InternationalSaturday, 5 September 2026·The Hindu - National
India backs UN resolution on Equal Earth map; UNGA vote on Mercator distortion
On 4 September 2026, India voted for a UNGA resolution sponsored by Togo to promote equal-area map projections and reduce Mercator distortion.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 4 September 2026, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a Togo-sponsored resolution by 164 votes to 1, and India supported the move to promote more accurate world maps beyond the 16th-century Mercator projection.
Key specifics
- The resolution was adopted by the 193-member UN General Assembly on 4 September 2026.
- It passed with 164 votes in favour, 1 against, and 6 abstentions.
- Togo sponsored the resolution titled “Correct the map: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa”.
- The Mercator projection was designed in the 16th century and is still widely used in educational, media, digital and official materials.
- India’s UN mission said the resolution should support broader use of Equal Area projections, not any one specific map such as Equal Earth.
Exam lens
Question type: International relations / UNGA resolution, key facts: 193-member UNGA, 164-1 vote, Togo sponsor, Mercator vs Equal Area projections, India’s explanation of vote. TNPSC one-liner: Which UN body adopted the resolution to correct global cartographic representation on 4 September 2026?