Current Context : A recent study revealed that the Gangotri Glacier has lost nearly 10% of its snowmelt flow in the past four decades, raising concerns over water security for the Ganga basin. About Gangotri Glacier Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Length: About 30 km. River System: Feeds the Bhagirathi River, which merges with the Alaknanda River at Devprayag to form the Ganga River. Protected Area: Lies within Gangotri National Park. Key Fauna: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Monal (state bird of Uttarakhand).Read More

Current Context : The water level at Pong Dam (Beas Dam) in Himachal Pradesh has recently breached the danger mark. ABOUT PONG DAM Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh (Shivalik Hills). River: Built on the Beas River. Type: Earth-fill embankment dam. Construction: 1961–1974; tallest of its type in India at the time. Reservoir: Created Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake. Ecological Significance: Declared a bird sanctuary in 1983. Designated a Ramsar Site in 2002. Habitat for migratory birds such as Bar-headed Geese, Red-necked Grebe, Black Stork, Northern Lapwing, Spot-billed Duck, etc.Read More

Current Context: China has agreed in principle to resume trade through Shipki-La Pass in Himachal Pradesh after Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India. ABOUT SHIPKI-LA PASS Altitude: 3,930 metres. Location: Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh; border pass between India and China. Features: Motorable pass, one of the highest in India. Sutlej River (Langqen Zangbo in Tibet) enters India here. Historically a major India–Tibet trade corridor. History: Earlier called Pema La or Shared Gate/Pass. Became part of Line of Actual Control (post-1962 war). Named Shipki La by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Significance: Boosts tourism and trade in border districts (Kinnaur and....Read More

Current Context: India issued a flood warning to Pakistan about a possible rise in Tawi River water levels, calling it a “humanitarian gesture”. KEY FACTS Communication Channel: Through diplomatic channels, not via the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Background: IWT remains suspended after the Pahalgam attack. ABOUT TAWI RIVER Origin: Kailash Kund (Kali Kund) glacier, near Bhaderwah in Doda district, J&K. Tributary: Left-bank tributary of Chenab River. Importance: Known as the “Lifeline of Jammu city”.Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : India resumed border trade with China through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand). Nepal strongly objected, claiming the area as its territory. India rejected Nepal’s claims, citing historical evidence and long-standing trade practices (since 1954). ABOUT LIPULEKH PASS Location: A Himalayan mountain pass in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India. Altitude: Around 5,000 meters above sea level. Connectivity: Links India with Tibet (China) through the ancient trade and pilgrimage route. SIGNIFICANCE Strategic Pass: Connects India and China. Religious Importance: Route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Infrastructure: India upgraded road to Lipulekh in 2020 for pilgrims and traders. Enhances strategic presence near Line of....Read More

Current Context : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved renaming Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, to Parashurampuri. ABOUT PARASHURAMPURI NAME CHANGE Location: Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh Reason: Town is considered the mythological birthplace of Lord Parashuram. Cultural Significance: Lord Parashuram is a revered figure in Sanatan Dharma. The renaming reflects regional traditions and identity. Replaces a name seen as a symbol of slavery/“ghulami”. Impact: Boosts cultural pride, preserves local heritage identity.Read More

Current Context: An Arunachalee Mountaineer has successfully scaled Mount Elbrus, the highest peak of Europe. ABOUT MOUNT ELBRUS Location: Western Caucasus mountain range, in Russia (near the border of Georgia). Height: 5,642 metres (18,510 ft) – the highest peak in Europe. Range: Part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Type: Dormant stratovolcano (last eruption recorded around 50 AD). PHYSICAL FEATURES Glaciers: More than 20 glaciers, feeding the Baksan, Kuban, and Malka rivers. Climate: Harsh alpine; snow-covered year-round. Significance: Highest peak of Europe and Russia Part of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each continent)Read More

Current Context: The Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest freshwater lake, recently displayed an unusual red hue over several days due to a natural algal bloom.  ABOUT THE RED COLOURATION Cause: Bloom of green algae Botryococcus braunii, which produces red carotenoid pigments under sunlight. Water remains safe for humans. Event monitored by Israel’s Water Ministry for ecosystem health.  ABOUT SEA OF GALILEE Location: Northeastern Israel, near the Golan Heights and Galilee region. Other Names: Lake Kinneret, Lake Tiberias, Lake of Gennesaret (Hebrew: Yam Kinneret; Arabic: Buḥayrat Ṭabarīyā). Elevation: 209–215 meters (686–705 feet) below sea level — lowest freshwater lake in the....Read More

Current Context: Turkey recently closed the Dardanelles Strait to ships because of nearby forest fires. About Dardanelles Strait: Narrow waterway in northwestern Turkey, linking the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Separates Europe from the tip of Asia Minor. Ancient name: Hellespont – named after a mythical princess, Helle. Length: 61 km, width: 1.2 to 6.5 km. Connects with the Bosporus Strait, which links to the Black Sea – together they form the only sea route from the Black Sea to the rest of the world. Gallipoli Peninsula lies on its west side. Important ports: Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale (all....Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : A Joint Expedition Team has successfully summited Mount Merag-III and Mount Kangju Kangri, the highest peaks in the Pangong Tso region of Ladakh. ABOUT PANGONG TSO (LAKE) Altitude: Located at an altitude of 4,350 meters Type: World’s highest saltwater lake Location: One-third of the lake is in India Two-thirds lies in China Special Features: Changes color – appears blue, grey-green, or red at different times Freezes completely during winters despite being salty Ecological Importance: Breeding ground for several migratory birds in summer like: Bar-Headed Geese Brahminy Ducks Black Necked Cranes SeagullsRead More