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Subject: Geography

  • Shiveluch Volcano

    Why in the News?

    The Shiveluch Volcano in Russia erupted following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the country’s eastern coast.

    About Shiveluch Volcano

    Details
    Location
    • Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
    • Approximately 56°39′N 161°21′E
    • Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano)
    • Approximately 3,283 meters (10,771 feet)
    Geological Features Large actively growing lava dome, andesitic to dacitic lava
    Eruption History Frequent eruptions; significant activity in 2005, 2010, and ongoing in 2023-2024
    Hazards Ash plumes, pyroclastic flows, lahars
    Kamchatka Peninsula
    • Lies in far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk on the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on the east.
    • One of the world’s most concentrated areas of geothermal activity, with about 30 active volcanoes.
    • Approximately 1,200 km long and 480 km across at its widest.
    • Climate: Severe, with prolonged, cold, and snowy winters and wet, cool summers.
    • Regional Capital: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
    • Kuril Island chain runs from the southern tip of the peninsula to near Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.

  • What is a Waterspout?

    Why in the News?

    A yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy after being hit by a Waterspout.

    What are Waterspouts?

    • A waterspout is a rotating column of air and mist over a water body.
    • It is a weaker relative of tornadoes and typically lasts for about five minutes, although it can occasionally last up to 10 minutes.
    • Size and Strength:
      • Average diameter: Around 165 feet.
      • Wind speeds: Can reach up to 100 km/hr.
    • Waterspouts are more common in tropical waters but can form anywhere with high humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.

    Types of Waterspouts:

    • Tornadic Waterspouts
        • These are actual tornadoes that either form over water or move from land to water.
    • They are associated with severe thunderstorms and can be accompanied by high winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning.
    • Fair-Weather Waterspouts:
      • These are more common and form only over water during fair weather.
      • They are generally smaller and less dangerous than tornadic waterspouts.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • [pib] FloodWatch India Version 2.0 App

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.

    About FloodWatch India Version 2.0

    • FloodWatch India Version 2.0 is a mobile application developed by Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    • The app provides real-time information and forecasts related to flood situations across India.
    • It now covers 592 flood monitoring stations, up from 200 in the previous version, offering a more comprehensive overview of flood conditions.
    • The app includes information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in India, aiding in flood management.
    • Key features include:
      • It provides real-time river flow data and flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
      • Users can view state-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts and advisories.
      • The app uses satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate and timely flood information.
      • The app is available in English and Hindi and offers both readable and audio broadcast formats.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

  • What is the Nankai Trough?  

    Why on the News?

    Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.

    What is the Nankai Trough?

    • The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
    • It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
    • This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
    • The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.

    Potential for a Megaquake: 

    • Japan’s researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
    • Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.

  • What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?

    Why in the News?

    The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.

    About Perseid Meteor Shower

    Details
    Origin Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
    Cause Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
    How It Occurs
    • Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
    • Earth passes through this debris field annually between mid-July and late August.
    • Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
    Discovery The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
    Historical Observations Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
    Impact of Earth’s Gravity
    • Earth’s gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere.
    • Larger particles can create fireballs—bright meteors that are more intense and last longer.

    Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.

    PYQ:

    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Kerala requests Centre to declare Wayanad landslide as a – ‘National Disaster’

    Why in the News?

    • The Kerala government has requested the Centre to declare the landslide in Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district, as a national disaster.
      • The Central government is considering the legality of declaring the landslide a national disaster.

    Wayanad Landslide: Destruction and Casualties

    • The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, devastated at least three villages.
    • Kerala’s official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 people still missing.
    • Rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies and body parts from the mud and debris.
    • Approximately 9,000 people displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in government-run relief camps in Wayanad.

    Defining a Disaster:

    • A natural disaster includes natural events like earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, urban floods, and heatwaves.
    • Man-made disasters can include nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents.
    • According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as:
      • A catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man-made causes.
      • It results in substantial loss of life or human suffering, damage to or destruction of property, or environmental degradation.
      • The damage must be of such a nature or magnitude that it is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.

    Is there any provision to declare a ‘National Disaster/Calamity’? 

    • There is NO provision under the existing guidelines to declare any disaster, including floods, as a national calamity.
    • The guidelines do NOT contemplate declaring a disaster as a National Calamity.

    Attempts to Define National Calamity:

    • National Committee (2001):
      • Chaired by the then Prime Minister, the committee was tasked with defining parameters for a national calamity.
      • The committee did not suggest any fixed criteria for such a declaration.
    • 10th Finance Commission (1995-2000):
      • It proposed that a disaster be termed “a national calamity of rarest severity” if it affects one-third of a state’s population.
      • It did not define “calamity of rare severity” but suggested that each case be adjudged individually.

    Response to such calamities in India

    • When a calamity is declared as such, support is provided at the national level.
    • The Centre considers additional assistance from the NDRF.
    • A Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) is established, with the corpus shared 3:1 between the Centre and the state.
    • If resources in the CRF are insufficient, additional assistance is considered from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), funded entirely by the Centre.
    • Relief measures can include the repayment of loans or the provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

     

    [2019] Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.

  •  Why the Odisha government will plant palm trees to combat lightning strikes          

    Why in the news?

    In July, the Odisha government approved a proposal to plant 1.9 million palm trees to mitigate deaths caused by lightning strikes, which were declared a state-specific disaster in 2015.

    How many people have lost their lives to lightning in Odisha?   

    • Over the last 11 years, a total of 3,790 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Odisha.
    • In the previous three fiscal years, 791 fatalities were reported, indicating an increasing frequency of lightning strikes.
    • On September 2, 2023, Odisha recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in a two-hour period, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people.

    Why are Lightning strikes of particular concern in Odisha?

    • Odisha is located in a tropical zone and experiences a hot, dry climate that creates ideal conditions for lightning strikes.
    • The state has the highest number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in eastern and central India. The Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024 indicates a significant concentration of lightning activity in this region.
    • Research indicates that climate change exacerbates lightning activity, with a 10% increase in lightning occurrences for every degree Celsius of warming. This is particularly relevant in Odisha, where climatic factors contribute to frequent lightning events.
    • With 96% of lightning strikes occurring in rural areas, the most affected populations include farmers and daily wage earners who work outdoors, making them particularly vulnerable during peak agricultural seasons.

    How can Odisha defend Itself against lightning strikes?

    • Planting Palm Trees: The Odisha government has approved a proposal to plant 19 lakh palm trees as a natural defense against lightning strikes. Palm trees are considered effective conductors of lightning due to their height and moisture content, which can absorb lightning and mitigate its impact on the ground.
    • Financial Commitment: The state has allocated Rs 7 crore for the palm tree plantation initiative and has banned the felling of existing palm trees to enhance this strategy.
    • Public Awareness and Early Warning Systems: While the state has implemented early warning systems to forecast lightning strikes, experts emphasize the need for widespread public education on safety measures during lightning events.
    • Concerns: Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of palm trees as a long-term solution, noting that it takes 15 to 20 years for them to reach a height where they can effectively mitigate lightning strikes.

    NDMA Guidelines for Lightning

    • Preparation and Awareness: The Local government should educate the communities about lightning safety and the risks associated with thunderstorms.
    • Seek Shelter: During a thunderstorm, individuals should seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Open vehicles and structures such as metal sheds or under-construction buildings are unsafe.
    • Avoid Trees: Taking shelter under trees is discouraged, as they can attract lightning. If in a wooded area, find the shortest trees for shelter.
    • Crouching Position: If no shelter is available, crouch down with heels touching and head between the knees to minimize height and reduce risk.
    • 30-30 Rule: After seeing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors. This rule helps assess the distance of the storm.

    Way forward: 

    • Installation of Lightning Rods and Conductors: The government should invest in the widespread installation of lightning rods and conductors in rural and vulnerable areas. These devices can provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure, homes, and open fields where farmers and workers are most at risk.
    • Advanced Early Warning Systems: Need to enhance the existing early warning systems with more accurate, real-time data and ensure these warnings are disseminated quickly through multiple channels, including mobile alerts, community announcements, and local radio.

    Main PYQ: 

    Q Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (2022)

  • Govt. introduces Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha     

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai presented the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

    Proposed Provisions in the Bill

    • Creation of a Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive disaster database at both national and state levels, which will include disaster assessments, fund allocation details, expenditures, preparedness and mitigation plans, and a risk register based on the type and severity of risks.
    • Urban Disaster Management Authority: It proposes the formation of an “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for state capitals and large cities with municipal corporations, aimed at enhancing local disaster management capabilities.
    • Empowerment of NDMA and SDMAs: The Bill empowers the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to prepare disaster management plans, replacing the previous role of the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees.
    • Periodic Risk Assessment: The NDMA is tasked with periodically assessing the entire range of disaster risks in the country, including emerging risks due to extreme climate events.
    • Statutory Status for Pre-Act Organizations: The Bill provides statutory recognition to certain pre-existing organizations, such as the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee.
    • Penalties for Non-Compliance: It includes provisions allowing the Central and State governments to impose penalties for actions that hinder disaster management efforts, with fines not exceeding ₹10,000.

    Substantial Questions on Excessive Powers

    • Concerns Over Central Authority: Opposition members, including Congress leader Manish Tewari, raised concerns that the Bill grants excessive rule-making powers to the Central government, potentially encroaching upon the legislative powers reserved for State governments.
    • Constitutional Validity: Questions were raised regarding the constitutional basis for the Bill, as disaster management is not explicitly mentioned in the subjects of the Concurrent List.
    • Multiplicity of Authorities: Critics, including Trinamool Congress member Sougata Roy, expressed concerns that the creation of multiple authorities could lead to confusion and bureaucratic inefficiencies, potentially hampering effective disaster response.

    Need to aim for more clarity

    • Clarification of roles: The Bill aims to bring more clarity and convergence in the roles of various authorities and committees involved in disaster management, addressing the need for streamlined coordination among stakeholders.
    • Enhanced Local Management: By empowering local authorities through the establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities, the Bill seeks to ensure that disaster management plans are more relevant and tailored to specific regional challenges.
    • Alignment with Development Plans: The Bill emphasizes the need to mainstream disaster management into development plans, aligning with recommendations from the Fifteenth Finance Commission and ensuring that disaster risk reduction is integrated into broader governance frameworks.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Collaboration with State Governments: To address concerns about excessive central authority and potential overlaps with state powers, it is crucial to establish a framework for ongoing collaboration between the Central and State Disaster Management Authorities.
    • Implementing a Comprehensive Training and Capacity-Building Program: The successful implementation of the proposed Urban Disaster Management Authorities and the broader disaster management framework will depend on the capacity of local officials and stakeholders.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q  Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (2020)

  • Mapping: River Seine

    Why in the News?

    The swimming events in the ongoing Paris Olympics were postponed due to concerns about the water quality of the River Seine.

    Issues with River Seine’s Water Quality:

    • Old Sewage System: Paris’ aged sewage system combines rainwater and wastewater in the same pipes, leading to overflow during heavy rains.
    • Untreated Sewage Discharge: Overflowing pipes cause untreated sewage to be discharged directly into the Seine instead of being treated.
    • Wildlife Contamination: Heavy rains wash wildlife, such as rodents, into the river, adding to the contamination.
    • E. coli Threat: The River often has high levels of E. coli bacteria, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections.
    • Exceeding Safe Levels: Following heavy rains, E. coli levels in the Seine frequently exceed the safe threshold of 900 colony-forming units (cfu) per 100 ml of water.
    • Long-term Pollution: The Seine has been historically polluted, with a swimming ban in place since 1923 due to health risks.
    • Health Risks: High contamination levels pose significant health risks to swimmers, including infections and illnesses.

    About River Seine

    Details
    Country France
    Length 777 km
    Major Cities Along Course Paris, Troyes, Melun, Rouen, Le Havre
    Major Tributaries Aube, Marne, Yonne, Oise, Eure
    Population in Basin About 17 million people, including the Paris metropolitan area
    Navigability Navigable for about 560 kilometers from the estuary to Burgundy
    Estuary Location Empties into the English Channel at Le Havre and Honfleur
    Estuary Type Tidal estuary with significant tidal influence up to Rouen
    Historical Significance Central to Paris, with landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre along its banks
    UNESCO Status Banks of the Seine in Paris are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Economic Importance Major waterway for commercial shipping and tourism; key ports include Paris, Rouen, and Le Havre
    Recreational Activities Popular for river cruises, boating, fishing, and walking along its banks

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following pairs?

    River: Flows into

    1. Mekong:  Andaman sea
    2. Thames: Irish Sea
    3. Volga: Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi: Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) 3 Only

    (d) None of the above/More than one of the above.

     

    https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sports/paris-olympics-triathlon-event-river-seines-water-quality-sewage-system-water-treatment-plants-9485616/

  • In 2024, newer districts are affected by militancy in Jammu   

    Why in the News?

    An ambush resulted in the deaths of five Indian Army personnel  which highlights a worrying trend of increasing violence in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region.

    • This incident marks the fourth terror attack in the state within a span of 48 hours, indicating a surge in militant activities.

    Observations on Militancy Leading to Civilian Deaths

    • The new wave of terrorism: The region has seen a resurgence of violence after a period of relative peace, with notable incidents such as the June 9 attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, resulting in nine deaths. This shift in militancy is particularly concerning as it reflects a new wave of terrorism, especially in areas like Rajouri and Poonch, which had previously been stable.
    • Changing dynamics of Terrorism: There is a notable transition from foreign terrorists leading attacks to local militants becoming more prominent.

    Developments in Militancy (2014-2024)

    • Surge in Violence Post-2016: The killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July 2016 sparked widespread unrest and violence, leading to a resurgence in militant activities. This period saw increased recruitment of local youth into militant ranks, particularly within groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
    • Major Attacks: Notable incidents include the 2016 Uri attack, where militants killed 19 soldiers, and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel. These attacks highlighted the persistent threat posed by organized militant groups.
    • Revocation of Article 370: The abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019 led to a significant shift in the political landscape. While the Indian government claimed a reduction in violence, there were still notable attacks, such as the
    • Emergence of Hybrid Militancy: A new trend termed “hybrid militancy” has emerged, where individuals engage in militant activities sporadically while maintaining their civilian lives.
    • Decline in Active Militants: By the end of 2022, the number of active militants had fallen to just over 100, down from around 250 in 2019. However, the presence of foreign militants has reportedly increased, indicating a shift in the composition of militant forces.
    • Increased Counter-Insurgency Operations: The Indian security forces have intensified operations against militants, resulting in the deaths of approximately 750 militants over the last four years, with a significant proportion being local youths.
    • Changing Tactics and Technology: Militants have increasingly utilized modern technology, including drones and social media, to coordinate attacks and recruit members, presenting new challenges for security forces.

    Way forward: 

    • Addressing Recruitment Cycles: Government need to make initiatives aimed at preventing youth recruitment into militant groups. This can include educational programs, vocational training, and employment opportunities that provide alternatives to joining militant organizations.
    • Enhanced Intelligence and Local Engagement: The need to Strengthen local intelligence networks is crucial to preemptively identify and disrupt militant activities.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q  Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (2021)