Madhav Gadgil’s Enduring Legacy in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve
Why in News? Relevance GS I (Geography & Environment) GS III (Environment & Ecology) Who Was Madhav Gadgil? Contribution to the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR) 1. Conceptualising India’s First Biosphere Reserve 2. Landscape-Level Conservation Approach 3. People-Centric Conservation Philosophy Institutional & Academic Legacy 1. Building Ecological Institutions 2. Western Ghats Network Programme Policy Impact Beyond […]
Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano — first 3D interior imaging
Why is it in News? Relevance GS-1 | Geography / Geomorphology GS-3 | Disaster Management The Basics — Understanding Popocatépetl Popocatépetl is considered a high-risk stratovolcano due to population exposure + persistent activity. What Did the Scientists Achieve? Implication: Eruptions may not behave uniformly — risk patterns vary spatially. How Was the 3D Image Created? Seismic Imaging + AI […]
What remote-sensing reveals about plants, forests, and minerals from space
Why is it in News? Remote-sensing has moved from mapping what we can see → to detecting what lies underground and underwater using physics-based signatures. Relevance GS-1 | Geography (Physical & Resource Geography) GS-3 | Environment, Disaster Management & S&T The Basics — What is Remote-Sensing? Spectral Signatures Vegetation Monitoring — NDVI & Biomass Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) […]
The Wolf Supermoon
Why in News ? Relevance GS-I | Geography — Earth–Moon System & Natural Phenomena Basics — What is a “Wolf Moon”? What is a “Supermoon”? Observable Effects (Term “supermoon” is popular rather than official; astronomers call it a Perigee-Syzygy full moon.) Wolf Supermoon — What People Actually See ? Scientific Concepts Linked Comparative Terms Why These Names Matter […]
Why does India need climate- resilient agriculture?
Why in News ? Relevance Concepts & Foundations Why India Needs Climate-Resilient Agriculture ? Where India Stands — Policies, Institutions, Initiatives Key Challenges in Scaling CRA Why CRA is Strategic for India ? Way Forward — Policy & Implementation Priorities Prelims-Ready Pointers
Ancient Marathi literature reveals savannas are not degraded forests
Why in News ? Relevance Basics — Concepts & Foundations Evidence Base — What the Study Found ? Conclusion: Savannas are ancient and persistent ecosystems, not outcomes of recent deforestation. Why This Matters ?
Elephant Deaths on Railway Tracks
Why in News ? Relevance GS I – Geography GS III – Environment, Internal Security Scale of the Problem Structural Causes A. Infrastructure–Ecology Mismatch B. Governance & Planning Gaps C. Operational Failures Existing Mitigation Measures A. Technological B. Administrative C. Ecological Inference: Measures exist, but scale, enforcement, and integration are weak. Constitutional & Legal Dimensions […]
How the river Kosi’s shifting course exposes the perils of embankments
Why is it in News? Relevance GS-I: Geography GS-III: Disaster Management GS-III: Environment Understanding the Kosi River Why Kosi Causes Extreme Flood Vulnerability ? Embankments: Intended Role Issues with Embankments Increased Siltation Frequent Breaches Water Logging Outside Embankments Loss of Ecological Function Short-term protection, long-term vulnerability Impact on Agriculture Himalayan Context: Why East is More […]
Rising GPS Spoofing Incidents Near Indian Airports
Why is is in News? Relevance GS 1 – Geography GS 2 – Governance / IR GS 3 – Internal Security / Cybersecurity What is GPS Spoofing? What is GNSS Interference? What’s Happening in India? Why is This Dangerous? Direct risks Indirect risks Government & Regulatory Response DGCA AAI DoT/WMO Airlines & Pilots Possible Sources of Spoofing (Experts’ […]
Can India become self-reliant in REE production?
Why is it in News? Relevance GS 1 – Geography GS 2 – International Relations GS 3 – Science & Tech What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? China’s Dominance: Extent and Strategy Why India is Prioritising REEs? Government Moves Toward Self-Reliance New ₹7,280-crore REPM scheme National Critical Mineral Mission (2024–2031) Mining reforms Structural Challenges for India Opportunities India […]