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As part of their long-range training deployment in the southwest Indian Ocean Region, the ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS)—INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi—recently arrived at Réunion Island, while INS Shardul reached Port Louis, Mauritius. This deployment is part of India's continued strategic outreach and strengthening of maritime ties in the Indian Ocean region. About Réunion Island: Réunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the Western Indian Ocean. It plays a crucial role in France’s strategic military presence in the region. Geography: Situated approximately 680 km east of Madagascar and 180 km southwest of Mauritius,…
13 October, 2025
World Geography
Recent undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea have caused disruptions in internet access across parts of Asia and the Middle East. These cables are crucial for global data transmission, and their damage has had a significant impact on communication and connectivity between different regions. About the Red Sea: The Red Sea is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean located between Africa and Asia. Here are some key details about the Red Sea: Geographical Location: The Red Sea is connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the south via the Gulf of Aden and the Bab…
09 October, 2025
World Geography
As part of the 50th Independence Day celebrations of Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Indian Navy Band had the honor of participating in the grand Military Tattoo held in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. The event was a significant moment, celebrating half a century of the nation's independence from Australia (1967) and fostering deeper ties between Papua New Guinea and India, especially in areas like defense and cultural exchanges. About Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea is an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is part of the Oceania region. It has a unique…
09 October, 2025
World Geography
Recent News: China’s military recently reported that it had followed and warned a Canadian and an Australian warship that were sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait. About the Taiwan Strait Location and Geography: The Taiwan Strait, also known as the Formosa Strait, separates mainland China from the island of Taiwan. It extends from the South China Sea in the southwest to the East China Sea in the northeast. The strait runs between the coast of Fujian Province in China and the island of Taiwan. Dimensions: Average Width: About 180 km. Narrowest Point: Approximately 130 km wide. Depth: The strait is…
08 October, 2025
World Geography
The recent news that India has secured Singapore’s support to patrol the Strait of Malacca is significant, especially in the context of India’s growing strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region. About the Strait of Malacca: Location & Geography: The Strait of Malacca connects the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) to the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean). It lies between the Indonesian island of Sumatra to the west and peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand to the east. Historical Significance: The strait's name comes from the Malacca Sultanate, which controlled the region from 1400 to 1511. This historical backdrop adds to the region’s…
07 October, 2025
World Geography
Recently, a landslide buried a remote mountain village in the Darfur region of Sudan. About Sudan Location: Sudan is the third largest country in Africa. Borders: It shares its borders with South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Chad, and the Central African Republic. Geography: The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from the Sahara Desert in the north to the forests of West Africa and the Congo River basin in the south. Sudan has a significant coastline along the Red Sea to the east. It is largely characterized by vast plains and plateaus, with most of the land drained by…
06 October, 2025
World Geography
In response to increasing complaints from locals regarding the misbehavior of foreign visitors, police on Jeju Island in South Korea have taken proactive measures by printing a special type of multilingual notice. About Jeju Island Jejudo, commonly known as Jeju Island, is a renowned volcanic island located in South Korea. Below are some essential details about Jeju Island: Geographical Location: Jeju Island is situated about 130 km off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula and is the largest island of Jeju Province. It lies in the East China Sea, approximately 60 miles (100 km) southwest of South Jeolla Province.…
08 September, 2025
World Geography
Recently, a mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh successfully climbed Mt Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. About Mt Elbrus Location and Geography: Mount Elbrus is situated in southwest Russia, forming part of the Caucasus Mountain range. It lies within the Prielbrusye National Park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and alpine environment. Geological Formation: The Caucasus Mountains, including Mt Elbrus, were formed as a result of the northward collision between the Arabian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Mt Elbrus itself is a dormant volcano, believed to have formed over 2.5 million years ago, with volcanic activity most prominent during…
30 August, 2025
World Geography
At least 20 people died after a migrant boat capsized off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa recently. About Lampedusa Island: Location: Southern Mediterranean Sea, between Malta and Tunisia; about 170 km southwest of Licata, Sicily. Size: Largest of the Pelagie Islands, covering about 21 sq.km. Administrative Region: Part of the autonomous region of Sicily, Italy. Geographical Note: Although administratively Italian, the island is geographically part of the African continent. Volcanic Origin: Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean due to its volcanic lava formations. It is the emerged part of a volcano that last erupted around 9,000 years ago.…
26 August, 2025
World Geography
Scientists have recently uncovered possible artefacts from the oldest known Wallacean hominids on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. This discovery has provided fresh insight into the migration patterns of prehistoric humans, particularly those from the Wallacea region. About Wallacean Hominids The earliest humans in the Wallacea region were believed to be Homo Erectus, who were previously thought to have only settled in Indonesia’s Flores Island and the Philippines’ Luzon Island around 1.02 million years ago. Homo Erectus was not believed to be capable of distant sea travel, which made their appearance on Sulawesi significant, challenging existing theories of human migration. Recent Findings…
25 August, 2025
World Geography
The Colorado River is currently facing a significant crisis as its flow continues to diminish, creating a highly competitive environment among the states that rely on its water for various purposes, including agriculture, industry, and drinking water. About Colorado River The Colorado River is one of the most important and iconic rivers in North America, playing a crucial role in supplying water to millions of people and various ecosystems. Origin: It rises in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA and flows westward and southward, eventually draining into the Gulf of California in Mexico. Length: The river flows for about 1,450…
20 August, 2025
World Geography
The Sea of Galilee in Israel has recently turned red due to a bloom of Botryococcus braunii, a type of algae. About the Sea of Galilee Location The Sea of Galilee is a large freshwater lake located in the northeastern part of Israel. It holds the distinction of being the lowest freshwater lake in the world, as well as the second-lowest lake globally, just above the Dead Sea. Geography It is situated in the Jordan Rift Valley, primarily fed by the Jordan River and supplemented by underground springs. Alternate Names The Sea of Galilee has been known by several names…
19 August, 2025
World Geography
A tragic incident occurred recently when a helicopter crashed into a barge in the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of two people. About the Mississippi River The Mississippi River holds several notable distinctions in North America: Longest River in the U.S.: Spanning more than 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers), it is the longest river in the United States and the second longest in North America. Source and Destination: It begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows southwards, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Key Tributaries: The river is fed by significant tributaries, including: Red River…
18 August, 2025
World Geography
Recently, Turkey closed the Dardanelles Strait to shipping traffic due to forest fires in the surrounding areas. The Dardanelles Strait is a vital waterway that connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and it has strategic significance. Facts about the Dardanelles Strait Location and Geography: The Dardanelles Strait is located in northwestern Turkey. It forms a natural boundary between Europe and Asia Minor (Turkey’s Asian part). The strait is 61 km long and varies in width from 1.2 to 6.5 km, making it one of the narrowest yet most crucial international shipping routes. Historical Significance: In ancient times,…
17 August, 2025
World Geography
Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a from the Paris Basin (Environment) Paper-3 PMP OAE 1a refers to a period during the Cretaceous Period (145 million years ago and ended 66 million years ago) when Earth's oceans became depleted of oxygen, causing a significant disruption in marine life. Cause: The event is believed to have been triggered by massive volcanic eruptions that released significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO?), leading to global warming and oxygen depletion in the oceans, which subsequently resulted in the formation of anoxic marine basins. Impact: CO2 in seawater forms carbonic acid, dissolving sea creatures' shells and lowering oxygen levels. This oxygen depletion led to the extinction of marine species, particularly plankton, and caused…
25 December, 2024
World Geography
Scientists recently stumbled upon a lost forest in the Panama Canal, dating back around 22 million years. Panama Canal It is an artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade.It was cut through one of the narrowest saddles of the isthmus that joins North and South America. It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal. It is approximately 80 kilometers long. It consists of a series of locks that raise and lower the water level to facilitate the passage…
24 January, 2024
World Geography
Krizna Jama, also known as Cross Cave or Cold Cave under Cross Mountain, is a cave in Slovenia. It's located in the Loz Valley, between the Loz Karst Field, Cerknica Karst Field, and Bloke Plateau. Krizna Jama is the 4th biggest known underground ecosystem in the world in terms of biodiversity.
23 January, 2024
World Geography
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde) as a malaria-free country. Why in the news? Cabo Verde has become the third country to acquire the status in the global health organisation’s African region. The country has now joined Mauritius and Algeria, who were certified in 1973 and 2019, respectively. About Cabo Verde It is also known as Cape Verde which comprises a group of islands that lie off the west coast of Africa. It is located nearby Senegal and is the nearest point on the continent. This volcanic archipelago includes ten islands and five islets, divided into the windward (Barlavento)…
20 January, 2024
World Geography
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe with its capital Prague. It borders Poland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. With a lack of natural lakes, reservoirs are important in the Czech Republic.
12 January, 2024
World Geography
North Korea has fired more than 200 rounds of artillery shells off its west coast, towards the South's Yeonpyeong Island. Yeonpyeong Island – It is home to a military base and a small civilian population of about 2,000 people in South Korea. Geography – It lies 3km (2 miles) from the disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea and 12km from the North Korean coast. Yeonpyeong Island is close to what is known as the ‘Northern Limit Line,’ the de facto maritime border that separates the two Koreas. Military events – It has been the scene of inter-Korean naval clashes over the years In 2010, 2 soldiers and 2 civilians…
09 January, 2024
World Geography
The Black Sea also known as the Euxine Sea is a large inland sea located at the southeastern tip of Europe. The Black Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The Black Sea is bordered by Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. It is the world's largest meromictic basin, meaning that the upper and lower layers of water exchange very little.
30 December, 2023
World Geography
Houthi attacks on tankers passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb has disrupted one of the busiest global shipping lanes, dragging the U.S. deeper into the conflict. Red Sea – A narrow strip of water extending for about 1,200 miles. Geography – It extends between the Mediterranean Sea, to the north-west, and the Indian Ocean, to the south-east. In north, it separates into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez and in south, it is connected to the Gulf of Aden, and the outer Indian Ocean, via the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb. 6 bordering countries – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. Physiography – It lies in a fault depression that…
29 December, 2023
World Geography
Panama Canal Two important shipping routes the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal are facing blockages. It is a lock-type canal, owned and administered by the Republic of Panama. Lock-type canal is a system in which an enclosure or basin located in the course of a canal or a river (or in the vicinity of a dock) with gates at each end, within which the water level may be varied to raise or lower boats. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow Isthmus of Panama. Panama Canal is one of the two most strategic artificial…
29 December, 2023
World Geography
The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, located between Asia and Europe, and is shared by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The Caspian Sea is a landlocked sea and is also known as the Mazandaran Sea. It lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia. Baku is the largest port on the Caspian Sea and the largest capital city on the southern shore of the Absheron peninsula.
28 December, 2023
World Geography
The Red Sea is a narrow inland sea between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and most heavily travelled waterways between Europe and Asia. It is connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the south through the Gulf of Aden and the narrow strait of Bab el Mandeb. The northern portion of the Red Sea is bifurcated by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, where it is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the famous Suez Canal. It's one of the world's warmest and saltiest seas, and is high in nutrients and plankton. ???????
23 December, 2023
World Geography
The Taiwan Strait is also known as the Formosa Strait that separates mainland China and the island of Taiwan. The strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north. The strait is an arm of the Pacific Ocean and extends from southwest to northeast.
23 December, 2023
World Geography
Julian Felipe Reef is a reef in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. It lies in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Philippines. It's also known as Whitsun Reef, Whitson Reef, and Whitsum Reef. It's the largest reef in the Union Banks.
07 December, 2023
World Geography
The Philippines opened a coast guard base on the contested island of Thitu, South China Sea recently. Thitu Island - Thitu Island is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines first took possession of the feature in 1974. Subi Reef – It is a low-tide elevation in the Spratly Islands. It is located in the South China Sea and it was possessed by China in 1988.
03 December, 2023
World Geography
Daniel Noboa sworn in as Ecuador's President recently. Ecuador is a country in South America that's named after the equator, which splits the country in two. Capital – Quito. It's bordered by Colombia in north, Peru in east and south and in west by Pacific Ocean. It is home to Amazon rainforest, Andean paramos, Cloud forests, Galápagos Islands.
24 November, 2023
World Geography
The 59th International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) was held at Pattaya, Thailand in 2023. ITTC – It is the governing body of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) which meets once a year. Objectives – To promote sustainable tropical forest management and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber. To develop forest-related policies and approve and finance field-level projects. Membership – It comprises all the 75 ITTO’s members. Assisted by 4 committees Committee on Economics, Statistics and Markets. Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management. Committee on Forest Industry. Committee on Finance and Administration. International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) It is an intergovernmental organization based on International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006 that entered into…
22 November, 2023
World Geography
Joseph Boakai was recently declared winner of Liberia's presidential election, beating incumbent George Weah. Liberia is a country in West Africa sharing its borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast to the northwest, north, and east respectively. The Atlantic Ocean borders Liberia to the south-southwest.
21 November, 2023
World Geography
2nd Thomas Shoal is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. The shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan, Philippines and lies within Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The shoal is a disputed territory and is claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan (ROC) and Vietnam.
15 November, 2023
World Geography
It is a proposed canal through Israel that would connect the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) to the Mediterranean Sea. It was named after David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding father and 1st Prime Minister. The project was envisioned in the 1960s to create an alternative route to the Suez Canal and challenge Egypt's monopoly on the shortest trade route between Europe and Asia.
10 November, 2023
World Geography
A new study has pointed out that rapid melting of West Antarctica’s ice sheet due to warm waters around it, is now unavoidable, no matter how much carbon emissions are cut. It is the fifth-largest continent. It is larger than Europe and is twice the size of Australia. The continent is a high plateau that is frozen throughout the year. There is no coastal plain. There are mountain ranges, peaks, a rift valley, and volcanoes. Two broad inlets, the Weddell Sea and the Ross Sea and the Trans- Antarctic Mountains that cross the entire continent divide the land into West Antarctica and East Antarctica. The former…
01 November, 2023
World Geography
Atmospheric Rivers Since late December 2022, 11 atmospheric rivers have pounded California, making it an unusually wet winter. About atmospheric rivers The Long, slender bands of moisture in the air that travel from the tropics to higher latitudes are known as atmospheric rivers. When the moisture goes inland from the ocean and climbs over the mountains, it produces rain and snowfall. Despite the fact that many fire-weary Westerners anticipate these downpours, atmospheric rivers can also result in other catastrophes like catastrophic flooding and debris flows. There are atmospheric rivers all over the planet, and they have an impact on the…
04 April, 2023
World Geography
DBT MOES Polar Research Centre Department of Biotechnology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With the Ministry of Earth Sciences To Set up the DBT MOES Polar Research Centre The POLAR region encompassing the Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean and the Himalayas is a unique ecosystem offers a huge amount of interest due to its extreme climate compare to the rest of the world. Although researchers across the globe have contributed to different areas of research, the POLAR region is yet known as an unexplored ecosystem. The MoU envisages mutual collaboration to explore the possibility of cooperation, convergence and synergy to…
15 July, 2021
World Geography
World’s largest iceberg breaks off from Antarctica A huge ice block has broken off from western Antarctica into the Weddell Sea, becoming the largest iceberg in the world and earning the name A-76. It is the latest in a series of large ice blocks to dislodge in a region acutely vulnerable to climate change, although scientists said in this case it appeared to be part of a natural polar cycle. Slightly larger than the Spanish island of Majorca, A-76 had been monitored by scientists since May 13 when it began to separate from the Ronne Ice Shelf, according to the…
21 May, 2021
World Geography
Militarisation of the Arctic The Biden administration is leading a campaign against Russian attempts to assert authority over Arctic shipping and reintroduce a military dimension to discussions over international activity in the area. As Russia assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council on Thursday, the U.S. rallied members to oppose Moscow’s plans to set maritime rules in the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Norway to Alaska, and its desire to resume military talks within the eight-nation bloc. Those talks were suspended in 2014 over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The effort reflects growing concerns in Washington and among some…
21 May, 2021
World Geography
World’s largest iceberg breaks off from Antarctica A huge ice block has broken off from western Antarctica into the Weddell Sea, becoming the largest iceberg in the world and earning the name A-76. It is the latest in a series of large ice blocks to dislodge in a region acutely vulnerable to climate change, although scientists said in this case it appeared to be part of a natural polar cycle. Slightly larger than the Spanish island of Majorca, A-76 had been monitored by scientists since May 13 when it began to separate from the Ronne Ice Shelf, according to the…
21 May, 2021
World Geography
Everything about: the Arctic Arctic mapping Read all this from Orient Longman Blackswan Atlas as Ankit Sir teaches in his Mapping classes. Barent (Kola penin), Kara (Yamal penin), Laptev (Taymyr penin), Eastern Siberian (Kolyma lowland), Chukchi, Beaufort sea (USA, Canada), Gulf of Boothia, Baffin Bay. Lincoln sea is between Denmark and the Arctic. Gunnbjorn Mt is in Denmark. The Denmark Strait is between Greenland (Denmark) and Iceland. Greenland is between the Denmark Strait and the Davis Strait. Arctic Circle only cuts Kola and Chukchi Penin. Also Davis & Denmark Strait. Aleut, Athabaskan, Gwich'in, Inuit, and Saami are the tribes of the…
19 May, 2021
World Geography
Everything about: the Antarctic Antarctic mapping Read all this from Orient Longman Blackswan Atlas as Ankit Sir teaches in his Mapping classes. Antarctic = Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Drake Passage, Weddel Sea. Drake Passage/ Antarctic Peninsula is between the Bellingshausen Sea and Weddel Sea. Winson Massif (Ellsworth Mountains) is the highest peak in Antarctica. Bharati, Maitri, and Dakshin Gangotri are in the Antarctic. Lambert glacier is here. Himadri is in the Arctic. About Antarctic region The Antarctic is a polar region around Earth's the South Pole, opposite the Arctic region around the North Pole. Antarctica is defined as all…
09 April, 2021
World Geography
Suez Canal Lakes Due to the blockage of the Suez Canal, the $200 billion of India’s trade flows with Europe, North America and South America is at risk. So, the Department of Commerce has worked out an action plan to cope with the crisis, including possibly re-routing shipments through the Cape of Good Hope (Re-routing may take 15 additional days.) More details on SUEZ CANNEL: https://www.aspireias.com/daily-news-analysis-current-affairs/Suez-Canal-crisis-Past-to-Present MAPPING Suez Canal significant? Suez Canal is a critical shipping artery that connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas through Egypt. It carries over 12% of world trade by volume. A human-made waterway, the Suez…
02 April, 2021
World Geography
What is a Christmas Star? After nearly 400 years, Saturn and Jupiter will be brought closest in the night sky by an astronomical event called the “great conjunction” popularly referred to as the “Christmas Star”. A conjunction is a name given to any event where planets or asteroids appear to be very close together in the sky when viewed from the Earth. Astronomers use the term great conjunction to describe meetings of the two biggest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn. The Great Conjunction happens once in about 20 years because of the time each of the planets…
23 December, 2020
World Geography
6th International Conference on Climate Services Syllabus subtopic: Salient features of World’s Physical Geography. Prelims and Mains focus: about the conference and its objectives; about the new forecast system by India and its significance News: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the auspices of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India, is hosting the 6th International Conference on Climate Services (ICCS6) in Pune, India from February 11-13, 2020. Aim of the conference: The conference aims to convene the international community of practice to: Assess the current state of play in the design, implementation, and…
12 February, 2020
World Geography
Cyclone Sarai batters Fiji Syllabus subtopic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Prelims and Mains focus: about cyclone Sarai; tropical cyclones: types and formation; India-Fiji relations News: Tropical Cyclone Sarai (Category 2) was moving slowly away from Fiji on Sunday, leaving two people dead and more than 2,500 needing emergency shelter. The cyclone damaged houses, crops and trees, cut power and forced the cancellation of several…
30 December, 2019
World Geography
Typhoon Phanfone batters the Philippines Syllabus subtopic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Prelims and Mains focus: About typhoon Phanfone; about tropical cyclones and their types News: Typhoon Phanfone pummelled the central Philippines on Christmas Day, bringing a wet, miserable and terrifying holiday to millions in the mainly Catholic nation. Though weaker, Phanfone was tracking a similar path to Super Typhoon Haiyan, the country’s deadliest cyclone on…
26 December, 2019
World Geography