π© Chushul-Moldo Border
π Context
β Indian and Chinese armies exchanged Diwali greetings at the Chushul-Moldo border in Ladakh, near Pangong Lake.
π About Chushul-Moldo Border
β It is a key border meeting point between India and China.
β Located in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
β Strategically significant due to its proximity to Pangong Lake.
β Plays a crucial role in India-China diplomatic and military engagements.
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π Context
β Indian and Chinese armies exchanged Diwali greetings at the Chushul-Moldo border in Ladakh, near Pangong Lake.
π About Chushul-Moldo Border
β It is a key border meeting point between India and China.
β Located in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
β Strategically significant due to its proximity to Pangong Lake.
β Plays a crucial role in India-China diplomatic and military engagements.
#Places_in_news
#Sea_series
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Sagar Island
β The West Bengal government has announced comprehensive preparations for the Gangasagar Mela 2025.
About
β Sagar Island is situated at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal about 120 km from the State capital Kolkata.
β It is the largest island in the Sundarbans archipelago.
β Lakhs of pilgrims visit the island every year to participate in the religious fair and take a dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the sea on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
β The site is considered sacred and is home to the Kapil Muni temple.
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β The West Bengal government has announced comprehensive preparations for the Gangasagar Mela 2025.
About
β Sagar Island is situated at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal about 120 km from the State capital Kolkata.
β It is the largest island in the Sundarbans archipelago.
β Lakhs of pilgrims visit the island every year to participate in the religious fair and take a dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the sea on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
β The site is considered sacred and is home to the Kapil Muni temple.
#Places_in_news
#Sea_series
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Chinaβs Mega-Dam Project
β Capacity: 60 GW (14th Five-Year Plan, for 2021β2025); Three times the capacity of Chinaβs current Three Gorges Dam;
β China aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
πΈ Cost: About $137 Bn.
πΈ Location: At the Great Bend, where the Brahmaputra river takes a U-turn, in the Medog county of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
β China has previously constructed significant dams like the Three Gorges Dam (Yangtze) and Zangmu Dam (Yarlung Zangbo).
πYarlung Tsangpo (Zangbo) River
β It originates in Tibet, and enters Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang.
β In Assam, it is joined by tributaries such as Dibang and Lohit, and is called the Brahmaputra.
β The river then enters Bangladesh, and makes its way to the Bay of Bengal.
πΈ The main river does not flow through Bhutan, but 96% of the countryβs area is within the basin.
#River_Series
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β Capacity: 60 GW (14th Five-Year Plan, for 2021β2025); Three times the capacity of Chinaβs current Three Gorges Dam;
β China aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
πΈ Cost: About $137 Bn.
πΈ Location: At the Great Bend, where the Brahmaputra river takes a U-turn, in the Medog county of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
β China has previously constructed significant dams like the Three Gorges Dam (Yangtze) and Zangmu Dam (Yarlung Zangbo).
πYarlung Tsangpo (Zangbo) River
β It originates in Tibet, and enters Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang.
β In Assam, it is joined by tributaries such as Dibang and Lohit, and is called the Brahmaputra.
β The river then enters Bangladesh, and makes its way to the Bay of Bengal.
πΈ The main river does not flow through Bhutan, but 96% of the countryβs area is within the basin.
#River_Series
#Places_in_news
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πUPSC mindmap charts
Quick prelims Revision notes
β Mnemonics
β UPSC Flow Charts
β Mains Diagrams
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Quick prelims Revision notes
β Mnemonics
β UPSC Flow Charts
β Mains Diagrams
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
π Key Locations in News
π Vadhvan Port (Maharashtra)
β PM laid the foundation for one of Indiaβs largest deep-water ports under the Landlord Port Model with private sector involvement.
π Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh)
β Located in the Himalayan foothills along the India-Nepal border, facing poaching threats.
β River Gomti originates here, along with Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot catchments.
π Uri-I Hydroelectric Project (Jammu & Kashmir)
β Stage-II clearance deferred by EAC; located on Jhelum River, near LoC.
π Galathea Bay (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
β Declared a Major Port to develop Indiaβs 2nd deep-water transshipment terminal.
π Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
β Indiaβs first 'teal carbon' study conducted here.
β UNESCO World Heritage Site crucial for migratory birds & climate resilience.
π Gopalpur Port (Odisha)
β APSEZ received approval for a 95% stake in the deep-sea port, boosting marine trade. π’
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π Vadhvan Port (Maharashtra)
β PM laid the foundation for one of Indiaβs largest deep-water ports under the Landlord Port Model with private sector involvement.
π Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh)
β Located in the Himalayan foothills along the India-Nepal border, facing poaching threats.
β River Gomti originates here, along with Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot catchments.
π Uri-I Hydroelectric Project (Jammu & Kashmir)
β Stage-II clearance deferred by EAC; located on Jhelum River, near LoC.
π Galathea Bay (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
β Declared a Major Port to develop Indiaβs 2nd deep-water transshipment terminal.
π Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
β Indiaβs first 'teal carbon' study conducted here.
β UNESCO World Heritage Site crucial for migratory birds & climate resilience.
π Gopalpur Port (Odisha)
β APSEZ received approval for a 95% stake in the deep-sea port, boosting marine trade. π’
#Places_in_news
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π Global Events
π Namibia
β Facing its worst drought in a century, worsened by El NiΓ±o.
β Located in Southwest Africa, bordering Angola, Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana.
π Sudan
β Ongoing war continues to devastate the country.
β Located in Northeast Africa, bordering Egypt, Chad, Central African Republic, Libya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
π Brunei
β Indiaβs first bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam.
β A small Southeast Asian nation on Borneo Island, bordered by Malaysiaβs Sarawak state and the South China Sea.
β Part of the Commonwealth & ASEAN.
π Vietnam
β Typhoon Yagi has killed 143 people in northern Vietnam.
β Located in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with China, Laos, Cambodia, and maritime borders in the South China Sea.
π Mexico
β Reformed its judicial system, becoming the first country to elect judges at all levels.
β Located in North America, bordering U.S., Guatemala, Belize, and has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
π Gulf of Mexico
β Hurricane Francine disrupted 42% of crude oil and 53% of natural gas production in the U.S.
β Large ocean basin, bordered by U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, draining the Mississippi and Rio Grande rivers.
π Amazon River
β Experiencing unprecedented drought, with historic low water levels.
β Originates in the Peruvian Andes, the largest river by water volume, draining into the Atlantic Ocean.
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π Namibia
β Facing its worst drought in a century, worsened by El NiΓ±o.
β Located in Southwest Africa, bordering Angola, Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana.
π Sudan
β Ongoing war continues to devastate the country.
β Located in Northeast Africa, bordering Egypt, Chad, Central African Republic, Libya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
π Brunei
β Indiaβs first bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam.
β A small Southeast Asian nation on Borneo Island, bordered by Malaysiaβs Sarawak state and the South China Sea.
β Part of the Commonwealth & ASEAN.
π Vietnam
β Typhoon Yagi has killed 143 people in northern Vietnam.
β Located in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with China, Laos, Cambodia, and maritime borders in the South China Sea.
π Mexico
β Reformed its judicial system, becoming the first country to elect judges at all levels.
β Located in North America, bordering U.S., Guatemala, Belize, and has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
π Gulf of Mexico
β Hurricane Francine disrupted 42% of crude oil and 53% of natural gas production in the U.S.
β Large ocean basin, bordered by U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, draining the Mississippi and Rio Grande rivers.
π Amazon River
β Experiencing unprecedented drought, with historic low water levels.
β Originates in the Peruvian Andes, the largest river by water volume, draining into the Atlantic Ocean.
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π Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary
π Context
β Avian diversity in Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, Assam, has declined by over 70%.
π Location
β Situated between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam.
β Once part of the Subansiri River.
π Climate & Ecology
β Experiences a moist tropical climate.
β Receives approximately 2000 mm of rainfall annually.
#mapping
π Context
β Avian diversity in Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, Assam, has declined by over 70%.
π Location
β Situated between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam.
β Once part of the Subansiri River.
π Climate & Ecology
β Experiences a moist tropical climate.
β Receives approximately 2000 mm of rainfall annually.
#mapping
π Worldβs Busiest Ports: Key Global Trade Hubs π’π
π Top Asian Ports
β Port of Shanghai, China π¨π³ β Worldβs busiest port (43M+ TEUs), Yangtze River Delta.
β Port of Singapore πΈπ¬ β Handles 20% of global transshipment, top transshipment hub.
β Port of Shenzhen, China π¨π³ β Key network in Guangdong, linked to Hong Kong.
β Port of Busan, South Korea π°π· β South Koreaβs largest port, at Nakdong Riverβs mouth.
β Port of Hong Kong, China π¨π³ β Crucial deepwater seaport in the South China Sea.
β Port of Jebel Ali, UAE π¦πͺ β Largest in the Middle East, worldβs biggest man-made harbor.
π Major Western Ports
β Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands π³π± β Europeβs largest seaport in the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta.
β Port of Los Angeles, USA πΊπΈ β βAmericaβs Port,β busiest in the U.S., located in California.
β Port of Antwerp, Belgium π§πͺ β Europeβs second-largest seaport, handling diverse cargo.
#Places_in_news
#Port_series
π Top Asian Ports
β Port of Shanghai, China π¨π³ β Worldβs busiest port (43M+ TEUs), Yangtze River Delta.
β Port of Singapore πΈπ¬ β Handles 20% of global transshipment, top transshipment hub.
β Port of Shenzhen, China π¨π³ β Key network in Guangdong, linked to Hong Kong.
β Port of Busan, South Korea π°π· β South Koreaβs largest port, at Nakdong Riverβs mouth.
β Port of Hong Kong, China π¨π³ β Crucial deepwater seaport in the South China Sea.
β Port of Jebel Ali, UAE π¦πͺ β Largest in the Middle East, worldβs biggest man-made harbor.
π Major Western Ports
β Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands π³π± β Europeβs largest seaport in the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta.
β Port of Los Angeles, USA πΊπΈ β βAmericaβs Port,β busiest in the U.S., located in California.
β Port of Antwerp, Belgium π§πͺ β Europeβs second-largest seaport, handling diverse cargo.
#Places_in_news
#Port_series
Key Geographical Events ππ
π Mount Ruang (Indonesia) π
β Recently erupted stratovolcano in Sulawesi Islands.
β Part of Indonesiaβs active volcanic belt.
β Other notable volcanoes: Krakatau, Merapi, Semeru.
π Hopen Island (Svalbard Archipelago) βοΈ
β First recorded case of walrus death due to bird flu.
β Discovered in 1596, located in the Arctic region.
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π Mount Ruang (Indonesia) π
β Recently erupted stratovolcano in Sulawesi Islands.
β Part of Indonesiaβs active volcanic belt.
β Other notable volcanoes: Krakatau, Merapi, Semeru.
π Hopen Island (Svalbard Archipelago) βοΈ
β First recorded case of walrus death due to bird flu.
β Discovered in 1596, located in the Arctic region.
#Places_in_news
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Upsc prelims Mapping + geography
βͺοΈ World Mapping
βͺοΈ India Mapping
βͺοΈ Places in news ( geo + IR + env)
βͺοΈ Map based pyq's
βͺοΈ Indian geography
βͺοΈ Physical geography
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
βͺοΈ World Mapping
βͺοΈ India Mapping
βͺοΈ Places in news ( geo + IR + env)
βͺοΈ Map based pyq's
βͺοΈ Indian geography
βͺοΈ Physical geography
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
Gulf of Tonkin:
β It is referred as βBeibu Gulfβin Chinese and βBac Bo Gulfβ in Vietnamese.
β It is a crescent-shaped, shallow, semi-enclosed water body situated off South China and Northern Vietnam coasts in the South China Seaβs northwestern portion.
β Bordering regions: It is bordered by the northern coastline of Vietnam in the west and northwest; by Chinaβs Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the north; and by the Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island in the east.
β It is connected with the South China Sea via the gulfβs mouth in the south and the Hainan Strait in the northeast.
β Many rivers empty into the Gulf of Tonkin, with the Red River supplying the major riverine discharge along with some smaller rivers along the northern and western coastal areas.
β Major Ports: In Northern Vietnam, the gulfβs main ports include Haiphong and Ben Thuy, whereas, in China, its major port is Beihai (Pakhoi).
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β It is referred as βBeibu Gulfβin Chinese and βBac Bo Gulfβ in Vietnamese.
β It is a crescent-shaped, shallow, semi-enclosed water body situated off South China and Northern Vietnam coasts in the South China Seaβs northwestern portion.
β Bordering regions: It is bordered by the northern coastline of Vietnam in the west and northwest; by Chinaβs Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the north; and by the Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island in the east.
β It is connected with the South China Sea via the gulfβs mouth in the south and the Hainan Strait in the northeast.
β Many rivers empty into the Gulf of Tonkin, with the Red River supplying the major riverine discharge along with some smaller rivers along the northern and western coastal areas.
β Major Ports: In Northern Vietnam, the gulfβs main ports include Haiphong and Ben Thuy, whereas, in China, its major port is Beihai (Pakhoi).
#Places_in_news
#Sea_series
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π Mercury Island & Nord Stream Pipeline
π Mercury Island
β "My Mercury" Documentary explores the life of Yves Chesselet, a conservationist working to reclaim Mercury Island (off Namibiaβs coast) for endangered seabirds.
π Nord Stream Pipeline Leak
β 2022 explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline released thousands of tonnes of methane into the Baltic Sea.
β Raises concerns about marine life, carbon cycles, and environmental impact.
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π Mercury Island
β "My Mercury" Documentary explores the life of Yves Chesselet, a conservationist working to reclaim Mercury Island (off Namibiaβs coast) for endangered seabirds.
π Nord Stream Pipeline Leak
β 2022 explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline released thousands of tonnes of methane into the Baltic Sea.
β Raises concerns about marine life, carbon cycles, and environmental impact.
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π Techo Funan Canal
β Cambodia will begin construction of the Chinese-backed Techo Funan Canal.
β The canal will connect the Mekong River basin to the Cambodian coast.
π Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb Islands Dispute
β Iran summoned Chinaβs ambassador to protest a China-UAE statement on the sovereignty of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb islands.
β The islands are claimed by the UAE but have been held by Iran since 1971.
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β Cambodia will begin construction of the Chinese-backed Techo Funan Canal.
β The canal will connect the Mekong River basin to the Cambodian coast.
π Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb Islands Dispute
β Iran summoned Chinaβs ambassador to protest a China-UAE statement on the sovereignty of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb islands.
β The islands are claimed by the UAE but have been held by Iran since 1971.
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π Key Global Updates
π Namaqualand, Africa
β Scientists discovered 34,000-year-old termite mounds along the Buffels River, making them the worldβs oldest inhabited termite structures.
π Denmark
β First country to impose a livestock COβ tax starting in 2030, aiming to reduce agricultural emissions.
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π Namaqualand, Africa
β Scientists discovered 34,000-year-old termite mounds along the Buffels River, making them the worldβs oldest inhabited termite structures.
π Denmark
β First country to impose a livestock COβ tax starting in 2030, aiming to reduce agricultural emissions.
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π Key Global Updates
π Lake Natron, Tanzania
β Climate change is affecting Lake Natron, a crucial habitat for flamingos and biodiversity.
π Chilakgava Mountain Range, Malawi
β Malawiβs Vice President died in a plane crash in the Chilakgava Mountain Range.
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π Lake Natron, Tanzania
β Climate change is affecting Lake Natron, a crucial habitat for flamingos and biodiversity.
π Chilakgava Mountain Range, Malawi
β Malawiβs Vice President died in a plane crash in the Chilakgava Mountain Range.
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π Major Industrial Regions of the World ππ
β Eastern North America β Includes the Great Lakes region (Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh), North-Eastern states (New York, Boston), and Southern states (Texas, Louisiana). It is known for iron & steel, automobiles, chemicals, aerospace industries, and major financial & tech hubs like New York, Chicago, and Toronto.
β Western & Central Europe β Includes Germany, France, UK, Benelux. Renowned for engineering, machinery, chemicals, and high-tech industries. The Rhine-Ruhr region is a major industrial hub.
β Eastern Europe β Includes Russia, Ukraine, Poland. Strong in heavy industries like steel, machinery, and mining. Katowice (Poland) is known as the βindustrial heartβ due to coal mining and heavy industries. Budapest specializes in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and machinery.
β Eastern Asia β Includes China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan. Known for rapid industrialization, electronics, textiles, shipbuilding. Shanghai is a global financial & commercial hub and Nagoya is a key center for automobile and machinery production.
β Other Notable Industrial Regions
β’ Brazil β Emerging industrial power with strengths in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
β’ India β Rapidly industrializing, excelling in IT, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
β’ South Africa β Rich in mineral resources, with a focus on mining and related industries.
β Eastern North America β Includes the Great Lakes region (Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh), North-Eastern states (New York, Boston), and Southern states (Texas, Louisiana). It is known for iron & steel, automobiles, chemicals, aerospace industries, and major financial & tech hubs like New York, Chicago, and Toronto.
β Western & Central Europe β Includes Germany, France, UK, Benelux. Renowned for engineering, machinery, chemicals, and high-tech industries. The Rhine-Ruhr region is a major industrial hub.
β Eastern Europe β Includes Russia, Ukraine, Poland. Strong in heavy industries like steel, machinery, and mining. Katowice (Poland) is known as the βindustrial heartβ due to coal mining and heavy industries. Budapest specializes in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and machinery.
β Eastern Asia β Includes China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan. Known for rapid industrialization, electronics, textiles, shipbuilding. Shanghai is a global financial & commercial hub and Nagoya is a key center for automobile and machinery production.
β Other Notable Industrial Regions
β’ Brazil β Emerging industrial power with strengths in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
β’ India β Rapidly industrializing, excelling in IT, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
β’ South Africa β Rich in mineral resources, with a focus on mining and related industries.
π Geographical Highlights
π Minami-Torishima Island (Japan)
β Researchers discovered 230 million tons of minerals, including cobalt and nickel, off a remote island 1,200 miles from Tokyo, Japan.
π Mackenzie River (Canada)
β Canadaβs longest river, spanning 1,738 km from Great Slave Lake, is experiencing historically low water levels.
#Geography
π Minami-Torishima Island (Japan)
β Researchers discovered 230 million tons of minerals, including cobalt and nickel, off a remote island 1,200 miles from Tokyo, Japan.
π Mackenzie River (Canada)
β Canadaβs longest river, spanning 1,738 km from Great Slave Lake, is experiencing historically low water levels.
#Geography
π Key Facts: New Caledonia & Spainβs Cartagena Port π’
π New Caledonia
β French overseas territory in the South West Pacific Ocean.
β Part of the EUβs Overseas Countries & Territories (OCTs) but not in the EU, Eurozone, or Schengen Area.
β Lagoon & coral reef ecosystem designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
βοΈ Spainβs Cartagena β Port of Call
β Spain denied access to an Israel-bound ship carrying arms at Cartagena Port.
β A port of call is a designated stop for ships during their journey.
π New Caledonia
β French overseas territory in the South West Pacific Ocean.
β Part of the EUβs Overseas Countries & Territories (OCTs) but not in the EU, Eurozone, or Schengen Area.
β Lagoon & coral reef ecosystem designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
βοΈ Spainβs Cartagena β Port of Call
β Spain denied access to an Israel-bound ship carrying arms at Cartagena Port.
β A port of call is a designated stop for ships during their journey.