From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Protected areas mentioned
Why in the News?
A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.
Which are the surveyed sites?
All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:
Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.
Key Highlights of the Survey
New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
Total Documentation:
Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.
About the Added Species
Birds:
New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Yala Glacier
Why in the News?
Yala Glacier in Nepal is predicted to disappear by the 2040s due to rapid retreat and mass loss. It is the only glacier in the Himalayas listed on the Global Glacier Casualty List, an initiative launched in 2024 to document endangered or vanished glaciers worldwide.
Note: The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21st to be observed annually as World Glacier Day starting from 2025.
About the Yala Glacier
Yala Glacier is located in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal, and is influenced by the Indian summer monsoon.
It is one of the most studied glaciers in Nepal and represents the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
The glacier has been monitored for over a decade using stakes, snow pits, and satellite images, providing crucial data on the state of Himalayan glaciers.
It is the only glacier in the Himalayas included in the Global Glacier Casualty List, a recognition of its critical status.
It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere, a critical water resource supporting 240 million people in the Himalayan region.
Retreat of Yala Glacier
Yala Glacier is projected to disappear by the 2040s, reflecting the growing threat to Himalayan glaciers.
It has retreated by 680 meters between 1974 and 2021, with a 36% reduction in area during this period.
Its elevation, which ranged between 5,170m and 5,750m in 2011, has significantly declined.
The glacier has lost so much mass that it no longer meets scientific standards for effective observation.
The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to rapid glacial retreat.
About the Global Glacier Casualty List
It was launched in 2024 by a consortium of institutions including Rice University, World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO.
It documents endangered or vanished glaciers.
Glaciers Listed: Includes 15 glaciers, such as:
Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela): Disappeared in 2024.
Sarenne Glacier (France): Vanished in 2023.
Dagu Glacier (China): Categorized as “critically endangered,” expected to vanish by 2030.
Significance:
Highlights the urgency of glacier preservation, as these ice masses store 70% of global freshwater and influence water security for billions of people worldwide.
Reinforces the need for global cooperation to address the accelerating loss of glaciers due to climate change
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following Pairs :
Glacier: River
Bandarpunch : Yamuna
Bara Shigri : Chenab
Milam : Mandakini
Siachen : Nubra
Zemu : Manas
Which of the following pairs given above are correctly matched?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline;
Mains level: Geopolitical tension in Europe;
Why in the News?
For over 40 years, Russian gas has been transported to Europe through Ukraine, but these supplies are set to cease on January 1, following Ukraine’s Naftogaz decision not to renew its most recent five-year transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom.
Note:Student you can use this content in Prelims for facts related to map and mains exam for substantiate the argument related to geopolitical tension in Europe.
Do you know about the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline?
The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, also known as the Brotherhood pipeline, is a significant natural gas export route from Russia to Europe, primarily traversing Ukraine. The pipeline starts at the Urengoy gas field in northwest Siberia and extends southwest to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, near the Slovakian border.
It spans approximately 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles), with about 1,160 kilometers (720 miles) located in Ukraine.
The pipeline was commissioned in 1984 and has been a crucial part of Russia’s gas export strategy to Europe.
What is the volume of gas supplied through Ukraine?
Historical Context: At its peak, the pipeline system, including the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, delivered approximately 201 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Europe in 2018. However, this volume has drastically decreased over the years due to geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Recent Figures: In 2023, only about 15 bcm of gas was shipped through Ukraine, a significant drop from 65 bcm when the last five-year contract began in 2020.
What are the Possible Impacts?
Economic Consequences for Ukraine: Ukraine is expected to lose up to $1 billion annually in transit fees due to the cessation of gas flows. To mitigate this loss, it plans to quadruple gas transmission tariffs for domestic consumers, which could burden its industry with additional costs exceeding $38.2 million per year.
Impact on Gazprom: Russia’s Gazprom is projected to lose around $5 billion in gas sales as a result of this halted transit.
European Energy Security: The European Union has prepared for this transition and does not anticipate immediate impacts on consumer prices.
Countries like Slovakia and Austria have secured alternative gas supplies from sources such as Norway and LNG imports from the U.S. and Qatar.
Hungary will continue receiving Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea.
TurkStream pipeline
Energy Crisis in Moldova: The cessation has led to an energy emergency in Transdniestria, a breakaway region of Moldova that relies on these transit flows, resulting in cutoffs of heating and hot water supplies for residents
Way forward:
Enhanced Energy Diversification: Europe and Ukraine should continue to strengthen alternative energy supply routes, including LNG imports and renewable energy projects, to reduce reliance on Russian gas and ensure long-term energy security.
Support for Affected Regions: Provide immediate humanitarian and financial assistance to regions like Transdniestria and Moldova for energy infrastructure upgrades, while encouraging energy-efficient solutions to mitigate the crisis.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Why in the News?
Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.
AboutSimilipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Details
Geographical Features
Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
Melanistic Tigers:
Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.
PYQ:
[2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pangong Lake
Why in the News?
The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.
AboutPangong Lake (Pangong Tso)
Its name is derived from the Tibetan term “Pangong Tso,” meaning “high grassland lake.” It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
Location & Size:
Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
Water & Climate:
Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
The lake’s color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.
Political Features:
Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lake’s strategic value.
1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
2020 Standoff:
Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Panama Canal
Why in the News?
US President-elect Donald Trump criticized Panama for charging excessively for US ships’ use of the Panama Canal and threatened a US takeover of the canal.
About Panama Canal:
Geographical Location:
Located in Central America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.
80 km long, spanning across the Isthmus of Panama.
Uses a system of locks to raise and lower ships across an elevation of 85 feet (26 meters).
Historical Significance:
French started construction in 1881, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, but failed.
Completed by the U.S. in 1914, under engineers George Washington Goethals and John Stevens.
Control was transferred from the U.S. to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties (1977).
Present Significance:
Crucial for global trade, reducing travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Strategic military value, especially during the World Wars.
Major contributor to Panama’s economy through tolls and trade-related activities.
Present Geopolitics:
Trump raised concerns about China’s influence in the region, especially Panama’s role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In recent years, Chinese companies have been involved in infrastructure projects around the Panama Canal, including logistics and energy sectors.
Panama’s 2018 signing of the BRI furthered its ties with China, a development that some view as a challenge to US influence in the region.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chancay Port Project, OBOR
Why in the News?
The Chancay Port was inaugurated in Peru by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
About Chancay Port Project:
The Chancay Port Project was inaugurated in Peru as part of a new land-sea corridor linking China with Latin America.
It is funded underBelt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a total cost of $3.6 billion.
The port can accommodate vessels up to 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), the largest shipping vessels in the world.
Ownership: 60% of the port is owned by China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), with the remaining stake held by a local company.
It is expected to generate $4.5 billion annually for Peru, equivalent to 1.8% of the country’s GDP.
Key Exports: The port will handle exports like copper, blueberries, soybeans, and lithium from the lithium triangle (Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina).
Geo-strategic Location:
Proximity to Lima: Located 78 km north of Lima, Peru’s capital, in the small fishing town of Chancay.
Natural Deep-Water Port: Chancay is a natural deep-water port, ideal for accommodating large vessels.
Trade Gateway: Positioned strategically to facilitate trade between South America and Asia, reducing transit time for goods between the two continents.
Alternative to North America: It eliminates the need for Latin American exports to transit through ports in North America, offering a more direct route to Asia.
Why it is a concern for USA?
Chinese Influence in Latin America: The US has traditionally viewed Latin America as its sphere of influence. The Chancay Port increases China’s economic and geopolitical presence in the region.
Strategic Gateway for China: The port strengthens China’s access to critical resources in South America, including lithium and copper, raising concerns about China’s growing dominance in the region.
US Trade Routes Disruption: The port reduces transportation time between Latin America and Asia, which could disrupt existing US trade routes and diminish its role as a trade facilitator.
PYQ:
[2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
(a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dead Sea, Salt Chimneys
Why in the News?
Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor.
Key facts about the Dead Sea:
Details
Location
• Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel.
• The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern half is in the West Bank.• Divided by Al-Lisan peninsula into two basins: the northern basin is deep (400 m), and the southern basin is shallow (< 3 m).
Geographical Features
• 430.5 meters below sea level, the Earth’s lowest land-based feature.
• Length: 50 km, Width: 15 km at its widest point.
• Surrounded by the Judaea hills (west) and Transjordanian plateaus (east).
Salinity and Density
• Salinity: 34.2%, almost ten times saltier than ordinary seawater, making it the fourth saltiest water body in the world.
• Density: 1.240 kg/L, which allows people to float easily.
Inlets and Outlets
• Main inlet: Jordan River.
• No outlet, water loss occurs primarily through evaporation.
• High salinity and harsh climate result in no life except for algae and microorganisms.
About the Salt Chimneys
Salt chimneys are tall, chimney-like structures made of crystallized salt, recently discovered on the Dead Sea floor.
They are found by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) during an underwater survey.
These chimneys range from 1 to over 7m in height.
Formation Process:
Groundwater from surrounding aquifers flows through old salt deposits around the Dead Sea basin, dissolving halite (salt) and carrying it as brine.
Despite being saline, the brine is less dense than the Dead Sea water due to its high salinity, causing it to rise as a plume from the lake bed.
When this brine contacts the colder Dead Sea water, it rapidly crystallizes, forming chimney structures that can grow several centimeters in height each day.
Potential Role in Sinkhole Forecasting
Thousands of sinkholes have appeared near the Dead Sea in recent decades; understanding chimney formation may aid in preventing future collapses in vulnerable areas.
Researchers have linked the formation of salt chimneys to underground cavities, which are often the precursors to sinkholes.
The location of these chimneys may help predict areas at high risk for sinkhole formation, offering a way to monitor and mitigate potential hazards.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Flashpoint Reef
Why in the News?
China reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.
Do you know?
Fiery Cross Reef is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. China first took possession of the feature in 1988.
Mischief Reef is a Low-Tide Elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ EEZ. It is part of the submerged continental shelf of the adjacent coastal state, which is the Philippines.
About the Flashpoint Reef
It generally refers to Scarborough Shoal, a contested reef in the South China Sea.
Known as Huangyan Dao in China, this reef has become a focal point of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
It lies close to the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but is also claimed by China, which asserts control over nearly the entire South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s claims.
Its significance in the South China Sea
It is strategically located near key shipping lanes that are essential for global trade, with about one-third of global shipping passing through the South China Sea.
Its proximity to the Philippines, Vietnam, and China makes it an ideal location for military outposts, providing control over surrounding waters and a base for monitoring activities in the region.
Control over Scarborough Shoal could allow China to extend its air and naval reach, reinforcing its influence and deterrence capabilities over other Southeast Asian nations.
The South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, is believed to hold vast reserves of oil and natural gas—up to 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
This reef is strategically important due to its proximity to rich fishing grounds and potential undersea mineral resources.
PYQ:
[2011] Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective?
(a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War
(b) Its location between the Asian powers of China and India
(c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period
(d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its preeminent maritime character
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Loaita Island
Why in the News?
Philippine forces conducted combat exercises in the South China Sea to practice retaking the Loaita Island in the disputed waters.
About Loaita Island
Loaita Island, also known as Kota Island, has an area of 6.45 hectares and is the 10th largest of the naturally-occurring Spratly Islands.
The island is administered by the Philippines as part of Kalayaan, Palawan, and is also claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Loaita Island fringes the Loaita Bank, which includes shoals and reefs, and its western side features calcarenite outcrops visible at low tide.
The island is covered with mangrove bushes, coconut palms, and other small trees.
On May 22, 1963, a sovereignty stele was rebuilt on Loaita Island by South Vietnam, marking its claim.
The Philippines has stationed soldiers on the island since 1968, and the island contains minimal structures serving as shelters for the soldiers.
China also reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.
About the Flashpoint Reef
Flashpoint Reef generally refers to Scarborough Shoal (part of the
Spratly Islands), a contested reef in the South China Sea.
Known as Huangyan Dao in China, this reef has become a focal point of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
Flashpoint Reef lies close to the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); which asserts control over the entire South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s claims.
Do you know?
Fiery Cross Reef is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. China first took possession of the feature in 1988.
Mischief Reef is a Low-Tide Elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ EEZ. It is part of the submerged continental shelf of the adjacent coastal state, which is the Philippines.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following pairs:
Regions sometimes Country mentioned in news
Catalonia — Spain
Crimea — Hungary
Mindanao — Philippines
Oromia — Nigeria
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia); Important places mentioned
Why in the News?
The 29th COP to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will begin on November 11, 2024, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
As global leaders gather near the Caspian Sea, the surrounding region of the South Caucasus faces significant climate challenges.
Key Areas at Risk:
(1) Regional/transboundary areas:
Northern Armenia and southern Georgia
North-west Azerbaijan and north-east Georgia (Alazani/Ganykh river basin)
(2) Within countries:
Yerevan and Ararat Valley (Armenia)
Lake Sevan (Armenia)
Kura-Ara(k)s lowlands (Azerbaijan)
Baku and Absheron peninsula (Azerbaijan)
Adjara and the Black Sea coast (Georgia)
Tbilisi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions (Georgia)
AboutSouth Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia):
Details
Location
South of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, bordered by Russia (north), Turkey and Iran (south), between the Black Sea (west) and Caspian Sea (east).
Countries
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; includes disputed territories like Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
Mountains
Lesser Caucasus Mountains (up to 3,000m); includes the Zangezur Range, Meskheti Range, and Armenian Highlands.
Seas
Between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea; Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan) extends into Caspian Sea, rich in oil.
Rivers and Lakes
Major rivers: KuraRiver (Georgia & Azerbaijan) and Aras River (Armenia & Azerbaijan). Key lake: Lake Sevan (Armenia).
Climate
Continental climate: hot summers and cold winters;
Subtropical climate along Georgia’s Black Sea coast;
Semi-arid to desert climate near Caspian Sea, especially Azerbaijan.
Natural Resources
Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Azerbaijan; critical hub for energy pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
Geopolitical Importance
Strategic transit route for energy resources to Europe; region of geopolitical tensions due to conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia).
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chagos Islands (Archipelago)
Why in the News?
British Foreign Minister announced that the deal with Mauritius has settledthe long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, the UK’s last overseas territory in Africa.
The agreement also ensures the long-term future of the Diego Garcia military base, which is jointly operated by the UK and US.
About Chagos Islands (Archipelago)
The Chagos Archipelago is a group of 58 islands located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 500 km south of the Maldives.
It is a strategically significant area, with one of its islands, Diego Garcia, serving as a key military base jointly operated by the UK and US.
The archipelago has been at the centre of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between the UK and Mauritius.
Key Deals and Agreements Related to the Chagos Archipelago
1. British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Formation (1965)
The UK established the BIOT, incorporating the Chagos Archipelago.
The islands were detached from Mauritius before its independence.
Mauritius received a grant of 3 million pounds from the UK as compensation for the detachment.
2. UK-US Agreement on Diego Garcia (1966)
Britain and the US signed a defense agreement, making the BIOT available for joint military purposes.
Diego Garcia became a key military outpost due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
The land for the military base was acquired in 1967, and in 1971, the plantation on Diego Garcia was shut down.
The BIOT administration passed an Immigration Ordinance, which prohibited residents from remaining on the island without a permit. This led to the forced expulsion of around 2,000 Chagossians, many of whom were resettled in Mauritius and the UK.
3. United Nations and International Court of Justice (ICJ) Involvement
2017: The UN General Assembly requested the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on the legal status of the Chagos Islands.
2019: The ICJ ruled that the UK’s continued administration of the islands was illegal, and the detachment of the islands from Mauritius in 1965 was not done with the free consent of the Chagossians. The UNGA adopted a resolution calling on the UK to withdraw from the Chagos Archipelago within six months.
4. UK-Mauritius Agreement (2023)
After years of dispute, Mauritius and the UK reached an agreement over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
Under this agreement:
The UK has ceded its claims over the islands.
Mauritius is allowed to implement a resettlement program on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
The UK retains sovereignty over Diego Garcia, allowing the military base to remain operational for an initial period of 99 years.
A new trust fund is being created for the benefit of Chagossians.
Why did the UK keep Diego Garcia Base?
US-UK Defense Agreement: The base is vital for joint military operations, allowing rapid deployment in critical areas.
Global Operations Hub: Key for US air and naval missions during conflicts like the Gulf War and War in Afghanistan.
Geopolitical Control: Ensures a strong US-UK presence in the Indian Ocean to counteract other powers, especially China.
Strategic Location: Diego Garcia monitors the Malacca Strait and other essential global trade routes, especially energy supplies.
PYQ:
[2013] Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Little Prespa Lake
Why in the News?
At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.
About Little Prespa Lake
Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.
Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying
The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhoj Wetland
Why in the News?
The Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority has reported that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention List of important international wetlands.
About Bhoj Wetland
Bhoj Wetland is located in the center of Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh.
The wetland includes two man-made lakes: the upper lake and the lower lake.
Since August 2002, they have been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The upper lake, created by King Bhoj in the 11th century, is one of the oldest large man-made lakes in central India.
It was formed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, which used to be a tributary of the HalaliRiver.
Now, the upper part of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal drain into the Kaliasot River through a diversion channel.
Bhadbhada Dam, built in 1965, controls the outflow to the Kaliasot River.
The lower lake was created in 1794 by Nawab ChhoteKhan to beautify the city.
It also has an earthen dam and drains into the Halali River through the lower part of the Kolans River, now called the Patra Drain.
Both the Kaliasot and Halali Rivers flow into the Betwa River.
Significance of Bhoj Wetland
The upper lake provides 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water, while the lower lake supplies raw water and enhances the city’s beauty.
It supports over 700 species of plants and animals, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Both lakes are rich in biodiversity, supporting various fish species, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
