PLACES IN NEWS 05 DECEMBER 2024

Kumhrar

Why in news?

1. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is reopening the ancient 80-pillar hall at Kumhrar in Patna, which is a Mauryan-era site linked to Emperor Ashoka and the Third Buddhist Council.
2. the site was covered in 2004-2005 due to water table issues and the ASI is now uncovering parts of the site following reduced water levels.

About Kumhrar:

1. Geographical Characteristics:

• Ashoka's palace at Kumhrar was believed to be part of ancient Pataliputra, which was the capital of Mauryan empire and was strategically located near the Ganges River that provided easy access to waterways for transportation and trade.
• The palace was part of a larger Mauryan architectural complex, characterized by a rectangular layout with open spaces and monumental structures.
• The hall contained 80 pillars which was a significant part of the site, accessible by boats through a canal system which reflected advanced water management system and integration with the region's geography.

2. Art and architecture:

• the hall's sandstone pillar stands on a wooden floor and supports wooden roof which showcased exceptional craftsmanship and precision.
• The pillars were arranged in a systematic grid, spaced approximately 15 feet apart, indicating meticulous architectural planning.
• While primarily constructed with wood and stone, the hall’s design emphasized grandeur and functionality, blending indigenous and foreign elements.

• Persian Influence:

• Persian influence is evident in the polished stone pillars, an art form resembling Achaemenid architecture.
• The use of high-quality sandstone, combined with intricate carvings and smooth finishes, reflects cross-cultural interactions between the Mauryan Empire and Persian civilizations.

• At the site, layers of ash found which suggest destruction by fire, possibly during invasions. Despite this, the remnants of the hall highlight the Mauryan mastery in large-scale construction.

Great Lakes

Why in news?

Parts of upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, situated along the Great Lakes, have seen nearly 1.2 meters of “lake-effect” snow since last Friday.

 About Great Lakes region:

1. The Great Lakes region comprises five interconnected freshwater lakes:

• Lake Superior: The largest and deepest of the lakes.
• Lake Michigan: The only Great Lake entirely within the United States.
• Lake Huron: Known for its extensive shoreline.
• Lake Erie: Shallowest but highly productive in terms of fisheries.
• Lake Ontario: The smallest by surface area, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.

2. Geography

• The Great Lakes lie along the U.S.-Canada border, spanning across eight U.S. states and Ontario, Canada.
• These lakes form the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes, covering over 94,000 square miles.
• The region includes diverse ecosystems, ranging from forests and wetlands to urbanised areas.
• Major cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Toronto are situated along the lakes.

3. Trade and Economy

   • The Great Lakes are crucial for North American trade, which is linked to the Atlantic via the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
   • Ports in the region facilitate the transport of goods like grain, iron ore, coal, and manufactured products.
   • Industries such as steel production, shipping, and agriculture thrive due to access to water and transportation networks.
   • Tourism, recreation, and fishing contribute significantly to the regional economy which supports millions of jobs annually.

What is “lake-effect snow” phenomenon?

1. Lake effect occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes.
2. The warm air over the Great Lakes rises and carries moisture to the higher altitude at such low temperatures, which is favourable for snow formation.
3. This process generates clouds capable of producing heavy snowfall downwind.
4. However, Contrary to common belief, most moisture for lake-effect snow comes from the cold air itself and not the lakes.
5. The lakes role is to enhance the process by adding warmth and some moisture, but the cold air must already contain sufficient humidity to create the intense snowfall typical of lake-effect storms.

Colosseum

Why in news?

1. A new partnership between the Colosseum and Airbnb, offering exclusive "gladiator training" experiences, has sparked outrage in Rome.
2. Critics argue that the initiative demeans the iconic monument, while others defend it as a creative way to fund conservation.

About Colosseum:

1. The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is located in the centre of Rome, Italy, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
2. Its construction began in 70 AD under Emperor Vespasian of the Roman Empire and was completed in 80 AD during the reign of his son Titus. It was later modified by Emperor Domitian.
3. The Colosseum was built using a combination of travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete. Its design incorporates elements of Roman engineering, such as arches and vaulted passageways, which provided structural integrity.
4. The amphitheatre could hold up to 80,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. It was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, mock sea battles, and public executions.
5. The Colosseum was a symbol of Roman power, showcasing both the grandeur of Roman architecture and the brutality of the entertainment that took place there.
6. Over the centuries, the Colosseum suffered from earthquakes and stone pillaging, leaving it partially in ruins. Despite this, it remains an architectural marvel and a symbol of ancient Roman history.
7. The Colosseum is recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a title it earned in 2007 after a global poll, thus solidifying its place as one of the most significant cultural and historical monuments on the planet.
8. Its significance goes beyond its role in entertainment, as it represents the ingenuity and complexity of Roman civilisation and remains a major tourist attraction today.

wonder	location	description	Year of completion
Great Wall of China	China	A series of fortifications built to protect Chinese states from invasions.	7th century BC - 17th century AD
Petra	Jordan	An ancient city famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system.	5th century BC
Christ the Redeemer	Brazil	A massive statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Rio de Janeiro.	1931 AD
Machu Picchu	Peru	An ancient Inca city set high in the Andes Mountains, known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction.	15th century AD
Chichen Itza	Mexico	A large pre-Columbian archaeological site with the famous Pyramid of Kukulcán.	600 AD
Roman Colosseum	Italy	A grand amphitheatre in Rome used for gladiatorial games and public spectacles.	80 AD
Taj Mahal	India	A white marble mausoleum built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan.	1653 AD

Democratic Republic of Congo

Why in news?

1. Extremist rebels linked to the Islamic State killed at least 9 people, including an 8-month-old baby and a 14-year-old girl, in eastern Congo's Tenambo village.
2. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked the village, setting houses on fire and kidnapping three others.
3. Violence in the region, driven by over 120 armed groups, has intensified, with the ADF accused of numerous killings and abductions, including children.

About Congo:

1. Geography:

• The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is located in Central Africa, bordered by nine countries: Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Republic of the Congo.
• It is the second-largest country in Africa, covering over 2.3 million square kilometres.
• The DRC is rich in natural landscapes, including rainforests, savannas, and mountains.
• Its geographical diversity includes the Congo River basin, vast wetlands, and the eastern part, home to the Great Lakes region in Africa.
• The country has a tropical climate with both rainy and dry seasons.

2. Natural resources:

• The DRC is endowed with vast mineral resources, making it one of the wealthiest countries in terms of natural assets.
• It holds large deposits of cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, and tin. The country is a major supplier of cobalt, a critical mineral for global electronics and electric vehicle batteries.
• Additionally, the DRC has significant reserves of coltan, which is essential in the production of electronic devices.

3. Congo river:

• The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa, flowing through the DRC and surrounding countries. It spans about 4,700 kilometres and drains a vast basin.
• The river serves as a crucial transportation route for goods and people, linking landlocked areas to the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Congo River basin, with its immense tributaries, is one of the largest drainage systems in the world. The Congo Basin spans several Central African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and a small part of Angola.
• It plays a central role in the regional economy, providing water for agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power. The river’s surrounding wetlands and forests sustain diverse ecosystems and communities.

Conflicts in Eastern Congo:

1. Eastern Congo has long been a region of instability, with ongoing conflicts fuelled by a complex mix of ethnic, political, and economic factors.
2. The region is home to over 120 armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which are linked to extremist groups like ISIS. These rebels exploit the area's mineral wealth, land disputes, and local grievances to fuel violence and control territory.
3. The conflict has caused immense suffering, including mass displacement, human rights abuses, and a breakdown in governance. Key regions affected include North and South Kivu, Ituri, and parts of the Maniema province. The ADF, in particular, has carried out brutal attacks on civilians, including massacres, kidnappings, and sexual violence.
4. Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, has increasingly become a focal point of these attacks, putting pressure on local infrastructure and resources.

UPSC CSE PYQ: Q. Consider the following pairs: (2023) Regions often mentioned in news Reason for being in news North Kivu and Ituri War between Armenia and Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh   Insurgency in Mozambique Kherson and Zaporizhzhia   Dispute between Israel and Lebanon   How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? Only one Only two All three None Answer: Option D Q2. Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin? (2023) Cameroon Nigeria South Sudan Uganda Answer: Option A Q3. About three-fourths of the world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by (2023) Argentina Botswana the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kazakhstan Answer: Option C

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