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Type: National Parks/WS

  • India’s only active volcano in Andaman’s Barren Island erupts

    Why in the News?

    Barren Island, which is not only India’s but South Asia’s only active volcano, has erupted twice in a span of eight days.

    barren island

    About Barren Island:

    • Location: In the Andaman Sea, about 138–140 km northeast of Port Blair, within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India).
    • Unique Status: The only confirmed active volcano in the Indian subcontinent and South Asia, lying on the volcanic arc between Sumatra (Indonesia) and Myanmar.
    • Geophysical Features: Roughly circular island (~3 km diameter); volcanic crater located 0.5 km from shore, rising to 354 m above sea level and classified as a stratovolcano made of lava, volcanic ash, and rock fragments.
    • Volcanic Activity
      • First Recorded Eruption: 1787.
      • Notable Eruptions: 1789, 1795, 1803–04, 1852, 1991, 2017, and minor eruptions in 2025.
      • 1991 Eruption: Lasted ~6 months, destructive to local fauna.
      • Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): Generally low, around 2.
    • Geological Significance:
      • Age of Flows: Oldest subaerial lava flows dated to 1.6 million years ago.
      • Crust: Built on 106 million-year-old oceanic crust.
      • Tectonics: Part of the subduction zone where the Indian Plate meets the Burmese Plate.
      • Research Value: Critical for geological and volcanic studies as India’s only active volcano.

    Note:

    Although there are no active volcanoes in mainland India, there are some extinct and dormant volcanoes in the country. These are: Narcondam Island (dormant, A&N Islands); Deccan Plateau (18.51°N 73.43°E; extinct, Maharashtra); Baratang Island (mud volcanoes; active, A&N Islands); Dhinodhar Hills (extinct, Gujarat); Dhosi Hill (extinct, Haryana–Rajasthan border); Tosham Hills (extinct, Haryana); and Loktak Lake (Supervolcanic caldera, Manipur).

    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only*

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • Places in news: Erra Matti Dibbalu

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from a photo published in ‘The Hindu’.

    About Erra Matti Dibbalu:

    • Location: Found between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, stretching 5 km along the coast, with widths ranging from 200 m to 2 km.
    • Meaning: In Telugu, “Erra Matti” means red soil and “Dibbalu” means mounds, describing the reddish sand dunes.
    • Geological Heritage: Listed among the 34 National Geological Heritage Monument Sites of India by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
    • Formation: Created around 12,000–18,500 years ago through the combined effect of tectonic activity (2.5 million–11,000 years ago), sea-level changes, monsoonal variability, and global climatic shifts.
    • Composition: Derived mainly from Khondalite rocks of the Eastern Ghats hinterland, with the red colour due to oxidation of iron-rich sediments.

    Significance:

    • Geological Value: Acts as a paleo-environment indicator, providing evidence of climate change, sea-level fluctuations, and coastal evolution during the late Quaternary period.
    • Archaeological Importance: Artefacts from Mesolithic and Neolithic periods and sediment layers dating back to the Late Pleistocene epoch have been found here.
    • Conservation Status: Declared a National Geo-heritage Monument (2016) and included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites (2025) for global recognition and protection.
    • Unique Landscape: Features badland topography with sand dunes, buried channels, gullies, and dendritic drainage patterns.
    • Rare Formation: Only two other similar red sand dune systems exist globally—the Teri dunes in Tamil Nadu and one site in Sri Lanka.
    [UPSC 2014] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:

    1. Deep gorges 2. U-turn river courses 3. Parallel mountain ranges 4. Steep gradients causing land sliding

    Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

     

  • In news: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    The Union Environment Ministry has approved the capture and translocation of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench reserves to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in western Maharashtra.

    In news: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

    About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR):

    • Overview: Situated in the Sahyadri Range, Western Ghats (Maharashtra), spanning districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri.
    • Status: Declared Tiger Reserve (2010); part of UNESCO Western Ghats World Heritage Site (2012).
    • Geography: Dominated by Shivsagar (Koyna) and Vasant Sagar (Warana) reservoirs.
    • Vegetation: Moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist & dry deciduous forests; endemic trees like karvi, bamboo, Terminalia, Emblica.
    • Fauna: Bengal tiger, leopard, dhole, gaur, antelopes, mouse deer, giant squirrel. Birds include hornbills, vultures, river tern.
    • Tiger Status: Tigers absent for years; 5–9 present since 2018 (as per camera trap evidence).
    • Corridor Linkages: Connected to Radhanagari WLS (north) and Anshi–Dandeli TR (south, Karnataka), forming a key Western Ghats corridor.
    • Ecological Role: Secures catchments of Koyna & Warna rivers, crucial for farming and livelihoods.

    Need for Tiger translocation:

    • Prey base: Reserve has prey-rich habitat but lacks a stable breeding tiger population.
    • Other benefits: Prevents local extinction, strengthens corridor connectivity, supports Project Tiger, conserves biodiversity, and secures river watersheds.
    [UPSC 2017] From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

    Options: (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve* (b) Nallamala Forest (c) Nagarhole National Park (d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

     

  • Katchatheevu Island Dispute

    Why in the News?

    Sri Lankan President Dissanayake’s visit to Katchatheevu Island, the first ever visit by a head of state, revived debates on the island’s history and ownership.

    Katchatheevu Island Dispute

    About Katchatheevu Island:

    • Overview: Small uninhabited island of about 285 acres in the Palk Strait, ~33 nautical miles from Jaffna (Sri Lanka) and close to Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu).
    • History: Once under the Raja of Ramnad (TN), later became disputed during British rule.
    • Agreements: Under 1974 and 1976 pacts, India (under Indira Gandhi govt.) recognised Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and gave up traditional fishing rights.
    • Religious Site: Home to St. Anthony’s Catholic Shrine, visited annually by Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen during a joint festival with visa waiver.
    • Ecology: Though barren and unsettled, serves as a resting point for fishermen and supports marine biodiversity.

    Disputes around Katchatheevu:

    • Fishing Conflicts: Tamil Nadu fishermen often cross into Sri Lankan waters due to declining catch in Indian waters, leading to frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.
    • Bottom-Trawling Issue: Indian trawlers use bottom-trawling, banned in Sri Lanka, which damages marine ecosystems and escalates tensions.
    • Political Demands: All TN political parties have demanded retrieval of the island.
    • National Politics: Issue often resurfaces during elections, with claims that earlier governments “easily gave away” Katchatheevu.
    • Official Position: India clarified in 2013–14 that no sovereign territory was ceded since the island was disputed, not fully under India’s control.
    • Core Problem: Lies not in sovereignty but in unsustainable bottom-trawling practices and the livelihood crisis faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.

    2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.

    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2020)

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 only (d) 3 only

     

  • In news: Lipulekh Pass

    Why in the News?

    India has rejected Nepal’s objection to resumption of India–China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.

    About Lipulekh Pass:

    • Location: High-altitude Himalayan pass (~17,000 ft) near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet).
    • Connectivity: Links Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region with Taklakot in Tibet.
    • Cultural Role: Serves as the shortest route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
    • Trade Importance: Historic India–China trade route since 1954; disrupted during COVID-19 but later resumed.
    • Strategic Significance: Crucial for India due to its proximity to the India–China–Nepal border.

    What is Limpiyadhura–Lipulekh–Kalapani Dispute?

    • Origin: Rooted in the 1815 Treaty of Sugauli (Nepal–British East India Company), fixing Nepal’s western boundary at the Kali (Mahakali) River.
    • India’s Position: Claims Kali River originates near Lipulekh, placing Lipulekh and Kalapani within India.
    • Nepal’s Position: Claims Kali River originates at Limpiyadhura, extending Nepal’s boundary east to include Lipulekh and Kalapani.
    • Disputed Area: About 370 sq. km., under Indian administration since the 19th century.
    • Recent Development: In 2020, Nepal issued a new map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as its territory; India rejected the claim citing lack of historical basis.

    Back2Basics: India–Nepal Border Disputes

    • Border Length: India and Nepal share a 1,770 km long open border across five Indian states – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
    • Key Disputes:
      • Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura (Uttarakhand): Discussed above.
      • Susta (Uttar Pradesh–Nepal border): Caused by Gandak River’s shifting course, leading to encroachments and overlapping claims.
    • Tensions: Despite close ties, disputes often cause diplomatic strains.
    • Positions: India relies on historical treaties and long-standing administration, while Nepal asserts sovereignty and constitutional recognition of disputed territories.

     

    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    Options : (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La

     

  • Sundarbans set to become India’s Second-Largest TR

    Why in the News?

    The proposal to expand the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by 1,100 sq km has received clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and awaits approval from National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

    Sundarbans set to become India’s Second-Largest TR

    About Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR):

    • Location: Situated in South and North 24-Parganas districts, West Bengal; lies at the southern tip of the Gangetic Delta.
    • Area: Presently 2,585.89 sq km; expansion to 3,629.57 sq km under proposal.
    • Status: Notified as a Tiger Reserve, National Park, Biosphere Reserve; part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Unique Feature: World’s only mangrove forest with a viable tiger population.
    • Tiger Count: Over 100 tigers – 80 in core area, 21 in adjoining forests.
    • Landscape: Interconnected estuaries, tidal creeks, and 105 mangrove-covered islands.
    • Flora: Dominated by mangrove species like Avicennia, Rhizophora, Heritiera.
    • Fauna: Includes Royal Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cats, Estuarine Crocodiles, Irrawaddy Dolphins, King Cobras, and endangered reptiles and birds.
    • Boundaries:
      • East: Bangladesh border (Raimangal, Harinbhanga rivers)
      • South: Bay of Bengal
      • North/West: Matla, Bidya, Gomdi Rivers

    Back2Basics: Tiger Reserves in India

    • Overview: A Tiger Reserve is a legally notified area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for the conservation of tigers and biodiversity.
    • Governing Authority: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • Origin: Initiated under Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
    • Structure:
      • Core Zone: Highly protected; no human activity allowed; declared as National Park or Sanctuary.
      • Buffer Zone: Surrounds core; allows regulated human use and supports conservation-compatible livelihoods.

    Tiger Reserve Landscape in India (as of 2025):

    • Total Reserves: 58 (up from 46 in 2014)
    • Largest Reserve: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – 3,727.82 sq km
    • Oldest Reserve: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand – established in 1973
    • Newest Reserves: Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh), Ranipur (Uttar Pradesh), Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan)
    • Top State: Madhya Pradesh – 7 Tiger Reserves
    • Tiger Density: Bandipur TR > Corbett TR > Kaziranga TR (148, 18.6 tigers/sq. km.)
    • Global Tiger Day: Celebrated on 29th July every year

     

    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?”

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

  • 150 years of Jim Corbett

    Why in the News?

    As India marks Jim Corbett’s 150th birth anniversary (1875–2025), it reflects on his legacy as a hunter, naturalist, author, and conservationist—after whom Corbett National Park is named.

    https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/150-years-of-jim-corbett-will-the-real-carpet-sahib-please-stand-up 

    Who was Jim Corbett?

    • Full Name: Edward James Corbett (1875–1955), nicknamed Carpet Sahib in Kumaon.
    • Profession: British hunter, naturalist, author, and later a wildlife conservationist.
    • Famous Books: Man-Eaters of Kumaon, The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag, My India, Jungle Lore, Tree Tops.
    • Hunter Turned Hero:
      • Known for tracking and killing man-eating tigers and leopards in Kumaon and Garhwal.
      • Used patient observation and deep knowledge of terrain and animal behaviour.
    • Shift to Conservation:
      • Grew concerned about dwindling tiger numbers and deforestation.
      • Advocated for wildlife protection and ecological balance.
    • Commemoration: India’s first national park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 in his honour.

    Back2Basics: Jim Corbett National Park

    • Established: 1936 as Hailey National Park; later renamed in 1957.
    • Location: Nainital district, Uttarakhand; core of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
    • Historical Importance:
      • Launch site of Project Tiger in 1973, India’s flagship tiger conservation programme.
    • Geography:
      • Lies in Shivalik and Outer Himalayan foothills.
      • Rivers: Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi.
      • Area: Over 500 sq km (includes Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as buffer).
    • Biodiversity:
      • Flora: Moist deciduous forest with Sal, Khair, and Sissoo; 600+ plant species.
      • Fauna: Over 230 tigers (highest density in the world), elephants, leopards, deer (sambar, chital, barking), sloth bears, wild boars, birds, and reptiles.

     

    [UPSC 2013] Consider the following pairs : National Park River flowing through the Park

    1. Corbett National Park : Ganga

    2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas

    3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) None*

     

  • Places in news: Bitra Island

    Why in the News?

    The Lakshadweep administration has proposed the acquisition of Bitra Island, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, for national defence purposes.

    bitra

    About Bitra Island:

    • Location: Situated in the Arabian Sea; part of the Amindivi subgroup of the Lakshadweep archipelago
    • Distance from Mainland: ~483 km west of Kochi  
    • Land Area: 0.10–0.18 square kilometres
    • Population: ~271–350 (as of 2025)
    • Language and Livelihood
      • Languages Spoken: Malayalam, Mahl, and English
      • Economic Activities: Fishing, coconut farming, and emerging ecotourism (birdwatching, snorkeling, diving)
    • Climate:
      • Type: Tropical monsoon (similar to Kerala)
      • Temperature Range: 25–35°C
      • Annual Rainfall: ~1600 mm
      • Monsoon Season: Mid-May to mid-September; sea access is limited
    • Historical and Cultural Significance:
      • History: Populated around 1945
      • Pilgrimage Site: Hosts a shrine to Arab saint Malik Mulla

    Strategic Importance:

    • Location: Close to key international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea
    • Surveillance Advantage: Ideal point for maritime monitoring
    • Military Utility: Suitable for naval installations and coastal defence
    • Maritime Awareness: Enhances India’s preparedness in the western seaboard
    [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    Options: (a) Andaman and Nicobar* (b) Nicobar and Sumatra (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep (d) Sumatra and Java

     

  • Places in News: Kariyachalli Island

    Why in the News?

    The Tamil Nadu government, with World Bank support, has launched a ₹50 crore restoration project for the sinking Kariyachalli Island.

    About Kariyachalli Island:

    • Overview: Kariyachalli Island is one of the 21 uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
    • Geographic Location: It lies 4 km south of Sippikulam and 20 km northeast of Thoothukudi, between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.
    • Made of Reef Sediments: The island is a low-lying landform made of reef debris, sand dunes, spits, and sandy plains.
    • Biodiversity Hotspot: Located in India’s coral reef zone, it supports 4,300+ marine species, including 132 coral types and the endangered dugong.
    • Ecological Importance: It has seagrass beds and coral reefs that provide food and shelter for marine life.
    • Natural Coastal Shield: Kariyachalli acts as a barrier against cyclones and tsunamis, helping protect the Tamil Nadu coast.
    • Historical Significance: It played a role in mitigating the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami impact.

    Why is it sinking?

    • Rapid Land Loss: The island has shrunk by over 70%, from 20.85 ha in 1969 to under 6 ha in 2024.
    • High Tide Erosion: At high tide, only 3.14 ha remains, per an IIT Madras (2025) study.
    • Wave and Sediment Pressure: Wave action, sediment loss, and lack of natural shoreline defense are accelerating erosion.
    • Climate Change Impact: Rising sea levels and coral bleaching have weakened the island’s natural protection.
    • Seagrass Depletion: Loss of seagrass beds has reduced the island’s ability to hold sediments and resist erosion.
    • Extreme Weather Events: Frequent cyclones and storms are making the island more vulnerable.
    • Future Risk: If the current trend continues, Kariyachalli may vanish by 2036.
    [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

    Options: (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves (b) Marakkanam Salt Pans (c) Naupada Swamp (d) Rann of Kutch*

     

  • Shipki La Mountain Pass opened for Tourists

    Why in the News?

    For the first time since India’s independence, the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh has been opened to domestic tourists, marking a historic shift in India’s border tourism strategy.

    About Shipki La Pass:

    • It is a high-altitude mountain pass at 3,930 meters in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, on the India–Tibet (China) border.
    • It is one of only 3 official border trading points between India and Tibet, along with Nathu La (Sikkim) and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand).
    • The Sutlej River (called Langqen Zangbo in Tibet) enters India near Shipki La, adding geographical importance to the area.
    • The pass lies along National Highway 5 (NH5) and is considered one of the highest motorable roads in India.
    • Historically, it served as a major trade route, enabling exchange of salt, wool, spices, yak tails, and tea between India and Tibet.
    • Trade was stopped in 1962 after the India-China war, resumed in 1992, but was halted again during COVID-19.
    • On June 9, 2025, Himachal Pradesh opened the pass to Indian tourists for the first time since Independence.
    • The initiative is part of a “Border Tourism” strategy, which includes the launch of the Sarhad Van Udyan (Border Forest Park).
    • It is also being considered as an alternate route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

    Other Important Himalayan Passes:

    • Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir:
      • Khardung La (5,359 m) – Among the highest motorable passes; connects Leh with Nubra Valley.
      • Zoji La – Links Srinagar with Leh; vital for year-round Ladakh access.
      • Chang La, Baralacha La, Umling La (5,798 m) – Crucial for Leh connectivity and defense.
      • Rezang La – Famous for the 1962 India-China war battle.
      • Karakoram Pass, Aghil Pass, Demchok Pass – Strategic India-China border passes.
    • Himachal Pradesh:
      • Rohtang Pass – Connects Kullu with Lahaul-Spiti; key for tourism and logistics.
      • Parang La – Links Spiti Valley and Parvati Valley; used by trekkers and herders.
      • Shipki La – Now open to tourists; historical Indo-Tibetan trade route.
    • Uttarakhand:
      • Lipulekh Pass (5,632 m) – Used for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
      • Mana Pass – One of the highest vehicle-accessible passes; connects to Tibet.
      • Niti Pass, Milam Pass, Kuthi Pass – Historical trade and pilgrimage routes.
    • Sikkim:
      • Nathu La – Major border trade route; part of the ancient Silk Route.
      • Jelep La – Historical route linking Sikkim with Lhasa via Chumbi Valley.
    • Arunachal Pradesh:
      • Se La, Bum La – Connect to Tawang and Bhutan border.
      • Pangsau Pass, Diphu Pass – Connect Arunachal with Myanmar; important for WWII history and connectivity.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    Options: (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La (d) Shipki La