Droughts are an extended period when there is a shortage of water availability due to inadequate precipitation, excessive rate of evaporation and over-utilisation of water from the reservoirs and other storages, including the groundwater. It is a complex phenomenon that involves elements of meteorology like precipitation, evaporation, evapotranspiration, groundwater, soil moisture, storage and surface run-off,…
When Surface run-off exceeds the carrying capacity of the river channels, streams, lakes and other inland water in which they flow bodies or the infiltration rate of the ground we call it a Flood. It flows into the neighbouring low-lying areas which generally do not experience natural water flow. Types of Floods: River Floods: These…
Tropical cyclones (or hurricanes) are intense low-pressure areas confined to the area lying between 30° N and 30° S latitudes, in the atmosphere around which high-velocity winds blow. These low-pressure systems can extend Horizontally anywhere between 500-1000km and Vertically 12-14km high. Condition for Emergence: A large and continuous supply of warm and moist air can…
Tsunami: Large sea waves caused by sudden displacement of ocean water due to Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. that cause the sea floor to move abruptly resulting in the form of high vertical waves called Tsunamis (harbour waves) or seismic sea waves. Formation of Tsunamis: Seismic waves may cause only one instantaneous vertical wave due to…
Earthquakes are shaking of the earth caused by to sudden release of energy. Massive Natural earthquakes are generally caused by the energy released due to Movement in tectonic plates. It’s the most unpredictable and highly destructive of all the natural disasters. Basic Definitions: Focus or Hypocentre: it is a point in the earth’s interior where…
1. Balance is restored (Source – Indian Express, Section – The Ideas Page – Page No. – 13) Topic: GS2 – Polity and Constitution Context The Supreme Court of India intervened using Article 142 to remedy the Tamil Nadu Governor’s prolonged inaction on state bills, deeming them assented and exposing the constitutional crisis caused by…
Q1) How do various cultural practices and traditions contribute to the idea of “Unity in Diversity”? Provide examples to support your argument. (10 marks, 150 words) ANSWER Unity in Diversity is the idea that individuals with varied cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds can live together in harmony. In India, this concept is deeply rooted…
Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) notification, 1991: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, notification was issued in 1991 for regulation of activities in the coastal area by MoEF. It defined the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) as: Coastal land up to 500m from the High Tide Line(HTL) and A range of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries,…
Environmental Impact Assessment is a process whereby people’s views are taken into consideration for granting final approval to any developmental project or activity. The MoEFCC uses Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006, issued under relevant provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as a major tool for minimizing the adverse impact of rapid industrialization on the environment and…
Remember Normal Species: Population level considered normal for survival. For example, Cattle, sal, pine, rodents, etc. Endangered species: Danger of extinction. (due to negative factors) For example, Black buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian rhino, lion tailed macaque, sangai (brow anter deer in Manipur) Vulnerable Species: Population has declined, likely to move into endangered category…
