PLACES IN NEWS 16th APRIL 2025

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Why in news?

1. Three tigresses with nine cubs were spotted in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, indicating successful conservation and a rising tiger population.

About Pilibhit Tiger Reserve:

1. Location and Geography:

1. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is located in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, along the India-Nepal border.
2. It forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain, characterised by a mosaic of rich habitats.
3. The north-eastern boundary is defined by the River Sharda, forming the international border with Nepal, while the southwestern boundary is flanked by the Rivers Sharda and Ghaghara.
4. The reserve comprises a core area of 602.79 km² and a buffer zone of 127.45 km². The Sharda Sagar Dam, extending 22 km, lies along its boundary.
5. The area was formerly used for timber extraction before being notified as the 46th tiger reserve of India in 2014.
6. Pilibhit is one of the few well-forested districts in Uttar Pradesh, with forests covering around 23% of its area (approx. 800 km²).
7. A wildlife corridor connects it with Jim Corbett National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhwa National Park, and Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal.

2. Flora and Fauna:

1. The reserve features sal forests, tall grasslands, and swampy wetlands, maintained by seasonal river flooding.
2. It is home to over 65 tigers (as of 2018), with a robust prey base including five species of deer.
3. Prominent mammals include leopards, barasingha, fishing cats, blackbucks, sambar, sloth bears, nilgai, and rusty-spotted cats.
4. The avian diversity includes around 450 resident bird species, such as the Sarus crane, hornbills, eagles, partridges, and peafowl.
5. Reptiles like the marsh crocodile, gharial, and diverse lizard and snake species thrive here, along with 79 fish species.
6. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve received the TX2 international award for doubling its tiger population within the stipulated time—a landmark conservation achievement.

Vaigai River

Why in news?

1. Madurai Corporation imposed a ₹40,000 fine for illegal waste dumping in the Vaigai River, reinforcing environmental protection efforts.

About Vaigai River:

1. Origin and Path:

1. The Vaigai River originates from the Varusanadu Hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
2. It flows southeast for approximately 258 kilometres, passing through the Theni, Dindigul, and Madurai districts before emptying into the Palk Strait near Ramanathapuram.
3. Numerous tributaries, including the Suruli and Manjalaru rivers, feed this perennial river.

2. Dams located:

1. The Vaigai Dam, located near Andipatti, is a critical structure built across the river. It supplies water for irrigation and drinking purposes to several districts.
2. Other reservoirs, like the Mullaperiyar Dam, play a crucial role in maintaining its water flow, particularly during dry seasons.
3. These dams have supported the agricultural economy in the Vaigai basin, which is known for the cultivation of crops such as paddy and sugarcane.

3. Cultural and Ecological significance:

1. The river holds immense cultural significance, particularly in Madurai, where it is revered as sacred. The Vaigai River Festival is celebrated annually to honour its contribution to agriculture and livelihoods.
2. Additionally, the river is closely associated with the Meenakshi Amman Temple, and several religious myths highlight its divine importance.
3. Ecologically, the Vaigai River basin is home to rich biodiversity, including species of fish, birds, and plants that thrive in its wetlands and riparian zones.
4. However, urbanisation and pollution have degraded its water quality and flow. The dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste has severely impacted aquatic life and the river’s ecosystem.
5. Efforts to rejuvenate the river are crucial to sustaining its ecological balance and ensuring water security for millions who depend on it. Restoration initiatives should focus on preventing pollution, promoting sustainable water management, and conserving the river’s cultural and ecological legacy.

Marmara Sea

Why in news?

1. Mucilage levels in the Marmara Sea are rising alarmingly, prompting scientists to warn of serious ecological and marine biodiversity threats.

About Marmara Sea:

1. Geography:

1. The Sea of Marmara lies entirely within Turkey, connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea via the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits, respectively.
2. It covers about 11,350 square kilometres with a maximum depth of 1,370 meters.
3. The Marmara acts as a natural boundary separating Europe and Asia, hosting numerous islands like Princes' Islands and Marmara Island.

2. Natural Resources:

1. The sea is rich in marine biodiversity, including fish species like anchovies, mackerel, and bluefish, which support local fishing industries.
2. Beneath its waters lie significant natural gas and oil reserves, particularly in its deeper regions, contributing to Turkey's energy exploration efforts.
3. Additionally, the surrounding areas are abundant in marble quarries, especially on Marmara Island, which has historically supplied high-quality marble for architecture and sculpture.

3. Geopolitical significance:

1. The Sea of Marmara holds critical geopolitical importance due to its location on key shipping routes that connect the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
2. It is part of the Turkish Straits, which is a globally strategic waterway for trade, energy transportation, and naval operations.
3. The region has been central to Turkey’s maritime sovereignty and disputes over Montreux Convention regulations, which govern access to the straits.

What is Mucilage?

1. Mucilage is a thick, sticky, jelly-like organic substance produced by phytoplankton and algae in marine ecosystems.
2. It is composed mainly of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and microorganisms.
3. Mucilage formation is often triggered by excess nutrients (eutrophication), climate change, and rising sea temperatures.
4. It appears as floating or suspended slime in water bodies, severely affecting water quality.
5. It can clog fishing nets, damage marine life, and deplete oxygen levels in water.
6. Mucilage also hampers marine tourism, fisheries, and threatens biodiversity.
7. Recent mucilage outbreaks, such as in the Marmara Sea, have raised global environmental concerns.

Sudan

Why in news?

1. The UN reports over 300 civilians killed in attacks on Sudan’s Zamzam displacement camp, highlighting escalating violence, urgent humanitarian needs, and the worsening impact of conflict on vulnerable populations.

About Sudan:

1. Location and Geography:

1. Sudan is located in Northeast Africa, bordered by Egypt, Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
2. It has a strategic Red Sea coastline and covers an area of 1.86 million square km, making it Africa’s third-largest country.
3. Sudan is divided into 18 states, with Darfur in the west and Khartoum as the national capital.
4. Key cities include El Fasher (North Darfur), Nyala (South Darfur), and Port Sudan (on the Red Sea).

2. Origin and Background of Conflict:

1. Sudan has witnessed decades of political instability, military coups, and civil wars.
2. The Darfur conflict began in 2003 between Sudanese government forces and rebel groups, resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
3. In 2011, South Sudan seceded after a long civil war, but unresolved tensions and governance failures persisted in Sudan.
4. Paramilitary groups like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), evolved from the Janjaweed militias, remained powerful and unregulated.

3. Reason Behind the Recent Conflict (2023–2025):

1. On April 15, 2023, a civil war erupted between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over power-sharing and control of key institutions.
2. The conflict escalated rapidly from Khartoum to Darfur and Kordofan regions, affecting millions.
3. Recent violence in April 2025 targeted Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps near El Fasher, leading to mass civilian casualties.

4. Regions Associated with Conflict:

1. Khartoum (capital) – initial battleground in the 2023 conflict.
2. North Darfur (El Fasher, Zamzam, Abu Shouk, Tawila, Um Kadadah) – current epicenter of violence and humanitarian crisis.
3. South Darfur and West Darfur – historically affected by the Darfur conflict.
4. Red Sea region – some areas remain relatively stable and host displaced populations.

5. Impact of the Conflict:

1. Over 300 civilians killed in Zamzam alone (April 2025), including 23 children and 10 aid workers.
2. Mass displacement: over 19,000 people displaced from North Darfur; humanitarian operations severely hampered.
3. Healthcare collapse: one-third of hospitals non-functional; over 160 attacks on health facilities since 2023.
4. Fuel and food shortages: prices have surged fivefold; water and health services suspended in many regions.
5. International response: UN agencies like OCHA, UNICEF, WHO, and IOM are involved, but access is limited.
6. Justice concerns: UN Secretary-General and humanitarian leaders have called for accountability and protection of civilians.

Gobari River

​Why in news?

1. The Odisha government has submitted a ₹701 crore proposal for the comprehensive renovation of the Gobari River, a tributary of the Mahanadi, in Jagatsinghpur district.

About Gobari River:

1. Gobari River, also known as Gobardhana River, is a 5-kilometer-long tributary of the Mahanadi River, located in Kendrapara district, Odisha.
2. It was historically a vital source of livelihood for local villagers, especially for fishing and agriculture.
3. The river merges with the Devi River at Garoi in Jagatsinghpur district, near the Shri Gobardhan Pitha Garoi Ashram, a spiritually significant site.
4. After this confluence, the river is locally referred to as Gupta Ganga (Hidden Ganges), symbolising its religious importance.
5. The river also flows close to Olasuni Hill, a culturally rich region associated with Saint Arakhita Das.
6. Water quality studies have indicated acidic pH levels and fluctuations in dissolved oxygen, raising concerns about the river’s ecological health.
7. Pollution and siltation have degraded the river in recent decades, prompting public outcry and governmental attention.
8. A ₹701 crore renovation proposal has been submitted by the Odisha Water Resources Department to revive and restore the river.
1. The project aims to improve navigation, especially for fishing vessels, and ensure flood control and livelihood restoration.
10. Reports also mention land acquisition for the construction of a bridge, indicating growing infrastructure development around the river.

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