Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant |
Why in News: Bharat Heavy Electricals, a government-owned engineering company, has recently declared the synchronization of the 660-MW unit-2 within the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) with the electricity grid in Bangladesh.
About Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant
- Location:The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) is a 1,320-MW power facility located in Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
- Joint Venture:BHEL is tasked with constructing the power plant, which operates as a 50:50 joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and NTPC Ltd.
- Infrastructure Importance:This project symbolizes successful collaboration between India and Bangladesh, representing a crucial infrastructure development endeavor for Bangladesh.
- Objective:The primary objective of the project is to establish a dependable and cost-efficient base-load power generation system in Bangladesh.
Gulf of Oman |
Why in News: China, Iran, and Russia recently began a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Oman.
About Gulf of Oman
- Geographical Location:The Gulf of Oman, also referred to as the Gulf of Makran, extends westward from the Arabian Sea, situated in the Middle East.
- Strategic Importance:Serving as the sole entrance to the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Oman links the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, ultimately leading to the Persian Gulf.
- Bordering Countries: It is bounded by Pakistan and Iran to the north, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the west, and Oman to the south. Muscat, Oman’s capital, lies along its coast.
- Shallow Nature:Originating as a fissure in the mountainous spine now divided between Iran and Oman, the Gulf of Oman is relatively shallow.
- Significant Islands:Notable islands within the Gulf of Oman include Sheytan Island, Al Fahal Island, Dimaniyat Islands, and the Sawadi Islands.
- Major Ports: Key international shipping hubs situated in the Gulf of Oman encompass Port Sultan Qaboos Muttrah in Muscat, Oman; Chabahar Port in Iran; as well as the Port of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan Container Terminal in the UAE.
- Economic Significance:Roughly one-third of the world’s oil exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, underlining its critical role in global trade and energy transportation.
Yanomami |
Why in News: Recently, the Brazilian government has initiated efforts to expel illegal miners from the largest Indigenous reserve in the Amazon, home to the Yanomami people.
About Yanomami
- Geographical Range: The Yanomami tribe consists of indigenous individuals inhabiting the border region between Venezuela, particularly the Orinoco River basin, and Brazil.
- Alternative Name:They are alternatively referred to as South American Indians.
- Language: The Yanomami people communicate using the Xirianá language.
- Economy and Livelihood: Engaging in foraging horticulture, the Yanomami rely on activities such as shifting cultivation, fruit gathering, banana cultivation, hunting, and other practices to sustain their livelihood.
Chetumal Bay |
Why in News: Researchers have uncovered a vast sinkhole located off the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This enormous blue hole descends to a depth of approximately 900 feet, earning it the title of the second deepest blue hole identified on Earth.
About Chetumal Bay
- Location:Chetumal Bay is a sizable bay situated on the southern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering the western Caribbean Sea.
- Geographic Range:Its geographic location spans northern Belize and southeastern Mexico.
Blue Hole:
- Formation:A blue hole is a large marine cavern or sinkhole that is open to the surface, formed within a bank or island consisting of carbonate bedrock, such as limestone or coral reef.
- Discovery:These formations were first discovered in the late 20th century by fishermen and recreational divers.
- Characteristics: Typically, blue holes contain water influenced by tides, varying in chemistry from fresh to marine or a mixture of both. They extend below sea level for a significant portion of their depth and may offer access to submerged cave passages.
- Examples: Well-known examples include the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea and, in the Caribbean region, the Great Blue Hole and Dean’s Blue Hole.
Kilauea Volcano |
Why in News: According to an advisory from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has recently experienced an eruption.
About Kilauea Volcano
- Location:Kilauea Volcano is the youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano, situated on the southern portion of the Island of Hawai’i, commonly known as Big Island.
- Activity: It experiences near-constant eruptions, emanating from vents located either on its summit, known as the caldera, or on the rift zones.
- Geological Features:
- Kilauea boasts a substantial summit caldera featuring a central crater named Halemaumau.
- According to Hawaiian legends, Halemaumau is believed to be the dwelling place of the fire goddess Pele.
