CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -In a unique and first-of-its-kind initiative, the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India, has undertaken to set up India’s first-ever “Night Sky Sanctuary” in Ladakh. The proposed Dark Sky Reserve will be located at Hanle in Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Detailed explanation-2: -At a meeting between Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur on Saturday, it was also decided that the proposed ‘dark sky reserve’ will be located at Hanle in Ladakh as part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Detailed explanation-3: -Alongside Ynys Enlli, there are just 16 other dark sky sanctuaries around the world, from the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific Ocean to Medicine Rocks state park in Montana. Ynys Enlli lies 3 kilometres off the tip of the Llŷn peninsula in north Wales, and records suggest it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

Detailed explanation-4: -This sanctuary is home to a diversity of flora and fauna and is spread over an area of 1, 600 sq km. It is located in the Ladakhi Changthang Plateau in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. It boasts of the highest lake on earth, Tso Moriri.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ladakh is now home to India’s first Dark Sky Reserve, Hanle Dark Sky Reserve. Hanle is a small village in the Changthang region, approximately 270 km south-east of Leh.