P4P 2024

MAPPING CA
JANUARY’23 To MAY 2023
Current Affairs Part
1. PLACES IN NEWS- INDIA + GEOGRAPHY.……………………………………………03

2. PLACES IN NEWS- INTERNATIONAL…………………………………………………..14

3. PLACES IN NEWS- NP, WLS etc. ……………………………………………………….40

pg. 2
 CURRENT AFFAIRS PART

1. PLACES IN NEWS- INDIA SPECIFIC + GEOGRAPHY

BAUXITE MINING INDIA

 In News: Recently Maliparbat bauxite mining lease case witnessed resistance from the tribals of Odisha.

LAMHETA

 The first geological park of India will be built in Lamheta village of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.
 Recognized globally for its geological significance, this area yields dinosaur fossils; UNESCO designates it as a
geo heritage site.

ARITTAPATTI

 In News: Arittapatti, located in Melur block, Madurai district, has been declared a biological heritage site by
the Tamil Nadu government.
 This ecologically rich village hosts around 250 bird species, including Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and
Bonelli's Eagle, along with animals like Indian Pangolins, Slender Lorises, and Pythons.

pg. 3
SIYOM BRIDGE

 In News: It was recently inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh.

 About: New 100m bridge, cutting-edge, spans Siyom River in Arunachal
Pradesh, enhancing connectivity; Siyom, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.

MACHCHHU RIVER

 In News: Recently, a suspension bridge collapsed over the river

Machchu, in Gujarat’s Morbi district, which killed almost 135 people.
 About: It originates from Madla Hills in Surendranagar district of
Gujarat. It flows in north westerly direction and finally disappears near
Malia in the Little Rann of Kutch.

pg. 4
ZIRO VALLEY

 It is the cultural heritage site of the Apatani tribe. Also declared as a World Heritage Site by the UN.
 It is a popular tourist destination in Lower Subansiri district of the central part of Arunachal Pradesh. It is
famous for its natural beauty and is situated on the Apatani Plateau.

KILAUEA VOLCANO

 In News: One of the world's most active volcanoes has

erupted again in Hawaii, nearly one month after it
stopped releasing lava.

About the Kilauea volcano

 Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, resides in

Hawaii, USA.
 It's central to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, featuring
an elongated dome formed by continuous lava eruptions
from a central crater and rifts.

TONGATAPU ISLAND

 In News: The island nation of Tonga is still dealing with coastal water damages even after one year of volcanic
incident.

About

 The island is bounded

by Fiji, Wallis and
Futuna, Samoa, New
Caledonia, Vanuatu,
Niue, and Kermadec
in various directions.
 The Tonga Islands are
near the Ring of Fire,
an area of heightened
volcanic and seismic
activity that
surrounds the Pacific
Ocean basin.
 The Ring of Fire, a
Pacific region, hosts
450+ volcanoes,
housing three of the
world’s four most
active: Mount St.
Helens, Mount Fuji,
and Mount Pinatubo.

pg. 5
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY INDIA

In News: Recently, the state-run oil and gas producer Oil and Natural Gas Company (ONGC) proposed to map
India's geothermal resources in search of clean energy.

SUNNI DAM HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT, HIMACHAL PRADESH

 In News: Cabinet approved investment for 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh by
Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam.
 The project, part of the Luhri project, aims to harness the hydropower potential of the Satluj River, with
Sunni Dam being one of its components.

pg. 6
SIACHEN GLACIER

 In News: The Indian Army stationed its first female officer (Captain Shiva Chouhan) at Siachen Glacier, the
world's highest and coldest battlefield

About Siachen Glacier

 Located between the Saltoro Ridge and the main Karakoram Range. Stretching 76 km.
 It's the second longest non-polar glacier, demarcating Central Asia from the Indian subcontinent.
 Siachen is the source of the Nubra River, part of the Indus River system, and came under Indian control in
1984 through Operation Meghdoot

DELHI-MUMBAI EXPRESSWAY

 In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial phase of the Delhi-Mumbai expressway,
spanning the 246-km Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot route.
 This section's opening will cut travel time from Delhi to Jaipur to about 3 hours from 5 hours.
 Additionally, the expressway will enhance connectivity for Haryana, a landlocked state, facilitating increased
exports.

pg. 7
LITHIUM RESERVES INDIA

 In News: The Union Ministry of Mines announced the discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir's
Reasi district, marking the country's first find.
 The reserves are located within the "Reasi Sersandu-Kherikot-Rahotkot-Darabi" mineral block.

SOUTH INDIA’S 1ST CORRIDOR

 In News: PM initiated
South India's
inaugural Industrial
Corridor Project in
Tumakuru, part of the
Chennai-Bengaluru
Industrial Corridor.
 Emphasizing PM-
GatiShakti principles,
the Tumakuru
Industrial Township
ensures last-mile
multimodal
connectivity.
 Developed in three
phases by the Indian
and Karnataka
governments through
a Special Purpose
Vehicle, it's located in
Vasanthanarasapura.

pg. 8
EASTERN RAJASTHAN CANAL PROJECT (ERCP)

 In News: The Rajasthan CMreiterated the plea to the Prime Minister to declare the Eastern Rajasthan Canal
Project (ERCP) a National Project.
 Planned to address drinking and irrigation requirements across 13 districts, ERCP was initially proposed in the
2017-18 state Budget and approved by the Central Water Commission in 2017.
 It aims to utilize surplus water from rivers like Chambal and its tributaries.

pg. 9
SUNDARBANS

 In News: The National Green

Tribunal has ordered the
demolition of buildings in
Sundarbans for violating
environmental norms.

About Sundarbans

 A Critically Vulnerable Coastal

Area (CVCA), prohibits
construction.
 This world's largest delta and
mangrove forest, spanning India
and Bangladesh, includes
Sundarbans National Park,
renowned for Sundari trees and
Royal Bengal tigers.
 It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and Ramsar Site.
 Rivers like Muriganga,
Harinbhahga, Raimangal,
Saptamukhi, Thakuran, Matla, and
Goasaba flow through this
ecosystem in Indian Sundarbans,
reinforcing its ecological
significance.

RANN OF KUTCH

 In News: The Khadi and Village Industries

Commission (KVIC) organized the first-
ever Mega Khadi fashion show on the
Rann of Kutch.

About Rann of Kutch

 Located in the Kachchh district of western

Gujarat, is the world's largest salt desert,
encompassing the Great Rann of
Kachchh, Little Rann of Kachchh, and
Banni grassland.
 It's part of the Indian wild ass sanctuary
and Kachchh desert wildlife sanctuary,
home to the chestnut-colored Indian wild
ass, blue bulls, blackbuck, and chinkara.

pg. 10
AGASTHYARKOODAM

 In News: Research highlights Agasthiyar Observatory, once housed on Kerala's Agasthyarkoodam, the 2nd
highest peak in the Western Ghats.
 Established by Scottish meteorologist John Allan Broun, it was among few 19th-century magnetic
observatories worldwide.
 This revelation sheds light on historical scientific endeavors in remote regions.

SHINKU LA TUNNEL

 In News: The Union Cabinet greenlights the

construction of the 4.1-km Shinku La Tunnel, part of
Project Yojak, aimed at providing all-weather
connectivity between Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul Valley
and Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley.
 The tunnel, also known as Shingo-La Tunnel, is crucial
for enhancing border area access in Ladakh, facilitating
strategic transportation links in Northern India.
 Project Yojak: led by BRO, aims to ensure year-round
accessibility on the Manali-Leh route through the
construction of the Shinku La tunnel.

SINGARENI THERMAL POWER PLANT (STPP) TELANGANA

 In News: It is poised to become the first public sector coal-based power station in the South and the first
among State PSUs nationwide to feature a flu gas desulphurization (FGD) plant.
 With a focus on environmental sustainability, the FGD plant will process sulphur and other gases emitted
during coal combustion, mitigating environmental impact by removing Sulphur Dioxide from flue gas before
release.

LANDSLIDE ATLAS

 In News: The National Remote Sensing Centre

(NRSC) released the Landslide Atlas of India,
pinpointing landslide hotspots.

About
 India ranks among the top five landslide-prone
nations globally, with rainfall variability chiefly
triggering events, especially in the Himalayas and
Western Ghats.
 Approximately 6% of the country, excluding snow-
covered regions, faces landslide risks.
 The NW Himalayas account for 66.5% of landslides,
followed by 18.8% in the NE Himalayas and 14.7%
in the Western Ghats.
 Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern
states harbor nearly half of the landslide-prone
areas, while Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and
Jammu and Kashmir cover significant portions as well, making landslide prevention crucial nationwide.

pg. 11
MERAPI (MOUNTAIN OF FIRE)

 In News: Recently, Indonesia’s Mount Merapi volcano erupts, tourism halts due to toxic gas and lava flows.
 It is the most active of more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia and has repeatedly erupted with lava and
gas.
 It is located near the centre of the island of Java and Indonesia’s cultural capital, Yogyakarta.'

MCMAHON LINE

 In News: Recently, the

US recognized the
McMahon Line as the
international boundary
between China and
Arunachal Pradesh,
cementing its de facto
status delineated during
the 1914 Simla
Convention.
 Named after Sir Henry
McMahon, the line
delineates the boundary
between Arunachal
Pradesh and Tibet,
stretching from Bhutan
to Myanmar.
 China has historically
contested this boundary, asserting claims over Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
 However, according to the Shimla Treaty, the McMahon Line stands as the clear boundary between India and
China, acknowledging Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and the southern part of Tibet as Indian territories,
effectively incorporating Tawang into India.

INDIA-BANGLADESH FRIENDSHIP PIPELINE (IBFP)

 In News: The Prime Ministers

of India and Bangladesh
inaugurated the India-
Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
(IBFP), marking a milestone in
bilateral energy cooperation.

About IBFP
 With a capacity of 1 million
Metric Ton Per Annum
(MMTPA) for High-Speed
Diesel (HSD), IBFP is the first
cross-border energy pipeline
between the two nations.
 Laid in September 2018, it's
the second cross-border

pg. 12
 energy pipeline for India. Numaligarh Refinery Limited has supplied petroleum products to Bangladesh since
2015.
 The pipeline, originating from Siliguri in India, will transport diesel to Dinajpur, Bangladesh, fostering
economic ties and energy security between the neighbors.

GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND

 In News: The MoEFCC approved the 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island' project, with a budget of
Rs 70,000 crore, aiming for comprehensive development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' southern tip.

pg. 13
SABARMATI RIVER

 In News: The Sabarmati River, in the spotlight due to

President's praise for Gujarat's development model and
the Sabarmati river front project.

About Sabarmati River

 Originates in the Aravalli Range, flowing westward into

the Gulf of Khambhat.
 Passing through Rajasthan and Gujarat, its major
tributaries include the Watrak, Wakal, Hathmati,
Harnav, and Sei rivers. Ahmedabad lies along its banks.
 As a seasonal river, its flow is primarily monsoon-
dependent, with dams like Dharoi, Hathmati, and
Harnav contributing to water management and
irrigation in the region.

CHENAB BRIDGE

 In News: A railway bridge taller than the Eiffel Tower,

and the world's highest, is nearing completion in
Jammu and Kashmir.
 Forming part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail
link project (USBRL), declared a Project of National Importance in 2002, the Chenab railway bridge connects
Katra and Banihal.

About Chenab River

 It originates in the upper

Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul
and Spiti district, formed by the Chandra
and Bhaga rivers' confluence at Tandi.
 It traverses through the Jammu
region of Jammu and Kashmir, ultimately
flowing into the plains of Punjab,
Pakistan, joining the Indus River.
 Its tributaries include the
Jhelum, Tawi, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej
rivers, collectively shaping the river's
course and contributing to its
significance in the region's hydrology and
ecosystem.

pg. 14
VEMBANAD AND ASHTAMUDI LAKES

 In News: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has fined

the Kerala government Rs 10 crore for neglecting the
protection of Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, both
Ramsar-listed wetlands.

Vembanad Lake

 Kerala's largest and India's longest lake, is bordered by

Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.
 Fed by four rivers—Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa,
and Manimala—it's separated from the Arabian Sea by
a narrow barrier island.
 A popular backwater destination, it hosts the annual
Nehru Trophy Boat Race and the Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary, earning recognition as India's second-
largest Ramsar site after the Sundarbans in West
Bengal.

About Ashtamudi lakes

 Ashtamudi Lake, in Kerala's Kollam district, is the

state's second-largest estuarine system, earning its
name, meaning 'eight braids' in Malayalam.

pg. 15
 2. PLACES IN NEWS- INTERNATIONAL

ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR PLANT

 In News: Indian External Affairs Minister mentions

efforts to calm Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear
plant issue, facilitating grain deal between
Moscow and Kyiv.
 About Plant: It is located in Ukraine on Kakhovka
Reservoir, Dnieper River's southern shore;
Europe's largest, ranking in the world's top 10."

UGANDA

 In News: According to WHO, Uganda declared the

end of the Ebola disease outbreak on Jan 11, 2023.
 In under four months, the country contained the
outbreak, starting from the first confirmed case in
central Mubende district.

About Uganda

 It is a landlocked country in East Africa.

 It is bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and
Tanzania.
 It includes a significant portion of Lake Victoria and
lies within the Nile basin in the African Great Lakes
region."

YEMEN

 In News: The UN Yemen envoy emphasized the

current lull in major conflict as an opportunity to
progress peace talks.

About Yemen

 Located on the Arabian Peninsula's southern tip,

shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
 It is characterized by desert terrain, with
maritime borders touching Djibouti, Eritrea, and
Somalia. No perennial lakes or rivers exist.

pg. 16
ESTONIA

 In News: Recently Russia expelled

Estonia's Ambassador and degraded
diplomatic ties.

About Estonia

 Located in northeastern Europe, is the

northernmost Baltic state, bordering
Russia and Latvia.
 Its eastern region is demarcated by
the Narva River and Lakes Peipus.
 Major rivers include Pärnu, Pedja,
Narva, and Kasari, contributing to its
geographical significance.

SHIVELUCH VOLCANO,
KAMCHATKA

 In News: Scientists anticipate the first significant

eruption in 15 years from Russia's Shiveluch
volcano in Kamchatka.
 It's among the largest and most active in the
region, part of Kamchatka's 29 active volcanoes
and the wider "Ring of Fire," prone to eruptions
and earthquakes due to its Pacific Ocean
location.

LUSOPHONE FESTIVAL

 In News: India hosts the

International Lusophone Festival in
Goa to strengthen ties with the
Lusophone world.
 Portuguese influence in Velha Goa
lasted from 1510 to 1961.
 The Lusophone world spans nine
countries across four continents,
with Portuguese being the most
spoken language in the Southern
Hemisphere.

pg. 17
MOUNT SEMERU (INDONESIA)

 In News: Recently Mount

Semeru, Java Island's highest
volcano in Indonesia,
erupted.
 Known as Mahameru (Great
Mountain), it's part of the
Bromo Tengger Semeru-
Arjuno UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve.
 One of over 100 active
Indonesian volcanoes, it lies
within the Pacific Ring of Fire,
a vast arc of volcanic activity
encircling the Pacific Ocean.


CROATIA

 In News: Croatia adopted the Euro, leaving behind the

Kuna, and joined the Schengen Zone.

About Croatia

 Located in southeast Europe, it's on the northwestern

Balkan Peninsula edge, bordered by Slovenia, Hungary,
Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
 The Danube river marks its northeastern border with
Serbia, while Italy shares its maritime boundary along the
Adriatic Sea.
 Imp: River Danube (2nd biggest river of Europe, after
Volga),

AUSTRIA

 In News: India plans to sign a Comprehensive Migration

and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) with Austria,
situated in south-central Europe.

About Austria

 Bordered by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia,

Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany.
 Austria is predominantly mountainous with extensive
woodlands and meadows covering two-thirds of its area.

pg. 18
 The Danube River system serves as a crucial watershed between the Black Sea and North Sea.

ABYEI

 In News: Indian Army deployed its largest female

Peacekeeping contingent to Abyei, a disputed, oil-rich
region straddling the Sudan-South Sudan border.

SUDAN

 A Northeast African country, shares borders with

South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Republic of
Sudan, opening to the Red Sea.
 Its capital is Khartoum, and it's where the White Nile,
Blue Nile, and Atbara River meet to form the Great
Nile. The Marrah Mountain range lies to its west.

SOUTH SUDAN

 A landlocked East African country, is surrounded by

Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
 Its capital is Juba, with the White Nile as its major
river, and it's home to the Southern and Boma
National Parks.

SURINAME

 In News: During the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya

Divas event, the President of Suriname
proposed establishing Hindi language
training institutions in the Caribbean.

About Suriname

 Located in northern South America, shares

borders with French Guiana, Brazil, and
Guyana, with the Atlantic Ocean to the
north.
 Its geographical features include the
Juliana top as the highest point and major
rivers such as Marowijne, Corantijn,
Coppename, and Suriname.

pg. 19
GUYANA

 In News: India and Guyana pledged cooperation in

the oil and gas industry.

About Guyana

 It is situated on South America's northeastern

coast, is part of the Guianas region on the Guiana
Shield.
 It shares borders with Venezuela, Brazil, and
Suriname, comprising Guyana, Suriname, and
French Guiana.

OHIO

 In News: In Ohio, a freight train derailment near East Palestine, US carried hazardous substances, including
vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
 Officials burned the toxic vinyl chloride, emitting black smoke.
 Vinyl chloride, a flammable gas used in PVC production, poses severe health risks, including various cancers,
upon exposure.

ODESA

 In News: The World Heritage

Committee recently included
Odesa's historic center, often
called the "pearl of the Black Sea,"
in its list of World Heritage sites.

About Odesa

 Situated 500 km from Kyiv, it's also

listed as endangered.
 Ukraine now boasts seven UNESCO
World Heritage sites, including
Saint-Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and
the historic center of Lviv.

pg. 20
PERU

 In News: Peru has declared a state of emergency in

Lima and other regions.
 Situated on South America's west coast, it's
bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, and Ecuador

MALAWI

 In News: Malawi, a landlocked country in southeast

Africa formerly known as Nyasaland, is currently
facing a
 It shares borders with Zambia, Tanzania, and
Mozambique, earning the nickname "The Warm
Heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of its people.

pg. 21
PORTUGAL

 In News: The Independent Committee

for Study of Child Abuse in the Catholic
Church, established by Portuguese
bishops, revealed over 4800 cases of
abuse since 1950.

About Portugal

 Located in Southwestern Europe on

the Iberian Peninsula, includes the
archipelagos of Madeira and the
Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.
 It shares a land border with Spain and
a maritime border with Morocco.

BURKINA FASO

 In News: French troops recently

withdrew from Burkina Faso

About Burkina Faso

 A former colony plagued by

instability since independence in
1960, marked by numerous
coups.
 Its name, "land of the honest
men," reflects ideals set by
Thomas Sankara, who seized
power in 1983.
 A Landlocked, it shares borders
with six neighbors: Côte d'Ivoire,
Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, and
Mali, highlighting its strategic
regional significance amidst
ongoing geopolitical shifts.

pg. 22
YELLOW RIVER

 In News: The Loess

Plateau's deforestation
and erosion prompted
Chinese authorities to
construct levees along
the Yellow River,
exacerbating flooding
risks.

About Yellow River

 A sixth-longest globally,
China's sorrow, originates
in Qinghai Province,
passing through the Loess
Plateau, known for its
sediment-laden waters.
 Throughout history, its
devastating floods have
earned it the moniker
"River of Disaster."

EASTER ISLAND

 In News: Researchers on Easter Island unearthed

a previously unknown moai, a distinct stone statue, near
the Rano Raraku volcano's dried-out lake bed.

About Easter Island

 Located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, Easter

Island, a territory of Chile, boasts volcanic terrain
dominated by three connected extinct volcanoes.
 Renowned for its nearly 1,000 monumental moai
statues, crafted by the ancient Rapa Nui people, the
island gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995,
with significant preservation efforts underway within
Rapa Nui National Park.

pg. 23
MACQUARIE ISLAND

 In News: The Australian Federal government proposed expanding the marine park encompassing Macquarie
Island's Economic Exclusion Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About Macquarie Island

 Situated 1,500km southeast of Tasmania, Macquarie Island is a unique landmass, formed solely from oceanic
crust, atop the undersea Macquarie Ridge, serving as a vital conservation area for marine biodiversity in the
Southern Ocean.

CAMBODIA

 In News: Cambodia's upcoming

general elections in July are
significant for the Southeast Asian
nation.

About Cambodia

 Situated amidst vital overland and

river trade routes linking China to
India and Southeast Asia, Cambodia's
geography of plains and rivers
enhances its strategic importance.
 Surrounded by Thailand, Laos, and
Vietnam, its maritime access via the
Gulf of Thailand further boosts its
economic potential.
 Additionally, Cambodia boasts the
iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, a
testament to its rich historical and cultural heritage.

GERMANY

 In News: In tragic incident seven fatally shot, including an

unborn child, at Jehovah's Witness hall in Hamburg, Germany.

About Germany

 Germany's land border is with Denmark, the Netherlands,

Belgium, Luxembourg, France to the west, and Switzerland,
Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland in other directions.
 Germany boasts significant rivers such as the Danube,
Rhine, and Elbe, with the Rhine flowing northward from
Switzerland.

pg. 24
 Notable peaks include Zugspitze (2,962 m), Hochwanner (2,746 m), and Watzmann (Middle Peak, 2,713 m),
adding to Germany's diverse geography.

ZEALANDIA

 In News: Scientists have confirmed the existence of

Zealandia, a "missing" continent that was once part
of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

About Zealandia

 Encompassing about 1.89 million square miles,

Zealandia is included Western Antarctica and
Eastern Australia over 500 million years ago.
 It began separating from Gondwana around 105
million years ago, sinking beneath the waves
thereafter, with over 94% of its landmass remaining
submerged.
 This discovery sheds light on Earth's geological
history and the dynamic processes shaping our
planet over millions of years.

THE GREAT RIFT

 In News: In 2020, scientists forecasted the creation of a new

ocean as Africa divides into two, resulting in a fresh coastline.
 This process stems from the East African Rift, a 56-kilometer
crack that appeared in Ethiopia's desert in 2005, leading to a new
sea formation.
 The African plate, primarily the Nubian plate, bears the
continent, while the Somali plate supports the Horn of Africa.
 Notable rift valley systems include the Gregory Rift and
Western Rift within the East African Rift

pg. 25
SWEDEN

 In News: Sweden's Parliament has officially

endorsed a bill enabling the country to become
a member of NATO.

About Sweden

 Situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula in

northern Europe, Sweden shares borders with
Finland, the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia, the
Öresund strait separating it from Denmark, and
Norway.
 This decision marks a significant shift in
Sweden's defense policy and its geopolitical
stance in the region.

MIDDLE EAST TO INDIA PIPELINE

 In News: South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE), a joint venture between Indian and UK companies, seeks Ministry
of Petroleum support for an undersea gas pipeline project from the Gulf to India.

About

 The proposed 2,000-km

corridor aims to connect
the Middle East and India
via Oman and UAE
through the Arabian Sea,
bypassing sensitive
regions.
 SAGE anticipates an
annual saving of
approximately 7,000
crores through this
venture, offering gas
import options from
Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia,
Iran, Turkmenistan, and
Qatar.
 As an international
consortium specializing in deepwater pipeline projects, SAGE's collaboration could significantly impact India's
energy security and regional cooperation.

pg. 26
ARAL SEA

 In News: The Aral Sea, once the world's fourth-largest inland water reservoir, has drastically shrunk since
1960 due to increased irrigation demands, notably for cotton production.

About

 The sea's eastern lobe has completely dried up,

exacerbating its decline. Irrigation, accounting for
92% of water withdrawals since 1960, has played a
significant role in this environmental crisis.
 Further challenges loom with shrinking glaciers and
snowfields in the Tian Shan mountains and Pamirs,
expected to diminish water inflow into the Aral Sea.
 This ongoing environmental degradation
underscores the urgent need for sustainable water
management practices to mitigate the irreversible
consequences of water mismanagement in the
region.

pg. 27
 3. PLACES IN NEWS- NP, WLS etc.

SURAJPUR BIRD SANCTUARY

 It is situated near Surajpur Village in Dadri Tehsil of Gautam Budh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. It Is an
excellent example of an urban wetland in Yamuna River basin. Few migratory birds have recently arrived at
the site.

PALA WETLAND

 In News: Recently it has been included in the Ramsar site.

 About: Largest natural wetland in Mizoram's Sahia district; situated in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot,
abundant in diverse animal and plant species.

SIMILIPAL NATIONAL PARK

 In News: Similipal witnessed 11 elephant deaths since 2019 including four in 2021-22, according to the data
by the forest and environment department of the eastern state.

About Similipal National Park

 Location: Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, it is named after simul(Silk Cotton tree.

 It's a national park and Tiger Reserve, part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
 The park comprises Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary,
boasting diverse vegetation from tropical forests to meadows.
 It's home to tribes: Erenga, Kharias and Mankirdias, Ho, Gonda, and Munda.

KAWAL TIGER RESERVE

 In News: During the Asian Water Bird Census 2023 at Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana, over 340 birds,
including a rare peregrine falcon, were recorded.

About Kawal Tiger Reserve

 Situated along the Godavari River, the reserve was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2012.
 Its habitat comprises dry deciduous teak forests with bamboo, hosting diverse fauna like tigers, leopards,
gaurs, cheetals, and sloth bears.

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

 In News: Silent Valley is a recent discovery site for 17 species including the Brown Wood Owl, Banded Bay
Cuckoo, and Indian Nightjar.

pg. 28
 Situated at the borders of Kerala's Malappuram and Palakkad Districts, and Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris District,
 Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it boasts diverse biodiversity near the Anginda and Mukurthi peaks,
with rivers like Kunthipuzha, Bhavani, and Kadalundi originating there.

SAMAN BIRD SANCTUARY

 A Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri district, faces declining migratory bird species.
 Situated on the Ganges floodplain, it's a seasonal oxbow lake heavily dependent on the south-westerly
monsoon, highlighting ecological concerns and the impact of changing environmental conditions.

KUNO NATIONAL PARK

 In News: Recently the

Environment Ministry
announced the translocation
of twelve cheetahs from South
Africa to India's Kuno National
Park in Madhya Pradesh.

About Kuno National Park

 Established in 1981 and

upgraded to a national park in
2018, Kuno is nestled in the
Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous
forests, traversed by the Kuno
River, a Chambal tributary.
 Recognized by the Wildlife
Institute of India and Wildlife
Trust of India, Kuno's diverse
habitats support cheetahs and
Asiatic lions, with chital being
the primary prey.
 The park boasts varied
ecosystems like open
woodlands, savannas, dry
deciduous forests, and
evergreen riverine forests, ideal for reintroducing these iconic species.

KALAKKAD–MUNDANTHURAI TIGER RESERVE (KMTR)

 In News: Recently, Tamil Nadu researchers discovered the rare Mimeusemia ceylonica moth species,
previously unseen in India, within the buffer zone of the Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR).

pg. 29
About KMTR

 Established in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts, KMTR is pivotal for Lion-Tailed Macaque conservation,
forming India's first tiger sanctuary in 1962.
 Its diverse vegetation, ranging from dry thorn forests to deciduous, nurtures numerous rivers, including the
Thamirabarani, contributing to its reputation as a River Sanctuary.
 Part of the Agasthiyarmalai Biosphere Reserve, KMTR fosters significant biodiversity within its protected
boundaries.
 Mimeusemia Ceylonica: A moth in the Agaristinae subfamily of Noctuidae, was last seen in 1893 in Sri Lanka.

SANJAY DUBRI TIGER RESERVE

 In News: A tigress reportedly died due to electrocution within the buffer zone of the Sanjay Tiger Reserve.

About Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve

 Situated in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district, encompassing the Sanjay National Park and Dubri Wildlife
Sanctuary.
 The reserve features diverse perennial rivers like Gopad, Banas, and Mawai, amid undulating topography
with hills and plains.
 It hosts a rich flora of Sal, Bamboo, and mixed forests, supporting a variety of fauna including tigers, sloth
bears, leopards, chitals, nilgais, and dholes (wild dogs).

BUTTERFLY ECO PARK TRIPURA

 In News: The Butterfly Eco Park in Chottakhola,

Tripura, has become a popular destination for
tourists from India and Bangladesh.

About Butterfly Eco Park Tripura

 Situated near the India-Bangladesh border in

Tripura's South district, it is the Northeast's first
butterfly park, inaugurated in 2016.
 It boasts 250 butterfly species.
 The park's proximity to the endangered bison park
at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Indo-Bangla
Maitri Park, commemorating the Bangladesh
liberation war, enhances its appeal as a natural
attraction.

pg. 30
KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK

 In News: The Centre has urged the state government to take measures to safeguard Loktak Lake and Keibul
Lamjao National Park.

About Keibul Lamjao National Park

 Situated on Loktak Lake, the world's only floating National Park hosts the endangered Sangai deer, or
'dancing deer' of Manipur, amidst floating decomposed plant material known as phumdi.
 Established in 1966 as a wildlife sanctuary, it was upgraded to a national park in 1977.
 The park is home to various species including hog deer, otters, and migratory birds, highlighting its ecological
significance.

GANDAK RIVER

 In News: The Namami Gange Program has initiated the riverfront development along the Gandak River in
Gopalganj, Bihar, constructing two ghats.

About Gandak River

 Known as Gandaki or
Narayani River in Nepal,
Gandak flows through
northern India and Nepal,
with Valmiki National Park
situated along its banks.
 Originating near the Nepal-
Tibet border, it traverses
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
before merging with the
Ganges near Patna.
 Key tributaries: Mayangadi,
Bari, Trisuli, Panchand,
Sarhad, and Budhi Gandak.
 The project aims to enhance
the riverfront, recognizing
the ecological and cultural
significance of the Gandak
River in the region's
landscape.

pg. 31
NATIONAL CHAMBAL SANCTUARY

 In News: Recently Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have joined forces to combat illegal sand
mining in the Chambal sanctuary, a critical habitat for endangered gharials.

About

 The sanctuary is safeguarded under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

 Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, it's also a proposed Ramsar site.
 This collaborative effort aims to preserve the sanctuary's ecological integrity and protect the diverse wildlife
species that inhabit the region, emphasizing the importance of cross-border conservation initiatives.

LEMRU ELEPHANT RESERVE

 In News: The proposed opening of the Parsa coal mine has sparked opposition from tribal communities in
Harihar for over a year.
 The mine would affect the Hasdeo Aranya, referred to as the "lungs of Chhattisgarh," located in the Hasdeo
river catchment area.

About Lemru Elephant Reserve

 Hasdeo river, a Mahanadi tributary, serves as a vital migratory corridor for elephants.

 To address human-elephant conflicts, the Lemru Elephant Reserve was established in Korba district,
Chhattisgarh, aiming to provide a permanent habitat for elephants while reducing property destruction.
 Despite not being officially recognized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the area was designated as a
conservation reserve in October 2020.

CORBETT TIGER RESERVE

 In News: The Uttarakhand forest department took action against illegal structures in Corbett Tiger Reserve's
Pakhro range.

About Corbett Tiger Reserve

 Situated in Nainital district, it was the first tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
 The reserve is traversed by major rivers like Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi, amidst the
Shiwalik Himalayas and Terai.
 Key fauna includes the Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic elephant, inhabiting tropical moist deciduous forests
with prominent species like sal, haldu, peepal, and rohini.
 The demolition highlights efforts to preserve the reserve's ecological integrity and safeguard its biodiversity.

pg. 32
RANIPUR TIGER RESERVE

 In News: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the notification of the Ranipur Tiger Reserve under
Section 38(v) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972.

About Ranipur Tiger Reserve

 Established in 1977, Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chitrakoot region spans 230 sq. km but faces limited
tourism due to challenging access.
 The reserve boasts tropical dry deciduous forests and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears,
deer, and various bird and reptile species.
 Ranipur Tiger Reserve will be Uttar Pradesh's fourth, following Dudhwa, Pilibhit, and Amangarh, and
 The first in the state's share of the Bundelkhand region, adjoining Madhya Pradesh.

TUNGARESHWAR WLS/ NATIONAL PARK

 It is located on a plateau east of Vasai and Virar in Palghar district, north of Mumbai in the Indian state
Maharashtra.
 The sanctuary forms a corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. Forests
can be classified as Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, or Semi-Evergreen.

ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE

 In News: A captured tigress from Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh, was recently reintroduced to Achanakmar
Tiger Reserve in Bilaspur district.

About Achanakmar Tiger Reserve

 Established in 1975 under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, and declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009
 It is situated in the eastern Maikala hills and part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.
 Close to Amarkantak, the source of the Son and Narmada rivers, it features tropical moist deciduous forests
with diverse flora like Sal, Teak, and Bamboo, and fauna including tigers, leopards, bison, flying squirrels, and
hyenas, with the Maniyari river flowing through its heart.

GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK (GHNP)

 In News: An Interpretation Centre has been established in the Sainj valley of the Great Himalayan National
Park (GHNP) at Sainj Ropa, Himachal Pradesh.

About Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)

 Spread across 1171 sq km, GHNP was constituted in 1984, designated a national park in 1999, and recognized
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its biodiversity conservation.

pg. 33
 It encompasses the origins of rivers like Jiwa Nal, Sainj, Tirthan, and Parvati, hosts diverse flora and fauna
including Snow Leopards, Musk Deer, and Blue Sheep.
 It shares boundaries with Pin Valley National Park, Rupi Bhabha Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kanawar Wildlife
Sanctuary.

JAISAMAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

 In News: The Chief Minister of Rajasthan inaugurated a 'Jungle Safari' at Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary in
Udaipur district.

About Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary

 It surrounds the picturesque Dhebar Lake, Asia's second-largest artificial lake, with a significant heritage
monument, the Lake Marble Dam.
 Created in the 17th century by Rana Jai Singh, it's predominantly covered by teak forests and is home to
diverse wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, and wild boars.
 Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and wildlife
diversity amidst the scenic backdrop of the lake and surrounding forests.

KISHTWAR NATIONAL PARK

 In News: The Department of Wildlife Protection's research team confirmed the presence of snow leopards in
Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, situated in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

About Kishtwar National Park

 Declared a national park in 1981, it spans 400 sq km and is surrounded by the Rinnay River, KibarNala
catchment, the Great Himalayas, and the Marwa River.
 Located in the Central Crystalline belt of the Great Himalayas, its establishment aims to conserve snow
leopard populations, their prey, and the delicate mountain ecosystem.
 This confirmation underscores the park's significance in preserving the iconic and endangered snow leopard
species amidst its natural habitat.

RANTHAMBORE TIGER RESERVE (RTR)

 In News: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved relocating three tigresses from
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota and Ramgarh Vishdhari
Tiger Reserve in Bundi.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR)

 RTR, situated in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, comprises Ranthambore National Park, Sawai
Mansingh, and Keladevi Sanctuaries, known for their tropical dry deciduous forests dominated by dhak trees.

pg. 34
 It houses various animal species, including tigers, langurs, macaques, jackals, and caracals.
 Established in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, NTCA aims to strengthen tiger conservation following
recommendations from the Tiger Task Force, functioning as a.

pg. 35
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