Where is Mauna Loa?
Context: The ground is shaking and swelling at Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, indicating that it could erupt. Scientists say they don’t expect that to happen right away but officials on the Big Island of Hawaii are telling residents to be prepared in case it does erupt soon. Relevance: GS I: […]
Planet Killer Asteroid – 2022 AP AP7
Context: A team of astronomers has discovered three massive near-Earth asteroids hiding in the glare of the Sun. Of these, one called 2022 AP7 is believed to be the largest planet killer-sized asteroid to be spotted in nearly a decade, and is “potentially hazardous” to Earth. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: What […]
What Are Coronal Holes?
Context: Recently, the @NASASun Twitter handle shared an image of the sun seemingly ‘smiling’. Captured by the NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory, the image has dark patches on the sun’s surface resembling eyes and a smile. NASA explained that the patches are called coronal holes, which can be seen in ultraviolet light but are typically invisible […]
Impact of La Nina on Northeast monsoon
Context: With the Northeast monsoon onset expected soon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and south interior Karnataka, warning of thunderstorms and lightning. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Climatology, Important Geophysical Phenomena), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Impact of Climate Change) […]
Cyclone Sitrang
Context: Recently, IMD officials said the cyclonic storm set to develop in east-central Bay of Bengal will reach close to the coasts of West Bengal – Bangladesh by October 25. The name Sitrang (read Si-trang) has been given by Thailand. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Physical geography – Climatology, Important Geophysical phenomena), GS-III: Disaster Management Dimensions of […]
Detection of Barium in the Exoplanet Atmosphere
Context: Recently, in a new study, scientists have detected barium in the upper atmosphere of two giant exoplanets for the first time. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: What are Exoplanets? Findings of the Study What are Exoplanets? An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System. The first possible […]
Withdrawal of Monsoon
Context: The southwest monsoon rainfall, 7% more than normal, has started to withdraw. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the system had begun retreating from parts of southwest Rajasthan and Kutch. The southern peninsula and central parts have had the bulk of the excess at 29% and 33%, respectively. Relevance: GS I- Indian Geography […]
‘Triple dip’ La Nina
Context: Recently, The Australian Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the occurrence of La Niña phenomenon for the third consecutive year in the Pacific Ocean. India Meteorological Department data shows, La Ninã lasting for more than two years has been recorded only on six instances Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Climatology, Important Geophysical Phenomena), GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental […]
Why Forecasting Cloudbursts is a challenge?
Context: Cloudbursts — violent and voluminous amounts of rain pouring down in a short duration over a small area — have been reported since the mid-19th century. Yet, the characteristics of these events remain elusive, and our efforts in monitoring and forecasting them is at an embryonic stage. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Physical Geography, Climatology, Important […]
Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal
Context: The Supreme Court drew an assurance from the State of Punjab that it will meet the Haryana counterpart within this month to discuss the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal which has been languishing for two decades. Relevance: GS-I: Geography (Drainage System in India, Projects to improve Irrigation), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Inter-State […]