यूपीएससी सिविल सेवा GS1 (इतिहास · समाज · भूगोल) के भूगोल भाग से जुड़ी हर ख़बर, परीक्षा के नज़रिए से: चर्चा में क्यों, पृष्ठभूमि, प्रीलिम्स के तथ्य, अभ्यास प्रश्न और मेन्स प्रश्न। अब तक 86 नोट्स, रोज़ अपडेट।
पाठ्यक्रम के विषय: Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes) (57) · Physical geography (landforms, oceans, climate) (12) · Places in news / mapping (9) · Distribution of natural resources (7) · Location of industries (1)
चर्चा में क्यों: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) withdrew revised earthquake risk assessment guidelines for the Himalayan region and Northeast India due to concerns over infrastructure project costs.
Government-commissioned studies over a decade indicate that current risk assessments underestimate potential earthquake damage. The studies suggest Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values in high-risk zones should be doubled or tripled compared to existing estimates.
Prelims pointers (2)
BodyBureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Body responsible for formulating and withdrawing building safety guidelines.
PlaceHimalayan region and Northeastern India: Identified as high-risk earthquake zones requiring updated risk assessments.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the conflict between scientific risk assessment and economic feasibility in infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas.
Economic-Safety Trade-off: Balancing the high cost of seismic-resistant construction with the necessity of disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Regulatory Bottleneck: Delay in standardizing PGA values due to concerns over public spending and private construction costs.
Scientific Accuracy Gap: Underestimation of seismic risk in current building codes despite a decade of government-commissioned research.
चर्चा में क्यों: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is seeking a consultant to draft a separate Revised Master Plan (RMP-2041) following the enactment of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024.
The Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024 shifted planning authority from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The transition is expected to delay the revised master plan (RMP-2041) by 12 years.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodyGreater Bengaluru Authority (GBA): The body now responsible for planning the Greater Bengaluru area.
BodyBangalore Development Authority (BDA): The previous planning authority replaced by the GBA.
FactRMP-2041: The revised master plan expected to address coordination between BMA and peripheral areas.
Act / BillGreater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024: Legislation shifting planning authority to the GBA.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the decentralization of urban planning authorities can enhance transparency and coordination in rapidly expanding metropolitan regions like Bengaluru.
Institutional friction: Coordination gaps between BMA and peripheral area planning under separate master plans
Transparency gains: Increased involvement of city parastatals in the planning process
चर्चा में क्यों: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the opening of 83 Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, for mountaineering to boost adventure tourism.
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDB) waived expedition fees for these 83 peaks for domestic climbers. A new online portal, the Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS), was established to streamline the application and approval process.
Prelims pointers (4)
PlaceNanda Devi: A major Himalayan peak in Uttarakhand opened for mountaineering.
BodyUTDB: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council responsible for waiving expedition fees.
BodyIMF: Indian Mountaineering Foundation prescribes fees for foreign mountaineers.
S&TUKMPS: Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System is the online portal for streamlining approvals.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the promotion of adventure tourism in ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas balances economic aspirations with environmental conservation.
Ecological fragility: Risk of habitat degradation and waste management issues in high-altitude zones
Regulatory oversight: Balancing ease of doing business via UKMPS with safety and environmental protocols
Keywords: Adventure Tourism · Ecological Sensitivity · Ease of Doing Business · Sustainable Tourism · Regulatory Framework
चर्चा में क्यों: Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of a high probability of an El Nino occurring after July 2026, potentially leading to sub-par monsoon and drought conditions.
The IMD stated there is a greater than 50% probability of El Nino in July and August 2026. Current forecasts predict below-normal rainfall across most of India in February with warmer temperatures.
Prelims pointers (2)
FactIMD probability: Greater than 50% chance of El Nino occurring after July 2026.
BodyIMD: India Meteorological Department is the primary agency for weather forecasting and climate monitoring in India.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the impact of El Nino and La Nina phenomena on India's monsoon patterns and suggest measures to mitigate the resulting agricultural risks.
Agricultural vulnerability: High risk of crop failure and water scarcity in rain-fed farming regions
Climate adaptation: Need for localized weather forecasting and drought-resistant crop varieties
Hydrological stress: Potential for groundwater depletion during sub-par monsoon years
चर्चा में क्यों: Scientists identified that the Indian Ocean geoid low, the world's largest and deepest gravity hole, is caused by tectonic plate movements and rising mantle plumes.
The Indian Ocean geoid low is a vast depression in Earth's gravitational field. It was caused by the Indian plate moving north, closing the Tethys Ocean, and sinking ocean crust slabs into the mantle, which triggered hot material plumes.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TGeoid low: A depression in Earth's gravitational field caused by reduced density in the upper mantle.
PlaceTethys Ocean: An ancient ocean that closed as the Indian plate moved north.
FactThe gravity low deepened due to heat moving closer to the surface rather than an increase in sinking slabs.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how plate tectonics and mantle dynamics influence the geophysical characteristics of the Indian Ocean and their implications for marine geology.
Geophysical dynamics: Interaction between sinking oceanic crust slabs and mantle plume generation
Tectonic evolution: Impact of the closure of the Tethys Ocean on regional gravitational anomalies
चर्चा में क्यों: The Bharathapuzha river in Kerala faces ecological stress due to the upcoming Maha Magha Mahotsavam, which is being dubbed the 'Kumbh of the South'.
The Central Groundwater Board has classified the Bharathapuzha basin as 'overexploited'. The river's ecosystem is currently threatened by sand mining, deforestation, and the anticipated influx of thousands of pilgrims to Thirunavaya.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceBharathapuzha river is located in Kerala
BodyCentral Groundwater Board is the body that classified the basin as overexploited
FactThe Bharathapuzha basin is classified as 'overexploited' due to sand mining and deforestation
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the ecological implications of large-scale religious gatherings on water bodies and suggest measures to balance cultural practices with environmental sustainability.
Resource depletion: Impact of sand mining and deforestation on groundwater recharge
Ecological stress: Riverine pollution and waste management during high-density pilgrim influx
Regulatory gap: Need for carrying capacity assessments for religious sites in ecologically sensitive zones