Malawi |
Why in News: Malawi has announced a state of disaster in 23 districts out of its total of 28 due to extensive drought conditions.
About Malawi
- Geographical Location:Malawi, situated in Southeastern Africa, is a landlocked country positioned in both the Southern and Eastern Hemisphere regions of the Earth.
- Bordering Countries:
It shares its borders with neighboring regions:
- East:Lake Malawi and Mozambique
- West:Zambia
- North and Northeast: Tanzania
- South: Mozambique
- Former Name:Malawi was previously known as Nyasaland.
Lake Titicaca |
Why in News: Lake Titicaca’s water levels have plummeted to unprecedented lows, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, exacerbating an extended period of drought and unusual high temperatures.
About Lake Titicaca
- Location: Situated in the Andes Mountains of South America, it straddles the boundary between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east.
- Topography: The lake features a unique configuration, divided into two bodies of water by a narrow strait known as Tiquina.
- Hydrology:Over 25 rivers discharge into Lake Titicaca, with the Ramis River contributing a substantial portion of the basin’s water flow.
- Ramsar Designation:Recognized as a Ramsar Site of International Importance, Lake Titicaca holds significance for its rich biodiversity and ecological value.
Suriname |
Why in News: Recently, a parliamentary group from the Republic of Suriname paid a visit to the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
About Suriname
- Location:Situated on the northern coast of South America, Suriname is among the continent’s smallest countries.
- Capital: Paramaribo, positioned along the Suriname River, serves as the capital city.
- UNESCO Recognition:In 2002, Suriname was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
- Borders:Suriname shares its borders with the Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west.
- Colonial Legacy:Formerly known as Dutch Guiana, Suriname was a Dutch plantation colony that achieved independence in 1975.
- Drainage System:The major rivers of Suriname, including the Corantyne, Coppename, Suriname, and Marowijne, flow northward into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ethnic Diversity: South Asians, who are descendants of Indian contract laborers, constitute the largest ethnic group in Suriname, comprising over a quarter of the population.
Orkney Islands |
Why in News: An emblematic Orkney Islands is exploring avenues to break away from the U.K. and potentially establish itself as an autonomous territory under Norway’s governance.
About Orkney Islands
- Location: The Orkney Islands comprise an archipelago of 70 individual islands, with only 20 being inhabited.
- Geography:Situated approximately 10 miles off the northern coast of Scotland, the Orkneys boast a rich history and diverse landscape.
- Archaeological Significance: The islands have been inhabited since ancient times and are renowned for their archaeological sites, including Neolithic stone circles and chambered tombs like Maeshowe.
- Heart of Neolithic Orkney:This designation includes four prominent Neolithic monuments—the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae—which are considered among the most significant in Western Europe.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site:The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global cultural and historical importance.
Vilnius |
Why in News: The NATO summit for 2023 was held from July 11th to July 12th in Vilnius, which serves as the capital of Lithuania.
About Vilnius
Location: Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, located in the southeastern part of the country
Historical Significance: Vilnius has a rich history dating back to the medieval era when it was a major center of trade and culture in Eastern Europe
Architectural Heritage: Key landmarks include Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, and the Gate of Dawn, reflecting the city’s historical and cultural significance
