Unprecedented August 2023 Rainfall Deficit Challenges India’s Water Resources
Context: In August 2023, India, heavily dependent on monsoon rains, faced an exceptional challenge with a severe rainfall deficit. This deficit has led to a significant drop in water levels in the country’s vital reservoirs, sparking concerns about water supply for households, industries, and power generation. Historically, August is a month of substantial reservoir water […]
About The Heat Index
Context: Earlier in August, Iran recorded a scorching heat index of 70 degrees Celsius (°C) in the coastal part of the country, a metric at which survival of life is unfathomable, if not impossible. The country had also declared public holidays on August 2 and 3 on account of “unprecedented heat,” Reuters reported. Relevance: GS […]
Impact of Human Activities on El Nino and La Nina Events
Context: A recent study highlights concerns regarding the influence of human activities on El Nino and La Nina events. It suggests that the Walker Circulation has shifted since the industrial era, potentially leading to an increased occurrence of multi-year El Nino and La Nina events. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Walker Circulation: […]
About The Zealandia
Context: Geoscientists recently discovered a continent known as Zealandia that had been hiding in plain sight for almost 375 years. Relevance: GS I: Geography, Facts for Prelims Zealandia: Formation: Tectonic Plate Boundaries: -Source: Times Now
Super Blue Moon
Context: On August 30, 2023, the night sky was illuminated by a rare phenomenon: a super blue moon. However, despite its name, this full moon was neither blue in colour nor super in size. The last blue supermoon was in 2009, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the next is not […]
The Fujiwhara effect
Context: The United States west coast recently witnessed Hurricane Hilary (a sub-tropical storm by the time it hit the US), prompting the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) to issue its first ever tropical storm watch for parts of Southern California. This was the latest incident in a string of unusual weather phenomena in the region. Relevance: […]
Himachal Cloudbursts
Context: Over 50 people have died within 24 hours in incidents related to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister said that along with landslides, reports of cloudbursts have also emerged in the state. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Physical Geography, Climatology, Important Geophysical phenomena), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Climate Change and its effects), GS-III: Disaster Management […]
Wildfires in Hawaii
Context: In one of the worst natural disasters to hit the US, multiple wildfires are raging through Hawaii, especially the island of Maui. Relevance: GS I- Geography Dimensions of the Article: What is wildfire? What causes Wildfire? Impact of Wildfires in Hawaii Affected Areas: Causes of the Wildfires: Role of Hurricane Dora: Climate Change’s Influence: […]
About River Devika Rejuvenation Project
Context; Recently, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology sheds light on the progress of the River Rejuvenation Project, Devika. This initiative, inspired by the Namami Ganga campaign, aims to safeguard the sacred Devika River’s purity and health. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: River Devika Rejuvenation Project Comprehensive Waste Management: Complementary Solid Waste […]
About The Parkachik Glacier
Context: A new study by scientists of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has found that three glacial lakes are likely to form around Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melt. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Parkachik Glacier Reasons for Rapid Melting: Key Facts about Zanskar Ranges: Flora: Fauna: -Source: Indian […]