Geothermal Power Potential in India

Syllabus: Economy: Energy/ Geography  Source: IE   Context: India has identified approximately 10,600 MW of geothermal power potential, according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The GSI has conducted extensive exploration across 381 thermally active areas, gathering data on temperature, discharge, and water quality. A 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant using Binary Organic …

Addressing Coastal Erosion: Challenges and Solutions

Syllabus: Geography/Environment Source: The Hindu Context: Coastal erosion in Tamil Nadu is increasingly threatening livelihoods and infrastructure due to both natural processes and human interventions.   What is Coastal erosion? It refers to the loss of coastal land due to the action of waves, currents, and human activities.   Examples: Tamil Nadu, with India’s second-longest …

Atmospheric Rivers: ‘Flying Rivers’ Causing Devastating Floods

Syllabus: Geography: Atmosphere Source: BBC  Context: Heavy rains and floods have recently affected several parts of India, killing scores and displacing thousands. These floods are exacerbated by “flying rivers,” or atmospheric rivers.   What are Atmospheric rivers? These are long, narrow bands of water vapour in the atmosphere that transport moisture from the tropics to …

Union Budget 2024-25: Transit Oriented Development (TOD) for 14 large cities

Syllabus: Geography/ Goverance Source: LM   Context: The Union Budget 2024-25 highlighted Transit Oriented Development (TOD) for 14 large cities with populations over 30 lakhs.   What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)? Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning approach that focuses on creating compact, walkable communities centered around high-quality public transport systems. It …

World Mangrove Day: Conservation Success in India Amidst Challenges

Syllabus: Environment Conservation  Source: DTE Context: July 26 is International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, declared by UNESCO to raise awareness and promote sustainable management of mangroves, vital for coastal protection, storm mitigation, and carbon sequestration.   About International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem Celebrated annually on July 26, this day …

Sangameshwara temple

Source: TOI Context: The ancient Sangameshwara temple in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, is once again submerged due to recent heavy rains and rising water levels in the Srisailam project.  

Olympic Order

 Source: NewsOnAir Context: Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, has been awarded the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement. The award will be presented during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris. Bindra, who won the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the …

Kalarippayattu

Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has recognized the Kalarippayattu Federation of India for its efforts in promoting the traditional martial art of Kalarippayattu within the country.   About Kalarippayattu: Kalaripayattu, meaning “Battleground” (Kalari) and “Method” or “Art” (Payatt), is an ancient Indian martial art that originated in Kerala between the …

Urban Transformation Strategies in the Union Budget 2024-25

Syllabus: Geography/ Governance: Urban Governance Source: PIB Need for Urban Transformation Strategy Increasing Urban Population: Currently, urban areas constitute ~35% of India’s population; Expected to grow to 53% by 2047. Economic Contribution: Urban centres contribute ~66% to the national GDP; Expected to reach 80% by 2050. Key Issues: Infrastructure deficit. Rapidly deteriorating environment, including air …