geography

Thermal Structure of Solar Coronal Holes and their Magnetic Fields Unveiled

Context: A new study by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has accurately estimated the thermal and magnetic field structures of solar coronal holes. What are Solar Coronal Holes? Coronal holes are dark regions in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images...

What is an Earthquake Swarm?

Context: A state of emergency has been declared on Greece’s Santorini and the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi after a swarm of undersea earthquakes. What is an Earthquake Swarm? An earthquake swarm refers to a sequence of multiple...

Earthquake in Delhi: A Detailed Overview, Causes, and Preparedness Tips

On the morning of February 17, 2025, residents of Delhi and its adjoining regions were jolted awake by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake, which struck with surprising intensity despite its moderate scale. The tremors were felt across the national capital and...

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), Reasons and Impacts

Context: An expert committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change recommended a proposal to rebuild the Teesta-3 dam on the Teesta river in Sikkim Glacial Lakes Formation: Created by meltwater accumulating in depressions left by retreating...

Why La Nina did not bring down Temperature?

Context: The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that January 2025 was the hottest January on record. What is La Niña Affect? La Nina is one of the three phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate phenomenon that...

Tea Tribes in India and Tea Cultivation

Context: The West Bengal government has allowed 30% of tea garden land to be used for purposes other than tea cultivation. Unions and opposition are criticizing the move, stating that it threatens indigenous groups/ Tea Tribes. About Tea Tribes Tea...

Marine Heat Waves (MHWs), Reasons and Impact

Context: The MHWs off the coast of Western Australia (WA) in January 2025 led to the death of over 30,000 fish according to a study conducted by the non-profit group Climate Central. What Are Marine Heatwaves (MHWs)? MHWs are extreme...

Extreme Temperature Surge at the North Pole

Context: Recently temperatures at the North Pole rose more than 20°C above average. The northern Svalbard region (Norway) recorded temperatures 18°C above the 1991–2020 average. Why Did the North Pole Experience Such High Temperatures? Low-Pressure System Over Iceland A deep...

India’s Just Mineral Framework

Context: India has made significant strides in its transition to clean energy over the past decade, as reflected in budgetary allocations and policy initiatives. However, challenges such as underutilization of funds, dependence on fossil fuels, and supply chain disruptions continue...

Mission for Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton Promotion

Context: The Union Finance Minister has announced a five-year mission in the Union Budget to improve productivity, sustainability, and quality in cotton farming, with a focus on ELS cotton varieties. About Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton It is a cotton variety...