Why in NEWS Scientists revealed that 96% of the ocean surface experienced marine heatwaves (MHWs) in 2023, raising fears of a permanent ocean temperature shift, with cascading impacts on marine life, climate, and economies. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Marine Heatwave (MHW) Period when sea surface temperatures remain abnormally high (3–4°C above normal) for […]
More Details
Why in NEWS NHPC has started the tendering process for the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project in Jammu & Kashmir, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project Run-of-river hydro project on Chenab River in Ramban district, J&K Chenab River Western tributary of Indus; […]
More Details
Why in NEWS A road project through Anamudi Shola National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district has been stalled, raising concerns over restricted access for local tribal communities and the ecological sensitivity of the protected area. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Shola Forests High-altitude tropical montane forests in the Western Ghats, rich in endemic flora […]
More Details
Why in NEWS ISRO successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite from Sriharikota, marking a landmark Earth observation mission and strengthening India–US space collaboration. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation NISAR NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite for dual-frequency Earth observation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Active radar system that creates high-resolution images by combining […]
More Details
Why in NEWS Frequent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Nepal have raised alarm in India’s Himalayan states, where over 7,500 glacial lakes—many unstable—pose a growing threat from climate change-driven disasters. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation GLOF Sudden release of water from glacial lakes due to dam failure (ice/moraine), often catastrophic Moraine Accumulated rock […]
More Details
Why in NEWS A long-term coral reef health monitoring study across Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls in Lakshadweep revealed that coral cover has declined drastically from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022, primarily due to repeated marine heatwaves and climate change. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Coral Bleaching Whitening of corals due to […]
More Details
Why in NEWS The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) released the Underground Atlas, revealing that over 90% of mycorrhizal fungi hotspots—vital for plant nutrition and carbon storage—lie outside protected areas, raising concern about their overlooked ecological importance. Key Terms/Concepts Term Explanation Mycorrhizal Fungi Fungi forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient […]
More Details
Why in NEWS Himachal Pradesh witnessed over 20 flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts—underscoring rising extreme weather events due to climate change. As India suffers escalating economic losses, parametric insurance is emerging as a faster and smarter climate risk tool. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Parametric Insurance Insurance that pays out when a specific parameter […]
More Details
Why in NEWS India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam to promote regional maritime connectivity, sustainable development, and port-led growth in the Bay of Bengal region. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation BIMSTEC Regional body for Bay of Bengal countries established in 1997 to promote economic and technical cooperation AMTC Agreement on Maritime […]
More Details
Why in NEWS China is constructing a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) River in Tibet, near Gelling, close to the Arunachal Pradesh border. It will be three times more powerful than the Three Gorges Dam and completed by the 2030s. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Yarlung Zangbo The upper […]
More Details