China turns on second-biggest dam in world
Context: The first two generating units of the world’s second-biggest hydroelectric dam were officially turned on in southwestern China. Relevance: Prelims, GS-I: Geography, GS-II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About China and its large hydropower dams Important Rivers of China About China and its large hydropower dams China is the world’s leader in hydropower […]
Energy inefficiency can short circuit cooling India
Context: More frequent and intense heat waves are expected with a rise in global temperatures due to climate change. The India Cooling Action Plan projects the number of room air conditioners to become about four times in the next 10 years, and about 10 times in the next 20 years, making India the world’s largest […]
‘Southern Ocean’ recognized as globe’s fifth ocean
Context: The National Geographic magazine has recognised the ‘Southern Ocean’ as the world’s fifth ocean June 8, 2021 hoping others will soon follow suit. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (World relief features, Oceanography) Dimensions of the Article: National Geographic Society International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) About the Southern Ocean Antarctic Circumpolar Current National Geographic Society The National Geographic […]
Southwest monsoon is early
Context: The monsoon hit the Kerala coast two days behind schedule in 2021, but has already covered two-thirds of the country. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Important Geophysical Phenomenon, Climatology) Dimensions of the Article: How far has the monsoon progressed? Why is it early this year? Is this early onset of Monsoon unusual? Does early onset mean […]
Rare earth metals at the heart of China-U.S. rivalry
Context: At a time of frequent geopolitical friction among the three powers of China, U.S. and Europe – U.S. and Europe want to avoid this scenario by investing in the market for 17 minerals with unique properties that today are largely extracted and refined in China. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Distribution of Key Natural Resources, Mineral […]
World First: El Salvador makes bitcoin legal tender
Context: El Salvador became the first country in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender after the country’s Congress, approved President Nayib Bukele’s proposal to embrace the cryptocurrency, a move that delighted the currency’s supporters. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (Blockchain technology), GS-I: Geography (Maps) Dimensions of the Article: About El Salvador About […]
Nagorno-Karabakh region and Turkish visit
Context: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he will visit Azerbaijan to celebrate its victory over Armenia in a brief war in 2020, touring a region recaptured in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh. Relevance: Prelims, GS-II: International Relations (Important Foreign Policies and Developments), GS-I Geography (Maps), GS-I: History (World History) Dimensions of the Article: Nagorno-Karabakh conflict About the […]
IMD’s projection of good monsoon
Context: The IMD has said that monsoon rains will likely be 101% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 88 cm in 2021 and if everything aligns, India could see a third consecutive year of surplus rainfall. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Climatology, Important Geophysical Phenomenon, Indian Geography) Mains Questions: What characteristics can be assigned to the […]
Ripples from Cyclones and tides in Sunderbans
Context: Over just the past three years from 2018-2021, the Sunderbans, which is home to close to five million people, has been battered by four tropical cyclones — Fani (May 2019), Bulbul (November 2019), Amphan (May 2020) and Yaas (May 2021). On each occasion, the region has suffered damage because of gale winds and breached […]
India in touch with Dominica on Choksi’s repatriation
Context: India is in contact with the government of Dominica regarding the possibility of repatriating diamantaire Mehul Choksi who is wanted for defrauding banks in India. However, Dominica announced that Mr. Choksi will be sent back to Antigua as the request for repatriation came from the Antiguan authorities. India has friendly ties with both Antigua […]