Geography: February 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Krishna-Godavari Basin

Context 

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has recently achieved successful crude oil extraction from its KG-DWN-98/2 deep-sea project, located in the Krishna-Godavari basin off the eastern coast of India. Despite facing delays and extensions, this milestone is pivotal for ONGC as it strives to boost overall oil production, countering the decline in mature fields.

Krishna-Godavari Basin

• Positioned in Andhra Pradesh and extending into the Bay of Bengal, the Krishna-Godavari basin forms a vast deltaic plain shaped by the Krishna and Godavari rivers. 
• Encompassing approximately 15,000 sq. km on land and 25,000 sq. km offshore, it boasts sediment layers up to 5 km thick, deposited from the Late Carboniferous to Pleistocene epochs. 
• The basin encompasses diverse terrains including uplands, coastal plains, floodplains, and delta plains. Notably, the D-6 block within this basin houses India’s largest natural gas reserves, initially discovered by ONGC in 1983. Beyond its geological significance, the basin serves as a habitat for the Vulnerable Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.

Chilika Lake

Context

A recent water bird status survey conducted in Chilika Lake reveals that nearly 11 lakhs water birds and species dependent on wetlands have visited the lake. Chilika Lake, situated in Odisha, stands as the largest brackish water lake and a significant wintering ground for birds within the Indian subcontinent.

Key Points About Chilika Lake

• Chilika is distinguished as Asia's largest and the world's second largest lagoon.
• In 1981, Chilika Lake was recognized as the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• Notably, the Irrawaddy dolphins, frequently sighted off Satapada Island, are a major attraction at Chilika.
• The expansive Nalabana Island, covering approximately 16 sq km within the lagoon area, was designated a bird sanctuary in 1987.
• Kalijai Temple, situated on an island within Chilika Lake, adds to the cultural significance of the region.

Chilika Lake as a Host for Migratory Birds

• Chilika Lake serves as a crucial destination for birds migrating from extensive distances, including the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote regions of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh, and the Himalayas. 
• The lake's vast mud-fields and abundant fish population provide an ideal habitat for these birds to congregate.

Migratory Species in India

• India accommodates various migratory animals and birds, such as Amur Falcons, Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, and Humpback Whales. 
• In line with its commitment to conservation efforts, India has launched the National Action Plan focusing on the conservation of migratory species under the Central Asian Flyway, as a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Importance of Chilika Lake

• Chilika Lake is one of the most ecologically productive regions of India and the World.
• It is the most prominent wintering location for migrating birds in India.
• The migratory birds arrive here yearly from Russia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh, and the Himalayas.
• It provides fishing-based livelihood to nearly 1.5 lakh fishermen from 132 villages around the Lake.
• Chilika was the first Indian wetland designated as a wetland of International importance from India under the Ramsar Convention.
• Chilika lake is famous for the Irrawaddy dolphins, whose population is 152 in the Lake.
• It is a famous tourist destination in Odisha, and thousands of tourists visit this place each year.
• This Lake houses nearly 33% of the total seagrass area of India, an essential bio-indicator of any ecosystem.

Major Threats to Chilika Lake

Here are the major threats towards Chilika Lake:

• The inflow of silt and sediments from surrounding rivers and agricultural runoff is a significant threat to the lake's ecosystem.
• Encroachment of the lake's shoreline for agricultural and residential purposes.
• Pollution from industrial effluents and agricultural runoff is a growing concern for Chilika Lake.
• Overfishing of both commercial and non-commercial fish species is putting strain on the lake's fish populations.
• The destruction of mangroves and seagrass beds is depriving various species of their breeding and feeding areas.
• Climate change is expected to exacerbate the existing threats to Chilika Lake.

Interesting Facts about Chilika Lake

• Chilika Lake is spread across three districts of Odisha - Ganjam, Khurda, and Puri.
• It is the largest Brackish water lagoon in India and Asia and the second largest in the World.
• The Lake is pear-shaped with a peak area of 1,100 km square.
• Each year, nearly 225 types of bird species visit this lagoon in winter.
• In 1981, Chilika Lake was given the status of the first Ramsar site in India.
• The Lake is home to about six dolphin species, out of which the population of Irrawaddy dolphins is 152.
• This Lake also contains microalgae, seagrass, marine seaweed, fish, and crab populations.
• Daya River is one of the important rivers that drain into this Lake.
• The Nalbana Island in the Lake is a designated Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) act, 1972.

Belgorod Region

Context

Russia has begun to evacuate residents from the border region of Belgorod following a surge in Ukrainian strikes.

About Belgorod

• The Belgorod region lies in western Russia, on the border with Ukraine.
• It lies chiefly in the basins of the upper Vorskla, Donets, and Oskol rivers.

Willingdon Island

Context

Recently, the Cochin Port Joint Trade Union Forum has urged the Prime Minister of India to take effective steps to revive the lost glory of Willingdon Island.

About Willingdon Island

• It is among the most beautiful locations in the Kochi area.
• This is a man-made island, named after Lord Willingdon who was a British Viceroy of India.
• It is among the biggest of its kind in India.
• It is a major commercial centre and has some of the best hotels in the city.
• It is also home to the Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Navy, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Port of Kochi.
• It handles millions of tonnes of freight every year.
• The island is connected to the mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge.

Who was Lord Willingdon (1931 - 1936)?

• He was the 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India.
• Major events during his tenure
• Introduction of the Government of India Act, 1935.
• The Second Round Table Conference, held in 1931, saw the participation of Gandhi as a representative of the Congress. 
• British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald introduced the Communal Award in 1932.
• The Poona Pact of 1932 was reached between Gandhi and Ambedkar to address provisions related to fair representation of backward classes.
• The Third Round Table Conference, held in 1932, failed as neither Gandhi nor Congress attended.

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

Context

Recent studies indicate that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is under imminent threat of collapse due to anthropogenic emissions, potentially occurring between 2025 and 2095.

What is AMOC?

AMOC serves as a vital oceanic circulation system, transporting warm surface waters from the tropics to the northern latitudes and circulating cold, deep waters from the North Atlantic back towards the equator. Its significance lies in its role of globally redistributing heat, influencing climates regionally and globally, particularly moderating temperatures in Europe, North America, and near the Equator.

Mechanism

• Warm Water Transport: AMOC facilitates the transport of warm, saline surface waters from the tropics to the northern regions, contributing to the warming of areas like Europe.
• Cooling and Density Increase: As warm surface waters move poleward, they cool due to atmospheric heat loss, and fresh water from Arctic ice melt joins the cooler ocean, increasing density.
• Downwelling: Cooled, dense water sinks to deeper ocean layers in a process known as downwelling, primarily occurring in the North Atlantic, initiating a southward journey.
• Southward Flow: Cold, dense water flows southward along the ocean floor, redistributing heat and nutrients throughout the ocean. As it resurfaces, warming occurs, completing the AMOC cycle.

Role of Indian Ocean

• The warming of the Indian Ocean intensifies precipitation, drawing more air from other regions, including the Atlantic. 
• Reduced precipitation in the Atlantic leads to higher salinity, enhancing the efficiency of AMOC circulation.

Contribution to Global Climate

AMOC functions as a heat conveyor belt, regulating climate stability by warming northern latitudes and cooling southern latitudes.

Threat

• Increased precipitation and Greenland ice sheet melting introduce cold freshwater into the North Atlantic, reducing salinity and density, thereby slowing down AMOC and raising collapse concerns. 
• Anthropogenic activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbate these risks.

Potential Cascading Effects

• AMOC collapse could alter precipitation patterns, affecting ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest and accelerating Antarctic ice sheet melting, leading to increased sea-level rise. 
• Weakened monsoon circulation may impact agriculture, water resources, and regional climates in South Asia and Africa.

Timor-Leste 

Context

Prime Minister engaged in a bilateral meeting with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

Historical Background

• Diplomatic Recognition: India formally recognized Timor-Leste shortly after its independence in 2002, establishing diplomatic relations.

Economic and Development Cooperation

• Bilateral Trade: Trade between India and Timor-Leste remains modest. Timor-Leste exported $901 worth of goods to India in 2021, mainly medical instruments, while India exported $28.8 million, including rice, raw sugar, and packaged medicaments.
• Development Assistance: India has been actively involved in providing developmental assistance to Timor-Leste, focusing on infrastructure development, capacity building, and human resource development.

Agreements and MOUs

• Both countries have signed bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering various sectors such as trade, education, culture, and technology.

Capacity Building and Development Cooperation

• India has been providing capacity building support to Timor-Leste, including ITEC training slots, ICCR scholarships, and training opportunities for diplomats.
• Additionally, India has provided grants for infrastructure projects and cooperation in the health sector, including the supply of ambulances and medical equipment.

Projects and Initiatives

• Projects like the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in IT and the Bamboo Project aim to contribute to Timor-Leste's development and economic growth.
• Collaboration under initiatives like the IBSA Fund and India-UN Development Partnership Fund further enhances cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, and ICT.

Indian Community and UN Peacekeeping

• About 30 Indians are engaged in various capacities in Timor-Leste, including advisory roles, entrepreneurship, and forming community organizations.
• Both India and Timor-Leste have contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, reflecting shared commitments to global peace and security.

Challenges and Opportunities

• While economic opportunities exist for increased trade and investment, Timor-Leste faces developmental challenges where India's expertise can contribute significantly.
• Geopolitical considerations also influence the bilateral relationship, necessitating a nuanced approach to diplomacy.

Role in India's Act East Policy

• Timor-Leste's strategic location in Southeast Asia enhances India's outreach in the region, offering economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation opportunities.
• Collaboration with Timor-Leste aligns with the objectives of India's Act East Policy, promoting economic engagement, diplomatic cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
• Timor-Leste's potential membership in ASEAN and its resources contribute to India's energy security and connectivity objectives.
• Additionally, collaboration in areas like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security further strengthens bilateral ties and regional stability.

Aigai

Context

The Palace of Aigai, an ancient Greek landmark dating back to the 4th century BC, renowned as the spiritual hub of Macedonian rulers, is set to reopen on January 8th, 2023, following a €20 million renovation spanning 16 years.

Historical Significance as Macedonian Capital

• Situated in northern Greece, Aigai once stood as the capital of the formidable Macedonian kingdom during classical antiquity. 
• The vicinity's tombs house the remains of King Philip II and other monarchs, solidifying Aigai's historical eminence.

Details of the Palace

• Encompassing 15,000 square meters, the site comprises the regal palace alongside adjacent colonnaded pathways and courtyards, which hosted assemblies of ancient Macedonian nobility. 
• The central courtyard, with a capacity for 8,000, witnessed the coronation of Alexander III, famously known as Alexander The Great, in 336 BC, preceding his expansive conquests across Europe and Asia.

Key Facts About Alexander The Great

• Born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia, to King Philip II, Alexander received three years of tutoring from Aristotle as a youth, sparking his fascination with medicine and science. At the age of 20, in 336 BC, he ascended to the Macedonian throne following his father's assassination, initiating his reign by quelling adversaries within Greek and Macedonian domains. 
• Commencing his invasion of the Persian Empire in 334 BC, Alexander annexed territories spanning northeastern Africa and Asia, establishing numerous cities bearing his name in conquered lands. Despite reaching the Ganges River in India, his army refused to proceed further. His conquests formed one of history's grandest empires, stretching from Greece to northwest India. 
• Alexander passed away at the age of 32 in 323 BC, concluding a 13-year reign as Macedonia's monarch.

Destruction and Unearthing Across Centuries

The Palace of Aigai fell victim to Roman destruction in 148 BC. Systematic excavations to unearth the site commenced in the 19th century and persisted into the 20th century, with the most recent restoration endeavors commencing in 2007.

Torkham Border  

Context

Pakistan has effectively shut down a crucial border crossing with Afghanistan for truck drivers, as reported by Afghanistan's ruling Taliban. The Torkham border crossing has experienced multiple closures in recent months.

More about News

• Pakistan alleges that numerous Pakistani Taliban leaders and fighters have sought refuge in Afghanistan, leading to an increase in attacks on Pakistani security forces. 
• Despite the Afghan Taliban government's assurance that it does not permit the Pakistani Taliban to launch attacks from its territory, Pakistan remains concerned about their presence in Afghanistan, given the close alliance between the two groups.

About Torkham Crossing

• The Torkham Crossing serves as a vital link between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Positioned strategically, it serves as a crucial entry point for trade and connectivity between the two countries. 
• This border road is essential for landlocked Afghanistan, connecting the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar to Jalalabad, the principal city in Nangarhar, and onward to the capital, Kabul.

Atmospheric River

Context

California, US is currently facing an extraordinary weather phenomenon termed as an Atmospheric River or Pineapple Express Storm, potentially unleashing up to 8 trillion gallons of rain over the state.

What is an Atmospheric River?

About

• An atmospheric river is a lengthy and narrow band of moisture-laden air that transports substantial amounts of water vapor from the tropics to higher latitudes. 
• These rivers are typically associated with Maritime Tropical (mT) air masses. Upon landfall, they release this moisture as intense precipitation, which can manifest as either rain or snow depending on altitude and temperature. 
• According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the water vapor they carry is roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Consequently, upon reaching land, they can cause severe flooding.

Pineapple Express

• The term "Pineapple Express" refers to a well-known example of atmospheric river storms bringing heavy rainfall to the US West Coast, especially California. 
• This nomenclature stems from the storms drawing moisture from the tropical waters near the Hawaiian Islands, resembling an "express" train of moisture originating from the vicinity of Hawaii, often associated with pineapples. 
• This atmospheric river is propelled by a robust southern branch of the polar jet stream, transporting humid, warm mT air from as far away as the Hawaiian Islands.

Categories

• Category 1 (Weak): Characterized by milder and briefer weather events, with primarily beneficial effects such as 24 hours of modest rainfall.
• Category 2 (Moderate): Represents a moderate storm with mostly beneficial effects but also some hazards.
• Category 3 (Strong): Signifies a more potent and enduring event with a mix of beneficial and hazardous impacts.
• Category 4 (Extreme): Predominantly hazardous, although with some beneficial aspects, such as replenishing reservoirs albeit risking floods.
• Category 5 (Exceptional): Primarily hazardous.

Significance

• Atmospheric rivers play a critical role in replenishing water supplies, particularly in regions like the western United States. Their heavy precipitation significantly contributes to reservoir levels, aiding in drought alleviation and ensuring water availability for various uses. 
• Understanding atmospheric rivers is vital for effective water resource management, encompassing strategies for storage, flood control, and allocation of water resources to meet diverse demands. 
• Additionally, they maintain hydrological balance by redistributing moisture across different regions, supporting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

How Common are Atmospheric Rivers, and Where do They Occur?

• Atmospheric rivers are not confined to the US West Coast; they can occur worldwide, affecting regions such as the UK, Ireland, Norway, and China. They often exacerbate China's rainy season, known as the Mei-Yu season. 
• Despite constituting only 17% of storms on the US West Coast, atmospheric rivers significantly contribute to California's precipitation, snowpack, and major floods. They are predictable and can be forecasted up to a week in advance.