Source: DTE Context: India has strongly rejected China’s latest attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a “preposterous” move to justify false territorial claims. This is part of China’s ongoing strategy to assert unilateral authority over areas it labels “Zangnan” or “South Tibet.” About Arunachal Pradesh: China’s Claim: China claims around 90,000 sq. …
Source: DTE Context: Himachal Pradesh notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve, India’s largest protected area (1,585 sq km), to safeguard high-altitude biodiversity, particularly snow leopards, and strengthen wildlife corridors. About Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve: What is Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve? A protected area in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, notified under Section 36A (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Aims to conserve snow leopards, rare …
Source: TOI Context: A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Shigatse in Tibet at a shallow depth of 10 km, as reported by the China Earthquake Administration. About Tibet: Located in Central Asia, Tibet is officially known as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China. Capital: Lhasa, situated at an elevation of 3,650 metres. Neighbouring Regions and Countries: …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
Source: TH Context: Over 100 people, mostly children and the elderly, were killed in Sud Kivu province, eastern DR Congo, as flash floods triggered by torrential rains swept through Kasaba village. About DR Congo: Location: Located in Central Africa, it is the second largest country in Africa after Algeria. The DRC has a short 40 …
Source: HT Context: The Gomti River in Lucknow is at risk of becoming ecologically dead due to rising untreated sewage, declining oxygen levels, and increasing faecal coliform levels. About Gomti River: Origin: Arises from Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel) near Madho Tanda, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh. Course: Flows entirely through Uttar Pradesh, traversing districts like Lucknow, …
Source: HT Context: On May 9, 2025, Mir Yar Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, urging India to recognize it and host an embassy in New Delhi, the UN to deploy peacekeepers, and the Pakistani Army to withdraw. About Balochistan: Region: Southwestern province of Pakistan, largest by area (~44% of Pakistan’s territory), bordering Iran and …
Source: ET Context: INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives to participate in a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise. About Maldives: South Asia, located in the north-central Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Capital: Malé – also the most populous city. Geography: An archipelago of ~1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 …
Source: Scitechdaily Context:. A new study reveals that Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano, which collapsed catastrophically in 2018 causing a deadly tsunami, showed warning signs years in advance. About Anak Krakatau Volcano: Location: Anak Krakatau (“Child of Krakatoa”) is located in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Volcano Type: Stratovolcano Tectonic Context: Situated …
Source: IE Context: The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has found serious structural damage in Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) barrages, recommending urgent repairs and a complete safety review. About Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project: What is KLIP? KLIP is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, aimed at diverting water from the Godavari River …
Source: TOI Context: Prime Minister of India held bilateral talks with Angolan President João Lourenço in New Delhi, offering a $200 million defence credit line and expanding ties in infrastructure, defence, and space technology. The visit also marks the 40th anniversary of India-Angola diplomatic relations. About Angola: Angola is located in southwestern Africa, bordered by …
Source: ET Context: Prime Minister of India formally dedicated the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation, marking a strategic leap in India’s maritime infrastructure. About Vizhinjam Port: What it is? India’s first deep-water, all-weather, automated transshipment port, designed for handling next-gen ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs). Functions under the landlord port model, integrating smart tech and …
Source: NDTV Context: The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, sparking strong opposition from the Punjab government, which cited an ongoing water crisis. About Bhakra Dam: Location: Situated on the Sutlej River near Bhakra village in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, around 13 km upstream from Nangal …
Source: DTE Context: Bundelkhand’s water crisis continues to deepen, placing a disproportionate burden on women and girls who travel long distances daily for water. About Bundelkhand: Bundelkhand is a historic plateau region located in central India, now spread across northern Madhya Pradesh and southern Uttar Pradesh. It includes districts like Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur (Uttar Pradesh), …
Source: HT Context: The Supreme Court dismissed a plea alleging illegal mining in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, calling it a frivolous abuse of law and imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on the petitioner. About Bandhavgarh National Park: Located in: Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, nestled within the Vindhya ranges. Declared a national park in 1968, …
Source: TH Context: China and the Philippines traded accusations over the Sandy Cay reef dispute in the South China Sea, escalating maritime tensions as both nations assert sovereignty. About Sandy Cay Reef: Located in: Sandy Cay Reef lies in the northern Thitu Reefs, within the Spratly Islands, South China Sea. It is situated approximately northwest …
Source: HT Context: Due to extreme heat, the Krishna River has dried up earlier than usual, severely affecting irrigation in Karnataka’s Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Yadgir districts. About Krishna River: Origin: Rises near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats, Satara district, Maharashtra. States Flowing Through: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh. Course and Length: Flows ~1,400 km eastward …
Source: IT Context: A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul with its epicenter in the Sea of Marmara, sparking panic across the region and injuring over 230 people due to stampedes and falls. About the Sea of Marmara: What is the Sea of Marmara? It is a small inland sea in northwestern Turkey, connecting the …
Source: News on Air Context: In Jammu and Kashmir, security across the Kashmir Valley has been increased manifold after the killing of several tourists in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. About Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir (Union Territory). Situated at 2,200 metres altitude in the Lidder Valley along the …
Source: NYT Context: Vatican City is in global focus following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, prompting preparations for his funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica and the upcoming conclave to elect his successor. About Vatican City: Situated in: Western part of Rome, Italy (on the west bank of the Tiber River.) …
