PLACES IN NEWS 03 November 2024

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary

In November 2024, The National Board for Wildlife decided to delay road expansion projects near Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary. This decision shows a growing awareness of the need to protect the environment and wildlife in the area.

1. This significant development impacts 2 major infrastructure proposals in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district.
2. The 1st proposal involves expanding NH-353C from two lanes to four lanes, requiring 55.187 hectares of land. This includes 10.23 hectares within the Pranhita sanctuary, 16.858 hectares in its eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ), 22.569 hectares of territorial forest, and 5.503 hectares of non-forest area.
3. The 2nd proposal seeks 30.089 hectares for expanding the Gadchiroli-Allapalli-Sironcha stretch of NH-353C, specifically between Gitali-Mosam-Zamela Nalla.
4. These forest stretches are vital components of the Eastern Vidarbha Landscape (EVL), connecting Tadoba and Indravati Tiger Reserves.
5. The area serves as a critical corridor for both tigers and elephants, making any developmental activity particularly sensitive.

Overview

1. Location: Adilabad district, Telangana, India.
2. Area: About 136 sq.km.
3. Landscape: Located in the Deccan Plateau, it features hilly terrain and dense teak forests.

Geography

1. Rivers:
   1. Pranahita River: Runs along the eastern edge of the sanctuary.
   2. Godavari River: Flows to the south, enhancing the region’s ecology.
2. Topography: The area is hilly with plateaus, which supports various habitats.

Flora

1. The sanctuary has many plant species, including:
   1. Dalbergia sissoo (Indian Rosewood)
   2. Ficus spp. (Fig trees)
   3. Dalbergia latifolia (Indian Blackwood)
   4. Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino Tree)
2. These plants provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Fauna

1. Mammals:
   1. Known for the Blackbuck, a key species.
   2. Home to tigers and leopards, which are important predators.
   3. Other mammals include rhesus macaques, sloth bears, and wild dogs.
2. Birds: Over 50 bird species can be found here.
3. Reptiles: More than 20 species contribute to the sanctuary's biodiversity.

Conclusion

The Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is an important natural area in Telangana. The recent decision to protect it highlights the need to balance development with conservation to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia: Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 2024

1. Event: Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 2024
2. Dates: November 1-12, 2024
3. Location: Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia
4. Participants: An Indian Army contingent of 25 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

Purpose

1. This is the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces exercise.
2. The main goals are to:
   1. Familiarize both sides with each other’s operating procedures.
   2. Enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies.

Activities

1. Planning and execution of special operations.
2. Training on advanced special forces skills.
3. Sharing information on weapons, equipment, tactics, and procedures.
4. Practicing operations in jungle terrain, including strikes on terrorist camps.
5. A Validation Exercise that combines basic and advanced special forces skills.
6. Engaging in cultural exchange to understand each other’s lifestyle and foster military cooperation.

Conclusion

Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 2024 is a significant event aimed at enhancing military cooperation between India and Indonesia. By participating in joint training and operations, both nations can improve their capabilities and foster a strong partnership for future security challenges.

Discovery of a Hidden Maya City in Mexico

1. Event: In November 2024, A vast ancient Maya city, complete with palaces and pyramids, has been discovered in a dense jungle in Mexico.
2. Discoverer: The city was found by a doctoral student from Tulane University.
3. Location: The site is near Xpujil, a town known for archaeological significance.

The Role of Technology:

1. Lidar Technology: The discovery relied on Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), a remote sensing method that uses laser beams to create detailed maps of the Earth's surface.
   • Lidar can penetrate dense vegetation, making it possible to identify structures hidden under the jungle canopy.
2. Data Utilization: The student discovered pre-existing Lidar data from a project conducted in 2013 by Mexico's Nature Conservancy. This project aimed to measure carbon in forests but unintentionally provided crucial information for archaeology.

Key Findings

1. The analysis revealed more than 6,600 structures from the Maya civilization, including a significant city named Valeriana.
2. The site includes:
   1. Palaces
   2. Temple pyramids
   3. Public plazas
   4. A ballcourt
   5. A reservoir
   6. Family homes
3. The city dates back to before 150 AD, indicating a well-established urban center long before many previously known Maya cities.

Cultural and Historical Context

1. The Maya civilization is regarded as one of the most advanced cultures in the Americas, thriving during the Classic period (approximately 250 AD to 900 AD).
2. They made significant contributions to various fields, including astronomy, hieroglyphics, and the development of calendars.
3. At its peak, the Maya civilization spread across present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, with a population estimated to be between 7 and 11 million.

Launch of India’s First Analog Space Mission: Leh, Ladakh

1. Event: In November 2024, The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh.
2. Objective: This mission is a pioneering step in India’s efforts to explore space, focusing on simulating interplanetary habitat conditions.

Collaborating Organizations

1. The mission is led by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre and involves partnerships with:
   1. AAKA Space Studio
   2. University of Ladakh
   3. IIT Bombay
2. It is supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.

Mission Goals

1. The primary aim is to explore the feasibility of establishing a sustainable base station beyond Earth, simulating life in an interplanetary habitat.
2. The mission seeks to gather critical data that will support India’s Gaganyaan program and future space missions.

Ideal Testing Environment

1. Location: Ladakh is chosen due to its extreme isolation, dry climate, and high-altitude terrain.
2. These conditions closely resemble the environments of Mars and the Moon, making it an ideal site for research.

Scientific Significance

1. The mission provides an opportunity to gather data on the challenges of extraterrestrial exploration.
2. It allows researchers to evaluate technologies, habitats, communication systems, and other essential equipment for space operations.

Importance of Analog Missions

1. Analog missions are field tests conducted in remote Earth environments to simulate extreme space conditions.
2. They help study human and robotic responses to space-like challenges, providing insights into:
   1. Behavioral dynamics in isolation and confinement.
   2. Team interactions under pressure—key factors for successful deep-space missions.

Global Context

1. Analog missions are conducted worldwide in various harsh environments, including deserts and volcanic landscapes.
2. They play a crucial role in preparing for future deep-space journeys and advancing our understanding of living and working in space.

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