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Places in News: Nepal
Context: K.P. Sharma Oli took the oath of office as Nepal’s Prime Minister, marking his official assumption of leadership in the government following recent political developments.
About Nepal:
- Location: Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia
- Bordered by: China to the north and India to the south, east, and west.
- India-Nepal border spans over 1,850 km, touching Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Capital: Kathmandu (“The City of Temples”)
- Languages: Nepali is the official language.
- Mountains: It is home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest (8,849 m), the highest peak on Earth.
- Geography:
- Nepal comprises three distinct geographical regions: the Terai Plains (Madhesh), the Hill Region (Pahad), and the Mountain Region (Himal).
- Roughly 75% of the country is covered by mountains.
- Terai region is characterised by low, flat, and fertile land along the southern border with India.
- It runs parallel to Nepal’s southern border.
- Drainage in Nepal:
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- Kathmandu Valley: Drained by the Bagmati River, known for its sacred significance and aquifers in the lacustrine beds.
- Pokhara Valley: Drained by the Seti River, featuring Phewa Lake and bordered by the Annaparna massif.
- Major Rivers: Includes Kosi, Narayani (Gandak), and Karnali rivers.
- Rivers like Kosi and Narayani have been developed for hydroelectric projects in collaboration with India, and discussions are ongoing for the Karnali River.
- Major Lakes: Rara Lake, Phewa Lake, and Tilicho Lake.
- Wildlife:
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- Tarai forests are home to endangered Bengal tigers, leopards, gaurs, elephants, buffalo, and diverse deer, such as chital, sambar, and swamp deer.
- Lesser Rapti Valley shelters endangered great Indian rhinoceros.