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Type: World Mapping

  • 1000 quakes rattle Japan’s Tokara Islands

    Why in the News?

    Japan has recorded over 1,000 tremors in two weeks near the Tokara Islands, signalling a surge in seismic activity.

    Why is Japan so prone to earthquakes?

    • Tectonic Plate Convergence: Japan lies at the junction of four major tectonic plates—the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American—which constantly collide and shift.
    • Subduction Zones: Oceanic plates (Pacific and Philippine Sea) are being pushed under continental plates, creating intense geological stress that is released as earthquakes.
    • Pacific Ring of Fire: Japan is part of this highly active seismic zone that surrounds the Pacific Ocean and accounts for about 90% of the world’s earthquakes.
    • Volcanic and Fault Line Density: The country has about 10% of the world’s active volcanoes and numerous fault lines, increasing its seismic vulnerability.

    About Tokara Islands:

    • Overview: They are a small volcanic island chain in the Ryukyu archipelago, forming part of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan:
    • Geographical Location: Between Kyushu and the Amami Islands, in the East China Sea.
    • Composition: Includes 12 islands, of which 7 are inhabited, such as Nakanoshima, Takarajima, and Kodakarajima.
    • Volcanic Origin: Part of the Ryukyu Arc, a highly seismically active zone. Mount Otake, an active volcano, is located on Nakanoshima.
    • Geopolitical Relevance: The islands are gaining strategic significance due to rising tensions in the East China Sea, particularly involving China and Taiwan. Recent defense policies have called for fortification of the Tokara and Nansei Islands to enhance surveillance.
    [UPSC 2008] In the year 2007, an earthquake led to massive radioactive water leakage in the largest nuclear plant in the world. In which country did it occur?

    Options: (a) Germany (b) Canada (c) Japan* (d) USA

     

  • Places in news: Strait of Hormuz

    Why in the News?

    Iran’s Parliament has approved a motion to block the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns worldwide.

    Strait of Hormuz

    About the Strait of Hormuz:

    • Geographic Location: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually to the Arabian Sea.
    • Dimensions: It is about 167 km long and 33 km wide at its narrowest, making it one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
    • Bordering Countries: The strait lies between Iran (north) and Oman (south), with nearby cities such as Bandar Abbas, Khasab, and Dubai.
    • Shipping Lanes: It contains designated lanes just 3 km wide in each direction to manage heavy oil tanker traffic.
    • Key Islands: Important islands include Qeshm, Hormuz, and Hengam (controlled by Iran) and disputed ones like Abu Musa and the Tunbs, claimed by both Iran and the UAE.
    • Naval Depth Advantage: Waters near the Musandam Peninsula reach depths over 650 feet, ideal for deep-draft oil tankers.
    • Security Risks: Due to its narrowness, the strait is vulnerable to disruption from mining, military action, or cyber interference.
    • Historical Tensions: It has witnessed frequent maritime tensions, especially during Iran–West conflicts but has never been fully blocked.

    Its significance:

    • Global Oil Flow: Over 20 million barrels of crude oil per day pass through the strait, accounting for 25% of seaborne oil trade and 20% of global consumption.
    • Gas Exports: It is vital for LNG exports, especially from Qatar, reaching markets across the globe.
    • Asian Dependence: Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea import 69% of the oil that flows through the strait.
    • Market Sensitivity: Any disruption can spike global oil prices, increasing fuel and commodity costs worldwide.
    • Limited Alternatives: Overland pipelines like Saudi Arabia’s East-West (5 million bpd) and UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah (1.8 million bpd) offer only partial alternatives.

    Implications of Blockade:

    • Shipping Costs: During geopolitical tensions, insurance and freight charges for using the strait surge significantly.
    • India’s Vulnerability: India relies heavily on the region for oil imports, so instability could raise inflation, disrupt energy supplies, and impact the trade balance.
    • Strategic Response: A full blockade could trigger direct military action, particularly from the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain.
    • Mutual Economic Impact: Disruption would affect both exporters and importers, including Iran and its major customer, China.
    [UPSC 2010] Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?

    Options: (a) Bali (b) Brunei (c) Java (d) Singapore*

     

  • Massive eruption of Italy’s Mount Etna

    Why in the News?

    Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, has erupted sending ash, smoke, and rock fragments several kilometres into the sky.

    Why do Volcanoes Erupt?

    • Magma Formation: Deep within Earth, high temperature and pressure melt rocks into magma.
    • Gas Expansion: Magma contains gases like water vapor, CO₂, and SO₂. As magma rises, the pressure drops, allowing these gases to form bubbles, increasing internal pressure.
    • Crustal Weaknesses: At tectonic boundaries or mantle plumes, cracks and faults in Earth’s crust provide pathways for magma to escape.
    • Eruption Mechanism:
      • As pressure builds, magma is pushed upwards.
      • If blocked, the gas expansion can explode through the crust, ejecting lava, ash, and gases.
    • Signals: If magma flow is suddenly stopped by solid rock, it may create low-frequency seismic waves (pre-eruption tremors).

    Next Census to conclude by March 2027

    About Mount Etna:

    • Location: Situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, near the city of Catania.
    • Type: Mount Etna is a stratovolcano (also called a composite volcano), which is formed from layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rocks.
    • Height: It stands at approximately 3,300 meters, making it the tallest volcano in Europe south of the Alps.
    • Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, with documented volcanic activity for at least 2,700 years.
    • Eruption Record: Etna is almost constantly active. Notable eruptions have occurred in 1400 B.C., 1669, 2001, 2018, 2021, 2024, and 2025.
    • Volcanic Activity Style: Known for Strombolian and effusive eruptions, with occasional Plinian eruptions (rare and more explosive).

    Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:

    • Nature of Eruption: The eruption is classified as either Strombolian or possibly Plinian, depending on interpretation:
      • Strombolian Eruption: Characterized by moderate explosive bursts, caused by gas bubbles in magma suddenly bursting at the surface.
      • Plinian Eruption: Some volcanologists suggest this classification due to the large ash column that may have reached the stratosphere.
    • Eruption Trigger: The eruption likely began due to pressure buildup from gas within the magma chamber, leading to collapse of the southeast crater and lava flows.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following:

    1. Pyroclastic debris

    2. Ash and dust

    3. Nitrogen compounds

    4. Sulphur compounds

    How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) Only four*

     

  • Places in News: Zangezur Corridor

    Why in the News?

    The aftermath of Operation Sindoor highlights India’s strategic concerns over the proposed Zangezur Corridor in Armenia backed by Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

    Zangezur Corridor

    About the Zangezur Corridor:

    • What it is: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed land route through Armenia’s Syunik Province that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region, cutting across Armenian land.
    • Who supports it: Azerbaijan and Turkiye back the project. They want a direct link without Armenian border checks or customs interference.
    • Route Details: The corridor would be about 43–44 km long and pass near the Iran-Armenia border, giving it high geopolitical value.
    • Why it’s controversial:
      • Azerbaijan sees it as a post-war right after its win in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
      • Armenia insists it must have full control and sovereignty over any transport through its territory.
    • Turkiye’s Interest: It wants to use this corridor as part of its Middle Corridor project to connect with Central Asia and Europe via land routes.
    • Opposition: Iran and Armenia oppose the corridor, fearing it could:
      • Isolate Armenia,
      • Weaken Iranian access, and
      • Threaten Armenia’s territorial integrity.

    How it concerns India?

    • Strategic Ties: India is a key defence partner for Armenia and supports regional stability in the South Caucasus.
    • Trade Ambitions: India is:
      • Developing Chabahar Port in Iran,
      • Working on a transport route via Iran–Armenia–Georgia to Europe, bypassing Pakistan and the Suez Canal.
    • Concerns: If the Zangezur Corridor bypasses Armenian control, it could:
      • Disrupt India’s land trade route to Europe,
      • Reduce Iran’s regional access,
      • Weaken India’s strategic reach.
    • Larger Geo-Politics: Turkiye and Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the region is worrying for India, especially since Turkiye opposes India’s IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor).
    • India’s Stand: India supports Armenia’s sovereignty and opposes unilateral moves, aiming to:
      • Protect its trade routes,
      • Preserve strategic balance, and
      • Counter regional encirclement.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Regions often mentioned in news : Reason for being in news

    1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia an Azerbaijan

    2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique

    3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None *

     

  • Persian Gulf to be renamed as ‘Arabian Gulf’

    Why in the News?

    Donald Trump plans to announce that the US will officially refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia”, aligning with the preferences of Arab nations.

    Persian Gulf to be renamed as 'Arabian Gulf'

    About Persian Gulf

    • The Persian Gulf is a marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, located in Western Asia.
    • It is connected to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments.
    • The gulf spans an area of approximately 251,000 km².
    • Its average depth is around 50 meters, with a maximum depth of about 90 meters.
    • The total coastline is roughly 5,117 km, with Iran possessing the longest share (~1,536 km).
    • The gulf is bordered by:
      • North: Iran
      • Southwest: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE
      • Northwest: Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain
    • Key islands:
      • Qeshm Island (Iran) — the largest island in the Persian Gulf (~1,491 km²), nearly 2.5 times the size of Bahrain.
      • Bahrain — a sovereign archipelago state with over 50 islands, and home to a major US naval base.
    • It is recognized officially by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) as the “Persian Gulf”.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.

    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I* (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

     

  • Heard and McDonald Islands

    Why in the News?

    Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on imports from the Heard and McDonald Islands, despite no human presence there for nearly a decade.

    About the Heard and McDonald Islands

    • The Heard and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean, approximately 4,100 km south-west of Perth, Australia, and 1,600 km to the north of the Antarctic coast.
    • The islands are unincorporated external territories of Australia, meaning they are not part of any Australian state but are directly administered by the Australian government.
    • The islands are home to seals, penguins, and albatrosses, and serve as crucial breeding grounds for these species.
    • The islands have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their ecological significance, particularly their rich biodiversity.
    • Heard Island:
      • Heard Island spans an area of approximately 368 square kilometers.
      • The island’s highest point is Mawson Peak, an active volcano standing 2,745 meters (9,006 feet) above sea level.
      • Mawson Peak is one of the most active volcanoes in the southern hemisphere, with eruptions as recent as 2016.
    • McDonald Islands:
      • It is much smaller, covering only 2.5 square kilometers.
      • Geological Nature: These islands are volcanic and part of the same volcanic chain as Heard Island.
      • Climate
      • Both islands experience an extremely cold subantarctic climate, with heavy winds, snow, and ice for much of the year.
      • Temperatures rarely exceed 5°C (41°F) even in summer.

    Strategic Significance

    • The islands are strategically located between Australia and Antarctica, important for monitoring the Southern Ocean, vital for global biodiversity and climate studies.
    • They play a key role in scientific research, particularly in volcanology, glaciology, and climate change, with Australia operating a research station on Heard Island.
    • The islands are protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, ensuring no military activity or commercial exploitation in the region.
    • Rich in marine resources, the surrounding waters are also safeguarded to prevent overfishing and environmental harm.
    • Their geopolitical importance grows as international competition and territorial claims around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean increase.

  • Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Eilat recover after a ‘Shutdown’

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have discovered a significant pause in coral reef growth in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba during the late Holocene period.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • The study identified a 4,400 – 1,000-year hiatus in coral growth, similar to events observed in Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.
    • Scientists attribute this temporary halt to a sea-level drop caused by tectonic activity and cooling events, which exposed coral reefs and disrupted their development.
    • Despite this, the reef recovered by recolonizing from deeper coral communities, showcasing its natural resilience.

    Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Eilat recover after a ‘Shutdown'

    About Gulf of Eilat

    • Also known as the Gulf of Aqaba, it is a narrow extension of the Red Sea, located between the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and the Arabian Peninsula.
    • It connects to the Red Sea through the Strait of Tiran and borders Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
    • The city of Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba (Jordan) lie along its shores, making it a strategic trade and tourism hub.

    Geographical and Political Significance:

    • Strategic Trade Route: Provides access to the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea, critical for Israel and Jordan’s maritime trade.
    • Bordering Multiple Nations: Shares coastlines with Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, making it a key area for regional diplomacy and security.
    • Tourism & Marine Biodiversity: Known for coral reefs and marine life, attracting divers and boosting the economies of Eilat and Aqaba.
    • Geopolitical Sensitivity: The Strait of Tiran has been historically significant in Arab-Israeli conflicts, especially during the Six-Day War (1967) when Egypt blocked Israeli access.
    • Energy & Trade Importance: It is an alternative route for oil shipments and goods trade, reducing reliance on the Suez Canal.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    2. Gulf of Kachchh

    3. Gulf of Mannar

    4. Sunderbans

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • In news: Darien Gap

    Why in the News?

    The illegal journey into the US often involves dangerous crossings through multiple countries, including the treacherous Darien Gap – a vast, roadless jungle that connects Colombia and Panama.

    In news: Darien Gap

    What is the Darien Gap?

    • The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains that forms the only break in the Pan-American Highway, which otherwise runs from Alaska to Argentina.
    • Due to its extreme terrain, harsh climate, and lack of infrastructure, the region has remained largely impenetrable.
    • However, in recent years, it has become a major migration route, as thousands of people attempt to cross it in hopes of reaching North America.
    • Geographical Features:
      • Location: Forms the border between Panama and Colombia.
      • Terrain: Consists of steep mountains, muddy swamps, fast-flowing rivers, and dense rainforests, making travel extremely difficult.
      • Climate: Has a hot, humid, and rainy environment with limited access to food and water.

    Geo-Political Significance:

    • Migration Crisis: Over 520,000 migrants crossed in 2023, with over 300,000 crossings in early 2024.
    • ‘Donkey Route’: Many migrants, including Indians, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Pakistanis, travel through Central American nations like Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico.
    • Criminal Activity: The region is controlled by smuggling networks, drug cartels, and armed groups, who demand money, rob migrants, or subject them to violence.
    • Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of sexual assaults, deaths, and disappearances are increasing, with overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:

    (a) Central Asia

    (b) Middle East

    (c) South-East Asia

    (d) Central Africa

  • Places in news: Kurdistan Region

    Why in the News?

    India has dispatched a humanitarian aid consignment to the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

    Kurdistan Region

    What is the Kurdistan Region?

    • The Kurdistan Region refers to areas inhabited by ethnic Kurds, primarily in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
    • The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) administers Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq.
    • The Kurds, a distinct ethnic and linguistic group, have long sought independence and greater autonomy.
    • Geographical Significance:
      • Spans across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, covering the Zagros Mountains and fertile plains.
      • Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan, making it geopolitically significant.
      • Controls key border regions and trade routes, influencing regional stability.
    • Political Implications:
      • The Kurdish struggle for autonomy has led to tensions with central governments, particularly in Iraq and Turkey.
      • Kurdish forces (Peshmerga) have played a key role in fighting ISIS and maintaining security in northern Iraq.
      • The KRG has diplomatic ties with Western countries but lacks full sovereignty.

    Ongoing Dispute:

    • The Kurdish independence movement faces opposition from Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, fearing territorial fragmentation.
    • Iraq rejected the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum, leading to military and economic retaliation.
    • Turkey continues military operations against Kurdish groups, considering them a security threat.
    • The Turkey-ISIS-Kurd relationship remains controversial, with allegations that Turkey indirectly enabled ISIS against the Kurds.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of:

    (a) China

    (b) Israel

    (c) Iraq

    (d) Yemen

  • Places in News: Sudan’s Darfur Region

    Why in the News?

    At least 70 people were killed in a drone strike on the last working hospital in Sudan’s North Darfur capital.

    About the Darfur Region

    Details
    • Conflict-prone region in western Sudan, affected by ethnic violence and resource conflicts since 2003.
    • Site of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with mass killings and displacement.
    • Home to multiple ethnic groups, with tensions between Arab pastoralists and non-Arab farming communities.
    • Janjaweed militias, backed by the Sudanese government, accused of genocide and mass atrocities.
    • Rapid Support Forces (RSF), formerly Janjaweed, play a key role in ongoing instability.
    • Renewed violence in 2023, worsening the humanitarian situation.
    Geographical Location
    • Located in western Sudan, bordering Chad, Libya, and the Central African Republic.
    • Covers an area of about 493,180 sq. km, nearly the size of France.
    • Predominantly arid and semi-arid, with desert in the north and more fertile land in the south.
    • Climate-driven water and grazing conflicts, worsened by desertification and climate change.
    • Composed of five states: North, South, West, Central, and East Darfur.
    • El Fasher is the capital and largest city, serving as an administrative and humanitarian hub.
    Impact of Conflict
    • Politically marginalized for decades, leading to armed uprisings against Sudan’s government.
    • Conflict escalated in 2003 with rebel groups like the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) demanding greater autonomy.
    • Remains a stronghold of rebel activity, contributing to Sudan’s broader instability.
    • Ongoing violence impacts regional security, affecting neighboring countries like Chad and the Central African Republic.

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] Consider the following statements :

    Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.

    Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statement?

    a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

    b) Bothe Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

    c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

    d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct