DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS: 30 October 2024

Great Lakes

Why in News: Researchers are constructing a sensor network aimed at identifying patterns in the water composition of Lake Huron, one of North America’s five Great Lakes.

Great Lakes | Names, Map, & Facts | Britannica

About Great Lakes

The Great Lakes constitute a chain of expansive interconnected freshwater lakes situated in the mid-eastern region of North America. They link to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River.

  • Composition:Comprising five primary lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—these lakes are predominantly located on or in close proximity to the Canada–US border.
  • Location:Hydrologically, Lakes Michigan and Huron form a single body of water, connected at the Straits of Mackinac.
  • Lake Huron Significance:Individually, Lake Huron ranks as the world’s third largest freshwater lake, following Lake Superior and Lake Victoria.
  • Transportation: Facilitating contemporary travel and shipping via water, the Great Lakes Waterway allows navigation among the lakes.

Silent Valley National Park

Why in News: A recent avian census carried out within the confines of Silent Valley National Park revealed the presence of 141 bird species, including 17 that were previously undocumented. Consequently, the total count of bird species identified within the park has now reached 175.

UPSC & PCS NOTES on X: "Silent Valley National Park ▪️Location: Palakkad  district in Nilgiri Mountains of Kerala. ▪️Silent Valley was declared as National  Park in 1984 and formally inaugurated in the

About Silent Valley National Park

  • Location:Situated on the border of Mannarkkad Taluk in Palakkad district, Nilambur Taluk in Malappuram district, Kerala, and Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Silent Valley National Park boasts a strategic geographical placement.
  • Biodiversity:Housing a plethora of rare flora and fauna species, Silent Valley National Park was first explored by botanist Robert Wight in 1847, highlighting its significance in biodiversity conservation.
  • Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Nestled within the biodiverse expanse of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Silent Valley National Park contributes to the ecological integrity of this globally recognized reserve.
  • Peaks: Within its vicinity lie prominent peaks such as Mukurthi, the fifth-highest peak in South India, and Anginda peak, adding to the scenic allure of the region.
  • River Origins: Silent Valley serves as the originating point for several rivers, including the Bhavani River, a tributary of the Kaveri River, the Kunthipuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathappuzha River, and the Kadalundi River, underscoring its hydrological importance in the region.

 

Solomon Islands

Why in News: A state-supported Chinese firm has secured a deal to enhance Honiara, a pivotal port in the Solomon Islands. This achievement represents a significant win for China’s ambitions to establish a strategic presence in the South Pacific region.

Solomon Islands | Capital, Map, Islands, War, Population, & Culture |  Britannica

About Solomon Islands

  • Geographic Location:The Solomon Islands, a sovereign nation, comprises six major islands along with over 900 smaller ones in Oceania. It is positioned to the east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu.
  • Capital and Main Island:Honiara, the capital city, is situated on the largest island, Guadalcanal, within the Solomon Islands.
  • Ethnographic Identity:The Solomon Islands belong to the ethnically Melanesian group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, occupying a geographical space between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
  • Name Origin:The country derives its name from the Solomon Islands archipelago, which encompasses a cluster of Melanesian islands, including the North Solomon Islands, a segment of Papua New Guinea.
  • Exclusions: Notably, the Solomon Islands exclude outlying territories like the Santa Cruz Islands and Rennell and Bellona from its jurisdiction.

 

Brahmani Natural Arch

Why in News: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) intends to designate the ‘Brahmani Natural Arch’ located in the Kanika range of the Sundargarh forest division in Odisha as a Geo Heritage Site.

Formation of Brahmani Natural Arch, Eastern India: A proposed geoheritage  site of India - ScienceDirect

About Brahmani Natural Arch

Physical Characteristics:

  • The Brahmani Natural Arch features an oval-shaped structure with a base length measuring 30 meters and a height reaching 12 meters.
  • Within the arch, the alcove boasts a maximum height of 7 meters and a width spanning 15 meters.

Comparison with Other Natural Arches:

  • In India, aside from the one in Sundargarh, two other natural arches exist—one located at Tirumala hills in Tirupati and another in Andaman and Nicobar. However, both are smaller in size compared to the one in Sundargarh.

Formation:

  • Composed primarily of ferruginous sandstone sourced from the Upper Kamthi formation, the Brahmani Natural Arch originated during the lower to middle Jurassic age, dating back approximately 184 to 160 million years.
  • The site’s geological significance was brought to light in 2017 when it was discovered during coal exploration activities in the district, prompting subsequent research endeavors.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Odisha’s Bargarh district, has reached a noteworthy milestone by attaining a status devoid of any human settlement.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Odisha

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Geographic Location:Situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near Sambalpur city and adjacent to the Hirakud Dam, lies the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Total Area: Covering a vast expanse of 346.91 square kilometers, the sanctuary provides ample space for the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats.
  • Flora and Fauna Diversity:The sanctuary hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including more than 40 mammal species, 200 bird species, 40 reptile species, 12 amphibian species, 42 fish species, 39 odonate species, 85 butterfly species, and 38 spider species.
  • Aquatic Biodiversity:Notably, the sanctuary stands out for its support of both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. The presence of the Hirakud reservoir adds to its allure, attracting numerous migratory waterfowl during the winter months.
  • Medicinal Flora: Within its bounds thrive over 250 plant species, many of which possess significant ethnobotanical and medicinal properties, contributing to the sanctuary’s ecological and medicinal value.

 

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