Earth’s first landmass emerged in Singhbhum 3.2bn years ago
Context: A new study has challenged the widely accepted view that the continents rose from the oceans about 2.5 billion years ago. Relevance: GS-I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Highlights of the study Back to the Basics: The Continental Drift Theory and Gondwanaland Evidence supporting the Continental Drift Theory Highlights of the study A new […]
Proposal for National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA)
Context: The Centre Government is contemplating creation of the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA) for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Drainage System in India, Projects to improve Irrigation), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Inter-State Relations) Dimensions of the Article: Interlinking of Rivers Benefits […]
‘Double-dip’: La Nina formed for second year in a row
Context: A La Nina system has formed for the second year in a row, according to the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Two La Ninas happening one after the other (with a transition through ENSO neutral conditions in between) is not uncommon. It is usually referred to as a […]
Diversion of fresh water from Odisha’s Brahmani river
Context: Environmentalists expressed concern over the massive diversion of fresh water from the Brahmani river basin, which could pose a grave threat to the famous mangrove vegetation in Odisha. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental Conservation), GS-I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: About Brahmani River About the concerns diversion of fresh water from Brahmani […]
Footprints of 3 dinosaur species found in Thar desert
Context: In a major discovery, footprints of three species of dinosaurs have been found in the Thar desert in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, proving the presence of the giant reptiles in the western part of the State, which formed the seashore to the Tethys Ocean during the Mesozoic era. Relevance: Prelims, GS-I: Geography (Geomorphology) Dimensions of […]
GSI lists geo-tourism sites in NE
Context: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified certain geological sites across the Northeast for promotion of geo-tourism as some States in the region prepare to ‘unlock’ from September 2021. Relevance: Prelims, GS-I: Geography (Geographical Features and their Location) Dimensions of the Article: About the Geological Survey of India (GSI) About the places notified […]
Pensilungpa Glacier retreat due to warming
Context: A recent study has found that the Pensilungpa Glacier located in Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley is retreating due to increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation during winters. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Physical Geography, Distribution of Key Natural Resources, Water Resources, Important Geophysical Phenomena), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Climate change and its impact) Dimensions of the […]
Sunderbans is now drowning in plastic
Context: Cyclone-ravaged Sunderbans is now drowning in plastic as plastic accumulating in the isolated islands of the fragile ecosystem are cause for great concern. Relevance: GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Conservation of the Environment and Ecology), GS-I: Geography (Physical Geography, Indian Geography) Dimensions of the Article: Sunderbans Flora and Fauna of the […]
Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) weakens
Context: The Atlantic Ocean’s current system (AMOC) could be weakening to such an extent that it could soon bring big changes to the world’s weather according to a recent study. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Climatology, Important geographical phenomena), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Impact of Climate Change) Dimensions of the Article: What are Ocean Currents? Factors responsible […]
Last patches of tropical lowland forest in Assam
Context: A recent study by researchers has highlighted the importance of the last fragments of tropical lowland forests in Assam by showing interactions between plants and fruit-eating birds in them. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Physical Geography – Forest Resources and Natural Vegetation), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Conservation of Environment and Ecology) Dimensions of the Article: Tropical […]