GEOGRAPHY

GS1 – Geography Context : A rare crescent-shaped weather formation observed over Delhi was identified by IMD radar as a “bow echo”. Understanding Bow Echo: Definition: A bow echo is a curved band of thunderstorms, also known as a squall line, which appears on radar in the form of an …

GS1 – Geography Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval to the updated SHAKTI Policy. About SHAKTI Scheme: Introduced by the Ministry of Coal in 2017, the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) framework aims to allocate coal linkages in a transparent …

GS-1: Urbanization – Urban Safety Infrastructure Key Points: A tragic fire in a Kolkata hotel in the crowded Burrabazar area claimed 14 lives and injured 13, revealing deficiencies in urban fire safety and response. The six-storey building had only one staircase and no alternative exits, breaching fire safety regulations. A …

Context: A recent research study focused on six major river basins—Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery—examines the impact of heavy rainfall, baseflow, and river floods in Peninsular India, highlighting the factors contributing to regional flooding. What is Baseflow? Baseflow is the continuous flow of water in a river channel …

UPSC Relevance GS-1: Geography (plate tectonics, geomorphology) GS-3: Science and Technology (geological research) Key Points Scientists discovered that continental rifting triggers deep mantle waves, causing stable continental regions (cratons) to rise, forming plateaus and escarpments. Detailed Insights Rifting, as seen in the African Rift Valley, stretches the crust, initiating mantle …

GS1 – Geography Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), along with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in Delhi, is collaboratively working on India’s inaugural research testbed dedicated to the study of Norwesters. This initiative focuses on the …

GS 1: Geography The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently confirmed a shift to ENSO-neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific, marking the conclusion of a mild La Niña phase. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) significantly shapes global climate patterns, making an understanding of its phases essential for forecasting …

GS I-Geography A research study conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone has identified that the metallic nodules present on the ocean floor generate what is termed as “dark oxygen.” This refers to oxygen production occurring in the deep-sea abyssal region, where photosynthesis is not possible. The process takes place as polymetallic …

GS1 – Geography Context: The Vernal Equinox, occurring on March 20, signifies the official beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The term “vernal” translates to “spring,” indicating the transition from winter to longer, warmer days in the north, while the southern …

GS 1-Geography Context: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have detected a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) onboard Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated solar observation mission. Aditya-L1 Mission Overview: Launch Date: September 2, 2023 Developed By: ISRO, with contributions from Indian research …

GS I-Geography Context: The Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently erupted, prompting emergency response measures, as reported by The Guardian (TG). About Fuego Volcano Name & Location: Also known as Volcán de Fuego (Spanish for “Volcano of Fire”), it is situated near Antigua, Guatemala. Volcanic Activity: One of Central America’s most …

GS I – Geography Geographical Location & Size: Situated in Central Africa, the DRC is Africa’s second-largest nation and ranks 11th globally in terms of land area. Has a narrow 40-km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Shares borders with nine nations: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, …

GS I-Geography Geographical Location: Situated in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, along the northern Chilean coastline. Environmental Conditions: Depth: Extends beyond 8,000 meters, ranking among the deepest oceanic trenches. Extreme Factors: Crushing pressure due to immense depth. Near-freezing temperatures persist year-round. High sediment deposits influence the trench’s ecology. Perpetual darkness …

Prelims-Places in news (GS I – Geography) Context: A collision between a cargo ship and a U.S. military fuel tanker recently occurred in the North Sea. Geographical The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by: West: England and Scotland South: The Netherlands, Belgium, and France …

GS III- Environment, Geography Context: The phenomenon known as Kavaru has been observed in the undrained Pokkali rice fields and the Vembanad backwaters of Kerala. Understanding Kavaru Definition: Kavaru refers to bioluminescence, a natural process where microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi emit light in water. Trigger Factors: Increased …

GS-1: Geography (Avalanches, Himalayan Terrain) GS-3: Disaster Management (Rescue Operations, Preparedness Strategies) Key Highlights Avalanche Disaster in Uttarakhand: Avalanche at Mana village (Uttarakhand) buried 54 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site. 23 workers were rescued, but 8 died due to extreme snowfall at 10,500 feet altitude. Indian Army, …

PRELIMS BITS – MAPS Context Researchers have confirmed that a man’s brain underwent vitrification during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making it the only recorded instance of human brain tissue transforming into glass. What is Vitrification? Vitrification refers to the process in which a material turns into …

GS1 GEOGRAPHY:  Record-Breaking Temperatures February 2025 was the hottest February in 125 years. Average temperature: 22.04°C (1.49°C above normal). Maximum temperature: 29.07°C (second highest since 1901). Central India experienced the worst heat, with a 1.94°C temperature rise above normal. Rainfall Deficiency Overall rainfall deficit: 59% below normal. Central India saw …

GS1 GEOGRAPHY:  Introduction Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed lawsuits against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium, alleging the use of conflict minerals sourced from sub-Saharan Africa. Focus: This highlights the global challenge of conflict minerals and their role in fueling violence and exploitation. What Are Conflict …

GS1-GEOGRAPHY Context: Security experts have raised alarms about the heightened risk of an oil spill in the Baltic Sea due to Russia’s use of an aging and poorly maintained “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, which operate without Western insurance coverage. Geographical Significance of the Baltic Sea The Baltic Sea is …