#MainsFodder #PT2021
Malaria Elimination Certificate
- El Salvador has become the first country in Central America to get the malaria-free certificate
- This certificate from WHO.
- Eligibility: a country when the chain of indigenous transmission of the disease has been disrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years.
- Countries that eliminated Malaria Turkmenistan, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka etc.
- Half the global malaria-related deaths (2019) were in 6 African countries.
- World Malaria Report 2020 - In India, malaria infections fell by 14.4 million (2000-2019)
- The largest reduction in South-East Asia.
- In 2019, India accounted for 86% of all malaria deaths in the region.
Malaria Elimination Certificate
- El Salvador has become the first country in Central America to get the malaria-free certificate
- This certificate from WHO.
- Eligibility: a country when the chain of indigenous transmission of the disease has been disrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years.
- Countries that eliminated Malaria Turkmenistan, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka etc.
- Half the global malaria-related deaths (2019) were in 6 African countries.
- World Malaria Report 2020 - In India, malaria infections fell by 14.4 million (2000-2019)
- The largest reduction in South-East Asia.
- In 2019, India accounted for 86% of all malaria deaths in the region.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Freedom in the World Report 2021
- This report: India’s status as a “free” country has declined to “partly free”.
- Titled as “Democracy Under Siege”
- It was released by Freedom House
- Freedom House a watchdog of human rights.
- It rates people’s access to political rights and civil liberties in 210 countries and territories.
- These countries are declared as “free”, “partly free” or “not free”.
- Indicators -
Electoral process
political pluralism and participation, government functioning
Freedom of expression and belief etc.
Freedom in the World Report 2021
- This report: India’s status as a “free” country has declined to “partly free”.
- Titled as “Democracy Under Siege”
- It was released by Freedom House
- Freedom House a watchdog of human rights.
- It rates people’s access to political rights and civil liberties in 210 countries and territories.
- These countries are declared as “free”, “partly free” or “not free”.
- Indicators -
Electoral process
political pluralism and participation, government functioning
Freedom of expression and belief etc.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
World Report on Hearing
- Released by World Health Organization (WHO).
Key points:
- One in every four individuals across the world will experience mild-to-profound hearing loss by 2050.
- At least 700 million people will suffer from disabling hearing loss and require ear and hearing care.
(Disabling hearing loss as greater than 40 decibels (dB) loss in adults as and greater than 30 dB in children.)
- Reasons for the disability
1. Exposure to excessive noise
2. genetic causes,
3. complications at birth certain 4. infectious diseases
5. chronic ear infections etc
- Over 5% of the global population have disabling hearing loss.
- Only 17% of those who required hearing aid, actually used one.
World Report on Hearing
- Released by World Health Organization (WHO).
Key points:
- One in every four individuals across the world will experience mild-to-profound hearing loss by 2050.
- At least 700 million people will suffer from disabling hearing loss and require ear and hearing care.
(Disabling hearing loss as greater than 40 decibels (dB) loss in adults as and greater than 30 dB in children.)
- Reasons for the disability
1. Exposure to excessive noise
2. genetic causes,
3. complications at birth certain 4. infectious diseases
5. chronic ear infections etc
- Over 5% of the global population have disabling hearing loss.
- Only 17% of those who required hearing aid, actually used one.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
AI Gamechangers’ Programme
- Launched by National
- Association of Software and Services Companies
- It promotes artificial intelligence led innovation in India
- Microsoft as the ‘Innovation Partner’.
Significance:
1. It will be a platform for startups, enterprises, academia for their AI-based products and solutions.
2. It will recognise innovators for
their successful AI implementation.
AI Gamechangers’ Programme
- Launched by National
- Association of Software and Services Companies
- It promotes artificial intelligence led innovation in India
- Microsoft as the ‘Innovation Partner’.
Significance:
1. It will be a platform for startups, enterprises, academia for their AI-based products and solutions.
2. It will recognise innovators for
their successful AI implementation.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Red Rice
- In a major boost to India’s rice exports potential
- The first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the USA.
Key features:
- This rice variety is called ‘Bao-dhaan’ - Integral part of Assamese food.
- ‘Red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam
- No use of any chemical fertilizer.
- It is rich in iron.
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has promoting rice exports through the Rice Export Promotion Forum.
Red Rice
- In a major boost to India’s rice exports potential
- The first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the USA.
Key features:
- This rice variety is called ‘Bao-dhaan’ - Integral part of Assamese food.
- ‘Red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam
- No use of any chemical fertilizer.
- It is rich in iron.
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has promoting rice exports through the Rice Export Promotion Forum.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Municipal Performance Index 2020
- Released by The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- The final rankings of the Municipal Performance Index (MPI) 2020.
- The framework for this assessment was prepared by MoHUA
- The Institute for Competitiveness as the knowledge partner.
- The MPI has classified municipalities based on their population as-
1. Million+ category (Municipalities having over a million population) - Indore (Top), Surat, Bhopal.
2. Less than Million Population category (Municipalities with a population of less than a million) - New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) (Top), Tirupati and Gandhinagar.
Five verticals -
1. Services
2. Finance
3. Policy
4. Technology
5. Governance.
- The MPI is an effort to assess and analyse the performance of Indian municipalities based on their defined set of functions.
Municipal Performance Index 2020
- Released by The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- The final rankings of the Municipal Performance Index (MPI) 2020.
- The framework for this assessment was prepared by MoHUA
- The Institute for Competitiveness as the knowledge partner.
- The MPI has classified municipalities based on their population as-
1. Million+ category (Municipalities having over a million population) - Indore (Top), Surat, Bhopal.
2. Less than Million Population category (Municipalities with a population of less than a million) - New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) (Top), Tirupati and Gandhinagar.
Five verticals -
1. Services
2. Finance
3. Policy
4. Technology
5. Governance.
- The MPI is an effort to assess and analyse the performance of Indian municipalities based on their defined set of functions.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Sattras
- Sattras are monastic institutions
- A part of the 16th century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement
- Started by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1596).
Key features :
- These Sattras/Thans were established as centres of religious, social and cultural reforms
- 16th century across Assam.
- Sattras promulgate Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art”
- It approach with music (borgeet), dance (xattriya) and theatre (bhauna).
- Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Sattradhikar”.
- Monks, known as bhakats, are inducted into Sattras at a young age.
- Monks may or may not be celibate, depending on the kind of Sattra they are inducted into.
Sattras
- Sattras are monastic institutions
- A part of the 16th century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement
- Started by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1596).
Key features :
- These Sattras/Thans were established as centres of religious, social and cultural reforms
- 16th century across Assam.
- Sattras promulgate Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art”
- It approach with music (borgeet), dance (xattriya) and theatre (bhauna).
- Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Sattradhikar”.
- Monks, known as bhakats, are inducted into Sattras at a young age.
- Monks may or may not be celibate, depending on the kind of Sattra they are inducted into.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has signed a MoU with the Central Silk Board
- On a convergence model for the implementation of Agroforestry in the silk sector under the ongoing Scheme.
Significance:
1. incentivize the farmers to take up sericulture based
2. Agroforestry models
contributing to the Make in India
3. Make for the World vision.
4. faster returns to the growers as well as support the
5. production of the range of silks.
Aim:to encourage farmers to plant multi-purpose trees together with the agriculture crops for
1.climate resilience
2. an additional source of income to the farmers
3. enhanced feedstock to inter alia wood-based and herbal industry.
Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has signed a MoU with the Central Silk Board
- On a convergence model for the implementation of Agroforestry in the silk sector under the ongoing Scheme.
Significance:
1. incentivize the farmers to take up sericulture based
2. Agroforestry models
contributing to the Make in India
3. Make for the World vision.
4. faster returns to the growers as well as support the
5. production of the range of silks.
Aim:to encourage farmers to plant multi-purpose trees together with the agriculture crops for
1.climate resilience
2. an additional source of income to the farmers
3. enhanced feedstock to inter alia wood-based and herbal industry.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Agriculture Voltage Technology
- It is an Agri-voltaic system with a capacity of 105 KW
- Developed by ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur.
Significance:
1. can increase the income of farmers by generation of electricity
2. growing of cash crops simultaneously on the same land.
3. a capacity of 500 KW-2 MW.
- Moreover, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) has documented 13 operational agri-voltaic systems in the country
- Managed by different solar PV functionaries and public Institutes.
Agriculture Voltage Technology
- It is an Agri-voltaic system with a capacity of 105 KW
- Developed by ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur.
Significance:
1. can increase the income of farmers by generation of electricity
2. growing of cash crops simultaneously on the same land.
3. a capacity of 500 KW-2 MW.
- Moreover, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) has documented 13 operational agri-voltaic systems in the country
- Managed by different solar PV functionaries and public Institutes.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
- It is one of the rural development schemes.
- Implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- focuses on
1. integrated development of rural clusters by stimulating
2. local economic development,
3. 4enhancing basic services
4. creating well planned Rurban clusters.
5. equity and inclusiveness without compromising
6. facilities perceived to be urban in nature
- It develops a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life
- Under SPMRM, 300 clusters are developed across 28 States and 6 UTs.
- Under SPMRM, there are 105 clusters in 30 States/ UTs for tourism
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
- It is one of the rural development schemes.
- Implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- focuses on
1. integrated development of rural clusters by stimulating
2. local economic development,
3. 4enhancing basic services
4. creating well planned Rurban clusters.
5. equity and inclusiveness without compromising
6. facilities perceived to be urban in nature
- It develops a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life
- Under SPMRM, 300 clusters are developed across 28 States and 6 UTs.
- Under SPMRM, there are 105 clusters in 30 States/ UTs for tourism
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Bodo Peace Accord
- A Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed in January, 2020
- MoS with factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), etc.
- This MoS seeks to:
1. Increase the scope and power of Bodoland Territorial Council.
2. Resolve issues related to Bodo people residing outside Bodoland Territorial Area Districts.
3. Protect Bodo’s social, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities.
4. Provide legislative protection for the land rights of tribals.
5. Ensure quick development of tribal areas and rehabilitate members of NDFB factions.
6. Notify Bodo language as an associate official language in the State.
Bodo Peace Accord
- A Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed in January, 2020
- MoS with factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), etc.
- This MoS seeks to:
1. Increase the scope and power of Bodoland Territorial Council.
2. Resolve issues related to Bodo people residing outside Bodoland Territorial Area Districts.
3. Protect Bodo’s social, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities.
4. Provide legislative protection for the land rights of tribals.
5. Ensure quick development of tribal areas and rehabilitate members of NDFB factions.
6. Notify Bodo language as an associate official language in the State.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
NISAR
- Organisations: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Background: signed a partnership in 2014
- Launching NISAR (NASA-ISRO SAR) by 2022.
- NISAR is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that can produce extremely high-resolution images
Significance:
1. A joint earth observation satellite mission.
2. First satellite mission to use two radar frequencies (L-band and S-band)
3. measure changes in Earth’s surface less than a centimetre across.
4. will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes,
5. sampling Earth on average every 6 days for a baseline 3-year mission.
6. collect data day and night in any weather.
NISAR
- Organisations: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Background: signed a partnership in 2014
- Launching NISAR (NASA-ISRO SAR) by 2022.
- NISAR is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that can produce extremely high-resolution images
Significance:
1. A joint earth observation satellite mission.
2. First satellite mission to use two radar frequencies (L-band and S-band)
3. measure changes in Earth’s surface less than a centimetre across.
4. will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes,
5. sampling Earth on average every 6 days for a baseline 3-year mission.
6. collect data day and night in any weather.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Mankidias and Khadias
- Mankidias and Khadias are the two of the 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG)
- located in Odisha.
- These tribals collect siali fibre and wild honey, which are seasonal, from Similipal forest.
- Concern: Due to the recent forest fire, they couldn’t collect them.
- Nearly 250 people from the tribe live in 9 villages located on the fringes of Similipal.
- Their rights should be recognised under The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Mankidias and Khadias
- Mankidias and Khadias are the two of the 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG)
- located in Odisha.
- These tribals collect siali fibre and wild honey, which are seasonal, from Similipal forest.
- Concern: Due to the recent forest fire, they couldn’t collect them.
- Nearly 250 people from the tribe live in 9 villages located on the fringes of Similipal.
- Their rights should be recognised under The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
E3 Certification Programme
- Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for Brick manufacturing Sector.
- launched by Ministry of Power
- Comes under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
- The E3 Certificate will be awarded enterprises whose specific energy consumption will be 25% lower than the national baseline.
- Enterprises shifting to energy efficient brick manufacturing technology.
- Enterprises whose Production of lower density bricks with better thermal insulation.
Significance:
1. It will lead to cost savings
2. Energy savings to occupiers
3. Better thermal comfort and improved insulation properties.
4. India is the world's 2nd largest producer of bricks.
5. This demand would multiply 3 to 4 times over the next 20 years, through E3 Certification.
E3 Certification Programme
- Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for Brick manufacturing Sector.
- launched by Ministry of Power
- Comes under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
- The E3 Certificate will be awarded enterprises whose specific energy consumption will be 25% lower than the national baseline.
- Enterprises shifting to energy efficient brick manufacturing technology.
- Enterprises whose Production of lower density bricks with better thermal insulation.
Significance:
1. It will lead to cost savings
2. Energy savings to occupiers
3. Better thermal comfort and improved insulation properties.
4. India is the world's 2nd largest producer of bricks.
5. This demand would multiply 3 to 4 times over the next 20 years, through E3 Certification.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Influx from Myanmar
- News: Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.
Concern: India already has a lot of Rohingya migrated from Myanmar.
Key points:
- India, treats all refugees as illegal immigrants.
- In 2020- 40,000 Rohingya refugees in India.
- The State governments have no powers to grant “refugee status to any foreigner”.
- India is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.
- A Free Movement Regime (FMR) exists between India and Myanmar.
- Under FMR every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar
- Resident of any area within 16 km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) can cross the border with a border pass
- FMR issued by the competent authority and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
India Myanmar Border:
- India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and people on either side have familial ties.
- The border along the four states is unfenced and porous.
Influx from Myanmar
- News: Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.
Concern: India already has a lot of Rohingya migrated from Myanmar.
Key points:
- India, treats all refugees as illegal immigrants.
- In 2020- 40,000 Rohingya refugees in India.
- The State governments have no powers to grant “refugee status to any foreigner”.
- India is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.
- A Free Movement Regime (FMR) exists between India and Myanmar.
- Under FMR every member of the hill tribes, who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar
- Resident of any area within 16 km on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) can cross the border with a border pass
- FMR issued by the competent authority and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
India Myanmar Border:
- India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and people on either side have familial ties.
- The border along the four states is unfenced and porous.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
QUAD(Quadrilateral Framework)
- News: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the first summit of the leaders' of the QUAD.
- The meeting was hosted by the USA on a virtual platform.
- In February 2021, QUAD ministerial meeting discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the military takeover in Myanmar.
- QUAD is a grouping of India, USA, Australia and Japan.
- Aim: To safeguard the interests of democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region and address global challenges.
Key Points
- Focus: On pressing crises, such as Covid-19, climate change and emerging technologies.
- Pledge:
1. to promote a free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law
2. to advance security and prosperity
3. To counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Highlights:
- Quad Vaccine Partnership:
Appreciated the Vaccine Maitri initiative (India’s Vaccine Diplomacy) of India.
QUAD(Quadrilateral Framework)
- News: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the first summit of the leaders' of the QUAD.
- The meeting was hosted by the USA on a virtual platform.
- In February 2021, QUAD ministerial meeting discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the military takeover in Myanmar.
- QUAD is a grouping of India, USA, Australia and Japan.
- Aim: To safeguard the interests of democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region and address global challenges.
Key Points
- Focus: On pressing crises, such as Covid-19, climate change and emerging technologies.
- Pledge:
1. to promote a free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law
2. to advance security and prosperity
3. To counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Highlights:
- Quad Vaccine Partnership:
Appreciated the Vaccine Maitri initiative (India’s Vaccine Diplomacy) of India.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Mera Ration APP
- In order to facilitate the 'One Nation One Ration Card’ system in the country
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has launched the 'Mera Ration' mobile app.
Aim: to benefit citizens in identifying the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).
Benefit: especially those ration card holders who move to new areas for livelihoods.
Developed by the National Informatics Center
National Informatics Center (NIC).
Language: The application is currently available in English and Hindi.
(it is planned to be introduced in 14 languages)
Facilities to the Beneficiaries:
1. Can identify and locate the nearest fair price shop.
2.Can easily check details of their foodgrain entitlement, recent transactions.
3. status of Aadhaar seeding can be checked.
4.Can register their migration details.
5.An option to enter suggestions/feedback.
Mera Ration APP
- In order to facilitate the 'One Nation One Ration Card’ system in the country
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has launched the 'Mera Ration' mobile app.
Aim: to benefit citizens in identifying the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).
Benefit: especially those ration card holders who move to new areas for livelihoods.
Developed by the National Informatics Center
National Informatics Center (NIC).
Language: The application is currently available in English and Hindi.
(it is planned to be introduced in 14 languages)
Facilities to the Beneficiaries:
1. Can identify and locate the nearest fair price shop.
2.Can easily check details of their foodgrain entitlement, recent transactions.
3. status of Aadhaar seeding can be checked.
4.Can register their migration details.
5.An option to enter suggestions/feedback.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Maratha Quota Law
- News: There are petitions in the Supreme Court against this law
- Maratha quota law i.e. the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act.
- It provides reservation to Marathas in jobs and admissions in the state.
Key points:
- The petitioners argument that the law was enacted without following the specific procedure laid out in Article 342A
- Article 324A introduced by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018.
- Under this act, it is only the President in consultation with the Governor can specify SEBC classes in a State.
- There was no Presidential notification issued in consultation with the Governor in this law.
Maratha Quota Law
- News: There are petitions in the Supreme Court against this law
- Maratha quota law i.e. the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act.
- It provides reservation to Marathas in jobs and admissions in the state.
Key points:
- The petitioners argument that the law was enacted without following the specific procedure laid out in Article 342A
- Article 324A introduced by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018.
- Under this act, it is only the President in consultation with the Governor can specify SEBC classes in a State.
- There was no Presidential notification issued in consultation with the Governor in this law.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
World Energy Transitions Outlook Report
- This report, previewed at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2021.
- Released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Report:
- Covid-19 crisis offers an unexpected opportunity for countries to decouple their economies from
fossil fuels.
- accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
- It proposes energy transition solutions for the narrow pathway available
- contain the rise of temperature to 1.5°C and halt global warming.
- IRENA estimates that by 2050, 90% of total electricity needs would be supplied by renewables,
- followed by 6% from natural gas and the remaining from nuclear.
- The agency has identified 30 innovations for the integration of wind and solar PV in power systems.
World Energy Transitions Outlook Report
- This report, previewed at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2021.
- Released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Report:
- Covid-19 crisis offers an unexpected opportunity for countries to decouple their economies from
fossil fuels.
- accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
- It proposes energy transition solutions for the narrow pathway available
- contain the rise of temperature to 1.5°C and halt global warming.
- IRENA estimates that by 2050, 90% of total electricity needs would be supplied by renewables,
- followed by 6% from natural gas and the remaining from nuclear.
- The agency has identified 30 innovations for the integration of wind and solar PV in power systems.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Baralacha Pass
News: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would reopen the Baralacha Pass.
Key points:
- Baralacha La is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range
- It connect Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh.
- Situated along the Leh–Manali Highway
- it acts as a water-divide between the Bhaga river and the Yunam river.
- Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chenab river, originates from Surya taal lake,
- Surya taal lake is situated a few of kms from the pass towards Manali.
- Chandra, a major tributary of the Chenab River, also originates from a glacier in this region.
Baralacha Pass
News: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would reopen the Baralacha Pass.
Key points:
- Baralacha La is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range
- It connect Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh.
- Situated along the Leh–Manali Highway
- it acts as a water-divide between the Bhaga river and the Yunam river.
- Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chenab river, originates from Surya taal lake,
- Surya taal lake is situated a few of kms from the pass towards Manali.
- Chandra, a major tributary of the Chenab River, also originates from a glacier in this region.
#MainsFodder #PT2021
Sangay Volcano
- News: Ecuador’s Sangay volcano erupted, spewing clouds of ash.
Key points:
- Sangay volcano has been in an eruptive stage since 2019.
[Ecuador, part of the Pacific Rim’s “Ring of Fire” region, has eight volcanoes in its territory.]
- One of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
- One of Ecuador's most active ones - is located in the northern zone of the Andes.
- It is the southernmost stratovolcano.
- It had frequently erupted in historic times, mostly of strombolian type.
- The earliest report of a historical eruption was in 1628.
- More or less continuous eruptions were reported from 1934 to the present.
Sangay Volcano
- News: Ecuador’s Sangay volcano erupted, spewing clouds of ash.
Key points:
- Sangay volcano has been in an eruptive stage since 2019.
[Ecuador, part of the Pacific Rim’s “Ring of Fire” region, has eight volcanoes in its territory.]
- One of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
- One of Ecuador's most active ones - is located in the northern zone of the Andes.
- It is the southernmost stratovolcano.
- It had frequently erupted in historic times, mostly of strombolian type.
- The earliest report of a historical eruption was in 1628.
- More or less continuous eruptions were reported from 1934 to the present.