Prelims Focus- 16th December 2023
1.Hydrographic survey of Maldives
Context: The Maldives government has cancelled its agreement with India for a hydrographic survey.
Details:
- On June 8, 2019, an agreement was signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to collaborate on a hydrographic survey of the Maldivian territorial waters.
- The agreement allowed India to study and chart various aspects of the waters.
- According to the terms, if one party wants to end the agreement, they must inform the other party six months in advance, and the agreement automatically renews for another five years.
- India has historically conducted most of the hydrographic surveys in the Maldives.
- The third joint survey was carried out by the Indian Navy and the MNDF from January 19 to February 26, 2023, covering specific areas in the Northern Maldives.
2.Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: A tiger has been seen at the highest elevation ever recorded in India, surpassing the previous record. The sighting occurred at 3,640 metres in the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim.
About Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary:
- The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the meeting point of Sikkim, Bengal, and Bhutan.
- It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim and is connected to the Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal and the forests of Samtse and Haa district in Bhutan.
- The sanctuary is home to a variety of species, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, goral, and black bears.
- It features high-altitude lakes, such as Lake Tsongmo, which are important for migratory birds.
- Major rivers like Rangpo and Jaldhaka originate from lakes within the sanctuary.
- The sanctuary falls within the Palearctic and Indomalayan realms, supporting diverse species.
- It encompasses various ecoregions, including savannas, broadleaf forests, pine forests, conifer forests, and shrublands.
3.Indira Gandhi Prize
In News: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2023) was awarded jointly to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwadi for their work in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- It is an award given annually by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Foundation of India.
- The award is named in honor of the late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was established in 1986.
- The award is given to individuals or organizations that have significantly promoted international understanding and peace, the formation of a new international economic order, and the strengthening of democracy.
- Categories: The prize is awarded in three categories:
- Peace: Recognizes efforts to promote and maintain international peace and security.
- Disarmament: Recognizes contributions to the reduction and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
- Development: honor for promoting economic and social development.
- The award ceremony is usually held on November 19, Indira Gandhi’s birthday.
4.Barracuda (India’s fastest solar-electric boat)
In News: Barracuda, India’s fastest solar powered boat, was launched at Navalt Solar and Electric Boats in Alappuzha, Kerala to promote eco-friendly sea transport.
-
- It is named after a fast and long fish (Barracuda).
- It was built in partnership with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd and Navalt Solar and Electric Boats.
- Maximum speed: 12.5 knots (23 km/h);
- Operating range: seven hours on a single charge;
- Power: Two 50 kW electric motors, ship LFP battery and 6 kW solar power;
- Importance
-
- It is designed to navigate and operate without noise, vibration and air pollution.
- Certified by the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS), it can navigate through waves up to 4 meters high and can accommodate 12 passengers.
- It marks a shift in the country’s commitment to promoting marine through green energy and sustainability.
.png)
