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Monthly DNA
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs is celebrated on January 9 every year. Aim - To mark the contribution and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. It’s a day to acknowledge the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have made significant contributions to their adopted countries.
28 January, 2024
Migration
International Migrants Day is observed on December 18th each year. Theme of International Migrants Day, 2023 - Act Today. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2000 to recognize the contributions of migrants and the challenges they face. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related agency that highlights the contributions and challenges of the migrants worldwide.
26 December, 2023
Migration
Hakki Pikkis community The government is working to return members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community from Karnataka who are trapped in a violent region of Sudan. About the Hakki Pikki Tribe They are a semi-nomadic group that originally consisted of bird catchers and hunters; the words "bird" and "catchers" in Kannada are both used to describe them. They reside primarily close to forested areas in a number of states in west and south India. There are 11,892 Hakki Pikki people in Karnataka, according to the 2011 census. They are thought to have been born in the bordering states of…
26 April, 2023
Migration
India's Urban Planning For India's urban journey, urban planners recently emphasised the need for a multigenerational process. More on the news: According to the Economic Intelligence Unit's 2019 Global Liveability Index rankings, two of India's main cities, Mumbai and Delhi, are falling in the rankings. It evaluates livability in 140 cities. India has a population of 1210 million people in 2011 and a 31.1% urbanisation rate (Census of India 2011). Urbanization is the process of more people moving into urban areas. The number of urban centres and the rate of urbanisation vary widely across the nation. Ten States—Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,…
17 February, 2023
Urbanisation
The Transport 4 All Challenge It is a project of the Government of India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Aim: To bring cities, citizens, and startups together to create solutions that improve public transportation and better serve the needs of all citizens. Focuses on digital innovation and invites cities, citizens, and innovators to collaborate on developing contextual digital solutions to improve formal and informal public transportation in order to better serve the mobility needs of all citizens. The Transport4All Digital Innovation Challenge is divided into three stages: Stage I PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Cities, with the assistance of non-governmental organisations (NGOs),…
15 November, 2022
Urbanisation
World Cities Day & Urbanization Every year on October 31, World Cities Day is observed to raise awareness of the need for international cooperation in advancing global urbanisation and addressing its difficulties. By 2050, seven out of ten people on the planet will reside in cities, according to the UN. What is the World Cities History Day? 2022's theme is "Act Local to Go Global." History: World Cities Day was established by a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 27, 2013. 2014 saw the inaugural occasion for the celebration. The UNGA's choice to create World…
02 November, 2022
Urbanisation
Sea Level Rise and Its Impact GS-PAPER-1 Geography: Oceanography (PT-MAINS) Image Source - Recently, a study in the journal Scientific reports made predictions that a large population and assets will be globally affected as a consequence of Sea Level Rise (SLR). SLR is a consequence of climate change, which is predicted to increase coastal flooding by 2100. The global population potentially exposed to episodic coastal flooding will increase from 128-171 million to 176-287 million by 2100. 0.5-0.7% of the world’s land area is at risk of episodic coastal flooding by 2100, impacting 2.5-4.1% of the population. The value of global assets exposed to coastal flooding is projected to be between 6,000-$9,000…
04 August, 2020
Oceanography
NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers NITI Aayog, along with a working subgroup of officials and members of civil society, has prepared a draft National Migrant Labour policy. It puts forward several radical ideas including the adoption of a rights-based approach and creating an additional layer of institutions to create a more enabling policy environment for migrants. Highlights of the Draft policy It proposes a new National Migration Policy and the formation of a special unit within the Ministry of Labour and Employment to work closely with other ministries The new structure would bring about much-needed convergence across line departments and would be a huge step towards…
11 April, 2021
Migration
Inclusionary Urbanisation Context With a clear focus on the expansion of Metro Rail and bus services through Central funding, Budget 2021 has recognised a core component of urbanisation. Clean and Green mass mobility Comfortable, safe and affordable commuting has well-recognised multiplier effects for the economy and more generally for public health, although COVID-19 has had the perverse effect of driving people away to the safety of personal car and two-wheeler bubbles. There is little doubt that when the pandemic is under control, more people will return to clean and green mass mobility. Upcoming metro projects Central funding of 1,957 crore,…
04 February, 2021
Urbanisation
California Wildfires California (USA) is facing sprawling wildfires destroying more than 400,000 acres of forests in Northern and Central California. Reasons for California’s Wildfires: Climate: California, like much of the West, gets most of its moisture in the fall and winter. Its vegetation then stays dry throughout the summer because of a lack of rainfall and warmer temperatures, which ultimately serve as the ignition for fires. However, with global warming, the temperature has increased by 1-2 degrees Celsius, leading to an upsurge in cases of wildfires. Human intervention: The spark for many fires arises due to human-made causes such…
24 August, 2020
Forest Fire
Sea Level Rise: Its Impact GS-PAPER-1 Geography: Oceanography (PT-MAINS) Recently, a study in journal Scientific reports made predictions that a large population and assets will be globally affected as a consequence of Sea Level Rise (SLR). SLR is a consequence of climate change, which is predicted to increase coastal flooding by 2100. The global population potentially exposed to episodic coastal flooding will increase from 128-171 million to 176-287 million by 2100. 0.5-0.7% of the world’s land area is at a risk of episodic coastal flooding by 2100, impacting 2.5-4.1% of the population. The value of global assets exposed to coastal flooding is projected to be between 6,000-$9,000 billion USD, or 12-20%…
04 August, 2020
Oceanography
Inclusive urbanisation GS-PAPER-1 Geography – Urbanization The Covid-19 pandemic has proved that the Indian cities are overburdened and underprepared to provide guaranteed social protection to millions of migrant workers. Due to denial of access to adequate food and nutrition, livelihood, housing and basic amenities like water and sanitation facilities, there has been an exodus of migrant labourers from urban to rural areas. Further, with over 90% of the population working in the informal economy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has predicted that as a result of the crisis and subsequent lockdown, about 400 million workers will fall deeper into poverty. Given the significance…
03 August, 2020
Urbanisation
Venus Coronae Researchers have recently studied the formation of Venus’ ring-shaped volcanic structures called “Coronae”. They are formed by plumes of molten rock rising from the mantle up through the crust. This process is similar to how Earth’s volcanos function. Interestingly, most of Earth’s volcanism occurs along the boundaries of tectonic plates, but modern Venus doesn’t seem to possess tectonic plates. They identified three dozen features on Venus, which they state could have been created by volcanism. If this is true then it will potentially reshape our understanding of the planet and its evolution. Venus was earlier determined to be…
28 July, 2020
Geomorphology
Social Security Number for Migrants GS-Paper-3 Economic development (Mains) The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour has recommended that the government introduce a social security number for migrant workers, especially those working in the unorganised sectors which are beyond the purview of the labour laws. Background: The Ministry of Labour and Employment was unable to give any concrete figures on the number of migrant workers. However, the officials quoted data from the Railway Ministry. About 1.08 crore migrant workers had travelled on Special Shramik express trains initiated by the government to ferry migrant workers. It was pointed out that students and family members of the workers too used these trains and thus this…
27 July, 2020
Urbanisation
Earthquakes management GS-Paper-1 Geography- Earthquake (PT) According to a recently published study, researchers have developed a new way to improve the prediction of earthquakes. Seismic Waves Vibrations from an earthquake are categorised as P (primary) and S (secondary) waves. They travel through the Earth in different ways and at different speeds. They can be detected and analysed. P-waves: These are the first waves detected by seismographs (instruments used to detect and record earthquakes). These are longitudinal waves which means they vibrate in the same direction as they travel. Other examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and waves in a stretched spring. S-waves: These waves arrive at the detector after primary waves. These are transverse waves which means they vibrate…
20 July, 2020
Earthquake
Assam’s Flood and Management GS-PAPER -1 Geography – Flood Management The recent flood in Assam has led to heavy casualties, displacement of people and animals and destruction of property and the environment. It has also led to the inundation of 80% of the area of Kaziranga National Park. The reason behind Floods: Ill-maintained or poorly constructed river embankments are the main reason behind the flooding. One major feature of flood management in Assam is total dependence on embankments. Assam began constructing embankments in the 1960s and most of them have outlived their utility. Many of these started breaching or collapsing in the…
20 July, 2020
Floods management
Previously unknown faults at the foot of the Himalayas discovered Context Data from an oil and gas exploration company has now helped geologists discover a series of faults at the foot of the Himalaya. Sesimic exploration data The team looked at seismic reflection data, which are routinely collected by exploration companies looking for oil and gas. In this method, seismic waves are produced by small explosions at multiple sources, and many recorders called geophones to record the sound echoing off layers beneath the surface. Composite image The signals are combined to make an image that looks like a slice showing…
19 July, 2020
Earthquake
Forest Fires in India According to the report of the Forest Survey of India, between 2003–2017, a total of 5,20,861 active forest fire events were detected in India. About 54% of the forest cover in India is exposed to occasional fire. Most fire-prone regions - Northeast India, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Western Himalayas have shown a sharp increase in carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone during high fire activity periods. The occurrence of high fire intensity in the low-altitude Himalayan hilly regions may be due to the plant species (pine trees) in the area and their proximity to villages. Villages…
14 July, 2020
Forest Fire
Y Nalla The strategic ‘Y Nalla’ near the Shyok-Galwan axis has become the new frontier for Indian and Chinese troops after the construction of a new post and infrastructure in Galway Valley is believed to have cut off the traditional access to Patrol Point-14 on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The infrastructure built comprised hardened shelters for troops and defensive positions at the Y-junction. At this junction, the Galway River takes a sharp bend towards its meeting point with the Shyok River. Galwan River meets Shyok River and is approximately 1km away from the PP-14 area. Patrolled by Indian…
13 July, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Ambarnaya river It is located in the Arctic Ocean near Siberia The Ambarnaya River, into which the oil has been discharged, is part of a network that flows into the environmentally sensitive Arctic Ocean. The state-owned TASS news agency reported that the emergency measures were announced within Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Region, located in the vast and sparsely populated Siberian peninsula. How did the leak happen? The thermoelectric power plant at Norilsk is built on permafrost, which has weakened over the years owing to climate change. The power plant is located near the Region’s Norilsk city, around 3000 km northeast of Moscow.…
08 July, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Most populous city in the World Tokyo is the most populous city in the World. Delhi will overtake it by 2030. According to the report called World Urbanisation Prospects 2018 by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of Delhi and its immediate neighbourhood is now estimated to be 29 million, second only to Tokyo with 37 million people.
07 July, 2020
Urbanisation
Great Oxidation Event (GOE) The Great Oxidation Event (GOE), sometimes also called the Great Oxygenation Event, Oxygen Catastrophe, Oxygen Crisis, Oxygen Holocaust, or Oxygen Revolution, was a time period when the Earth's atmosphere and the shallow ocean experienced a rise in oxygen, approximately 2.4 billion years ago (2.4 Ga) to 2.1–2.0 Ga during the Paleoproterozoic era. Geological, isotopic, and chemical evidence suggests that biologically produced molecular oxygen (dioxygen, O2) started to accumulate in Earth's atmosphere and changed Earth's atmosphere from a weakly reducing atmosphere to an oxidizing atmosphere, causing many existing species on Earth to die out. The cyanobacteria producing…
05 July, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Sakteng Wildlife sanctuary It is located in the eastern sector of Bhutan. It is claimed by China. It is closer to Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the country's protected areas. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
06 July, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Bostwana It has the world’s largest number of elephants at about 1.3 lacs. Okavango Delta is located here Recently over 350 elephants died and the causes are unknown which can be due to anthrax.
03 July, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Sankalp Parva: Plantation of Trees The Ministry of Culture is celebrating ‘Sankalp Parva’ to plant trees from 28th June to 12th July 2020. The initiative has been taken on the call of the Prime Minister to plant at least five trees either in the office campus or wherever it is possible, to ensure a clean and healthy environment of the country. points The Ministry of Culture has recommended planting five trees which represent the herbal heritage of the country. These trees are Bargad, Awla, Papal, Ashok and Bel. These are also medicinal plants. Other Initiatives Related to Plantation of Trees: Recently, the government announced the implementation of the Nagar Van (Urban…
30 June, 2020
Social forestry
Indian Ocean Dipole- New phenomenon to emerge When the Indian Ocean’s ancient climate patterns return About 19,000-21,000 years ago, ice sheets covered North America and Eurasia, and sea levels were much lower, with Adam’s Bridge exposed so that the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka were contiguous. This period, the peak of ice age conditions, is called the Last Glacial Maximum. Researchers analysed simulations of this past climate and predicted that the ongoing climate change could reawaken an ancient climate pattern of the Indian Ocean. Similarity with the El Nino They find that this could be similar to the El Niño phenomenon of the…
28 June, 2020
Oceanography
Bum La Pass The Bum La Pass is a mountain pass located at the Indo-China border above 15,200 ft above sea level, it is about 37 km away from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The road to Bum La is also a historical route, the People's Liberation Army of China invaded India during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. In 2006, Bumla pass was re-opened to traders for the first time in 44 years. Traders from both sides of the pass were permitted to enter each other's territories, in addition to postal workers from each country. The area includes route taken by the…
23 June, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Blazars Study of optical properties of super-massive black-hole can provide a clue to emission mechanism from its close vicinity Context Through 153 nights, 17 scientists from 9 countries in Europe and Asia including researchers from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India took 2263 image frames and observed the changes in a very high energy gamma-ray emitting blazar ‘1ES 0806+524’ using seven optical telescopes in Europe and Asia. Blazar A blazar is a feeding super-massive black-hole (SMBH) in the heart of a distant galaxy that…
23 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Scientists detect ionospheric irregularities during major space weather events that influence communication & navigation systems The Earth's magnetic field lines are nearly horizontal over magnetic equator due to which equatorial ionosphere is a bed for a variety of plasma instabilities to cause plasma disturbances and plasma irregularities. These plasma irregularities pose severe problems to the communication and navigation systems and interfere with surveillance operations as well as disruption in detection and tracking of aircraft, missiles, and satellites. A multi-instrument based ionospheric study of space weather storms over India by the Scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) an autonomous…
23 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Extreme Helium Stars (EHe) An extreme helium star or EHe is a low-mass supergiant that is almost devoid of hydrogen, the most common chemical element of the universe. There are 21 of them detected so far in our galaxy. Mystery of EHe resolved The origin and evolution of these Hydrogen deficient objects have been shrouded in mystery. Their severe chemical peculiarities challenge the theory of well-accepted stellar evolution as the observed chemical composition of these stars do not match with that predicted for low mass evolved stars. A study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) an autonomous institute of…
22 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Star Clusters Study showing stars of varied ages can co-exist in open clusters, provides a clue to stellar evolution in the Milky Way Galaxy Stars Stars in our Galaxy are formed from the molecular clouds present in the Galaxy. It is believed that the majority of stars in our Galaxy are formed in star clusters making them important clues to understanding the star formation mechanism. Open star clusters are a system of stars bound by gravity in which stars are born from the same molecular clouds. All the stars in a cluster follow the evolutionary sequence as per their initial masses…
22 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Water worlds Saturn’s moon Enceladus and Jupiter’s moon Europa are still interesting as candidates that may support life because scientists have spotted water plumes bursting from their icy shells. NASA guesses that more than many exoplanets could be ‘water worlds’. This includes some members of the Trappist-1 system which is 40 light years away.
21 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Role of Anti-cyclone in North-east Asia New research has revealed a link between an increase in extreme summer heat events in Northeast Asia and the role of anticyclones in the region. Extreme heat events have increased across the world and are responsible for a large number of deaths and harming crops and livestock as well. Nearly half of the magnitude of the 2018 extreme heat event across China and Japan was caused by anomalous anticyclones in Northeast Asia. There are mainly 2 factors which make the extreme heat events more likely to occur over Northeast Asia. Dynamic (anticyclone) and thermodynamic…
19 June, 2020
Anti cyclone
Delhi’s minor tremors In the wake of the recent series of tremors in Delhi-NCR, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, has said that such tremors are not unusual in the Delhi-NCR region, but indicate that strain energy is built up in the region. They have said that since the seismic network is quite good, present micro to minor earthquakes in and around Delhi-NCR could be recorded. Though our understanding, in terms of when, where and with how much energy (or magnitude) an earthquake can occur, is not clear, the vulnerability of…
20 June, 2020
Earthquake
Land use Change GS-Paper-1 Geography PT-MAINS Land use change is a process which transforms the natural landscape by direct human-induced land use such as settlements, commercial and economic uses and forestry activities. It impacts the overall environment in terms of greenhouse gas emission, land degradation and climate change. Land use change promotes zoonoses like Covid-19 as the interaction and physical distance between animals and humans get closer. Land use change can be a factor in CO2 (carbon dioxide) atmospheric concentration, and is thus a contributor to global climate change. It represents almost 25% of total global emissions. According to…
18 June, 2020
Land use pattern
Coral Reefs GS-Paper-1 Geography (PT-MAINS) A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, whose polyps cluster in groups. Coral belongs to the class Anthozoa in the animal phylum Cnidaria, which includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons that support and protect the coral. Most reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated water. Sometimes called rainforests of the sea, shallow coral reefs form some of Earth's most diverse…
18 June, 2020
Coral reefs
Wakhan Corridor Wakhan corridor is a narrow strip of inhospitable and barely accessible land in Afghanistan bordered by the mountains of Tajikistan and Pakistan, and extending all the way to China. The corridor is also known by its Persian name Bam-e-Dunya, or “roof of the world” The area is populated by the Wakhins who are the members of a nomadic tribe in the region. Created in the 19th century as a Great Game buffer zone between tsarist Russia and British India, the corridor has since remained untouched by any kind of government It can be reached from surrounding countries through…
17 June, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Great Oxidation Event (GOE) The atmosphere of early Earth contained little molecular oxygen. A significant increase in oxygen occurred ca. 2.4–2.0 billion years ago in what is called the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). A large positive excursion in carbon isotopic composition in sedimentary carbonates is known to have occurred 2.2–2.0 billion years ago (the Lomagundi-Jatuli event), which provides evidence for an enhanced rate of organic carbon burial, i.e., enhanced net production of oxygen. The Proterozoic snowball Earth event (global glaciation) occurred 2.3–2.2 billion years ago, roughly coinciding with the GOE. Thus, a causal relationship between the GOE and the snowball…
14 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
India’s deepest solar eclipse India will witness its “deepest” annular solar eclipse of this century this Sunday (June 21), with the Sun appearing as a necklace of pearls for around 30 seconds during the maximum phase along a narrow corridor running through Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttarakhand. The eclipse will be partial in the rest of the country. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the apparent size of the Moon is slightly less than that of the Sun, which leaves the outer rim of the latter uncovered, giving the appearance of a “ring of fire”. During this eclipse, that ring is…
17 June, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Indian Gas Exchange Part of: GS-III- Economy (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches Indian Gas Exchange, the first nationwide online delivery-based gas trading platform Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel launched the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), the first nationwide online delivery-based gas trading platform, in an e-ceremony. IGX will be a delivery-based trading platform for the delivery of natural Gas. Imp Points Incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the IEX - India’s energy market platform, IGX will enable market participants to trade in standardised gas contracts. The platform is fully automated with a web-based interface to provide a…
17 June, 2020
Oil and Natural Gas
Agroforestry Farmers to Industry HeldMultiple uses of Agroforestry - National Agroforestry Policy Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Webinar on Connecting Agroforestry Farmers to Industry HeldMultiple uses of Agroforestry Ranging from Additional Income to Farmers to Carbon Sequestration for Combating Climate Change Highlighted A webinar was organized to discuss ways and means to connect agroforestry farmers to industry and sensitise implementing States to assist farmers in making the correct choice of species. The webinar dwelt on the various reforms brought in the agriculture sector to ensure optimum remuneration to farmers to ensure their welfare, including Rs 1.63 lakh crore outlay…
16 June, 2020
Agroforestry
Galapagos The rising tourist arrival to Galapagos Island puts pressure on the fragile volcanic archipelago. The Galapagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are distributed on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere. The island-inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of evolution and was his field of study. The Islands and their surrounding waters form the Galapagos Province of Ecuador, the Galapagos National Park, and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. UNESCO recognised the islands as a World Heritage Site and as a biosphere reserve.
16 June, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Karnataka plans to provide tap connections to all rural households under Jal Jeevan Mission by 2022-23 Part of: GS-III- Water resource (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Karnataka presented its Annual Action Plan for the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the State to the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has been working with the States in preparing a roadmap to implement the Prime Minister’s flagship programme Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide 55 litres of potable water per person per day to every rural household in the country by 2024. Karnataka is planning 100% household coverage by…
09 June, 2020
Water resources
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) IWAI signed a project agreement with the world bank for the Jal Marg Vikas on Ganga (NW1). They IWAIcame into existence for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. Functions of IWAI with respect to National Waterways Survey Navigation, Infrastructure and Regulations Fairway Development Pilotage Coordination of IWT with other modes Read also: https://www.aspireias.com/daily-news-analysis-current-affairs/Jal-Marg-Vikas-Project-Inland-waterways
08 June, 2020
Inland Waterways
Rabi Crops Sowing The area under the sowing reached 324 lakh hectares. The word ‘rabi’ in Arabic means winter. Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer from April to June. Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard. Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are important for the production of rabi crops. Western temperate cyclones during winter provide the precipitation in these areas. Fog is good for these crops.
08 June, 2020
Indian Geography
Tremble after the tremors- EARTHQUAKE Explained Part of: GS-I- Earthquake (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) The NCR shook seven times in the last 20 days, fuelling fears of a high-magnitude earthquake. Seismologists have ruled out an immediate threat though they insist the region remains at risk of a ‘great’ Himalayan quake Since May 15, the National Center for Seismology has recorded seven small earthquakes, ranging from 1.8 to 4.5 on the Richter scale, with epicentres at Faridabad, Rohtak and New Delhi. The spate of tremors — the most recent one occurring last (June 3) — has fuelled speculation about the possibility of a…
07 June, 2020
Earthquake
Asia’s largest drip irrigation project Ramphal Marola project in Karnataka is Asia’s largest drip irrigation project implemented with the help of technology from Israeli firm. As a part of this drip irrigation scheme, every farmer will receive water through a cylinder installed in their respective farmlands. It also enables them to mix fertilisers and pesticides in the cylinder. The technology used in this project will also purify the wastage that flows in the backwaters of River Krishna.
06 June, 2020
Irrigation projects
Udangudi Power Project Coal-based supercritical Udangudi thermal power project is set to come up in the Thoothukudi district of southern Tamil Nadu. BHEL and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) signed an MoU to develop this power project in 2007. The estimated Rs.100-billion project is to be funded by Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
06 June, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Super Blood Blue Moon “Super Blood Blue Moon” is a rare cosmic event that combines an extra big Super moon, a Blue moon and a total lunar eclipse. Super moon – It occurs when the full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest orbit point (perigee) to Earth. During a super moon, the moon appears 14% larger and 30% brighter. The farthest distance between the moon and the Earth is termed ‘apogee’, while the perigee is the nearest point. Lunar Eclipse – It occurs when the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are so aligned that the full moon passes through the shadow…
06 June, 2020
Climatology
Expansion of Ameri Ice Shelf (AIS) The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) predicts that there would be a 24% increase in the expansion of Ameri Ice Shelf (AIS) boundaries by 2021 and another 24% expansion by 2026 from its 2016 positions. The floating sheets of ice called the ice shelves play a multi-faceted role in maintaining the stability of a glacier. Ice shelves connect a glacier to the landmass. The ice sheet mass balance, sea stratification, and bottom water formation are important parameters for the balancing of a glacier. Latent and sensible heat processes do play important…
04 June, 2020
Contemporary climate and other issues
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata Port is renamed Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The Board of Trustees of Kolkata Port Trust in its Meeting held on 25th February 2020 has also passed a Resolution to rename Kolkata Port as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Background: The Kolkata Port is the first Major Port as well as the only riverine port of the country. It came to be governed by a Trust on 17th October, 1870 on appointment of the Commissioners for Improvement of the Port of Calcutta as per Act V of 1870. It features at Serial Number 1 in The First…
04 June, 2020
Current mapping upsc
All about the Nisarga cyclone In strength and intensity, this would be much weaker than Cyclone Amphan which struck on May 20. In fact, it is not even a full-fledged cyclone right now, just a ‘depression’ that is likely to intensify into a ‘deep depression’ by Tuesday morning, and eventually into a cyclone, after which it would be called Nisarga. Where is it headed? It is headed towards the coastline of north Maharashtra and south Gujarat. It is likely to hit the coastline on Wednesday, between Harihareshwar in Raigad district, just south of Mumbai, and Daman, just below Gujarat coast.…
Assumption Island - Seychelles Assumption Island is one of the 115 islands constituting the Seychelles archipelago. India signed a pact to develop Assumption Island, during PM Modi’s visit to Seychelles in 2015. Ironing out the earlier differences, India has now signed a revised agreement with Seychelles. Assumption Island is leased to India for the operation of a naval base and air strip by the Indian navy. The agreement will enable India to help Seychelles build military infrastructure for the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. Seychelles has said it would “suspend” the use of military facilities on Assumption Island in case India…
31 May, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Mount Mayon It is an active stratovolcano in the Philippines region Stratovolcano , also known as a composite volcano, is a conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash The volcano is the centrepiece of the ALBAY biosphere reserve and Natural Park on its own. Mount Mayon lies in the Pacific ring of fire region, a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur
31 May, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Urban heat islands Rapid urbanisation combined with changes in land use patterns leads to warming of urban spaces compared with surrounding non-urban areas this is called the urban heat island effect. Urban migration, concrete jungles, a decrease in dense vegetation and cultivable land area, and encroachments in water bodies will influence urban heat islands. For instance, Delhi is 4-12°C warmer due to the urban heat island effect.
30 May, 2020
Climatology
Dam Safety India hosted the International Dam Safety Conference at Thiruvananthapuram. Central Water Commission is organizing the event in association with the Kerala state government. Dam safety conferences are an annual events under the Dam Safety Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) project, the conferences will be conducted in DRIP states. The key recommendations emerging from the deliberations of the conference will be circulated to stakeholders as well as policy makers for implementation. DHARMA App Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) will be launched during the international dam safety conference. The app will serve as a web tool to digitize…
30 May, 2020
Dam
Jal Marg Vikas Project – Inland waterways JMVP was announced by the union government to enable commercial navigation of at least 1500 tonne vessels on the Ganga River. The project envisages the development of a waterway between Allahabad and Haldia (NW-1) on the Ganga River. It includes the development of fairways, multi-modal terminals, strengthening of open river navigation techniques, conservancy works, and modern river information system. The project is funded by the World Bank. It is carried out by the Union Ministries of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. NW-1 The National Waterway -1…
30 May, 2020
Inland Waterways
Erra Matti Dibbalu Erra Matti Dibbalu is dissected and stabilized coastal red sediment mounds, located between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Formation: Formed around 12,000 years ago due to sea-land interaction. Comprises a mixture of sand (40-50%), silt and clay (another 50%) with oxidation imparting the unique red colour. Significance: They are geologically important as they represent the geological history of the late Quaternary period and carry the imprints of the fall of sea level and its subsequent rise, the impact of climate, monsoon and geological processes on the sediments. They are anthropologically and archeologically important as they possibly…
30 May, 2020
Land-form development
Port Antsiranana, Madagascar As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 27 May 2020. INS Kesari carried a consignment of COVID-related essential medicines for the people of Madagascar. ‘Mission Sagar’ builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant difficulties. The deployment also resonates with the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR.
30 May, 2020
Current mapping upsc
How Heat wave in North India is unusual Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Heatwave in India: The last several days have brought heatwaves in parts of the country, but the preceding weeks had seen no such conditions. A look at how this breaks trends, Cyclone Amphan's role, and what is expected to follow. For the past five days, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra have been experiencing severe to very severe heatwave conditions. In its very first spell this summer, this heatwave pushed day temperatures significantly above normal, with Churu in Rajasthan reporting 50 degrees. Here is why this…
29 May, 2020
Heat waves
Swarms of locusts Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Over the last few days, swarms of locusts have been sighted unusually even in urban areas of Rajasthan. Swarms have also been reported from parts of the Madhya Pradesh and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Imp Points The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is a short-horned grasshopper. Harmless when solitary, locusts undergo a behavioural change when their population builds up rapidly. They enter the ‘gregarious phase’ by forming huge swarms that can travel up to 150 km per day, eating up every bit of greenery on their way. These insects feed on a large variety of crops. If…
28 May, 2020
locusts attack
Forest Fire GS-1 Geography With rising mercury levels, Uttarakhand's forest fire season has now reached its peak. There are two primary causes of wildfires, viz. Human and Natural. Human Causes 90% of all wildfires are caused by humans. Human acts of carelessness such as leaving campfires unattended and negligent discarding of cigarette butts result in wildfire disasters every year. Accidents, deliberate acts of arson, burning of debris, and fireworks are the other substantial causes of wildfires. Natural Causes Lightning: A fairly good number of wildfires are triggered by lightning. Volcanic Eruption: Hot magma in the earth’s crust is usually expelled out as lava during a volcanic…
28 May, 2020
Forest Fire
South Atlantic Anomaly Part of: GS-I Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, the Swarm constellation of satellites of the European Space Agency (ESA) has updated the development of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). The South Atlantic Anomaly signifies the weakening of the Earth’s magnetic field between Africa and South America. However, it has been observed that the present dip in the intensity of the Earth’s magnetic field is within the normal fluctuation levels. Swarm Constellation Mission Swarm is the European Space Agency's first constellation of satellites for Earth observation. It consists of three satellites designed to identify and precisely measure the different magnetic signals that makeup Earth’s magnetic field. The mission is operated by ESA's European Space…
28 May, 2020
Geo magnetism
Nayachar Islands Nayachar is a newly emerged island with a mangrove ecosystem in the middle estuary of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. This land mass was created in the Indian Sunderbans by river silt deposits, and remained largely submerged, rising occasionally above the water level. Till 1990 it was completely barren, with hardly any plant or animal species, at present there are 151 animal species on the island, making it a rare case in ecology. The natural succession of species on the island has been aided by the inundation of water during tides, and the soil brought from other…
25 May, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Zojila Tunnel It is an upcoming project in J&K that aims at providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. The project has been approved on the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. It holds strategic and socio-economic significance, given the fact that the region of Leh has limited connectivity due to the threat of avalanches. The project will be executed by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H).
21 May, 2020
Current mapping upsc
Cryosphere Cryosphere refers to the frozen part of the earth's surface. It might be comprised of snow, river and lake ice, sea ice, glaciers, ice shelves and ice sheets, and frozen grounds. This region plays a major role in the Earth’s climate system through its impact on the surface energy budget, the water cycle, and sea level. It is a fundamental control of the physical, biological and social environment over a large part of the Earth’s surface. The cryosphere is a natural integrator of climate variability and provides one of the most visible signatures of climate change.
21 May, 2020
Climatology
Bomb Cyclone It’s a weather term that applies to a massive winter storm that struck off the U.S. Southeast, the storm has dumped freak snow in this region. This storm will usually stay out to sea and blow with high winds gusts exceeding 100 kmph. Bomb cyclones draw air from Polar Regions after they leave it means extra cold Arctic air this is based on polar vortex. Storm intensity is measured by central pressure the lower the pressure, the stronger. A storm is considered a “bomb” when the pressure drops rapidly at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, millibar is…
21 May, 2020
Climatology
Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project is also known as Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga. The 2,655 km project aims to connect the eastern states to the national gas grid. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal are the beneficiary states. The project will usher in Industrial development in East India by supplying environmentally clean natural gas to fertiliser and power plants, refineries, steel plants and other industries. It also provides clean energy to households and transportation in the cities en route the pipeline. State-run gas utility GAIL India has recently placed orders for…
20 May, 2020
Pipeline networks
Ujh multipurpose project The Central Water Commission (CWC) has finalised a detailed report on Ujh multi-purpose project. The project is to come up in the Kathua district and will store around 0.65 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from Ujh (a tributary of Ravi). It will irrigate 30,000 hectares and produce over 200 MW of power. India has planned this project under the mandates of Indus water treaty (IWT) CWC Central Water Commission is a premier Technical Organization of India in the field of Water Resources. It is presently functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development…
20 May, 2020
River water projects
Stages of Amphan Cyclone Date/Time(IST) Position (Lat. 0N/ long. 0E) Maximum sustained surface wind speed (Kmph) Category of cyclonic disturbance 19.05.20/1130 16.5/86.9 210-220 gusting to 240 Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm 19.05.20/1730 17.1/87.1 200-210 gusting to 230 Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm 19.05.20/2330 18.0/87.3 190-200 gusting to 220 Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm 20.05.20/0530 19.3/87.7 180-190 gusting to 210 Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm 20.05.20/1130 20.9/88.2 160-170 gusting to 190 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 20.05.20/2330 22.7/88.7 95-105 gusting to 115 Cyclonic Storm 21.05.20/1130 24.3/89.3 50-60 gusting to 70 Depression 21.05.20/2330 25.6/90.2 20-30 gusting to 40 Low Pressure Area
Tropical cyclone Tropical cyclone, also called typhoon or hurricane, an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans and is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain. Drawing energy from the sea surface and maintaining its strength as long as it remains over warm water, a tropical cyclone generates winds that exceed 119 km (74 miles) per hour. In extreme cases winds may exceed 240 km (150 miles) per hour, and gusts may surpass 320 km (200 miles) per hour. Accompanying these strong winds are torrential rains and a devastating phenomenon known as the storm surge,…
Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’ The depression over southeast Bay of Bengal (BoB) intensified into a deep depression in the same afternoon, into a cyclonic storm ‘AMPHAN’ (pronounced as UM-PUN)’ in the same evening over the central parts of south BoB. It further intensified into a severe cyclonic storm about 990 km south of Paradip (Odisha), 1140 km south-southwest of Digha (West Bengal) and 1260 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
Rhododendron Rhododendron is a large genus of flowering plants and is found mainly in Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas and Nilgiris. Some plants of Rhododendron are evergreen and some are deciduous in nature. The species is found in varied habitats from subtropical forests to alpine shrubs, rhododendrons range from dwarf shrubs to large trees. The cold, moist slopes and deep valleys of the eastern Himalayas form a conducive habitat for the luxuriant growth of Rhododendron species and rich diversity in the North Eastern States. The species has been designated as the State tree of Uttarakhand and its blooming in the Garhwal Himalayas is…
14 May, 2020
Vegetation
Bright nights It is a phenomenon in which the night sky is bright enough to read a book even in the absence of moonlight. A new theory says it is due to slow-moving, high-altitude atmospheric waves merging together and amplifying the light from the naturally occurring airglow. The theory says that for every seven nights out of 100 there is a bright night somewhere on the earth.
12 May, 2020
Structure of Atmosphere
City Liveability Index The index was launched by the Ministry of Urban Development. The index is for measuring the quality of life in 116 major cities including smart cities, capital cities and cities with a population of above one million each. It accesses cities on a comprehensive set of 79 parameters to capture the extent and quality of infrastructure including the availability of roads, education and health care, mobility, employment opportunities, emergency response, grievance redressal, pollution, availability of open and green spaces, cultural and entertainment opportunities etc.
12 May, 2020
Urbanisation
The polar vortex brings spring snow to parts of North America Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Winter in May - snowfall covers parts of the northeast United States and Canada. A polar vortex has brought cold weather and springtime snow to parts of the northeast United States and Canada. The stream of arctic air slipped south on Saturday, bringing the unusual weather. In many areas, snow flurries fell against a backdrop of sunny skies, green trees and flowers. The US National Weather Service issued a freeze warning extending into early Sunday for most of the country's northeast. Parts of New…
12 May, 2020
Climatology
Red Sanders Red sanders or red sandalwood is a species endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. It is a rare kind of sandalwood that is in high demand in the international market and costs around Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000 a kg. The major markets for wood are China, Japan, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. This tree is valued for the rich red colour of its wood. The wood is not aromatic. The tree is not to be confused with the aromatic Santalum sandalwood trees that grow natively in South India. Pterocarpus santalinus is listed as…
13 July, 2021
Vegetation
Deep Ocean Mission The government of India is all set to launch the ‘Deep Ocean Mission by January 2018 and it will improve India’s position in the ocean research field. Achievements in the field of ocean research: The program on Poly metallic nodules was initiated at CSIR-NIO with the collection of the first nodule sample from the Arabian Sea on board the first Research Vessel Gaveshani on 26 January 1981. India was the first country in the world to have been given the Pioneer Area for exploration of deep-sea minerals viz. Polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin in 1987. Based on the…
11 May, 2020
Oceanography
List of Important Mountain Passes India:- Name of the Pass Description Nathu La Pass It is located in the state of Sikkim. This famous pass is located in the India- China border was reopened in 2006. It forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient silk route. It is one of the trading border posts between India and China. Shipki La Pass It is located through Sutlej Gorge. It connects Himachal Pradesh with Tibet. It is India’s third border post for trade with China after Lipu Lekh and Nathula Pass. Jelep La Pass This pass passes through the Chumbi…
Band-like clouds seen over Sun’s neighbour-Luhman 16A A group of international astrophysicists have identified cloud bands on the surface of Luhman 16A, one of a pair of binary brown dwarfs in the Vela constellation. They have used an idea put forth Indian astrophysicist Sujan Sengupta, who is at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, that the light emitted by a cloudy brown dwarf, or reflected off an extrasolar planet, will be polarised. He suggested that a polarimetric technique could serve as a potential tool to probe the environment of these objects. Subsequently, many astronomers detected the polarisation of brown dwarfs.…
08 May, 2020
Universe and Solar System
Earth’s Magnetosphere Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Scientists at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have developed a generalized one-dimensional fluid simulation code capable of studying a wide spectrum of coherent electric field structures in near-earth plasma environments or earth’s magnetosphere. The developed simulation code is expected to help in planning of future space missions. Key Points Formation of Earth’s Magnetosphere: Sun is the major source of plasma deposition in space around the Earth. Thus, the Sun forces some of its plasma towards the earth in the form of the solar wind. Plasma is the most common state of matter in the universe as a whole.It consists of a gas of…
06 May, 2020
Structure of Atmosphere
Enhancing Erosion in the Himalayas Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Scientists and students from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) have explored the Zanskar catchment area. The study was conducted to understand the landform evolution in transitional climatic zones, using morphostratigraphy, Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating and provenance analysis of landforms like valley fill terraces and alluvial fans. Valley Fill Terrace: The fill terrace is created by either a stream or river that starts to incise into the material that it deposited in the valley. Once this occurs benches composed completely of alluvium form on the sides of the valley. The uppermost benches are the fill terraces. Alluvial Fans: Triangle-shaped…
06 May, 2020
Weathering and Erosion
The new list of names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean Introduction The new list of names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean has been selected buy the WMOs Panel on tropical cyclones(PTC). Worldwide there are six regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones. India Meteorological Department is one of the six RSMCs to provide tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries under the WMO/ESCAP Panel including Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri…
Sugar Industry in India Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Sugarcane farmers are facing a payments crisis running into thousands of Crores of Rupees. In Maharashtra alone, the state’s sugar mills failed to disburse the entire amount of Rs 7,450.9 crore as payment for the cane to farmers as the ‘fair and remunerative price’(FRP), according to the Maharashtra government’s commissioner of sugar. A similar situation regarding delays in Uttar Pradesh led to recent farmer protests bringing to light the crisis in the sugar industry. Background A major player in the worldwide sugar trade, India produced 33 million metric tons in…
28 April, 2020
Agro based industries
Great Barrier Reef suffers third major bleaching event Part of: GS-III- Environment and Coral reefs (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem located in Australia, recently experienced its third major bleaching event in five years. It is considered to be the most widespread coral bleaching event on record, owing to the rise in temperatures due to climate change. The Great Barrier Reef contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs. No other World Heritage property contains such biodiversity. It has suffered several…
Home Ministry issued Standard Operating Procedures for the movement of stranded migrant Part of: GS-I- Geography -Migration (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) The Home Ministry issued Standard Operating Procedures for the movement of stranded migrant labourers for their engagement in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works within States and Union Territories where they are currently located. Under it, they have been allowed to go to places of work within a state with certain conditions. The SOP said, in the event that a group of migrants wish to return to their places of work within the state where they are presently located, they will…
20 April, 2020
Internal migration
Safe drinking water supply and management – Water crisis and management Part of: GS-I- Geography and climate change (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) issued an advisory to state governments asking them to ensure safe drinking water supply and management during the nationwide lockdown that has been extended to 3rd May, 2020. Imp Points Advisory: State governments need to assess the requirements of water purifying chemicals, including chlorine tablets, bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite solution and alum and use them wherever necessary. These purifying products are classified under the list of essential commodities (Essential Commodities Act, 1955). For ensuring social distancing, states are recommended to increase water supply hours if demand goes…
19 April, 2020
Contemporary climate and other issues
Covid-19 tests among the tribal population living along the Godavari river valley area Part of: GS-I- CULTURE-Geography (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court directing the Andhra Pradesh government to conduct Covid-19 tests among the tribal population living along the Godavari river valley area. Lack of awareness among the tribal people, who live in dense forest and other scheduled areas of the river valley, made them more prone to Covid-19 infections. Konda reddis, Koyas and Kolam are the popular tribes living in godavari valley. Konda reddis and Kolam are part of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). Polavaram Irrigation Project Polavaram Project is located…
Smart City Mission It is an innovative initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development and harnessing technology as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens. Objective: To promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of Smart Solutions. Focus: On sustainable and inclusive development and to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a lighthouse to other aspiring cities. Strategy: Pan-city initiative in…
08 April, 2020
Urbanisation
Gold deposits found in Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh) Syllabus subtopic: Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent) Prelims and Mains focus: on the details of the findings; on India’s gold reserves News: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered gold deposits to the tune of around 3,000 tonnes in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, Details The gold deposits were found in the Son Pahadi and Hardi areas of the Sonbhadra district. Work on finding gold reserves in Sonbhadra was started almost two decades back in 1992-93 by the…
22 February, 2020
Indian Geography
6th International Conference on Climate Services Syllabus subtopic: Salient features of World’s Physical Geography. Prelims and Mains focus: about the conference and its objectives; about the new forecast system by India and its significance News: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the auspices of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India, is hosting the 6th International Conference on Climate Services (ICCS6) in Pune, India from February 11-13, 2020. Aim of the conference: The conference aims to convene the international community of practice to: Assess the current state of play in the design, implementation, and…
12 February, 2020
World Geography
Cyclone Sarai batters Fiji Syllabus subtopic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Prelims and Mains focus: about cyclone Sarai; tropical cyclones: types and formation; India-Fiji relations News: Tropical Cyclone Sarai (Category 2) was moving slowly away from Fiji on Sunday, leaving two people dead and more than 2,500 needing emergency shelter. The cyclone damaged houses, crops and trees, cut power and forced the cancellation of several…
30 December, 2019
World Geography
Typhoon Phanfone batters the Philippines Syllabus subtopic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Prelims and Mains focus: About typhoon Phanfone; about tropical cyclones and their types News: Typhoon Phanfone pummelled the central Philippines on Christmas Day, bringing a wet, miserable and terrifying holiday to millions in the mainly Catholic nation. Though weaker, Phanfone was tracking a similar path to Super Typhoon Haiyan, the country’s deadliest cyclone on…
26 December, 2019
World Geography
SUPERCYCLONE KYARR Context: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Supercyclone ‘Kyarr’, in the Arabian Sea has moved westwards and away from India’s coast. Tropical Cyclone : • A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain or squalls. • It is an intense low-pressure area in the atmosphere over tropical or sub-tropical waters, with organised convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) and winds at low levels, circulating either anti-clockwise (in the northern hemisphere) or clockwise (in the southern hemisphere).…
29 October, 2019
Indian Geography
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