Western Disturbance

Source:  NDTV Subject:  Geography Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for a quick succession of two Western Disturbances (WD) expected to sweep across Northwest and Central India from January 31 to February 3, 2026. About Western Disturbance: What is a Western Disturbance? A Western Disturbance (WD) is an extra-tropical storm (or …

Government Notifies Coking Coal as Critical & Strategic Minerals

Source:  ET Subject:  Economics/Geography Context: The Government of India officially notified Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957, a major reform aimed at slashing the country’s 95% import dependence. About Government Notifies Coking Coal as Critical & Strategic Minerals: What is it? By notifying Coking Coal as a Critical …

Polar Vortex

Source:  IE Subject:  Geography Context: A polar vortex–driven winter storm swept across the United States in January 2026, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain and sub-zero temperatures to nearly 17 states, causing deaths and severe travel disruptions. About Polar Vortex: What it is? The polar vortex is a large, persistent area of low pressure and extremely …

Solar Radiation Storm

Source:  ET Subject:  Geography Context: The Sun unleashed the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years, ranked S4 (Severe) by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, causing intense auroras across Europe and disruptions to aviation GPS systems. About Solar Radiation Storm: What it is? A solar radiation storm occurs when the Sun ejects extremely …

Bomb Cyclone

Bomb Cyclone Source:  NDTV Subject:  Geography Context: A powerful winter storm, Winter Storm Ezra, rapidly intensified into a bomb cyclone over the US, disrupting peak holiday travel with mass flight cancellations, blizzards, power outages, and hurricane-force winds across multiple states. About Bomb Cyclone: What it is? A bomb cyclone is a powerful mid-latitude weather system …

Gandikota Canyon

Source:  TH Subject:  Geography Context: Gandikota Canyon has drawn renewed attention as a spectacular yet underdeveloped natural–heritage site, despite recent state plans to boost tourism infrastructure. About Gandikota Canyon: What it is? Gandikota Canyon is a dramatic river gorge carved by the Penna (Pennar) River, often called the “Grand Canyon of India” for its sheer …

Fog

Source:  HT Subject:  Geography Context: The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for dense to very dense fog over Uttar Pradesh, with similar conditions forecast across north and eastern India. About Fog: What it is? Fog is a meteorological phenomenon in which tiny water droplets or ice crystals remain suspended near the Earth’s …

El Niño

Source:  DTE Subject:  Geography Context: Climate models and ocean observations show early signals of a possible El Niño return in 2026, as warming in the equatorial Pacific weakens La Niña conditions. About El Niño: What it is? El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), marked by abnormal warming of surface …

Bondi Beach

Source:  TOI Subject: Geography Context: Australia was shaken by a deadly terror-linked mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish festival, prompting the government to consider tougher gun laws. About Bondi Beach: What it is? Bondi Beach is a world-famous ocean beach and adjoining suburb in Sydney, known for its surf culture, tourism, and …

Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) Event

Source:  NW Context: Meteorologists have warned that another Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event may occur in December 2025, potentially disrupting the polar vortex and sending unusually cold Arctic air into parts of the United States. About Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) Event: What is SSW? Sudden Stratospheric Warming is a rapid temperature rise (up to 50°C) …

Bitra Island

Source:  TH Subject:  Mapping Context: India is set to increase military presence in Lakshadweep, with a new naval detachment on Bitra Island becoming fully operational next year, alongside expanding Air Force facilities on Agatti and Minicoy. About Bitra Island: What it is? Bitra is the smallest inhabited island of Lakshadweep, forming part of the Amindivi …

Black Sea

Source:  LM Subject:  Mapping Context: Ukraine struck two Russian civilian oil tankers — Kairos and Virat — in the Black Sea using sea drones, causing major damage to vessels believed to be transporting sanctioned Russian oil. About Black Sea: What it is? The Black Sea is a large inland sea connected to the Mediterranean through …

Paradip Port

Source:  PIB Subject:   Mapping Context: Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved the fastest-ever 100 MMT cargo throughput in its history, and for the 9th consecutive year, crossing the 100 MMT mark—this time 12 days earlier than last fiscal. About Paradip Port: What is Paradip Port? Paradip Port is one of India’s Major Ports, operated by …