PLACES IN NEWS 22nd JANUARY 2025

PLACES IN NEWS 22nd JANUARY 2025

22-01-2025


Alaska
 

Why in news?
 

  1. On Monday, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rename Denali, North America’s tallest peak in Alaska, back to Mount McKinley.
  2. Denali, a name rooted in Native Alaskan heritage, was officially adopted in 2015 under the Obama administration, replacing the mountain's previous designation honouring President William McKinley.
     

About Alaska:

About Alaska

 

  1. History and Formation:
     
  1. The history of Alaska dates back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, around 14,000 BC, when foraging groups crossed the Bering land bridge into what is now western Alaska.
     
  2. In the 18th century, Russian explorers established settlements, marking the beginning of the Russian colonial period.
     
  3. Following the Alaska Purchase in 1867, the United States acquired the territory from Russia. Alaska underwent several administrative changes before becoming an organised territory in 1912.
     
  4. On January 3, 1959, it was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S.
     
  5. Throughout its history, Alaska has experienced significant events, including the Klondike Gold Rush and the development of its oil industry, shaping its unique cultural and economic landscape.
     
  1. Location and Geography:
  1. Alaska, the largest state in the United States, spans approximately 586,412 square miles, accounting for about one-fifth of the nation's total land area.
     
  2. Situated at the north-western extremity of North America, it is bordered by Canada's Yukon and British Columbia to the east, the Arctic and Pacific Oceans to the north and south, respectively, and Russia to the west across the Bering Strait.
     
  3. The state's diverse topography includes expansive tundra, boreal forests, and the largest area of northern rainforest in the U.S.
     
  4. Alaska boasts over 3,000 rivers and three million lakes, with five percent of its area covered by glaciers.
     
  5. Notably, it has more active volcanoes than any other region in the U.S. and has experienced some of North America's largest earthquakes.
  1. Potential Natural Resources:
  1. Alaska's natural resources are abundant and diverse. The state is rich in petroleum, with significant oil reserves discovered along the Arctic Ocean front.
     
  2. Additionally, Alaska possesses vast mineral resources, including significant deposits of gold, copper, and other valuable minerals.
  3. The state's extensive forests provide timber, and its waters are teeming with marine life, supporting a robust fishing industry.
     

Mount Ibu
 

Why in news?
 

In January 2025, Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupted over 1,000 times, releasing towering ash plumes and pyroclastic flows.

 

About Mount Ibu:

About Mount Ibu

 

  1. Mount Ibu is located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku, Indonesia, and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense tectonic activity.
     
  2. The volcano lies in a remote area surrounded by tropical forests and rugged terrain, making access challenging.
     
  3. It is a stratovolcano, characterised by steep, conical slopes formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rocks. Mount Ibu has a persistent lava dome within its crater, which is a hallmark of its ongoing activity.
     
  4. The recent eruptions are attributed to tectonic plate movements in the region. The subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate generates significant pressure and magma build-up.
     
  5. This geological activity fuels frequent eruptions, releasing ash, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic gases. Mount Ibu’s consistent activity underscores its status as one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, demanding close monitoring to mitigate potential risks.

 

Konark Sun Temple
 

Why in news?

 

Singapore President visited the iconic Konark Sun Temple and Raghurajpur village in Puri, Odisha, during an official tour.
 

About Sun Temple, Konark:

About Sun Temple, Konark

 

  1. Location:
  1. The Konark Sun Temple is situated in Konark, in the Puri district of Odisha, India.
     
  2. Located on the eastern coast, it lies approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Puri city and about 65 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
     
  3. The temple is positioned near the Bay of Bengal, enhancing its historical significance as a coastal landmark.
     
  1. History:
     
  1. Constructed in the 13th century, the Konark Sun Temple was commissioned by King Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, reigning from 1238 to 1264 CE.
     
  2. Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, the temple symbolises the apex of Kalinga architecture.
  3. Its design represents Surya's colossal chariot, featuring twelve pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels and seven horses, embodying the mythological journey of the sun across the sky.
     
  4. The temple's construction reflects the prosperity and artistic excellence achieved during Narasimha Deva I's rule, serving both as a place of worship and a demonstration of imperial grandeur.
     
  5. Over the centuries, the temple faced deterioration due to natural calamities and human neglect, leading to partial ruin. Despite this, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its historical and architectural significance.
     
  1. Architectural Style:
     
  1. The Konark Sun Temple exemplifies the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture, prevalent in northern India.
     
  2. This style is characterised by a beehive-shaped tower, known as the Shikhara, which surmounts the sanctum sanctorum.
     
  3. The temple's intricate carvings depict various aspects of life, including deities, celestial beings, animals, and everyday scenes, showcasing the artisans' craftsmanship.
     
  4. The twelve pairs of stone wheels, each approximately 12 feet in diameter, are not only decorative but also function as sundials, indicating the time of day by the position of the sun's rays.
     
  5. The alignment and proportions of the temple elements reflect advanced knowledge of astronomy and geometry, underscoring the sophisticated engineering skills of the period.
     
  1. Cultural Significance:
  1. Today, the Konark Sun Temple stands as a monumental testament to India's rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.
     
  2. It attracts scholars, historians, and tourists worldwide, serving as a source of inspiration and national pride.
     
  3. The temple's annual Konark Dance Festival celebrates classical Indian dance forms, reviving and promoting traditional arts.
     
  4. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it underscores the importance of preserving cultural landmarks, fostering a sense of identity and continuity amidst modernity.
     

Other Sun Temples in India:
 

Name

Location

  1. Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera, Gujarat

  1. Martand Sun Temple

Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir

  1. Sun Temple

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

  1. Balaji Sun Temple

Unao, Madhya Pradesh

  1. Suryanarayana Temple

Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka

  1. Dakshinaarka Sun Temple

Gaya, Bihar

  1. Suryanar Kovil

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

  1. Surya Pahar Temple

Goalpara, Assam

 

  1. Surya Narayana Temple

Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh

 

Ratnagiri
 

Why in news?
 

  1. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha after a 60-year break.
  2. This ancient site, known for its historical and archaeological significance, is believed to have been a thriving centre of Buddhist learning.
  3. The renewed excavation aims to uncover more about its cultural heritage and enhance understanding of early Buddhist architecture and practices.
     

About Ratnagiri:

About Ratnagiri

  1. Ratnagiri is located in the Jajpur district, Odisha, and is an ancient Buddhist heritage site.
     
  2. The site was established around the 5th century CE; Ratnagiri flourished under the Gupta dynasty, serving as a prominent centre for Mahayana Buddhism.
     
  3. Ratnagiri is also believed to be the birthplace of Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Tantric Buddhism.
     
  4. Key Characteristics of a Historical Site:
  1. Monasteries and Stupas: The site features a massive Maha Stupa and numerous monasteries, including the Ratnagiri Mahavihara, reflecting its role as a major Buddhist centre.
     
  2. Architectural Features: The complex includes intricately carved sculptures, votive stupas, and monolithic structures, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of the period.
  3. Artefacts: Excavations have unearthed valuable relics, such as monolithic structures and colossal Buddha heads, providing insights into the site's historical and cultural significance.
     
  1. Decline and Rediscovery: After a period of decline, the site was abandoned by the 16th century. It remained largely forgotten until archaeological excavations in the 20th century brought its historical importance to light.
     
  2. Ratnagiri is part of the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, along with Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, collectively recognised for their Buddhist heritage.
     

Other major Buddhist sites in India:
 

  1. Lumbini (Nepal): The birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini is a key pilgrimage site, with a sacred garden and the Maya Devi Temple marking the spot of Buddha’s birth. It is one of the holiest sites in Buddhism.
     
  2. Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Known for the Mahabodhi Temple, this is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It is one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually.
     
  3. Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh): The site where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. It houses the Dhamek Stupa and other significant ruins related to early Buddhist teachings.
     
  4. Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh): The place where Buddha passed away and attained parinirvana. It contains several stupas and monasteries, marking it as a major pilgrimage site.
     
  5. Nalanda (Bihar): Once a renowned Buddhist university, it housed scholars from across Asia. The ruins include temples, monasteries, and extensive learning halls, representing the intellectual heart of ancient Buddhism.
     
  6. Vikramshila (Bihar): A major Buddhist university and a centre for Vajrayana Buddhism, it stands as an important site for learning and monastic life.
     
  7. Dhanyakataka (Andhra Pradesh): An ancient Buddhist site, believed to have hosted a significant Buddhist monastic community. Its historical importance lies in early Buddhist developments in the region.
     
  8. Ratnagiri (Odisha): A Mahayana Buddhist site known for its monasteries and intricate carvings, it played a key role in Buddhist scholarship and practices.
     
  9. Lalitgiri (Odisha): Another significant site in the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, it contains ancient stupas and remains of Buddhist monastic complexes, reflecting the region's Buddhist heritage.

 

Sutlej River
 

Why in news?
 

  1. The Nathpa-Jhakri Power Project, operated by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPC), was shut down due to a flood-like situation in the Sutlej River.
     
  2. The river's rising water levels posed a risk to the project infrastructure, prompting authorities to suspend operations.
     
  3. This disruption highlights the vulnerability of hydroelectric projects to extreme weather conditions.
     

About Sutlej River:

About Sutlej River

 

  1. The Sutlej River, the longest tributary of the Indus River, originates from Lake Rakshastal in southwestern Tibet, located at an elevation of over 15,000 feet (4,600 meters).
     
  2. It cuts across the Himalayas, entering India through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
     
  3. The river flows southwest through the state, merging with the Beas River at Harike in Punjab, creating a significant portion of the India-Pakistan border.
     
  4. It continues its journey towards Pakistan, eventually joining the Chenab River to form the Panjnad, which then merges into the Indus River.
     
  5. The Sutlej is controlled by the spring and summer snowmelt from the Himalayas and the South Asian monsoon.
     
  6. The river has several major hydroelectric projects, including the Bhakra Dam, Karcham Wangtoo, and Nathpa Jhakri Dam, which contribute to India’s energy supply.
     
  7. The river's water level rises primarily due to the melting snow in the Himalayas and the seasonal monsoon rains, which can sometimes lead to flood-like situations, challenging the hydroelectric projects and surrounding infrastructure.
     
  8. This unpredictable nature of the river makes it difficult to manage water flow effectively during certain seasons.
     

UPSC CSE PYQs

Q1. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? (2023)

    1. Andhra
    2. Gandhara
    3. Kalinga
    4. Magadha

Answer: Option A

Q2. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus directly? (2021)

  1. Chenab
  2. Jhelum
  3. Ravi
  4. Sutlej

 

Answer: Option D

 

Q3. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

  1. Arasavalli
  2. Amarakantak
  3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (2017)
 

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: Option A

 

 

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