PLACES IN NEWS 28th APRIL 2025

Shahid Rajaee Port

Why in news?

a. A massive explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, killed 18 people and injured around 800 others.

About Shahid Rajaee Port:

Location:

1. Shahid Rajaee Port is located near the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas, close to the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil output passes.
2. It serves as Iran’s largest container hub, handling a major share of the country's container goods, according to state media.
3. Given its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, the port holds critical strategic importance for Iran’s economy and international maritime trade, making it a vital asset for national security and regional influence.

2. Reason Behind the Explosion:
   1. On Saturday, a massive explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee section of the port, resulting in the death of at least 28 people and injuries to over 1,000 individuals.
   2. Preliminary investigations point to poor storage of hazardous chemicals in containers as the primary cause of the blast.
   3. Reports suggest that the explosion likely involved sodium perchlorate, a chemical used in solid fuel for missiles, although the exact cause is still under investigation.
   4. The blast was so powerful that it severely damaged most port buildings, with the shockwave felt up to 50 kilometres away.
   5. This incident adds to a series of deadly industrial accidents in Iran, often attributed to negligence, and comes at a sensitive time during Iran’s nuclear talks with the United States.
       

Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

Why in news?

a. Located in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is recognised as India’s first and only dedicated wolf sanctuary.

About Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary:

1. Location:
   1. Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is situated in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, India.
   2. Spread across approximately 63 square kilometres, it was declared a sanctuary in

1976 and forms an important part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.

1. 3. It is renowned as India’s first and only wolf sanctuary, dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).
2. Flora and Fauna:
   1. The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain, creating a suitable habitat for wolves and a variety of other wildlife.
   2. Besides the Indian grey wolf, key species found here include spotted deer, wild boar, hyena, and bear.
   3. The sanctuary holds immense significance for the Indian grey wolf, a unique subspecies adapted to scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid ecosystems.
   4. These wolves are known for their smaller pack sizes, nocturnal behaviour, and

less vocal nature, distinguishing them from other wolf subspecies.

1. 5. Conservation of this species is critical as the Indian grey wolf is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, included in Appendix I of CITES, and protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
       

Crimea

 Why in news?

a. US President Donald Trump recently proposed formally recognising Crimea as Russian territory, possibly reversing America's traditional stance against annexation.

About Crimea:

1. Location:
   1. Crimea is an autonomous republic located in southern Ukraine, nestled between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
   2. It is connected to mainland Ukraine by the Perekop Isthmus, an 8 km wide strip, and linked to Russia via the Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait.

1. 3. Historically known as the Tauric Peninsula, Crimea has been a prized region, witnessing control by various empires, including the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire.
   4. The region features the Crimean Mountains along its southern coast, with peaks like Ai-Petri, and rivers such as the Salhir and Alma.
   5. In the east, the Kerch Peninsula is rich in iron ore, mud volcanoes, and mineral springs, supporting mining and spa industries.
   6. The administrative capital is Simferopol, while Sevastopol serves as a crucial deep-water port and houses the Russian Black Sea Fleet, enhancing the peninsula's strategic significance.
2. Russian Annexation of Crimea:
   1. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea following a controversial referendum, widely regarded as illegal by the international community.
   2. The referendum, held under the presence of Russian military forces, resulted in a claimed overwhelming vote in favour of joining Russia.
   3. Russia justified the annexation, citing the protection of ethnic Russians and historical ties, but Ukraine and most global powers condemned it as a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.
   4. The annexation intensified tensions between Russia and the West, leading to sanctions and the suspension of Russia from the G8 group of nations.
3. US Stand on Crimea Annexation:
   1. The United States has consistently opposed the annexation of Crimea, supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity.
   2. Under President Barack Obama, the US, along with European allies, imposed economic sanctions on Russia, targeting key individuals, businesses, and sectors linked to the occupation.
   3. However, under President Donald Trump, there were signals of a potential shift, with Trump proposing formal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, a move that would have reversed America's traditional stance.
   4. Despite Trump’s comments, official US policy under successive administrations continues to reject the legitimacy of Russia’s claim over Crimea, maintaining that it remains part of Ukraine under international law.
      
       

Yellowstone supervolcano

Why in news?

a. A new study found a "breathing" magma cap inside Yellowstone's supervolcano, potentially aiding predictions of its next eruption.

About Yellowstone supervolcano:

1. Location:
   1. The Yellowstone supervolcano lies beneath Yellowstone National Park in the

western United States.

1. 2. It is one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world, located over a geologic hotspot that fuels its immense volcanic activity.
   3. The Yellowstone Caldera, measuring about 55 x 72 km (34 x 45 miles), forms a vast bowl-shaped depression created after massive volcanic eruptions.
2. Key Details Related to Supervolcano:
   1. Yellowstone is classified as a supervolcano because its past eruptions expelled over 1,000 cubic kilometres of volcanic material.
   2. Three major eruptions occurred at the Yellowstone hotspot around 2.1 million,

1.3 million, and 640,000 years ago.

1. 3. The caldera formed when enormous amounts of pyroclastic material exploded outward, partly emptying the underlying magma chamber and causing the surface to collapse.
   4. A future supervolcanic eruption at Yellowstone could blanket North America in ash, with some regions near the volcano buried under over a meter of debris.
   5. Supervolcano eruptions release large quantities of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, forming aerosols that block sunlight and cause temporary global cooling for several years.
       

Fort Kochi beach

Why in news?

a. Efforts are underway to find a lasting solution to protect and restore the eroding Fort Kochi beach in Kerala, India.

About Fort Kochi beach:

1. Location:
   1. Fort Kochi Beach is located along the Arabian Sea in the Fort Kochi

neighbourhood of Kochi city, Kerala.

1. 2. It forms a part of the vibrant and historic region of Kochi, blending natural beauty with colonial heritage.
2. Significance:
   1. Ecological Significance:
      • Fort Kochi Beach plays a vital role in supporting the coastal ecosystem. It serves as a habitat for various marine species and acts as a natural buffer against tidal surges and coastal erosion.

2. • • The beach is lined with Chinese fishing nets (locally called Cheena vala), a unique ecological and cultural heritage symbol, operated sustainably by local fishermen.
   • Economic Significance:
     • The beach is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors for its picturesque views, colonial-style bungalows, historic structures like the remains of Fort Emmanuel, and fresh seafood stalls near Vasco da Gama Square.
     • The traditional fishing activities using the Chinese nets not only preserve cultural heritage but also support the local economy through fisheries and tourism.
     • Fort Kochi's vibrant connection to the Kerala backwaters and Vembanad Lake via the jetty further boosts eco-tourism and transport activities.
3. Reason Behind Erosion:
   1. In recent years, severe coastal erosion has threatened Fort Kochi Beach.
   2. The erosion is attributed to natural factors such as strong wave action,

monsoon-driven tides, and sea-level rise.

1. 3. Additionally, human activities like unregulated coastal construction, disruption of sediment flow, and inadequate waste management have worsened the degradation.
   4. Efforts such as massive cleaning campaigns, including the one led by the Kochi Corporation with 500 volunteers during World Environment Day 2015, highlight the ongoing attempts to preserve the beach.
   5. However, a lasting and sustainable solution is now urgently sought to restore the beach and protect its ecological and economic importance.