UPSC Colourfull Notes 🇮🇳

In this video, part of the 70DM (70 Days Mapping) series by UPSCColorfullnotes, we look into two crucial regions that have been making headlines recently: the Khorasan region, due to the activities of ISIS-K, and Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These regions are essential for UPSC aspirants preparing for the Geography and Current Affairs sections. We will cover the historical background, current developments, and geopolitical significance of each region. You can download the PDF of these videos for free from our Telegram Channel. ## Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) - ISIS-K was formed in 2015 by former members of various militant groups, pledging allegiance to ISIS - The group aims to establish an Islamic caliphate in the Khorasan region, encompassing parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia - ISIS-K has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan and Pakistan - In August 2021, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the devastating bombing at Kabul Airport that killed 13 U.S. military personnel and 169 Afghan civilians - In March 2024, the group carried out a shocking attack on a concert hall in Moscow, Russia, leaving more than 140 people dead - The rise of ISIS-K has raised concerns about the stability and security of the entire Khorasan region - Despite efforts to counter ISIS-K, the group has shown resilience and adaptability, exploiting instability and recruiting new members ## Nagorno-Karabakh - Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous region in the South Caucasus, at the heart of a decades-long dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan - In the 1920s, the Soviet Union established it as an Armenian-majority autonomous region within Soviet Azerbaijan - As the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence, triggering a full-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan - By 1994, Armenia gained full control of the region and its surrounding territories - In 2020, another war erupted, and Azerbaijan won back much of the land it had lost, with Russian peacekeepers sent to keep the peace - In December 2022, Azerbaijan blocked the crucial road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, causing tensions to grow - In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a massive surprise attack and quickly took full control of the entire region in just 24 hours - Fearing for their safety under Azerbaijani rule, over 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled to Armenia, leaving the future of Nagorno-Karabakh and its displaced Armenian population uncertain As UPSC aspirants, understanding the historical background, current developments, and geopolitical implications of these regions is crucial. The rise of ISIS-K and the ongoing dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh serve as reminders of the complex nature of regional conflicts and their impact on stability, security, and human rights. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to UPSCColorfullnotes for more informative and engaging mapping videos!