Heavy Rains in the Himalayas
Basics – Context of the News Relevance: Why do hilly regions receive more rainfall? Data Highlights (Rainfall Departures) Why are hilly regions more vulnerable? Role of Climate Change Disaster Linkages Overview Way Forward
Odisha’s ‘Dongar’ cultivation in danger
Dongar Cultivation Relevance: Rise of Eucalyptus Monoculture in Rayagada Problems of Eucalyptus Monoculture Resistance & Revival Efforts Broader Context Key Takeaways
Geographers uncover why some rivers stay single while others split
Basics of River Typology Relevance: GS I (Geography – Fluvial Geomorphology, River Systems) + GS III (Disaster Management – Floods, River Basin Management, Human Interference in Natural Systems) The UCSB Study (2023, Science) Supporting Stanford Study (2023) Human Interference in River Morphology Case Studies: Indian Rivers Implications for Flooding & River Management Conceptual Shifts in River Geomorphology Broader Significance
Over 800 killed as earthquake strikes Afghanistan
What is an Earthquake? Relevance : GS I (Geography – Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics) + GS III (Disaster Management – Preparedness, Response, Regional Cooperation) Why Do Earthquakes Occur? Why Afghanistan is So Vulnerable Why Do Shallow Quakes Cause More Damage? Implications of Afghanistan’s Seismic Vulnerability Way Forward – Reducing Risks
Africa’s objection to the Mercator world map projection
Basics of Map Projections Relevance : GS 1(Geography) The Mercator Projection (1569) The Distortion Problem Alternative Projections African Union’s Stand Broader Implications Why This Matters Today
1950 quake that broke mountains is a portend of things to come
Background & Event Relevance : GS 1(Geography) Immediate Impact Geological & Tectonic Setting Historical Earthquakes in Northeast India Lessons & Scientific Significance Future Risks & Implications Core Takeaways
Was glacial lake breach over Dharali the trigger?
Geographical & Geomorphological Context Relevance : GS 1(Geography ), GS 3(Disaster Management) Possible Causes of Disaster (Hypotheses from Experts) Contributing Factors Disaster Dynamics Remote Sensing & Investigation Broader Significance
How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses
Groundwater’s Central Role in India Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Scale & Nature of Contamination (2024 CGWB Annual Groundwater Quality Report) Real-world Groundwater “Death Zones” Public Health Impacts Why the Crisis Persists – Structural Gaps Key Statistics to Note Reform Priorities Bottom Line
Kamchatka Peninsula Earthquake
Core Event Overview Relevance : GS 1(Geography) Seismic Context: Ring of Fire Global Comparison: Top Earthquakes (Past 20 Years) Why So Active: Tectonic Process in Kamchatka Mechanism of Subduction Quakes Scientific and Risk Implications Human & Policy Implications Geopolitical and Global Preparedness Lessons Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Water, energy demand spotlights risk of human-induced quakes
What Are Human-Induced Earthquakes? Relevance : GS 1(Geography),GS 3(Infrastructure) Causes of Human-Induced Earthquakes A. Resource Extraction B. Infrastructure Projects Earthquake-Prone Zones in India Role of Climate Change Regulatory and Scientific Measures Policy and Planning Key Takeaways