Context: The Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano on Flores Island, Indonesia, erupted three times on March 21, 2025, sending ash 8,000 meters high. Key Facts Location: Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. Volcano Type: Stratovolcano; part of a twin-volcano system (Lewotobi Lakilaki - male, Lewotobi Perempuan - female). Ring of Fire: Indonesia lies on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' a seismically active zone with frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.Read More

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and local governments are launching a programme to promote sustainable livelihoods around Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake. Location & Geographical Features Situated in northern Kenya, extending into Ethiopia. Lies in the Eastern Rift Valley. Three rivers (Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio) feed the lake, with Omo River providing 90% of the inflow. Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the largest permanent desert lake globally. Ecological & Cultural Significance UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Supports local communities despite its hot, arid, and....Read More

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) as the chief guest for its National Day, reaffirming India's support for Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Archipelago in line with its decolonization policy. About Chagos Archipelago A group of seven atolls with over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, located 500 km south of the Maldives. Historically part of France’s Indian Ocean territories (1715-1810), ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris (1814). Mauritius gained independence in 1968, but in 1965, Britain separated Chagos Archipelago to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Diego Garcia, the largest island, has housed....Read More

Vanuatu has recently gained attention for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which enables affluent individuals to acquire its passport. The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program enables wealthy individuals to obtain citizenship through financial contributions. About Vanuatu Location: South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia, west of Fiji, and southeast of the Solomon Islands. Capital: Port Vila, situated on the island of Efate. Geography: Consists of 13 principal volcanic islands and many smaller islands. Active Volcanoes: Yasur, Manaro, and Garet. Colonization: Initially inhabited by Melanesians, later became a joint Anglo-French colony (New Hebrides), gaining independence in 1980. Climate Change Vulnerability....Read More

The Supreme Court has recently ordered the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to carry out a tree census in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to assess the region's green cover and its impact on pollution control. About Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ): Purpose: A 10,400 sq. km trapezoidal-shaped area created to protect the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) from air pollution. Establishment:Formed in 1996 by the Supreme Court of India to regulate pollution affecting the Taj Mahal. Supreme Court Directives: Industries in TTZ must switch from coal and coke to cleaner fuels like natural gas.....Read More

The Wallace Line has gained attention in the news following recent research that offers fresh perspectives on the complex biogeographical patterns of Southeast Asia and Australia. The Wallace Line : A faunal boundary line separating the ecozones of Asia and Australia. Discovered by: Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations. Location: Southern part: Intersects the Lombok Strait (between Bali and Lombok). Northern part: Passes through the Makassar Strait (between Borneo and Sulawesi). Significance:Divides Asian fauna (west) from Australian fauna (east). Example species: West (Asia): Orangutans, tigers, rhinos. East (Australia): Tree-kangaroos, Komodo dragons. Effects: Acts as a barrier for land....Read More

Recently, Pakistan and Afghanistan security forces exchanged gunfire at the Torkham border crossing. The clash occurred due to a dispute over border post construction. The border has been closed for over a week, impacting trade and civilian movement About Torkham Border Crossing Location: A key transit point between Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Afghanistan (Nangarhar Province). Importance: Facilitates trade and travel, serving as the busiest border crossing between the two nations. Humanitarian Concerns Critical Timing: The border closure comes during Ramadan, a period when food imports typically surge to meet increased demand. Escalating Food Insecurity: Afghanistan is already grappling with a....Read More

India inaugurated its first World Peace Center in Gurugram, Haryana. Established by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti under Jain Acharya Lokesh. Aims to promote non-violence, human values, and global harmony. Key Dignitaries Present at the event included former President Ram Nath Kovind, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Significance: Strengthens India’s voice on peace at global forums like UN & World Parliament of Religions. Key Objectives of the World Peace Center: Promoting Non-Violence & Peace: Spreading the message of ahimsa (non-violence). Spiritual & Moral Upliftment: Conducting workshops, meditation, and discourses. Global....Read More

Recently, scientists detected unusually high methane emissions from Mount Fentale, a volcano in northern Ethiopia. Mount Fentale is a stratovolcano located in Awash National Park, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Phenomenon: Unusual methane emissions peaked at 58 metric tonnes per hour starting January 31, far exceeding typical volcanic gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Impact: Methane is 28 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, raising concerns for climate change. Historical Context: Mount Fentale last erupted in 1820 and has a history of sporadic eruptions. Recent magma intrusion was observed in September 2024Read More

Recent reports highlight severe environmental challenges in the Caspian Sea, as declining water levels threaten regional biodiversity and human activities. Geography: World’s largest enclosed water body (370,000 sq. km), bordered by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran. Northern part: Less salty, shallow; Southern part: Saltier, 1,025m deep. Biodiversity & Threats : Habitat for 130+ fish species, including sturgeon (key for caviar production). Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction endanger species and livelihoods. Conservation Efforts: Caspian Environment Programme (1998) and Tehran Convention (2003), ratified in 2006) focus on pollution control, marine restoration, and sustainable development.Read More