Today's Brief 19/12/2024

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/xL_iIxsonLw?si=WhhQH1-9XRHWG0Hx

JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/lB0nW4rqaPg?si=aLkURDHrFoVKrP9m

1 . Mansarovar Yatra: India and China agreed on six points to resolve the border issue as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace and a commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue.

The consensus points also include cross-border tourism including in areas like Tibet and cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade and resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, is a journey steeped in religious and cultural significance.

Location:

Mount Kailash: Located in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Lake Mansarovar: Situated at the foot of Mount Kailash.

Key Geographical Features:

High Altitude: The region boasts an average elevation of over 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest pilgrimage sites globally.

Rugged Terrain: The landscape is characterized by steep mountains, deep valleys, and glaciers.

Arid Climate: The region experiences a cold, dry climate with limited rainfall.

Origin of Rivers: Four major river systems – the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali – are believed to originate from this region.

Challenges of the Yatra:

Altitude Sickness: The high altitude can cause acute mountain sickness (AMS) in unacclimatized individuals.

Harsh Weather: The unpredictable weather conditions, including strong winds, snowstorms, and sudden temperature drops, pose significant risks.

Limited Infrastructure: The region has limited infrastructure, including basic amenities and medical facilities.

Political Sensitivity: The area falls within the Tibet Autonomous Region, which has political sensitivities that can impact travel arrangements.

2. Oceanic Heatwaves: A Rising Threat

Oceanic heatwaves, also known as marine heatwaves, are periods of unusually high sea surface temperatures that persist for extended periods. These events have significant impacts on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and even global weather patterns.

Causes:

Climate Change: The primary driver of increasing marine heatwaves is climate change. As the planet warms, the oceans absorb excess heat, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Weather Patterns: Large-scale weather patterns, such as El Niño, can contribute to marine heatwaves by altering ocean currents and wind patterns.

Impacts:

Marine Ecosystems: Heatwaves can cause mass mortality events for marine organisms, including fish, corals, and seabirds. Coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel their symbiotic algae, is a direct result of heat stress.

Fisheries: Changes in water temperature can disrupt fish migration patterns and alter the distribution of fish stocks, impacting fisheries and coastal communities.

Weather Patterns: Marine heatwaves can influence atmospheric circulation, potentially contributing to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves on land.

Recent Examples:

The Blob: A marine heatwave that occurred in the North Pacific Ocean from 2014 to 2016 had devastating impacts on marine life, including mass die-offs of seabirds and harmful algal blooms.

The "Finger of Death": A marine heatwave in the Tasman Sea off the coast of Australia in 2011 caused widespread damage to kelp forests

Addressing the Threat:

Mitigating Climate Change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigating the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves.

Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing early warning systems can help mitigate the impacts of marine heatwaves on marine ecosystems and fisheries.

Protected Areas: Establishing and managing marine protected areas can help safeguard vulnerable ecosystems from the effects of heatwaves.

Thanks For Visiting!!