Impact of Winter Storms in the US
Context: The recent winter storms in the United States have brought about a series of challenges, impacting multiple states with sub-freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions. The adverse weather conditions have led to a significant toll, resulting in at least 72 deaths across the country in January 2024. The fatalities are primarily attributed to […]
Decline in Snowfall in the Himalayas
Context: Snowfall brings joy to residents of Himalayan states, contributing to the local economy through tourism. However, this year, several Himalayan regions that typically experience snowfall from December to January have witnessed a lack of snow. Popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Gulmarg have seen a significant decline in snowfall, leading to a reduction in […]
Statehood day of Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur
Focus: GS I: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. Why in News? The Prime Minister of India congratulated the people of Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on their 52nd statehood day. On 21st January, 1972, all the three states became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. Therefore, the Statehood Day of […]
Improving Climate Resilience
Context: Earlier this week marked the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While it currently addresses a wide range of climate and weather phenomena, from cyclones to fog, its initial purpose during colonial times was to investigate the intricacies of the southwest monsoon. Over the years, the IMD has amassed extensive meteorological data, […]
Snow Absence in Kashmir and Ladakh This Winter
Context: One of Kashmir’s main winter tourism attractions, Gulmarg, has been bereft of snow this season. This has led to a plunge in the flow of tourists and severely hitting the business of ski resorts. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Dry Winter in Jammu & Kashmir: Causes and Implications Existing Pattern: Rainfall […]
Tsunami Warnings After Japan Earthquakes
Context: Strong earthquakes, including a preliminary 7.6 magnitude, struck Japan, prompting tsunami warnings from North and South Korea, and Russia. Tsunami waves impacted various coastal areas in Japan, leading to urgent evacuation warnings. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Tsunami Overview: Factors Behind Tsunami Creation: Devastation Caused: Tsunami Preparedness: Tsunami Preparedness in India: […]
About The Ionosphere
Context: A team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have examined the long-term seasonal ionospheric observations at Indian Antarctica station Bharati between 2010 and 2022 and also with solar activity following the Sun’s 11-year cycle. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: About the Ionosphere: Definition and Location: Polar Regions Dynamics: […]
China Bans Rare Earth Metal Technology Export
Context: China has recently implemented a ban on the export of technology crucial for the extraction and separation of Rare Earth Metals. This includes production technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials, as well as technology related to the preparation of certain rare earth magnets. The decision is part of an overhaul of technologies […]
Volcanic Eruption Near Reykjanes
Context: The Icelandic Government has reassured that the recent volcanic eruption near Reykjanes, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, does not pose a threat to human life. The eruption, occurring between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell, north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, holds significance given Iceland’s unique geological location. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: […]
About Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC)
Context: Recently, weather watchers have captured images of rare Polar stratospheric clouds over Scotland, northern England and the West Midland. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: About Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC): Impacts: -Source: India Today