It is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world. It runs approximately 670 km (430 mi) in a south-west direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat. The range contains a series of ridges and peaks, which have widths between 6 miles and 60 miles, and elevations that vary between 1,000 and 3,000 feet. The highest…

01 February, 2024 Current mapping upsc

Gulf of Aden

Indian Navy’s destroyer INS Visakhapatnam responds to distress call from drone-hit merchant vessel in Gulf of Aden. It is a deep-water basin that forms a natural sea link between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Geography – It is an arm of the Indian Ocean that runs in a west-east direction, is located between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia and Djibouti in Africa. Strategic importance - In the northwest it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab el Mandeb straits making it strategically important. Climate – It is strongly influenced by the upwelling of cool, nutrient-rich waters during the southwest and northeast monsoons and is characterized by a prevailing high-energy…

30 January, 2024 Current mapping upsc

Almora Fault

Data indicates an increase in earthquake activity in 2023 was mainly attributed to the activation of the Almora fault. Almora Fault – It is located in Western Nepal. It is a high angle west-northwest-east-southeast to northwest-southeast trending tectonic plane. It separates the inner lesser Himalayas in the north from outer lesser Himalayas in the south. A fault It is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Movement – It allow the blocks to move relative to each other which may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake or may occur slowly, in the form of creep. Range - Few millimetres to thousands of kilometers. Activation of…

08 December, 2023 Current mapping upsc

Essequibo region (Geo-Mapping)

Recently, the U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency closed meeting at the request of Guyana following Venezuela’s weekend referendum claiming Essequibo region. Geography – It a 61,600-square-mile area located in the heart of the Guiana Shield, a geographical region in the northeast of South America. It accounts for two-thirds of Guyana. The area is one of the 4 last pristine tropical forests in the world. Economical value – It has vast oil and mineral resources.With these resources, Guyana is set to surpass the oil production of Venezuela, and by 2025, it would become the world’s largest per-capita crude producer. Currently, Venezuela has the world’s largest proven…

07 November, 2023 Current mapping upsc

Strait Of Hormuz

Strait Of Hormuz The military of the United Arab Emirates and Iran recently began their yearly drill in the Gulf of Oman's coastal region and close to the vital Strait of Hormuz. The exercises are designed to increase preparation for dealing with outside threats and potential invasions. About Strait of Hormuz: A fifth of all oil sold at sea passes through the strait, which is at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and is vital to the world's energy resources. The waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea while dividing Iran and Oman.…

02 January, 2023 Current mapping upsc

Bhashan Char Island

Bhashan Char Island Key Facts The Bangladesh Authorities recently moved around 1,750 Rohingya Muslims to a controversial island in the Bay of Bengal called the “Bhashan Char Island”.  About Bhashan Char The island is also known as Char Piya. It is in Hatiya Upazila, Bangladesh. The island is located in the Bay of Bengal about 6 kilometres from Sandwip island. How the island was formed? The island was formed in the year 2006 by Himalayan silt. A recent development by Bangladesh on Island The Government of Bangladesh has planned to construct 1,440 buildings on the island & cyclone shelters. The buildings…

23 January, 2021 Current mapping upsc

Important Facts of Kerala

Important Facts of Kerala Capital Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum Date of Formation November 01, 1956 State Boundaries Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Puducherry (Mahe) Number of Districts 14 State Animal Elephant State Bird Great Indian Hornbill State Flower Kanikonna or Indian laburnum or amaltus State Tree Coconut Official Language Malayalam Major cities Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam and Thrissur Festivals Onam, Thrissur Pooram, Sabarimala, Theyyam, Payippad Jelotsavam Dances Chavittunatakam, Kathakali, Kolkli, Koothu, Kutiyattam, Theyyam, Thirvathirakali, Ottamthullal, Chakyar Koothu, Mohiniyattam Hill Station Munnar UNESCO sites Nilgiri, Agasthyamalai, Western Ghats Physical division Nilgiri – Anamalai – Cardamon (North to South) Beaches Alappuzha Beach Cherai Beach Kovalam Kozhikode…

28 October, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Y Nalla

Y Nalla The strategic ‘Y Nalla’ near the Shyok-Galwan axis has become the new frontier for Indian and Chinese troops after the construction of a new post and infrastructure in Galway Valley is believed to have cut off the traditional access to Patrol Point-14 on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The infrastructure built comprised hardened shelters for troops and defensive positions at the Y-junction. At this junction, the Galway River takes a sharp bend towards its meeting point with the Shyok River. Galwan River meets Shyok River and is approximately 1km away from the PP-14 area. Patrolled by Indian…

13 July, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Ambarnaya river

Ambarnaya river It is located in the Arctic Ocean near Siberia The Ambarnaya River, into which the oil has been discharged, is part of a network that flows into the environmentally sensitive Arctic Ocean. The state-owned TASS news agency reported that the emergency measures were announced within Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Region, located in the vast and sparsely populated Siberian peninsula. How did the leak happen? The thermoelectric power plant at Norilsk is built on permafrost, which has weakened over the years owing to climate change. The power plant is located near the Region’s Norilsk city, around 3000 km northeast of Moscow.…

08 July, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Sakteng Wildlife sanctuary

Sakteng Wildlife sanctuary It is located in the eastern sector of Bhutan. It is claimed by China. It is closer to Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the country's protected areas. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.

06 July, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Bostwana

Bostwana It has the world’s largest number of elephants at about 1.3 lacs. Okavango Delta is located here Recently over 350 elephants died and the causes are unknown which can be due to anthrax.  

03 July, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Bum La Pass

Bum La Pass The Bum La Pass is a mountain pass located at the Indo-China border above 15,200 ft above sea level, it is about 37 km away from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The road to Bum La is also a historical route, the People's Liberation Army of China invaded India during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. In 2006, Bumla pass was re-opened to traders for the first time in 44 years. Traders from both sides of the pass were permitted to enter each other's territories, in addition to postal workers from each country. The area includes route taken by the…

23 June, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Wakhan Corridor

Wakhan Corridor Wakhan corridor is a narrow strip of inhospitable and barely accessible land in Afghanistan bordered by the mountains of Tajikistan and Pakistan, and extending all the way to China.        The corridor is also known by its Persian name Bam-e-Dunya, or “roof of the world” The area is populated by the Wakhins who are the members of a nomadic tribe in the region. Created in the 19th century as a Great Game buffer zone between tsarist Russia and British India, the corridor has since remained untouched by any kind of government It can be reached from surrounding countries through…

17 June, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Galapagos

Galapagos The rising tourist arrival to Galapagos Island puts pressure on the fragile volcanic archipelago. The Galapagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are distributed on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere.     The island-inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of evolution and was his field of study. The Islands and their surrounding waters form the Galapagos Province of Ecuador, the Galapagos National Park, and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. UNESCO recognised the islands as a World Heritage Site and as a biosphere reserve.  

16 June, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Udangudi Power Project

Udangudi Power Project Coal-based supercritical Udangudi thermal power project is set to come up in the Thoothukudi district of southern Tamil Nadu. BHEL and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) signed an MoU to develop this power project in 2007. The estimated Rs.100-billion project is to be funded by Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

06 June, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata Port is renamed Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The Board of Trustees of Kolkata Port Trust in its Meeting held on 25th February 2020 has also passed a Resolution to rename Kolkata Port as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Background: The Kolkata Port is the first Major Port as well as the only riverine port of the country. It came to be governed by a Trust on 17th October, 1870 on appointment of the Commissioners for Improvement of the Port of Calcutta as per Act V of 1870. It features at Serial Number 1 in The First…

04 June, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Mount Mayon

Mount Mayon It is an active stratovolcano in the Philippines region Stratovolcano , also known as a composite volcano, is a conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash The volcano is the centrepiece of the ALBAY biosphere reserve and Natural Park on its own. Mount Mayon lies in the Pacific ring of fire region, a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur

31 May, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Assumption Island - Seychelles

Assumption Island - Seychelles Assumption Island is one of the 115 islands constituting the Seychelles archipelago. India signed a pact to develop Assumption Island, during PM Modi’s visit to Seychelles in 2015. Ironing out the earlier differences, India has now signed a revised agreement with Seychelles. Assumption Island is leased to India for the operation of a naval base and air strip by the Indian navy. The agreement will enable India to help Seychelles build military infrastructure for the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. Seychelles has said it would “suspend” the use of military facilities on Assumption Island in case India…

31 May, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Port Antsiranana, Madagascar

Port Antsiranana, Madagascar As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 27 May 2020. INS Kesari carried a consignment of COVID-related essential medicines for the people of Madagascar. ‘Mission Sagar’ builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant difficulties. The deployment also resonates with the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR.

30 May, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Nayachar Islands

Nayachar Islands Nayachar is a newly emerged island with a mangrove ecosystem in the middle estuary of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. This land mass was created in the Indian Sunderbans by river silt deposits, and remained largely submerged, rising occasionally above the water level. Till 1990 it was completely barren, with hardly any plant or animal species, at present there are 151 animal species on the island, making it a rare case in ecology. The natural succession of species on the island has been aided by the inundation of water during tides, and the soil brought from other…

25 May, 2020 Current mapping upsc

Zojila Tunnel

Zojila Tunnel It is an upcoming project in J&K that aims at providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. The project has been approved on the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. It holds strategic and socio-economic significance, given the fact that the region of Leh has limited connectivity due to the threat of avalanches. The project will be executed by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H).

21 May, 2020 Current mapping upsc

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