Dhanauri Wetland |
Why in News: The National Green Tribunal has granted the Uttar Pradesh government a period of four weeks to provide an update on the status of the Ramsar designation for the Dhanauri wetlands.
About Dhanauri Wetland
- Location:Situated in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh, the Dhanauri Wetlands serve as a notable bird-watching spot.
- Abundant Population:Home to more than 120 Sarus cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, the wetlands are a significant sanctuary for this majestic species.
- Avian Diversity:The wetlands provide refuge to 23 species of birds classified as endangered, critically endangered, or threatened, further emphasizing its importance as a habitat for the Sarus crane.
Rafah Crossing |
Why in News: Palestinians have been congregating at the Rafah border crossing located in the southern Gaza Strip adjacent to Egypt.
About Rafah Crossing
Location and Purpose:
- The Rafah Crossing is situated at the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, specifically in the southern Gaza Strip.
- It functions as a vital point of entry and exit for both people and goods into and out of the Gaza Strip.
Significance of Access:
- It represents one of the limited avenues for movement and trade for the Gaza Strip, which is a Palestinian territory along the Mediterranean coast.
Movement Restrictions:
- Egypt has enforced strict regulations on movement at the Rafah Crossing for an extended period.
- These restrictions have led to concerns about indirect support for Israel’s blockade of Gaza, initiated in 2007 following Hamas’ assumption of control.
Dagestan |
Why in News: Recent events where demonstrators opposed to Israel breached an airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan, have garnered global interest.
About Dagestan
- Official Status: Dagestan, formally recognized as the Republic of Dagestan, is a constituent region within the Russian Federation, clarifying any ambiguity surrounding its name.
- Southernmost Position: Positioned in the southernmost reaches of Russia, Dagestan holds strategic importance within the country’s landscape.
- Meaningful Name:Dagestan’s name translates to “land of the mountains,” underscoring its rugged terrain.
- Regional Context:Situated in the eastern part of the North Caucasus, Dagestan shares borders with Georgia and Chechnya to the west, and Azerbaijan to the south. To the east lies the Caspian Sea.
- Remote Areas:Certain parts of Dagestan’s mountainous regions are so secluded that accessing them necessitates the use of helicopters.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary |
Why in News: The Goa division of the Bombay High Court has instructed the government of Goa to create a tiger reserve within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS).
About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location:Situated in the Western Ghats, spanning across the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Establishment:Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1999.
- UNESCO Designation:Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sahyadri mountain range.
- Diverse Wildlife:Provides habitat for Tigers, Indian gaur, sambar deer, leopards, barking deer, wild boars, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
- Water Diversion Dispute:Ongoing disagreement between Goa and Karnataka regarding the diversion of Mhadei/Mahadayi (Mandovi) River water, raising concerns about its potential impact on the sanctuary’s ecology.
Mount Etna |
Why in News: Volcanic eruptions tend to capture public attention primarily when renowned volcanoes such as Etna, Kilauea, or Eyjafjallajokull are involved.
About Mount Etna
- Location:Situated in Italy, Mount Etna is renowned as Europe’s most active volcano and is among the largest globally.
- Historical Activity:Records indicate volcanic activity dating back to 1500 B.C., with more than 200 eruptions documented since then.
