Daily Current Affairs : 4-February-2024
India lately celebrated World Wetlands Day 2024 at Sirpur Lake, a delegated Ramsar site located in Indore. This event highlights the importance of wetlands in our environment and their massive contributions to human wellbeing.
Theme of the Celebration
The subject matter for this year was ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.’ This topic emphasizes the critical roles that wetlands play in:
- Flood Protection: Wetlands can absorb excess rainwater, helping to prevent floods in nearby regions.
- Clean Water: They filter out pollutants and provide cleaner water for drinking and agriculture.
- Biodiversity: Wetlands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making them vital for maintaining biodiversity.
- Recreational Opportunities: They offer areas for activities like bird watching, fishing, and photography, enriching our recreational experiences.
Increase in Ramsar Sites
As part of the celebration, India announced that it has increased its total number of Ramsar sites to 80 by designating five more wetlands. Ramsar sites are recognized for their international importance under the Ramsar Convention, which aims to conserve wetlands and promote their sustainable use.
Understanding Wetlands
Wetlands are unique environments characterized by their water-saturated land. They can be found in various forms, including swamps, marshes, and bogs. Here are some key features of wetlands:
- Transition Zones: Wetlands act as a bridge between land and water.
- Nutrient Cycling: They play a crucial role in recycling nutrients, which supports plant and animal life.
- Energy Interaction: The sun’s energy helps drive the biological processes in wetlands, making them productive ecosystems.
Important Points:
Key Roles of Wetlands:
- Flood Protection: Absorb excess rainwater to prevent floods.
- Clean Water: Filter pollutants, providing cleaner water for drinking and agriculture.
- Biodiversity: Support a wide variety of plants and animals, crucial for ecosystem health.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offer spaces for activities like bird watching, fishing, and photography.
Ramsar Sites:
- India increased its total number of Ramsar sites to 80 by designating five additional wetlands.
- Ramsar sites are recognized for their international importance and conservation under the Ramsar Convention.
Characteristics of Wetlands:
- Transition Zones: Serve as a bridge between land and water.
- Nutrient Cycling: Play a key role in recycling nutrients for plant and animal life.
- Energy Interaction: Utilize solar energy to drive biological processes, making them productive ecosystems.
Why In News
India celebrated World Wetlands Day 2024 at Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site in Indore, highlighting the nation’s commitment to conserving its vital wetland ecosystems and raising awareness about their importance for both the environment and human wellbeing.
MCQs about Celebrating World Wetlands Day 2024 in India
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What was the theme of World Wetlands Day 2024 celebrated in India?
A. Wetlands and Climate Change
B. Wetlands and Human Wellbeing
C. Wetlands and Biodiversity
D. Wetlands and Sustainable Development
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How many Ramsar sites does India have after the recent designation?
A. 75
B. 80
C. 85
D. 90
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Which of the following is NOT a role of wetlands ?
A. Flood Protection
B. Soil Erosion
C. Clean Water
D. Biodiversity
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What is a key characteristic of wetlands described in the essay?
A. They are always dry areas.
B. They serve as transition zones between land and water.
C. They are only found in tropical regions.
D. They have no significant biological activity.
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