CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Archaeologists have made an astonishing discovery in Petra, Jordan, unearthing a hidden tomb that contains 2000-year-old skeletons alongside a chalice reminiscent of the legendary Holy Grail.
• About Petra:
  • Petra is an ancient city steeped in history and archaeology, situated in southern Jordan. It served as the heart of an Arab kingdom during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Established around 312 BCE, Petra has a rich legacy of nearly 2000 years. It was the capital of the Nabataean people, an Arab tribe mentioned in biblical texts. Under Nabataean rule, Petra flourished as a vital hub for spice trade, connecting diverse regions including China, Egypt, Greece, and India.
  • In 106 CE, the Romans conquered Petra, transforming it into the Roman province of Arabia. The city continued to thrive through the second and third centuries, until it fell under Islamic control in the seventh century. In the 12th century, Petra was claimed by various rulers and remained obscured from the world until its rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.
• Features:
  • Many of Petra's iconic structures are intricately carved into the vibrant sandstone cliffs. The name "Petra" derives from the Greek word for "rock." The city is nestled on a terrace through which the Wadi Musa (the Valley of Moses) flows from east to west, bordered by stunning sandstone cliffs displaying hues of red, purple, and pale yellow.
  • Petra is known for its approximately 800 tombs, famously referred to as the "Royal Tombs," with the most celebrated being ‘The Treasury.’ To sustain its large population, the ancient city boasted an elaborate hydrological system, featuring dams, cisterns, rock-hewn water channels, and ceramic pipes.
  • Often called the “Rose City” for the color of its stone, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, recognizing its cultural significance and breathtaking beauty.

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• Larsen and Toubro has proudly unveiled the INS 'Samarthak,' a versatile vessel tailored for the Indian Navy.
• About INS Samarthak:
  • INS Samarthak is the first of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) developed for the Indian Navy. Designed and built entirely at Larsen and Toubro's Kattupalli Shipyard, the vessel embodies the government's 'Make in India' initiative and 'Atmanirbhar Vision.'
  • This highly specialized platform is crafted for multiple roles, primarily to assist in the development and testing of cutting-edge weapons and sensors for the Navy. Additionally, it will undertake various tasks, including maritime surveillance, patrolling, launching and recovering surface and aerial targets, providing humanitarian aid, and addressing marine pollution.
  • With a length of 107 meters and a width of 18.6 meters, the vessel has a displacement of over 3,750 tonnes and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.

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• India is projected to experience a greater surge in energy demand than any other country in the coming decade, as highlighted in the World Energy Outlook 2024.
• About World Energy Outlook 2024:
  • This annual report is published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and serves as the most credible global source for energy analysis and forecasts. It delves into key trends in energy demand and supply, examining their implications for energy security, emissions, and economic growth.
• Highlights of the 2024 Report:
  • The report indicates that the world is entering a new energy landscape characterized by ongoing geopolitical challenges alongside a plentiful supply of various fuels and technologies. An oversupply of oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is anticipated in the latter half of the 2020s, coupled with significant advancements in manufacturing capabilities for essential clean energy technologies.
  • By 2030, low-emission energy sources are expected to account for more than half of global electricity generation. Meanwhile, demand for coal, oil, and gas is projected to peak by the end of this decade. Furthermore, global electricity demand growth is set to quicken, effectively adding the equivalent of Japan’s annual electricity consumption to worldwide usage each year.
• Highlights Related to India:
  • India is set to witness the highest increase in energy demand of any nation over the next decade, driven by its size and the extensive demand growth across all sectors. According to the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), India is on pace to add over 12,000 cars to its roads daily by 2035.
  • The country’s built-up space is projected to expand by over 1 billion square meters annually, surpassing the total built space in South Africa. Iron and steel production is expected to grow by 70% by 2035, while cement output is projected to rise by nearly 55%.
  • The number of air conditioners in India is anticipated to increase by over 4.5 times, leading to electricity demand from air conditioning exceeding Mexico’s total expected consumption in 2035. Overall, India’s total energy demand is forecasted to rise by nearly 35% by 2035, with electricity generation capacity nearly tripling to 1400 GW.
  • Coal is expected to maintain a significant role in India’s energy mix over the coming decades, with plans to add approximately 60 gigawatts of new coal-fired power capacity by 2030. Coal-based electricity generation is projected to increase by over 15%. In 2023, coal accounted for 40% of energy used in sectors like steel, cement, and manufacturing; by 2035, coal consumption in these industries is expected to grow by 50%.

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• In a recent development, cheetahs are set to be reintroduced in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary as part of an initiative to boost tourism in the area.
• About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
  • Location: The sanctuary is located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, with part of its boundary adjacent to Rajasthan. It lies within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
  • History and Area: Established in 1974, the sanctuary covers an expansive area of 368 square kilometers. The River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, creating a natural division between its two sections.
  • Topography: The diverse landscape features a mix of hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam on the Chambal River. The sanctuary, along with the reservoir, is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
  • Vegetation: The sanctuary is home to northern tropical dry deciduous forests, mixed deciduous forests, and dry deciduous scrub.
  • Flora: Key tree species include Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
  • Fauna: The region supports a variety of wildlife, including herbivores such as Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer, alongside carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal. Additionally, there is a healthy population of crocodiles, fish, otters, and turtles.
  • Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is also rich in historical, archaeological, and religious sites, featuring locations like Chaurasigarh, the Chaturbhujnath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, and Taxakeshwar temple, among others.