PLACES IN NEWS 23rd JANUARY 2025

PLACES IN NEWS 23rd JANUARY 2025

23-01-2025

Vaigai River

 

Why in news?
 

  1. The Madras High Court has instructed local authorities to submit a detailed action plan with specific timelines to curb pollution in the Vaigai River.
     
  2. Emphasizing the river's ecological and cultural significance, the court stressed the urgency of implementing effective measures to restore and preserve its water quality and natural ecosystem.

 

About Vaigai River:

About Vaigai River

 

  1. Origin and Path:
     
  1. The Vaigai River originates from the Varusanadu Hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
     
  2. It flows southeast for approximately 258 kilometres, passing through the Theni, Dindigul, and Madurai districts before emptying into the Palk Strait near Ramanathapuram.
     
  3. Numerous tributaries, including the Suruli and Manjalaru rivers, feed this perennial river.
     
  1. Dams located:
     
  1. The Vaigai Dam, located near Andipatti, is a critical structure built across the river. It supplies water for irrigation and drinking purposes to several districts.
     
  2. Other reservoirs, like the Mullaperiyar Dam, play a crucial role in maintaining its water flow, particularly during dry seasons.
     
  3. These dams have supported the agricultural economy in the Vaigai basin, which is known for the cultivation of crops such as paddy and sugarcane.
     
  1. Cultural and Ecological significance:
     
  1. The river holds immense cultural significance, particularly in Madurai, where it is revered as sacred. The Vaigai River Festival is celebrated annually to honour its contribution to agriculture and livelihoods.
     
  2. Additionally, the river is closely associated with the Meenakshi Amman Temple, and several religious myths highlight its divine importance.
     
  3. Ecologically, the Vaigai River basin is home to rich biodiversity, including species of fish, birds, and plants that thrive in its wetlands and riparian zones.
     
  4. However, urbanisation and pollution have degraded its water quality and flow. The dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste has severely impacted aquatic life and the river’s ecosystem.
     
  5. Efforts to rejuvenate the river are crucial to sustaining its ecological balance and ensuring water security for millions who depend on it. Restoration initiatives should focus on preventing pollution, promoting sustainable water management, and conserving the river’s cultural and ecological legacy.
     

Asan Wetland

 

Why in news?

 

  1. A bird counting campaign at Asan Wetland in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, recorded an impressive 5,225 birds spanning 117 species.
     
  2. Conducted with the help of volunteers, the survey highlights the wetland's rich biodiversity and its importance as a habitat for migratory and resident birds.

 

About Asan Wetland:

About Asan Wetland

 

  1. Location:
     
  1. The Asan Wetland is located near the confluence of the Asan River and the Yamuna River in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India.
     
  2. It lies approximately 40 kilometres west of Dehradun and is part of the Doon Valley.
     
  3. The wetland is an artificial reservoir created in 1967 due to the construction of the Asan Barrage for water regulation and irrigation purposes.
     
  4. The wetland spans over 4 square kilometres, forming a shallow waterbody that supports diverse ecological functions. Its tranquil waters and surrounding vegetation make it a critical habitat for numerous species.
     
  5. Recognised for its ecological value, the site was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2020, highlighting its global importance as a wetland of international significance.
     
  1. Ecological significance:
     
  1. Biodiversity is a hallmark of the Asan Wetland, which serves as a key stopover point for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
     
  2. It attracts a wide range of avifauna, including several rare and endangered species.
     
  3. Birds such as the ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose, red-crested pochard, and common teal are commonly observed here. The wetland is also home to the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and greater spotted eagle.
     
  4. In addition to birds, the wetland supports a variety of aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates, forming a rich ecosystem that contributes to local biodiversity.
     
  5. The Asan Wetland also plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, flood control, and maintaining the ecological balance in the region.
     
  6. Despite its ecological importance, the wetland is threatened by pollution, habitat degradation, and human encroachments
     
  7. Conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration and awareness campaigns, are crucial to preserving the wetland's unique biodiversity and sustaining its ecological functions.

 

Simhachalam Temple
 

Why in news?
 

  1. A remarkable three-foot statue of 13th-century saint Narahari Tirtha was discovered at the Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
     
  2. The statue depicts the saint holding palm leaf manuscripts, symbolizing his scholarship, and is flanked by devotees.
     

About Simhachalam Temple

About Simhachalam Temple

 

  1. The Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on the Simhachalam Hill.
     
  2. It is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh and is revered as a significant centre of Vaishnavite worship.
     
  3. The temple’s architectural style is a blend of Chalukyan and Chola influences, showcasing intricate carvings and rich iconography.
     

History and culture:
 

  1. The temple’s history dates back to at least the 11th century, as evidenced by inscriptions. It gained prominence under the patronage of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 13th century.
     
  2. Narasimha Deva I, an Eastern Ganga king, played a significant role in developing the temple and enhancing its cultural importance.
     
  3. Later, the Vijayanagara Empire further contributed to its upkeep and expansion, as reflected in inscriptions detailing donations and grants.
     
  4. The temple’s sanctum houses a deity in a unique form, covered with a thick layer of sandalwood paste, which is removed only once a year during the Chandanotsavam festival.
     
  5. This ritual attracts thousands of devotees annually. The temple complex also includes intricately carved pillars, mandapas, and sculptures that reflect its rich heritage and spiritual significance.
     

About Saint Narahari Tirtha:
 

  1. Saint Narahari Tirtha was a 13th-century philosopher and theologian and a prominent disciple of Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy.
     
  2. He served as a minister in the Eastern Ganga dynasty and was instrumental in spreading Vaishnavism in the region.
     
  3. Renowned for his intellectual legacy, he authored several texts, though only two works, Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika, have survived.

     
  4. These writings reflect his deep understanding of scriptures and philosophy. Additionally, he contributed to temple worship and the preservation of ancient manuscripts, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual and intellectual traditions of his time.
     

Democratic Republic of Congo
 

Why in news?

 

  1. The M23 rebels have advanced in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing key areas near Goma, a major trading hub.
     
  2. This escalation has raised fears of further instability in the region, already plagued by decades of conflict.
     

About Democratic Republic of Congo:

About Democratic Republic of Congo

 

  1. Location and Geography:
     
  1. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), located in Central Africa, is the second-largest country in Africa by land area.
     
  2. It is bordered by nine countries, including Angola, Zambia, Uganda, and Rwanda, and has a small Atlantic coastline.
     
  3. The country is dominated by the Congo River Basin, which spans dense rainforests, vast savannas, and fertile valleys.
  4. The DRC is endowed with abundant natural resources, making it one of the world's richest countries in terms of mineral wealth.
     
  1. Potential natural resources:
     
  1. It holds 60% of the world’s cobalt reserves, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries and other modern technologies.
     
  2. The country also possesses significant deposits of copper, gold, diamonds, tin, and coltan.
     
  3. Despite this wealth, resource mismanagement, corruption, and exploitation have hindered economic development and contributed to ongoing conflicts.
     
  4. The Congo Rainforest, the second-largest tropical forest in the world after the Amazon, covers a large portion of the country.
     
  5. This forest plays a vital role in regulating the global climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide.
     
  6. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species like bonobos, forest elephants, and okapis.
     
  7. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and mining activities pose severe threats to this biodiversity hotspot.
     
  1. Civilian crisis:
     
  1. The DRC has faced ongoing civil crises since the mid-1990s, originating from the spillover of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994.
     
  2. Refugee movements and militia activities triggered conflict between ethnic groups and neighbouring countries, evolving into the First and Second Congo Wars.
     
  3. Despite the war’s official end in 2003, the country remains mired in violence, especially in the eastern regions such as North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.
     
  4. Key causes of the crisis include disputes over land and resources, weak governance, corruption, and the presence of armed groups like M23.
     
  5. The exploitation of minerals often fuels these conflicts, with local and international actors vying for control. Civilians are the most affected, with widespread displacement, human rights abuses, and humanitarian crises.
     
  6. Efforts to stabilise the region require addressing systemic corruption, strengthening governance, and ensuring equitable resource distribution while promoting peace and reconciliation.
     

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
 

Why in news?
 

  1. Scientists from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) are overseeing the quarantine of 20 cheetahs from Kenya at Madhya Pradesh's Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
     
  2. The cheetahs will undergo a 15-day quarantine before being released into the wild, marking a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to reintroduce the species.
     

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:



 

  1. Location:
     
  1. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Madhya Pradesh state of central India, situated in the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts.
     
  2. It covers an area of about 1,400 square kilometres, with a varied landscape consisting of dense forests, rocky hills, and water bodies, including the Gandhi Sagar Reservoir.
     
  3. The sanctuary is part of the Narmada River basin, making it an important region for wildlife conservation and ecological balance.
     
  1. Flora and Fauna:
     
  1. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It boasts a diverse range of vegetation, including sal, teak, and bamboo forests. The region also has a rich undergrowth of shrubs and grasslands.
     
  2. The sanctuary’s fauna includes species such as the tiger, leopard, and wild boar, along with a significant population of sambar, chital, and nilgai.
     
  3. The area is known for its avian diversity, with various species of migratory birds and resident species like peafowl and grey hornbill. The Gandhi Sagar Reservoir supports several aquatic species, including crocodiles and fish.
     

About cheetah reintroduction plan:
 

  1. The cheetah reintroduction plan in India was officially initiated in 2020, under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
     
  2. The project aims to bring back the cheetah, which became extinct in India in the late 1940s due to hunting and habitat loss.
     
  3. After extensive discussions and planning, India signed an agreement with Kenya to bring 20 cheetahs to India for the reintroduction process. This plan is part of a broader effort to restore the country’s wildlife and biodiversity.
     
  4. The cheetahs will be initially quarantined in areas such as Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where they will acclimatise to Indian conditions before being released into the wild.
     
  5. The government has selected regions with suitable grassland ecosystems, ensuring that the cheetahs have a proper habitat for hunting and reproduction.
     
  6. The project also aims to create a sustainable population of cheetahs in India, contributing to the conservation of grassland ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
     
  7. The reintroduction effort follows the success of other wildlife reintroduction programs in India, such as the return of the Asiatic lion and blackbuck.

UPSC CSE PYQs

Q1. Consider the following pairs: 

Regions often mentioned in the news:   

Reason for being in the news :  

1. North Kivu and Ituri

War between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

2. Nagorno-Karabakh.                      

Insurgency in Mozambique. 

3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.      

Dispute between Israel and Lebanon. 


How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (2023)
 

  1. Only one 
  2. Only two  
  3. All three 
  4. None 

 

Answer: Option D

Q2. About three-fourths of the world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by (2023)

  1. Argentina
  2. Botswana
  3. the Democratic Republic of the Congo
  4. Kazakhstan

Answer: Option C

 

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