geography

Astronomy in the Atacama Desert: Telescopes, Conditions and Discoveries

Context: While the Atacama Desert remains the premier global hub for deep-space observation, increasing industrial development and light pollution are forcing a re-evaluation of environmental laws to protect "dark sky" corridors. Key Facts Dark Sky Reserve: An area kept free...

Why Below-Average Rains Don’t Rule Out Flood Threat: Causes and Risks

Context: While the IMD has forecast 92% of normal monsoon rainfall, new climate patterns reveal that overall below-average rains do not eliminate the high risk of devastating localised flooding due to an increase in extreme rainfall events. Rising Trend of...

Mahanadi River: Location, Major Tributaries, Course and Map

Context: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) has issued a final warning to Odisha and Chhattisgarh to reach a mutual water-sharing consensus or face a judgment based on merits. Odisha and Chhattisgarh have shown a willingness to amicably resolve the...

Wind Energy in India: Potential, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Future Prospects

Wind energy has emerged as one of the most important pillars of India’s renewable energy transition. As the country moves toward reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and achieving climate commitments, wind power plays a crucial role in ensuring clean,...

Global Warming and Sea-Land Breeze: Causes, Changes and Climate Impact

Context: A study published in Nature Climate Change warns that global warming is weakening the sea-land breeze cycles essential for the health and habitability of coastal megacities. About Sea-Land Breeze The sea-land breeze is a localised atmospheric circulation driven by...

Coastlines of India: Length, States, Features and Importance

India, with its vast geographical diversity, boasts a long and strategically significant coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. The coastline plays a crucial role in shaping India’s economy, culture, biodiversity, and maritime...

Strait of Malacca: Strategic Importance, Geography and Why in News

The Strait of Malacca is one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the world, connecting the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea. Located between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, this narrow stretch of water plays a crucial role in...

India Forecasts Below-Normal Southwest Monsoon 2026: IMD Warning

Context: For the first time in 11 years, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an April forecast warning of a "below-normal" southwest monsoon. Key Highlights of the Forecast Warning Between June and September 2026, India is projected to receive...

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu: Formation, Features, Impact and Significance

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is a recent cyclonic system that developed over the warm oceanic region, drawing attention due to its intensity and potential impact on coastal regions. Tropical cycloTropical Cyclone Vaianunes like Vaianu are important meteorological phenomena that influence weather...

Baltic Sea: Geography, Features, Map, Significance and Key Facts

Context: A multinational research expedition led by Germany’s GEOMAR centre has been launched to map and neutralise 1.6 million tonnes of corroding World War II munitions that are leaking carcinogenic toxins into the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem. Baltic Sea The Baltic...