Umiam Lake |
Why in News: A recent incident concerning Umiam Lake in Meghalaya underscores the intricate interplay between economic development and environmental conservation in Northeast India.
About Umiam Lake
- Reservoir Site:Umiam Lake, locally referred to as Dam Sait, is nestled in the hills approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) north of Shillong in the Indian state of Meghalaya.
- Origin: The lake came into existence through the construction of a dam across the Umiam River during the early 1960s.
- Catchment Area: Spanning over 225 square kilometers, the principal catchment area of the lake and dam is significant in size.
- Hydroelectric Development:The Umiam Dam was built by the Assam State Electricity Board with the primary objective of hydroelectric power generation.
- Powerhouse Details: The Umiam Stage I powerhouse, positioned north of the lake, houses four 9-megawatt turbine generators that commenced operation in 1965.
- Regional Significance: Serving as a trailblazing endeavor, the Umiam Dam marked the inauguration of the first reservoir-storage hydroelectric project in the northeastern region of India.
Northern Sea Route |
Why in News: Murmansk, serving as the entrance to the Arctic and the origin of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), is experiencing an increasing Indian participation in cargo transportation.
About Northern Sea Route
- Coastal Journey:The Northern Sea Route (NSR) encompasses a maritime pathway along the northern coastline of Russia, facilitating navigation from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
- Arctic Passage: It traverses the Arctic Ocean and the Siberian shoreline, offering a more direct course between Europe and Asia when compared to traditional routes via the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal.
- Starting and Ending Points:NSR stretches from the Barents Sea, located near the Arctic archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, to the Bering Strait, which separates Russia from Alaska.
Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary |
Why in News: The habitat of the endangered western hoolock gibbon in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is being fragmented by a railway track cutting through the sanctuary.
About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
- Sanctuary Site:The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (HGS) is situated within the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
- Protected Area Origins: Established in 1997, the sanctuary was designated primarily to safeguard the western hoolock gibbon, a critically endangered primate species.
- Sanctuary Size:Encompassing an expanse of approximately 20.98 square kilometers, the sanctuary provides vital habitat for various wildlife species.
- Early Preservation Efforts:Initially earmarked in 1881, the sanctuary’s forests once extended to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
- Primate Residents:Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is home to India’s sole population of hoolock gibbons, as well as Northeastern India’s solitary nocturnal primate species, the Bengal slow loris.
Phanigiri Artefacts |
Why in News: The artifacts from Phanigiri, dating back to the period between 200 BCE and 400 CE, are currently exhibited at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About Phanigiri artefacts
- Narrative Shift:Discoveries at Phanigiri, notably the thoranas (archways), have reshaped the understanding of Buddhism’s presence in southern India.
- Early Evidence:The thoranas found at Phanigiri, predating those at Sanchi, offer insights into the coexistence of both Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhist sects in the region.
- Transitional Phase:Phanigiri represents a pivotal juncture in the portrayal of Buddha, transitioning from a historical figure to a revered deity. This evolution is evidenced by the artifacts unearthed at the site.
Lampedusa Island |
Why in News: Lampedusa Island in Italy experienced a surge in migrant arrivals when approximately 7,000 individuals arrived from North Africa within a span of two days.
About Lampedusa Island
- Island Description: Lampedusa is the largest among the Italian Pelagie Islands, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Proximity:Positioned approximately 205 kilometers southwest of Sicily, 113 kilometers east of Tunisia, and around 176 kilometers north of Libya.
- Regional Membership:Lampedusa falls under the jurisdiction of the Sicilian region of Italy, marking its location within the southern Mediterranean Sea.
- Land Area: Encompassing an approximate area of 20.2 square kilometers (7.8 square miles), Lampedusa offers a compact yet diverse landscape.
- Cultural Heritage:Lampedusa boasts a rich historical tapestry, influenced by civilizations spanning from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs and Normans.
- War-Time Role:During World War II, the island played a strategic role and witnessed military engagements due to its strategic position.
Incorporation into Italy: Lampedusa has been an integral part of Italy since 1860, contributing to the nation’s cultural and geographical diversity.
