Al-Hakim mosque |
Why in News: During his inaugural visit to Egypt, the Indian Prime Minister will tour the 11th Century Al-Hakim mosque, which has been refurbished with assistance from the Dawoodi Bohra community.
About Al-Hakim mosque
- Location: The Al-Hakim Mosque is a historic mosque situated in Cairo, Egypt.
- Origin: Named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (985–1021 AD), the sixth Fatimid caliph.
- Initially built by the Fatimid vizier Gawhar Al-Siqilli, it became part of the extended fortifications constructed by Badr al-Jamali toward the end of the 11th century AD.
- UNESCO Recognition: The mosque was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- Architectural Features:
- Constructed primarily of brick with stone facades and minarets.
- The mosque’s layout comprises a triangular shape with four arcades surrounding a central courtyard, flanked by minarets on either side of the facade.
- Originally positioned outside Cairo’s northern wall, it was integrated into the city in 1087, with its northern wall and minarets becoming part of the fortifications.
- The principal entrance, located on the western facade, is notable for its monumental size and design, representing one of the earliest examples of projecting entrances in architecture.
Chhukha hydro project |
Why in News: India has recently consented to an increase in the tariff for the Chhukha hydroelectric project.
About Chhukha Hydroelectric Project
- Nature of Project:The Chhukha Hydroelectric Project operates as a run-of-the-river reservoir-based scheme.
- Location:Situated in the Wangchu River basin in Chukha, Bhutan, the project is strategically positioned.
- Installed Capacity:With an installed capacity of 336 MW, the project contributes significantly to the region’s power generation.
- Funding:The project was fully financed by the GoI, with a funding structure consisting of a 60% grant and a 40% loan.
- Timeline: Construction on the project commenced in 1979, with commercial operations commencing in 1986, marking its completion.
- Power Purchase Agreement:Under a power purchase agreement, the electricity generated by the project is sold to the Eastern Regional Power Grid of India, ensuring its integration into the broader power distribution network.
Mayon volcano |
Why in News: In a recent development, approximately 13,000 individuals were evacuated from the northeastern region of the Philippines as Mount Mayon, the country’s renowned volcano, continued to emit lava.
About Mayon volcano
- Location:Mayon Volcano is situated in southeastern Luzon, Philippines, marking its location in the region.
- Meaning:The name “Mayon” originates from the local term for “beautiful lady,” known as “daragang Mayon,” reflecting its significance in the area.
- Distinctive Feature:Often hailed as the world’s most perfect volcanic cone, Mayon’s renown stems from the remarkable symmetry of its shape, capturing attention worldwide.
- Geological Context:Mayon Volcano lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire region, an extensive zone in the basin of the Pacific Ocean characterized by frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
Fraser island |
Why in News: The government of Queensland, Australia, has officially renamed Fraser Island to its traditional name, K’gari (pronounced “Gurri”).
About Fraser island
- Geographical Location:Fraser Island is situated off the southeastern coast of Queensland, Australia, and is separated from the mainland and the port of Maryborough by Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait.
- Geological Significance:Recognized as the largest sand island globally, Fraser Island boasts golden sand dunes that have endured since ancient times.
- Cultural Heritage:The island’s traditional name, K’gari, translates to “paradise” in the native tongue of the Butchella People, who inhabited the island for millennia.
- Historical Origin: The name Fraser Island originated in 1836 when a group of 11 shipwreck survivors sought refuge on the island.
- Importance of Name Change:The decision to rename the island highlights the significance of respecting, acknowledging, and celebrating K’gari’s indigenous culture and heritage.
Anak Krakatau volcano |
Why in News: In a recent event, the Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia erupted, releasing ash columns reaching heights of up to 3 kilometers into the atmosphere.
About Anak Krakatau volcano
- Location:Anak Krakatau volcano is situated in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, positioned between the primary Java and Sumatra islands.
- Origin: Translating to “child of Krakatau,” Anak Krakatau is the offspring of the renowned Krakatau volcano.
- Historical Context: The original Krakatau volcano’s monumental eruption in 1883 resulted in a period of global cooling.
Recent Activity: Anak Krakatau witnessed its most extended eruption since the catastrophic collapse in 2018, which triggered a deadly tsunami.
