UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024)

• Urbanisation

Urbanisation

GS Paper 3:

• 16th COP Outcomes

16th COP Outcomes

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• India’s Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reforms

India’s Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reforms

• India Vishwamitra Stand

India Vishwamitra Stand

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• “First in the World Challenge” initiative

“First in the World Challenge” initiative

• Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus

Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus

• Illegal Sand Mining

Illegal Sand Mining

• Tumaini Festival

Tumaini Festival

• RC Morris Report & Kodo Millet

RC Morris Report & Kodo Millet

• LignoSat

LignoSat

Mapping:

• Dal Lake

Dal Lake

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024

#### GS Paper 1:

Urbanisation

Syllabus: Urbanisation

Source: TH

Context: World Cities Day is observed on October 31, highlighting urban challenges and opportunities worldwide.

• This year’s theme, “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability,” reflects the focus on sustainable urban growth led by younger generations.

Definition and Present Status of Urbanisation:

Definition: Urbanisation refers to the increase in population within urban areas, leading to expansion and development.

• Urban Population: About 40% (500 million) of India’s population now lives in urban areas (World Bank, 2023).

• Urban Growth Rate: Grew from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011, with a 2.76% annual rate (Census 2011).

• Regional Distribution: Maharashtra: 8 million (13.5% of urban population). Uttar Pradesh: 4 million. Tamil Nadu: 9 million (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).

• Maharashtra: 8 million (13.5% of urban population).

• Uttar Pradesh: 4 million.

• Tamil Nadu: 9 million (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).

• Shift to Medium Towns: Growth focus is shifting from Tier-1 cities to mid-sized towns due to factors like employment and lifestyle (ADB, 2019).

• Global Context: India contributes significantly to the global urban population of 4.7 billion (57.5%) with projections to double by 2050 (UN).

• Housing Demand: Shortfall of 18.78 million urban housing units, mostly affecting low-income groups (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2012-27).

Types of Urbanisations:

• Natural urbanisation: Growth within urban populations due to natural birth rates.

• Migration-driven urbanisation: Influx of people from rural to urban areas seeking better job opportunities, services, and lifestyle.

• Peripheral urbanisation: Expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas, forming peri-urban regions.

• Economic urbanisation: Driven by industrialisation, business hubs, and employment opportunities.

Challenges in Urbanisation:

• Environmental issues: Air pollution and urban heat islands; 9 of the 10 most polluted cities globally are in India (World Air Quality Report, 2023).

• Inadequate housing: Around 40% of urban Indians live in slums, with an estimated housing shortfall of 18.78 million units.

• Water scarcity: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai face recurring water crises due to poor management.

• Traffic and mobility: Congestion costs are rising, with cities like Bengaluru seeing average peak traffic speeds as low as 18 km/h.

• Waste management: India generates 62 million tons of waste annually, with only 20% treated (CPCB).

Government Initiatives:

· Smart Cities Mission: Developing sustainable and citizen-friendly urban infrastructure.

· AMRUT: Improving basic services in cities, including water supply, sanitation, and public transport.

· Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U): Aiming to address housing shortages in urban areas.

· Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Promoting cleanliness and waste management.

· Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Aims at poverty reduction and livelihood opportunities in urban areas.

Way forward:

• Environmental initiatives: Adoption of the “Sponge City” concept to manage rainwater and reduce urban flooding.

• Digital urban planning: Implementation of urban digital twins for data-driven urban governance.

• Smart water management: Use of technology to detect and manage water distribution efficiently.

• Cybersecurity for Urban Systems: Protecting critical urban digital infrastructure from cyber threats.

Conclusion:

India’s urbanisation must align with the SDG Goal 11 for sustainable cities and NITI Aayog’s Urban Transformation Strategy, emphasizing inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. Through multi-level planning and technological integration, India can work towards achieving urban sustainability and inclusivity in line with global standards.

Insta Links:

• Urbanization

• With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements: (UPSC-2020)

• Worker productivity (Rs. per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.

• The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.

• In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.

• The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer: b)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

16th COP Outcomes

Syllabus: Environment

Source: TH

Context: The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Cali, Colombia, where 190 countries discussed measures to achieve global biodiversity goals, including the ambitious 30-by-30 target.

About COP-16:

• The COP-16 aims to finalize mechanisms for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets, which were set in 2022.

• The primary focus was on ensuring biodiversity conservation, reducing pollution, and establishing fair benefit-sharing systems, especially for Digital Sequence Information (DSI).

• The conference emphasized integrating biodiversity into national and global policies and aligning climate change actions with biodiversity goals.

About Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

· Origin: Opened for signature in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit; entered into force on December 29, 1993.

· Aim: To promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

· Features:

o Ratified by 196 countries (excluding the United States).

o Has three primary objectives: conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing.

o Supplementary agreements include the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing

Key Outcomes from COP-16:

• 30-by-30 Commitment: Aiming to conserve 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030 and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.

• Inclusion of Indigenous Voices: Establishment of a body to include indigenous groups in biodiversity discussions.

• Digital sequence information (DSI): Ongoing debates on fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic data, with plans for a multilateral mechanism yet unresolved.

• Implementation support: Agreement on technical support for biodiversity mainstreaming, addressing invasive species, and enhancing biodiversity-climate synergy.

India’s Contribution at COP-16:

• Financial commitment: India presented an updated biodiversity plan, projecting an expenditure of ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity and conservation from 2025-30, building on the ₹32,207 crore spent from 2018-22.

• Call for International Funding: India emphasized the need for international finance, as outlined in KMGBF’s Target 19, to support biodiversity goals beyond government funds.

• National biodiversity strategy: India highlighted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation through targeted actions.

• Initiatives in Conservation: India cited the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance for the conservation of big cats, indicative of its efforts in global wildlife conservation.

• Expansion of Ramsar Sites: India raised its number of Ramsar sites (wetlands of international importance) from 26 in 2014 to 85 and aims to reach 100, underscoring its dedication to wetland conservation.

Drawbacks of COP-16:

• Funding gaps: Only a fraction of the estimated $200 billion required annually for biodiversity goals has been pledged.

• Unresolved issues: No consensus on contributions to the DSI fund or mechanisms for financial and technical resource allocation.

• Non-binding framework: The KMGBF targets remain non-binding, potentially impacting global commitment to these goals.

Way ahead:

• Securing financing: Mobilize international funding, as indicated in KMGBF’s Target 19, to close the biodiversity financing gap.

• Strengthening implementation: Improve frameworks for monitoring progress toward the 30-by-30 targets and ensure nations adhere to biodiversity policies.

• Enhancing collaborative action: Foster partnerships with indigenous communities and local governments to promote sustainable biodiversity practices.

Conclusion

The COP-16 underlined the urgent need for committed global cooperation and robust financial support to address the biodiversity crisis. Aligning efforts with Sustainable Development Goals and models like the NITI Aayog’s focus on sustainability, India and other nations must work collectively to secure a healthy ecosystem for future generations.

Insta Links:

• International-conventions

• “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (UPSC-2018)

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(b) The UNEP Secretariat

(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation

Answer: c)

• How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC-2019)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

India’s Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reforms

Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has commended India for its strategic fossil fuel subsidy reforms since 2010. By adopting a phased “remove, target, and shift” approach, India significantly cut fossil fuel subsidies while bolstering its support for renewable energy and clean technology.

ADB Report on India – Key Points

• Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reduction: India decreased oil and gas sector subsidies by 85%, from $25 billion in 2013 to $3.5 billion in 2023.

• Fuel Subsidy Phase-Out: Between 2010-2014, India gradually removed subsidies on petrol and diesel, allowing for incremental tax increases (2010-2017) to create fiscal room for clean energy initiatives.

• Targeted Subsidies for LPG: Tax increases from 2014 to 2017, during low global crude prices, redirected funds to enhance LPG access for rural populations, helping reduce reliance on solid fuel.

• Coal Cess for Clean Energy: From 2010-2017, a cess on coal (approx. 30%) supported India’s clean energy fund, aiding renewable projects, solar missions, and off-grid energy solutions.

• Growth of Renewable Energy Support: Subsidies for renewable energy peaked in 2017, reflecting increased investments in clean technologies, and are rising again after a slight decline post-2018.

Relevance for UPSC Exam

• Environment & Climate Change: Demonstrates India’s initiatives in reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting renewable energy.

• Governance & Policy: Highlights India’s strategic fiscal reforms, targeting subsidies, and redirecting funds to sustainable energy projects.

• Economy: Explores fiscal space creation through reforms, aiding in the study of subsidies and economic policy frameworks.

• International Relations: India’s commitment to clean energy aligns with global climate goals, emphasizing cooperation with international bodies like ADB.

India Vishwamitra Stand

Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing India’s approach in a multipolar world, stated that India aims to position itself as a “Vishwamitra” or a friend to all, underlining that friendships are no longer exclusive.

Quotes and Key Statements by the Minister:

• “Friendships are no longer exclusive in a multipolar world; India aims to be a ‘Vishwamitra’ – a friend to all.”

• “What one nation may see as freedom, another might perceive as interference.”

• “India is not a dogmatic civilization, and there is a capability aspect, a self-confidence in how we approach the world.”

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus

• International Relations: Showcases India’s diplomatic stance as a neutral friend in a multipolar world, upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• Ethics in Public Administration: The “Vishwamitra” concept emphasizes inclusiveness, respect, and global cooperation, adding ethical depth to international relations.

• Political Science: Reflects India’s non-dogmatic, multipolar aspirations, fostering mutual respect in global partnerships.

• GS Paper II: Highlights India’s foreign policy strategies, alliances like QUAD, and leadership’s role in navigating historical and ideological differences.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

“First in the World Challenge” initiative

Source: TH

Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched the “First in the World Challenge” initiative, aiming to foster groundbreaking innovations in the health sector.

About First in the World Challenge Initiative:

• Objective: The initiative aims to encourage bold, unique research that brings “first of its kind” innovations to the global health sector.

• Scope: Focuses on out-of-the-box ideas leading to breakthrough health technologies, such as novel vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and interventions.

• Funding criteria: Proposals must be groundbreaking, excluding incremental advancements or process improvements. High-risk, high-reward proposals with global impact potential are prioritized.

• Application: Open to individual researchers or teams from single or multiple institutions.

• Selection process: A committee of top experts, innovators, and policymakers will evaluate and select proposals based on originality and potential for impact.

About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):

• Origin: Founded in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA), it was renamed ICMR in 1949.

• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

• Aim: To advance biomedical research, aiming to improve public health and address national health challenges.

• Functions: Formulates, coordinates, and promotes biomedical research. Conducts and supports medical research benefiting society. Facilitates the translation of medical research into public health applications.

• Formulates, coordinates, and promotes biomedical research.

• Conducts and supports medical research benefiting society.

• Facilitates the translation of medical research into public health applications.

• Vision: “Translating Research into Action for Improving the Health of the Population.”

Insta links:

Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus

Source: TH

Context: WHO faced scrutiny over its handling of polio data, particularly its limited transparency on immune-deficiency and ambiguous vaccine-derived poliovirus cases.

• Recently the ICMR-NIV Mumbai unit confirmed and reported that the polio case detected in Meghalaya was a type 1 vaccine-derived poliovirus.

About Polio Virus:

• Definition: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under five, causing paralysis and sometimes death by attacking the nervous system.

• Types of Polio Virus: Wild Poliovirus Types: WPV1: Currently the most common strain. WPV2: Eradicated globally. WPV3: Declared eradicated in 2019. Vaccine-derived Poliovirus (VDPV): Occurs when the weakened virus in the oral polio vaccine (OPV) reverts to a more virulent form, potentially causing outbreaks in under-immunized areas.

• Wild Poliovirus Types: WPV1: Currently the most common strain. WPV2: Eradicated globally. WPV3: Declared eradicated in 2019.

• WPV1: Currently the most common strain.

• WPV2: Eradicated globally.

• WPV3: Declared eradicated in 2019.

• Vaccine-derived Poliovirus (VDPV): Occurs when the weakened virus in the oral polio vaccine (OPV) reverts to a more virulent form, potentially causing outbreaks in under-immunized areas.

• Vaccines: Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Contains weakened virus, given at birth, with additional doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, and a booster at 16-24 months. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Administered with DPT in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as a booster for added immunity.

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Contains weakened virus, given at birth, with additional doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, and a booster at 16-24 months.

• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Administered with DPT in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as a booster for added immunity.

• Vaccine-derived Poliovirus (VDPV): Circulating VDPV (cVDPV): Develops in under-immunized populations when the vaccine strain spreads and mutates. Immune-deficiency VDPV (iVDPV): Can occur in immune-deficient individuals who carry and excrete the virus for extended periods. Ambiguous VDPV (aVDPV): Cases that do not fit into cVDPV or iVDPV categories.

• Circulating VDPV (cVDPV): Develops in under-immunized populations when the vaccine strain spreads and mutates.

• Immune-deficiency VDPV (iVDPV): Can occur in immune-deficient individuals who carry and excrete the virus for extended periods.

• Ambiguous VDPV (aVDPV): Cases that do not fit into cVDPV or iVDPV categories.

• Transmission: Primarily through the fecal-oral route, the virus multiplies in the intestine, allowing it to invade the nervous system.

• Global Eradication Efforts: Multiple rounds of OPV immunization are recommended to stop cVDPV transmission, with high-quality immunization campaigns being critical.

• India’s Status: Declared polio-free by WHO in 2014, with the last wild polio case reported in 2011.

Insta links:

• World-polio-day

Illegal Sand Mining

Source: TH

Context: Villagers from Assam and Meghalaya, particularly along areas with ongoing inter-state boundary disputes, have united against illegal sand mining that threatens the local ecosystem, livelihoods, and road infrastructure.

About Rivers in news:

• Kolong River (Assam)

• Location: Morigaon district, Assam Joins: The Brahmaputra River Significance: The Kolong is a major distributary of the Brahmaputra and is impacted by sand mining activities in Morigaon, affecting the local ecosystem and road conditions.

• Location: Morigaon district, Assam

• Joins: The Brahmaputra River

• Significance: The Kolong is a major distributary of the Brahmaputra and is impacted by sand mining activities in Morigaon, affecting the local ecosystem and road conditions.

• Dudhnoi (Manda) River (Meghalaya-Assam border)

• Location: Along the Assam-Meghalaya border, especially near Nokmakundi and surrounding villages Joins: Eventually joins the Brahmaputra River Significance: It is a primary site for illegal sand mining in the North Garo Hills region, leading to erosion and water scarcity for cultivation.

• Location: Along the Assam-Meghalaya border, especially near Nokmakundi and surrounding villages

• Joins: Eventually joins the Brahmaputra River

• Significance: It is a primary site for illegal sand mining in the North Garo Hills region, leading to erosion and water scarcity for cultivation.

• Kulsi River (Assam)

• Location: Kamrup district, Assam Joins: Flows into the Brahmaputra River Significance: The Kulsi is a habitat for the endangered Gangetic dolphin, with illegal sand mining contributing to habitat loss and ecosystem disruption.

• Location: Kamrup district, Assam

• Joins: Flows into the Brahmaputra River

• Significance: The Kulsi is a habitat for the endangered Gangetic dolphin, with illegal sand mining contributing to habitat loss and ecosystem disruption.

• Morakolohi River (Assam)

• Location: Chamaria area, near Puthimari village, Kamrup district, Assam Joins: Feeds into the Brahmaputra system Significance: A hotspot for high-speed sand extraction using pump motors, affecting the river’s sustainability and endangering aquatic species.

• Location: Chamaria area, near Puthimari village, Kamrup district, Assam

• Joins: Feeds into the Brahmaputra system

• Significance: A hotspot for high-speed sand extraction using pump motors, affecting the river’s sustainability and endangering aquatic species.

NOTE: From a preliminary exam perspective, try to memorize the river names, their geographical location, and why they are in the news.

Insta Links:

• Assam-floods-why-ganga-brahamputra-region-is-flood-prone

Tumaini Festival

Source: TH

Context: The Tumaini Festival, an annual event held since 2014 at Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp, celebrates the resilience and culture of refugees through music, art, and crafts.

About Tumaini Festival:

• Founded: 2014, by Menes La Plume, a Congolese poet.

• Purpose: To create a unique platform for cultural exchange, showcasing resilience through music, art, and crafts.

• Visitors: Thousands from Malawi and nearby countries, including South Africa and Zimbabwe.

• Significance: Builds connections and breaks stereotypes by humanizing the refugee experience, allowing people to share common experiences and celebrate cultural diversity.

• 2024 Event: Organized by the camp’s youth, many of whom were born in the camp, reflecting local pride and ownership.

About Dzaleka Refugee Camp:

• Location: Near Lilongwe, Malawi, originally established on a former prison site.

• Established: 1994, following regional conflicts, particularly in Africa’s Great Lakes region.

• Capacity: Originally designed for 10,000 refugees but now houses over 60,000.

• Populations: Primarily from DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

• Role: The camp has become a focal point for humanitarian efforts and cultural exchange, aiming to uplift and empower its residents despite challenging conditions.

Insta links:

• Festivals

RC Morris Report & Kodo Millet

Source: TOI

Context: The deaths of 10 elephants in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve have brought renewed attention to a 1934 report by zoologist RC Morris on similar fatalities of elephants in Tamil Nadu.

About RC Morris Report:

• Origin: Written by RC Morris, Fellow of the Zoological Society, in 1934, documenting 14 elephant deaths due to kodo millet poisoning in Tamil Nadu’s Vannathiparai Reserve Forest.

• Antidotes: The report proposed tamarind water and buttermilk as effective remedies for kodo millet poisoning, which are now being reconsidered in the recent Bandhavgarh case.

• Significance: This historical document offers insights into early knowledge of millet toxicity and practical antidotes, drawing connections to recent elephant fatalities from possible mycotoxins associated with kodo millet.

About Varagu (Kodo Millet):

• Definition: A drought-resistant millet known as kodo or varagu in India, primarily cultivated in dry regions for food and fodder.

• Geographic spread: Grown across India, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh, as well as in Pakistan, Thailand, and parts of Africa.

• Nutritional value: Known for high fiber, antioxidant properties, and as a gluten-free option beneficial to health, especially among economically weaker sections.

• Toxicity risks: Vulnerable to fungal contamination under specific environmental conditions, leading to cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) toxin production, which causes “kodo poisoning” with serious symptoms in humans and animals.

About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Situated between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh.

• Status: Designated a national park in 1968, it gained Tiger Reserve status in 1993.

• Topography: Known for valleys, hills, and plains with the historic Bandhavgarh Fort, associated with Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, prominently located.

• Vegetation: Features tropical moist deciduous forests, including sal, mixed forests, and grasslands, with bamboo on the lower slopes.

• Flora: Includes notable species like Saj (Terminalia tomentosa), Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), and Amla (Emblica officinalis).

• Fauna: Hosts the Royal Bengal Tiger noted for the highest density of tiger population in India and globally.

NOTE: This topic is very important from a preliminary point of view. Make a note of the RC Morris report (year, state, anecdote suggested) and note down about Kodo Millet too.

Insta Links:

• International-year-of-millets-IYM-2023

LignoSat

Source: News on Air

Context: In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable space exploration, Japanese scientists from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have developed the world’s first wooden satellite, named LignoSat.

About LignoSat:

• Developers: Created by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.

• Launch: Set to launch on a SpaceX rocket next week to the International Space Station (ISS).

• Mission purpose: To test the resilience of wood, specifically Japanese honoki (magnolia) wood, in space conditions over six months.

• Material benefits: Wood is lightweight, resistant to shattering, and won’t produce harmful particles upon re-entry as it burns up harmlessly in Earth’s atmosphere.

• Future vision: Seen as a potential step towards building wooden structures, planting trees, and constructing sustainable habitats on the Moon and Mars.

Insta Links:

• India-japan-relations

• INSAT-satellites-to-analyse-fog

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 November 2024 Mapping:

Dal Lake

Source: TH

Context: In a historic event, 150 women participated in the first-ever traditional shikara boat race on Dal Lake in Srinagar, breaking societal norms and showcasing their strength.

About Dal Lake:

• Location: Situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.

• Nicknames: Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” and “Srinagar’s Jewel.”

• Size and Structure: The lake spans 18 square kilometers, part of a natural wetland of 21.1 square kilometers, including floating gardens.

• Floating Gardens: Called “Raad” locally, these bloom with lotus flowers during July and August.

• Basins: Divided into four basins—Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (often considered a separate lake).

• Shoreline: Extends 15.5 kilometers with Mughal gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels along the boulevard.

• Floating Market: Known for its vibrant floating market where vendors sell goods from wooden shikaras.

• Depth: Varies from 6 meters at the deepest point to 2.5 meters at the shallowest.

• Winter Freeze: Temperatures can drop to -11°C in winter, causing parts of the lake to freeze.

• Islands: Includes three islands, with Char Chinari (Four Chinars) and Sone Lank (Gold Island) being notable for their historical and scenic significance.

Insta links:

• Dal-lake-area-to-be-eco-sensitive-zone

• Places-in-news

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 4 Nov 2024

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