Places in News – March 2025

Place

News

Key Facts

Fergana Valley

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan resolved border dispute via land swap deal, easing regional tensions.

Spans Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, surrounded by Tian Shan and Pamir ranges. Fertile and densely populated, irrigated by Syr Darya.

Guyana

Condemned Venezuelan naval incursion near oil facility.

Located in South America, rich in oil, gold, bauxite. Dispute with Venezuela over Essequibo intensified after offshore oil discovery in Stabroek Block.

Lake Tanganyika

Joint effort to conserve biodiversity and reduce degradation launched.

Located in East African Rift, bordered by 4 nations. World's second-largest and oldest freshwater lake.

Panama Canal

U.S. firm acquired ports previously controlled by a Chinese company.

Connects Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Vital for global trade. Managed by Panama Canal Authority.

Mount Erebus

Volcanic ice caves harbour microbial life, offering insight into possible extra-terrestrial life.

Located on Ross Island, Antarctica, it is the southernmost active volcano, featuring an active lava lake and geothermal ice caves with unique microbial life.

Mali

Suspended artisanal gold mining permits for foreign companies.

Landlocked West African country, Africa's third-largest gold producer with mining contributing 75% of export revenue.

Dnipro River

Russia conducting assaults to cross the river in Kherson.

Originates in Russia's Valday Hills, flows through three countries to Black Sea. Strategic barrier dividing Ukraine's Right and Left Banks.

Volcán de Fuego

erupted violently, endangering communities.

Active stratovolcano in Guatemala, part of the Ring of Fire. Known for explosive eruptions.

Ghana

Eliminated IMF-mandated "nuisance" taxes to boost economic growth.

Rich in gold, cocoa, and oil. Severe debt issues led to IMF bailout. Scrapped taxes for growth.

Tigray Region

Tigray’s regional government urged intervention as TPLF factions seized towns.

Northern Ethiopia; borders Eritrea. Former civil war zone. Peace remains fragile. Factional conflict risks return to large-scale war.

Lake Urmia

Water levels rose due to rain and conservation programs in Iran.

Saltwater lake in northwest Iran. Once largest in Middle East. Revived by ULRP, UNDP, and FAO interventions.

Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a peace deal ending decades-long conflict.

Disputed South Caucasus region. Ethnic Armenian population. Declared independence in 1991. Reclaimed by Azerbaijan in 2023, dissolved in 2024.

Kyushu Island

Japan plans missile deployment on Kyushu Island.

Southwest Japan. Key for defence against China, North Korea. Hosts U.S. bases. Near Senkaku Islands.

Balochistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan saw 73% rise in terror deaths, mostly in these provinces.

Militant hubs. TTP, BLA active. Attacks on CPEC, sectarian violence. Weak governance fuels insurgency.

Moselle Region

France discovers world’s largest natural hydrogen deposit in Moselle, worth $92 trillion.

North-eastern France. Key energy hub. White hydrogen: clean, natural, cost-effective fuel with global impact.

Kafue River

Zambian river dries up; pollution from Chinese mine blamed for mass fish deaths.

Zambia’s longest river. Supports Lusaka, mining, irrigation. Tailings dam collapse caused ecological disaster.

Mount Lewotobi

Indonesia's volcano erupted, disrupting Bali flights.

Active twin stratovolcano in Flores, Indonesia. Frequent eruptions, part of Sunda Arc. Affected by ash clouds.

Atacama Desert

Increasing light pollution threatens astronomical telescopes in Chile.

Located in South America, one of Earth's driest deserts, hosts world-class observatories. At risk due to mining, urban expansion, and tourism.

Strait of Hormuz

Iran showcased military strength on disputed islands amid US tensions.

Vital maritime passage connecting Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman. 30% LNG, 25% oil shipments pass through it. Geostrategic significance.

Greenland

Greenland criticizes planned visits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser.

Largest island, politically linked to Denmark. Rich in natural resources, key for Arctic security and global geopolitical interests.

Diego Garcia

U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers to enhance strategic deterrence.

British overseas territory in Indian Ocean, leased to the U.S. as a military base. Key for operations in Indo-Pacific.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is in news for its unique biodiversity.

Oldest, deepest freshwater lake, holds 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater.

Serbia-Kosovo

Kenya recognizes Kosovo’s independence.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008. Serbia rejects it. Northern Kosovo and Mitrovica are hotspots for unrest.

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Key Facts

Bhavani River

River turned black, causing water crisis in various regions.

Originates in Nilgiris, major tributary of Cauvery, flows 185 km through Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Supports agriculture, passes through Silent Valley, hosts Bhavanisagar Dam, and meets Cauvery at Bhavani town.

Badrinath

Avalanche trapped 22 workers; rescue ongoing.

Located in Uttarakhand at 3,300 m, on Alaknanda River. Part of Char Dham, home to Badrinath Temple.

Korkai

Major excavations are planned at Korkai, an ancient Pandyan port.

Situated in Tamil Nadu, Korkai was a major pearl trading hub. Mentioned in Sangam texts and Roman records, it has yielded Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and Roman artifacts.

Khajuraho

Set a Guinness World Record during the 2025 Dance Festival.

Located in Madhya Pradesh, known for UNESCO-listed temples built by Chandelas. Blends Hindu-Jain architecture and hosts the annual Khajuraho Dance Festival celebrating India’s classical dance forms.

Rushikulya River

Restricted entry to protect Olive Ridley turtle eggs during nesting season.

Originates in Daringbadi Hills, flows into Bay of Bengal. Major arribada site for Olive Ridley turtles, vital for marine biodiversity.

Vantara

PM Modi inaugurated this animal rescue centre in Gujarat.

Located in Jamnagar, spans 3,000 acres. Run by Reliance Foundation. Hosts rescued elephants, rhinos, leopards. Raises privatisation concerns.

Somnath Temple

PM Modi visited and prayed for the nation’s well-being.

Located in Gujarat, first of 12 Jyotirlingas. Faced multiple invasions during the regin of Mahmud Ghazni.

Sambhar Lake

Migratory bird population increased 15-fold.

India's largest saltwater lake in Rajasthan, a Ramsar site crucial for flamingos and producing 210,000 tonnes of salt annually.

Dholavira

President visited this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in Kutch on Khadir Bet island, featuring sophisticated urban planning and advanced water conservation systems.

Bangus Valley

J & K government introduced new regulations, aiming to develop it as an ecotourism destination.

Remote valley in Kupwara district near LoC at 10,000 ft altitude. Features alpine meadows and coniferous forests divided into Bodh Bangus and Lokut Bangus.

Panchaganga River

Maharashtra government formed panel to investigate causes of pollution in the river.

Krishna River tributary originating from Sahyadri ranges. Named after confluence of five rivers, faces pollution from untreated sewage from Kolhapur.

Kanwar Lake

Bihar's delay in restoration plan threatens regional bird population.

Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake in Begusarai. Bihar's only Ramsar site, formed by Burhi Gandak River, habitat for migratory birds.

Rajmahal Hills

Rare and well-preserved petrified fossil discovered in Pakur, Jharkhand

Located in Santhal Pargana division, formed by volcanic activity. Contains valuable Jurassic period fossils and is home to indigenous tribes.

Sharavathi River

Karnataka's hydro project threatens Western Ghats ecosystem.

Westward-flowing river originating at Ambutheertha, home to Jog Falls. Sustains diverse wildlife in Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Gandhamardan Hills

Centre clarifies no plans to grant mining lease, addressing concerns over potential projects.

Hills between Balangir and Bargarh districts in Odisha. Rich in bauxite deposits and over 500 medicinal plant species. Home to Nrusinghanath and Harishankar temples.

Jalanatheswarar Temple

Ancient temple deteriorating and in urgent need of preservation.

Pallava-era Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. Among 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised by Saivite saints. Features three-tiered gopuram and sand lingam.

Brahmani River

bridge in Odisha remains incomplete after 8 years, affecting local connectivity.

Formed out of confluence of Sankh and South Koel rivers Flows through Odisha, merging with Baitarani River. Key for irrigation and wildlife, including crocodiles.

Omkareshwar Temple

MP budget proposes development like Mahakal Lok to boost spiritual tourism.

Jyotirlinga on Mandhata Island in Narmada River. Nearby floating solar project among world’s largest.

Great Nicobar

Govt clarified no tribal displacement under development project.

India’s southernmost island. Hosts PVTGs like Shompens. ₹80,000 crore plan: port, airport, power plant. Environmental and seismic concerns.

Pulicat Lake

Worm poaching disrupts wetland ecosystem, affecting fish and birds.

Second-largest brackish water lagoon between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, vital for local livelihoods and bird migration.

Sharda River

Plans to develop corridors along Sharda river to boost tourism.

Originates from Himalayas, 480 km length. Key for irrigation, hydroelectric projects, and cross-border cooperation with Nepal.

Gambhiri River

Rajasthan HC seeks response on encroachment affecting water supply.

Seasonal river in Rajasthan, supplies water to Keoladeo National Park.

Tributaries: Sesa, Kher, Parbati.

Chilika Lake

Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake face conservation challenges.

Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon in Odisha, critical for migratory birds and marine life, home to endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Nandi Hills

Authorities plan to ban vehicular entry on weekdays to preserve eco-zone.

Ancient hill station near Bengaluru. Key for rivers, rare species, and moderate climate. Popular for trekking, paragliding, and history.

Rameswaram

PM Modi to inaugurate India’s first vertical lift sea bridge on Ram Navami.

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, holds religious significance in the Ramayana. It is  both part  of the Char dham and Jyotirlinga. New Pamban Bridge enhances rail connectivity, boosting tourism.

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Key Facts

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

14 new bird species recorded in recent faunal survey

Located in Kerala’s Idukki district, spans 77 sq. km. Rich in evergreen forests, elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, and tigers.

Gir National Park

PM Modi visited Gir Somnath on World Wildlife Day, highlighting Asiatic lion conservation.

Located in Gujarat, it’s the only home of the Asiatic lion. Features dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rivers like Hiran and Raval. Hosts diverse fauna including leopards, hyenas, and over 300 bird species.

Kawal Tiger Reserve

Solar pumps installed to supply water for wildlife in the reserve.

Located in Telangana, part of Central Indian Tiger Landscape. Hosts tigers, leopards, and dry deciduous forests.

Nauradehi WLS

Wolves to be radio-collared for the first time in Madhya Pradesh.

Located in Madhya Pradesh, largest wildlife sanctuary in the state. Links Panna-Satpura Tiger Reserves. Rich in wolf and deer species.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildfire engulfed the sanctuary in Udaipur.

Rajasthan's smallest sanctuary in Aravalli Hills, home to critically endangered vultures and rare bird species since 1987.

Dehing Patkai NP

Camera trap captured rare sighting of Clouded Leopard.

Located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. Called 'Amazon of the East', features lowland rainforest with diverse wildlife.

Madhav NP

Designated as India's 58th Tiger Reserve.

Located in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Features dry deciduous forests and Sakhya Sagar, a Ramsar site recognized in 2022.

Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary

Government plans to construct road through sanctuary to improve connectivity.

Located in Baramulla, Kashmir. Home to subalpine forests, Himalayan brown bears, and rare markhor. Serves as vital wildlife corridor between Poonch and Kashmir Valley.

Kanger Valley NP

Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites for natural, cultural value.

Located in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Dense forests, limestone caves, tribal heritage. Home to Bastar hill myna, tigers, blind cave fish. Major ecotourism site.

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam to rationalize boundary amid encroachment and conservation concerns.

Near Guwahati, Assam. Home to isolated elephant, gaur populations. Noted IBA with endemic, endangered bird species.

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

Conducted first honey harvest to promote eco-friendly conservation.

Western Ghats reserve in Maharashtra. Habitat of Indian giant squirrel. Rich in birds, reptiles, trees.

Sagreshwar WLS

Deer overpopulation raises ecological imbalance concerns.

Man-made sanctuary in Maharashtra. Known for dry forests, deer, blackbucks, and ancient Shiva temple.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary

UP CM renamed sanctuary to honor King Suheldev’s legacy.

Located in Uttar Pradesh, rich biodiversity, including tigers, leopards, and migratory birds.