What are rare earth elements and why is India keen to join a global alliance to ensure their supply? Subject :Geography Section: Economic Geography Rare earths are critical for a range of electronic products including electric and hybrid vehicles, to which India is committed. As the Covid-19 pandemic disruption and geopolitical tensions with […]
The Earth has recorded its shortest day since the 1960s — why are we spinning faster and what impact can it have? Subject: Geography Section: Physiography On June 29, the Earth completed one full spin — a day — in 1.59 milliseconds less than its routine 24 hours. So, the Earth is in […]
Decline in Quantity and Quality of Ground water Subject: Geography Section: Economic Geography Context: Analysis of water level data indicates that about 70% of the wells monitored have registered rise in ground water level whereas, about 30 % wells have registered decline in water level. Concept: The Availability of groundwater resource depends upon […]
Harness the potential of Ocean resources. Subject: Geography Section: Economic Geography Context: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has taken many initiatives to harness the potential of Ocean resources. Concept: Steps Taken: Government of India has signed a 15 year contract with International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of polymetallic nodules from Central Indian […]
National Waterways Subject : Geography Section : Economic Geography Context: To promote inland water transport (IWT) in the country, 111 inland waterways spread over 24 states have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) under National Waterway Act, 2016. Concept: Based on the outcome of techno-economic feasibility and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of these […]
Why is heavy rainfall battering Kerala? Subject: Geography Section: Climatology Concept: Why is Kerala witnessing heavy rains? Kerala is presently under the influence of at least three rainfall triggering weather conditions. There are strong Westerly winds flowing-in from the Arabian Sea, and bringing moisture over Kerala. The presence of an east-west shear zone […]
Illegal mining of beach sand minerals Subject : Geography Section: Economic Geography Ministry of Mines has invited comments/suggestions of the stakeholders viz, Central Government Ministries/Departments, States Governments and Union Territories, mining industry stake-holders, industry associations, general public, and other persons and entities concerned on the proposal to remove certain atomic minerals including beach […]
Rat Hole Mining Subject: Geography Section: Economic Geography Context: As per information received from Coal Controller Organization (CCO), no coal production has been reported during last 4 years from the State of Meghalaya. Concept: Rat hole mining involves digging of very small tunnels, usually only 3-4 feet high, which workers (often children) enter […]
Coal Production Subject : Geography Section : Economic Geography Context: The coal stock available with the thermal power plants (TPP) has increased from 25.6 Million Tonnes (MT) as on to 29.5 MT from March to June. Concept: The draft Economic Survey 2021-22 projects coal demand to rise in the range of 3 – […]
Kerala opposes changes to MMDR Act Subject: Geography Section: Economy Geography Context: The Kerala government has opposed the new set of proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act: Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act (1957) enacted to regulate the mining sector […]