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Type: National Parks/WS

  • Places in news: Rafah Crossing

    rafah crossing

    Central Idea

    • Palestinians have been gathering at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip.
    • Meanwhile, Egypt has opened the borders for UN humanitarian aid for Palestinians.

    What is Rafah Crossing?

    • The Rafah Crossing is a border crossing point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, located in the southern Gaza Strip.
    • It serves as one of the few access points for people and goods to enter or exit the Gaza Strip, which is a Palestinian territory along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
    • Egypt has maintained strict movement restrictions at the Rafah crossing for years, raising concerns that it indirectly supports Israel’s Gaza blockade, which began in 2007 after Hamas took control.

    Egypt’s Role and Restrictions

    • Security Concerns: Security concerns in North Sinai, where Egypt has battled jihadists linked to Al Qaeda, have largely justified these restrictions.
    • Avoiding Exodus: Egypt may be reluctant to open the crossing without clear conditions and guarantees to avoid a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza.
    • Responsibility Concerns: Egypt is concerned about being responsible for a large influx of Gazans if the crossing is opened indefinitely.
    • Permanent Resettlement: Egypt is reluctant to facilitate a permanent resettlement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza.

  • Places in news: Dhanauri Wetland

    Dhanauri Wetland

    Central Idea

    • The National Green Tribunal has given the UP government four weeks to inform it about the status of the Ramsar tag for Dhanauri wetlands.

    Dhanauri Wetland

    • The Dhanauri Wetlands is a bird-watching area located in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh.
    • It is home to over 120 Sarus cranes (Sarus Cranes is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh).
    • It is a sanctuary for 23 species of endangered, critically endangered, and threatened birds, with special significance as a habitat for the majestic Sarus crane.

    Ecological Significance

    • Dhanauri is a natural wetland that hosts more than 217 bird species, including over 150 Sarus cranes, and serves as a vital birding and nesting site.
    • It has received recognition as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International and has been documented by the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).
    • During peak migratory seasons (November to March), the wetland hosts over 50,000 waterfowls.

    Why in news?

    • Dhanauri plays a crucial role in supporting the vulnerable Sarus crane population.
    • The wetland fulfills two key Ramsar site criteria out of nine:
      1. It hosts over 1% of the biogeographic Sarus crane population.
      2. The area serves as a congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls and various other species.

    Ramsar Wetlands

    • The Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ is an intergovernmental environmental treaty founded by UNESCO in 1971.
    • It derives its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was initially signed.
    • Ramsar sites are wetlands of global significance recognized under this treaty.
    • The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the brink of ecological changes and in need of close monitoring under the Ramsar Convention.

    Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:

    Ramsar site designation hinges on several factors:

    1. Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
    2. Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
    3. Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
    4. Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
    5. Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
    6. Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
    7. Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
    8. Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.

  • India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service

    India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service

    Central Idea

    • PM Modi inaugurated an international, high-speed passenger ferry service in Palk Strait between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai, near Jaffna in Sri Lanka.

    India-Sri Lanka Ferry

    • The service is operated by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and Shipping Corporation of India.
    • It will operate daily, covering the 60-nautical mile (110-km) journey in approximately 3.5 hours.
    • Passengers are entitled to a 50kg free baggage allowance.
    • The Indo-Ceylon Express or Board Mail used to operate between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi port.
    • However, this was stopped in 1982 due to the civil war in the island country.

    About Palk Strait

    Location Narrow water body separating Tamil Nadu, India, and Sri Lanka.
    Name Origin Named after Robert Palk, a British Raj-era governor of Madras Presidency (1755-1763).
    Geographic Boundaries Southern boundaries include Pamban Island (India), Adam’s Bridge (shoals), Gulf of Mannar, and Mannar Island (Sri Lanka).
    Connection Connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Gulf of Mannar in the southwest.
    Alternate Name Southwestern part of the strait is known as Palk Bay.
    Dimensions Width varies from 40 to 85 miles (64 to 137 km), length is approximately 85 miles, and depth is less than 330 feet (100 meters).
    River Inflows Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu flow into the Palk Strait.

  • Kanwar Lake: Bihar’s only Ramsar Site drying up

    kanwar lake

    Central Idea

    • Kawar Lake, Bihar’s only Ramsar Site, is experiencing a significant decrease in water levels and degradation.
    • However, it is drying up due to negligence.

    About Kanwar Lake/ Kabartal Wetland

    • The Kanwar Lake is Asia’s largest oxbow lake situated in the Begusarai district of Bihar.
    • It is a residual oxbow lake, formed due to the meandering of Gandak River, a tributary of Ganga.
    • It was declared a Ramsar site in 2020, making it the first wetland in Bihar to be included in the Ramsar convention.
    • This lake draws water from the confluence of the Gandak, the Bia and the Kareh river – is situated near Manjhaul, 22 km northwest of Begusarai, the district headquarters.

    Various threats to Kanwar Lake

    • Challenges include migratory bird hunting, agricultural activities around wetland areas, and government policies related to wetland management and conservation.
    • This decline has negatively impacted the livelihoods of around 20,000 Nishad community members in nearby villages who depend on fishing.

    Bihar’s Wetland Potential

    • Bihar possesses a substantial area of wetlands, covering around 4.4% of its total geographical area, according to data from ISRO.
    • Despite its wetland potential, Bihar has only one recognized Ramsar site out of a total of 75 in India.

    Potential Wetlands

    • Bihar has proposed several wetlands for Ramsar designation, including Kusheshwarsthan, Barela, Goga Bil, Nagiand Nakti dams, Udaipur Lake, Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, and Gokul Reservoir.
    • These wetlands are home to a range of wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species like dolphins.

    Back2Basics:

    Ramsar Convention
    Purpose International treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands.
    Establishment Established on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
    Participating Countries 171 contracting parties (countries) as of September 2021.
    India and Ramsar Convention The first Ramsar Site in India, the Chilika Lake in Odisha, was designated in 1981.

  • Places in news: Gurez Valley

    gurez valley

    Central Idea

    • The high-altitude passes within the Gurez valley, located in northern Kashmir, are now linked to the Mushkoh valley in the Drass Sector of Kargil, Ladakh. This region was a significant site during the 1999 war.
    • The newly established 130-kilometer road has been opened to tourists, and one of its highest passes, Kaobal Gali, situated at an elevation of 4,166.9 meters in Gurez, serves as the vital link connecting these two valleys.

    About Gurez Valley

    • Found in the Kashmir valley, Gurez is positioned near the Line of Control, which separates it from Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Astore and Neelum districts.
    • The local inhabitants are primarily ethnic Dards/Shins who speak the Shina language and share similar dress and cultural traditions with their counterparts in Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
    • The Buduaab village within Gurez valley is known for its Zumba yak, a smaller breed compared to other yaks.
    • Gurez valley played a significant role in the Kargil war.
    • It is closely situated to the Line of Control (LoC), with the Kishanganga river delineating the border in multiple areas.
    • Unique to the Gurez valley is the presence of villages constructed entirely of log houses, devoid of modern urban construction materials.
    • The region boasts diverse fauna and wildlife, including species such as the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, ibex, musk deer, and marmots.
    • With approximately 38,000 inhabitants, the Gurez valley has already welcomed an impressive 50,000 tourists this year.

    Back2Basisc: Mushkoh Valley

    • Located in Dras, Ladakh, the Mushkoh valley is also renowned as the “valley of wild tulips.”
    • The valley gained notoriety due to the fierce battle at Tiger Hill during a conflict between India and Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.
    • Mushkoh valley’s meadows are adorned with vibrant wild tulip flowers, and it is home to the endangered Himalayan yew.

  • Azerbaijan launches crackdown against Armenia

    armenia_azerbaijan

    Central Idea

    • Azerbaijan announced the continuation of military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh for the second consecutive day, describing it as “anti-terror” operations.
    • The government asserts that these operations will persist until ethnic-Armenian separatists’ surrender.

    Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict

    • Persistent Tensions: The South Caucasus region has experienced prolonged tensions over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
    • Lachin Corridor Blockade: Over the past nine months, Azerbaijan has effectively imposed a blockade on the Lachin Corridor, the sole route from Armenia into Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Nagorno-Karabakh: The Epicenter

    • Historical Conflict: Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan during the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
    • Ceasefire in 1994: A ceasefire was established in 1994 after significant casualties and displacement occurred.
    • Frequent Accusations: Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.

    Economic Implications of Conflict

    • Global Diplomacy: The clashes have spurred diplomatic efforts to prevent a new outbreak of a long-standing conflict between Christian-majority Armenia and mainly Muslim Azerbaijan.
    • Energy Pipelines: Pipelines transporting Caspian oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan to global markets pass near Nagorno-Karabakh.
    • Regional Instability: The conflict raises concerns about instability in the South Caucasus, a vital corridor for pipelines facilitating the transport of oil and gas to international markets.

    India’s Role: Interests and Challenges

    • Asymmetric Relations: India maintains a friendship and cooperation treaty with Armenia (signed in 1995), which restricts India from providing military or any other assistance to Azerbaijan.
    • Investments in Azerbaijan: Indian companies, such as ONGC/OVL and GAIL, have made investments in oilfield projects and LNG exploration in Azerbaijan.
    • Connectivity Potential: Azerbaijan lies on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking India to Russia via Central Asia. It also offers connectivity to Turkey through the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars rail link.
    • Kashmir Dynamics: While Armenia unequivocally supports India’s stance on the Kashmir issue, Azerbaijan opposes it and aligns with Pakistan’s narrative.
    • India’s South Caucasus Policy: India lacks a publicly articulated policy for the South Caucasus, and the region remains on the periphery of its foreign policy focus.

    Balancing Act for India

    • Conflict of Principles: The conflict centers on two international principles: territorial integrity, advocated by Azerbaijan, and the right to self-determination, supported by Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
    • India’s Dilemma: India faces a dilemma as it cannot openly endorse Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, considering Azerbaijan’s disregard for India’s territorial integrity in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Avoiding Misuse: However, India must be cautious not to publicly support Nagorno-Karabakh’s right to self-determination, as it could have implications for India’s territorial integrity and be exploited by adversaries like Pakistan.

  • Liptako-Gourma Charter

    liptako

    Central Idea

    • Military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a significant mutual defense pact known as the Liptako-Gourma Charter, marking a crucial step in addressing the security challenges plaguing the Sahel region.

    Liptako-Gourma Charter

    • This pact establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and aims to create a framework for collective defense and mutual assistance among these nations.
    • The Liptako-Gourma region, where the borders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger converge, has been severely affected by jihadist activities and instability in recent years.
    • The AES seeks to combine military and economic efforts to confront common security threats and advance the well-being of their populations.

    Liptako-Gourma Charter: Key Provisions

    • Mutual Assistance: The charter binds signatory nations to provide mutual assistance, including military support, in the event of an attack on any one of them.
    • Security Restoration: It specifically allows the use of armed force to restore and ensure security in the face of aggression.
    • Rebellion Prevention: The agreement also commits the 3 countries to collaborate on preventing or resolving armed rebellions within their borders.

    Need for such alliance

    • Shared Objective: The primary focus of the alliance is to combat terrorism within the three member countries.
    • Jihadist Insurgency: The Sahel region has grappled with a jihadist insurgency that initially emerged in northern Mali in 2012 and later spread to Burkina Faso and Niger in 2015.

    Back2Basics: Sahel Region

    sahel

    • The Sahel is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic realm of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south.
    • Having a semi-arid climate, it stretches across the south-central latitudes of Northern Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea.
    • The name is derived from the Arabic term for “coast, shore”; this is explained as being used in a figurative sense in reference to the southern edge of the vast Sahara.
    • The Sahel part includes from west to east parts of northern Senegal, southern Mauritania, central Mali, northern Burkina Faso, the extreme south of Algeria, Niger, the extreme north of Nigeria, the extreme north of Cameroon and the Central African Republic, central Chad, central and southern Sudan, the extreme north of South Sudan, Eritrea and the extreme north of Ethiopia.

  • Places in news: Lampedusa Island

    Lampedusa Island

    Central Idea

    • Italy’s Lampedusa Island witnessed an influx of migrants after around 7,000 people arrived from North Africa in two days.
    • Nearly 1,26,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year.

    About Lampedusa Island

    • Lampedusa is the largest of the Italian Pelagie Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
    • It is located approximately 205 km southwest of Sicily, 113 km east of Tunisia, and about 176 kmnorth of Libya.
    • It is part of the Sicilian region of Italy and is situated in the southern Mediterranean Sea.
    • It covers an area of approximately 20.2 square km (7.8 square miles).
    • It has a rich history, with influences from various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans.
    • During World War II, the island was of strategic importance and saw military activity.
    • It has been part of Italy since 1860.

    Migration and Humanitarian Issues

    • Lampedusa has been a focal point for migration from Africa to Europe, with many migrants and refugees attempting to reach the island by boat.
    • This has led to humanitarian challenges and efforts to manage immigration.
    • The island has received international attention for its role in rescue operations and the reception of migrants and asylum seekers.

  • Phanigiri Buddhist artefacts at display in NYC

    phanigiri

    Central Idea

    • The Phanigiri artefacts belonging to 200 BCE-400 CE are on display at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

    About Phanigiri

    • Phanigiri, which means “hillock of snake hood,” is a small village located around 150 km from Hyderabad.
    • A treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art was discovered in 1942, and it re-emerged into the world’s spotlight in 2003.

    Phanigiri’s Artefacts

    • Stupa-like architecture: The discoveries at Phanigiri, particularly the thoranas (archways), have rewritten the narrative of Buddhism in southern India.
    • Presence of sects: These thoranas are among the earliest found south of Sanchi and provide evidence of both Mahayana and Hinayana schools of thought coexisting in Phanigiri.
    • Deification of Buddha: Phanigiri reveals a crucial transition in the perception of Buddha, from a historical and spiritual figure to a deity. This transformation is etched in the artifacts discovered here.

  • Places in news: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary         

    Hollongapar

    Central Idea

    • The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is facing habitat fragmentation due to a railway track that divides the sanctuary.

    Hoolock Gibbons

    • They are a unique primate species, inhabit various regions across India’s northeastern part, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
    • These arboreal creatures are known for their distinctive vocalizations and tree-dwelling behavior.
    • There are two recognized species of hoolock gibbons found in India: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
    • These gibbons play an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.

    Conservation status

    • IUCN Red List:
      1. Western Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Endangered
      2. Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Vulnerable
    • Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972: both listed on Schedule 1 of the

    About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

    • The HGS is located in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
    • It was established in 1997 as a protected area primarily to conserve the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered primate species.
    • The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 20.98 square kilometers.
    • Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
    • It contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.