Hindu Kush Himalayas 
✅Hindu Kush Himalayas is a mountain range stretching over 3500 kilometres and across eight countries i.e., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan. 
✅It is home to all of the world’s peaks above 7,000 metres. 

✅Glaciers: HKH has one of the largest volumes of ice and snow outside of the Arctic and Antarctica due to which it is often referred to as the Third Pole. 
✅Water Tower of Asia: It is called the ‘Water Tower of Asia’ as it is an important source of water for 12 river basins, including 10 major (transboundary) rivers: 
the Amu Darya, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Mekong, Salween, Tarim, Yangtse, and Yellow (Huang He). 
✅They flow through 16 countries in Asia and provide freshwater services to 240 million people living in the HKH region and 1.65 billion downstream. 
Ecology: It is home to 330 bird and biodiversity areas, including four global biodiversity hotspots i.e., Himalayas, Indo-Burma, mountains of Southwest China, and mountains of Central Asia

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🔆 Lake Naivasha, Kenya

📍 Location
🌍 A freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya.

📍 Why It’s Important
🦩 A Ramsar Site supporting rich biodiversity, including flamingos, hippos, and over 400 bird species.
💐 Known for its flower farms, supplying flowers worldwide, and supports fishing, tourism, and local agriculture.

📍 Challenges
⚠️ Water overuse: Excessive extraction for flower farms and irrigation.
🔥 Climate change: Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures.
🌊 Pollution: Runoff from farms and untreated sewage.

📍 Global Relevance
🌏 Highlights the need for sustainable development and balance between economic activities and environmental conservation.

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📌 Rising Threats in Gulf of Aden and Red Sea: Defence Minister

📍 Key Concerns
✅ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned of increased threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and waters near East Africa.
✅ India’s economic prosperity is closely linked to maritime security, making the safety of sea routes a priority.

📌 Indian Navy’s Response
✅ The Indian Navy is strengthening its presence to ensure freedom of navigation and safeguard maritime highways.
✅ 2024 has been declared the "Year of Naval Civilians" to recognize their pivotal role in supporting naval operations.

📍 Importance of Naval Civilians
✅ Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi highlighted the contributions of naval civilians in technical assistance and logistics, crucial for combat readiness.

🔆 The article examines the controversy surrounding the disposal of hazardous waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.
Key Points:
✅Waste Disposal: 358 tonnes of waste from the Union Carbide plant were transported to Pithampur for disposal.
✅Incineration Plan: The government plans to incinerate the waste at a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Pithampur.
✅Public Opposition: Local residents are protesting the disposal plan, fearing potential environmental contamination and health hazards.
✅Safety Concerns: Concerns have been raised about the safety of the incineration process and the potential impact on groundwater quality.
✅Government Assurances: The government has assured residents that the incineration process will be safe and monitored, with emissions meeting environmental standards.

✅Possible UPSC Prelims Question:
Where is the Union Carbide plant located, where the 1984 gas tragedy occurred?
A. Mumbai
B. Delhi
C. Bhopal
D. Chennai

✅Possible UPSC Mains Question:
Discuss the challenges associated with the disposal of hazardous waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. Analyze the environmental and health concerns raised by the local population and examine the government's plan for safe and responsible disposal of the waste.

CSE notification 2025

Vacancies- 979

IFS 2025 Notification

Vacancy- 150

🔆 Ashtamudi Lake: Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters

📍 Overview
✅ Type: Brackish water lake (mix of freshwater and saltwater).
✅ Location: Kollam district, Kerala.
✅ Ramsar Wetland: Recognized for its ecological importance.
✅ Naming: Derived from its eight arms/channels, meaning "Ashta" (eight) and "Mudi" (arms).

📍 Key Features
✅ Second Largest Lake in Kerala: After Vembanad Lake.
✅ Deepest Estuary: Among all estuaries in Kerala, connecting to the sea via Neendakara estuary.
✅ Source of Water: Kallada River.
✅ Biodiversity:
Home to two endangered mangrove species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.
Supports diverse aquatic life and mangrove ecosystems.
✅ Munroe Island: A cluster of eight tiny islands within the lake.

📍 Historical Significance
✅ Ancient Trade Hub: Linked the ancient city of Quilon (Kollam) to global trade routes.
✅ Mentioned by Ibn Battuta: Highlighted its importance as a trade center.
✅ Velu Thampi's Rebellion: Played a role in the rebellion against British rule.
✅ Cultural Contribution:
Site of Ramachandravilasam, the first epic poetry in Malayalam, composed by Azhakath Padmanabha Kurup.

📍 Significance
🌱 A crucial part of Kerala’s eco-tourism, supporting livelihoods and preserving biodiversity.
🌊 Key to the Kollam-Kottapuram Waterway, vital for Kerala's inland navigation.

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🔆 Hambantota Port: Key Facts

📍 Overview
🌍 A deep-water port on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is vital for international trade and economic growth.

📍 Construction and Funding
🔨 Built by the Sri Lankan Port Authority with funding from EXIM Bank of China.
🏗 Construction started in 2008, and the first phase finished in 2010.

📍 Lease to China
📜 In 2017, Sri Lanka leased the port to China Merchant Port Holdings for 99 years after failing to repay the loan.

📍 Strategic Importance
🌏 Part of China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative.
🔗 Links Southeast Asia, Africa, and West Asia.
⚠️ India’s Concern: Possible Chinese military presence threatens India’s security in the region.

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Tanzania: 
✅Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika) is the largest country in East Africa and includes the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia. 
✅It is bordered by the Indian Ocean and eight countries.  
✅It is bordered by 3 of the largest lakes in Africa i.e., Lake Victoria (world's 2nd largest freshwater lake), Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nyasa.

Bharathappuzha River:
✅It is Kerala’s second longest river after the Periyar River.
✅It flows for a length of 209 km.
It is also known as Nila, Kuttipuram Puzha and Ponnaniyar.
Course:
✅The river originates in the Anaimalai hills located in the Western Ghats region in Tamil Nadu.
✅It flows in the northwesterly direction in Pollachi taluk of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu.
✅It enters the Palghat district of Kerala State through the Palghat gap.
It finally discharges into the Arabian Sea near Ponnani town, Kerala.
✅Out of the total drainage area, two-thirds, which is 4400 sq.km., is in Kerala, and the remaining 1786 sq.km. is in Tamil Nadu.
✅The Bharathapuzha basin receives copious rainfall during the southwest monsoon and it lies in the rain shed region of the Western Ghats.
✅Major Tributaries: Gayathripuzha River, Kannadipuzha River, Kalpathipuzha River, and Thuthapuzha River.
✅There are several dams constructed across this river, of which the Malampuzha dam is the largest.

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Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana 🌳

Overview:
Located in Mulugu district, Telangana, it spans 806.15 sq. km, making it one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
Geography: Features tropical dry deciduous forests, grasslands, hills, plains, and water bodies, with the Godavari River flowing through it.

Key Features:
✅ Location: Situated near the borders of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
✅ Flora and Fauna: Rich biodiversity with diverse wildlife and vegetation.
✅ Historical Significance: Home to tree fossils and caves of archaeological importance.

History:
✅ Declared a sanctuary in 1952 by the Hyderabad Nizam Government.
✅ Recognized as one of the oldest sanctuaries in Telangana.

Cultural Importance:
✅ Hosts the biennial Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, a tribal festival attracting millions of devotees.

Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary represents a mix of ecological richness and cultural heritage, making it a vital hub for conservation and community traditions. 🐾🌲

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106 National Parks in India 🌿🍃

🐅 57 Tiger Reserves