PLACES IN NEWS 25th APRIL 2025

Vatican City

Why in news?

a. Vatican City mourns Pope Francis, who died at 88, just one day after making his traditional Easter Sunday appearance.

About Vatican City:

1. Geography and Location:
   1. Vatican City, the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state, covers a mere

0.49 sq. km.

1. 2. It is situated in the south-central region of Europe, lying on the west bank of the Tiber River on a low elevation known as Vatican Hill.
   3. Geographically, it falls within both the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.
   4. It is an enclave of Italy completely enclosed by the city of Rome. The country lacks natural water bodies such as rivers or lakes.
2. Political Status and Role of the Pope:
   1. Vatican City serves as the residence of the spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and is governed by the Holy See, which functions as the Church's central authority worldwide.
   2. In his role as the Bishop of Rome, the Pope is the sovereign of both the Holy See

and Vatican City.

1. 3. Since its establishment in 1929, Vatican City has been designed to allow the pope to exercise universal spiritual authority free from political interference.
   4. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican continued to be a centre of global moral guidance, diplomacy, and religious leadership for over 1 billion Roman Catholics across the world.
   5. The state derives its income from voluntary donations, as well as revenues from the sale of stamps, coins, publications, and returns on investments.
   6. Major landmarks include St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest religious structures in Christendom, built originally in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 16th century over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle.
   7. The Vatican Palace, housing the papal residence, and the Vatican Swiss Guard, the world’s oldest standing military force, underscore its unique religious and administrative structure.
       

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in news?

a. Four deer were found dead near the Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

About Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:

1. Location and Geography:
   1. Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1985, is India’s first man-made wildlife sanctuary.
   2. Spread across 10.87 sq. km, it is located near Kundal town in the Sangli district of Maharashtra.
   3. The sanctuary lies in the Deccan Plateau region and is named after the ancient Sagareshwar Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
   4. Unlike natural sanctuaries, Sagareshwar features an artificially cultivated forest, and it lacks a perennial water supply, making it unique in terms of conservation efforts.
2. Flora and Fauna:
   1. The sanctuary is primarily composed of Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest

and Southern Thorn Forest.

1. 2. Prominent tree species include Tamarind, Neem, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Agave, and Khair, which support a diverse ecological system despite the semi-arid conditions.
   3. Fauna in the sanctuary have been artificially introduced, reflecting a unique experiment in wildlife conservation.

1. 4. Large herbivores include Sambar, Chital (Spotted Deer), Muntjac (Barking Deer), and Wild Boar.
   5. The Blackbuck, once present, is now extinct in the sanctuary. Small carnivores such as Hyenas, Foxes, and Porcupines add to the sanctuary’s ecological diversity.
   6. The area also hosts a variety of birds, with Peacocks being a commonly sighted species.
       

Line of Control (LoC)

Why in news?

a. Three days after a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people, Pakistani troops opened fire at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded effectively, with no casualties reported on the Indian side.

About Line of Control (LoC):

1. Location and Geography:
   1. The Line of Control (LoC) is the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
   2. It stretches over approximately 740 km, starting from Point NJ9842 in the north

and extending south to the India–Pakistan international border near Jammu.

1. 3. While it is not an internationally recognised boundary, it serves as a military control line between the two countries.
   4. The region is mountainous and heavily forested, with harsh terrain that complicates surveillance and military operations.
2. Territorial Disputes:
   1. The origin of the LoC lies in the first Indo-Pak war of 1947-48, which ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire.
   2. Following this, Pakistan occupied one-third of Jammu and Kashmir, while the rest remained with India.
   3. The Simla Agreement (1972), signed after the 1971 war, converted the ceasefire line into the Line of Control, formalising military positions but not resolving the sovereignty issue.

2. 4. Pakistan claims the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, while India asserts it as an integral part of the nation.
   5. Periodic skirmishes, infiltration attempts, and ceasefire violations continue to disrupt peace in the region.
3. Recent Clashes and Context:
   1. The latest round of violence erupted after a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including civilians and security personnel.
   2. The attack, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based militant groups, led to a swift and strong military response from India.
   3. In the wake of this, Pakistani troops opened fire at multiple sectors along the LoC. The Indian Army retaliated, resulting in an intense exchange of gunfire.
   4. India has responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, and closing its main border crossing with Pakistan.
   5. Pakistan retaliated by suspending airspace access and halting all bilateral treaties, including the Simla Agreement.
       

Similipal National Park

Why in news?

a. On April 24, 2025, the Government of Odisha officially declared Similipal as a National Park under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This designation recognises Similipal's ecological significance and aims to bolster conservation efforts in the region.

About Similipal National Park:

1. Location and Geography:
   1. Similipal National Park is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.
   2. Covering an area of 845.70 square kilometres, it is the largest national park in Odisha and the 107th in India.
   3. The park is part of the Similipal Tiger Reserve and the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, making it a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife.
   4. The terrain comprises dense forests, rolling hills, and numerous rivers, including the Budhabalanga and Khairi.
   5. Notable waterfalls such as Barehipani and Joranda add to its scenic beauty.
2. Flora and Fauna:
   1. Similipal is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The forest hosts over 1,076 species of plants, including 96 species of orchids.
   2. The fauna includes Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaurs, chausinghas (four-horned antelopes), and numerous bird species like the red junglefowl and peafowl.
   3. The park also supports reptiles such as the mugger crocodile, which thrives in its river systems.
3. Significance of the Declaration:
   1. The elevation of Similipal to national park status provides enhanced legal protection, facilitating better management and conservation of its biodiversity.

1. 2. This move aligns with Odisha's commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation.
   3. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the declaration as a step towards a "Viksit Bharat and Viksit Odisha," emphasising its role in strengthening the state's ecological legacy and uplifting tribal aspirations
      
       

Pavana River

Why in news?

a. Environmentalists have raised alarms over the rapid deterioration of the Pavana River, citing severe pollution from untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and ineffective sewage treatment plants.

About Pavana River:

1. Location and Course:
   1. The Pavana River is a significant watercourse flowing through Pune city in

Maharashtra, India.

1. 2. It originates from the Western Ghats, approximately 6 km south of Lonavala, and flows nearly 60 km before merging with the Mula River near Sangvi in Pune.
   3. Along its course, it passes through key suburban areas like Ravet, Thergaon, Chinchwad, Pimpri, and Dapodi.
2. Geological Features:

2. 1. The Pavana Dam, an earthfill gravity structure, was constructed in 1972 to create the Pavana reservoir.
   2. The dam is 1,329 meters long and 42.37 meters high, with a gross storage capacity of 0.24 km³.
   3. It plays a crucial role in irrigation and water supply to adjacent regions.
3. Environmental Degradation:
   1. The river is currently under severe stress due to the accumulation of silt and the

discharge of untreated industrial waste.

3. 2. This pollution has rendered the river water unfit for domestic or recreational use, drawing concern from environmentalists and civic activists.
   3. Despite repeated warnings, government inaction continues to accelerate the degradation.
4. Water Misuse Controversy:
   1. In 2018, the Bombay High Court criticised the Maharashtra government for allowing the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) to illegally use Pavana water for maintaining its stadium in Gahunje.
   2. The court ruled this misuse under the guise of "industrial use" as illegal, following a PIL filed by Loksatta Movement, an NGO.