The Study IAS

Category: Geography

  • Places in News: Netherlands

    context:

    Netherlands also known as Holland, is a charming country located in northwestern Europe.

    The region is famous for its windmills, vibrant tulip fields, picturesque canals, and liberal social policies.

    geography of netherlands.

    • Geography
      • Location: Western Europe, bordered by Belgium (south) and Germany (east), North Sea (north and west).
      • Size: Larger than Maryland, smaller than West Virginia.
      • Land Reclamation: Extensive use of canals, dams, dikes, and pumping stations to prevent flooding.
      • Dikes: Over 1,491 miles (2,400 km) of dikes protect the land; 65% of the country would be flooded without them.
      • Landscape: Low, flat land, with almost half below sea level.
    • Climate and Soil: Mild climate and fertile soil, ideal for agriculture.
    • Notable Cities
      • Amsterdam: Capital, known for its canals, museums, and vibrant culture.
      • Rotterdam: Major port city with modern architecture.
      • Utrecht: Another key city, known for its rich history and culture.

     

     

  • Grades of Coal.

    Context:

    A  report by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP),has alleged that a private group imported low-grade coal and sold it as high-grade coal to a few power generation companies.

    More on News:

    • The report alleged that in 2014, the Adani Group claimed ‘low grade’ coal, imported from Indonesia, to be ‘high-quality’ coal.

    Inflated its value and sold it to Tamil Nadu’s power generation company, TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company).

     

    High Grade vs Low-Grade Coal:

    • High and low quality coal are relative terms meaningful in the context of their use and processing.
    • Coal is a mixture of carbon, ash, moisture, and other impurities.
      • Higher carbon content in a unit of coal indicates a higher quality or ‘grade’ of coal.
    • Gross Calorific Value (GCV): The amount of heat or energy generated from burning the coal determines its grade. There are 17 grades of coal based on GCV.
    • Grade 1: Top quality coal with a GCV higher than 7,000 kcal per kilogram.

    Lowest Grade: Coal with a GCV between 2,200-2,500 kcal per kilogram, as classified by the Coal Ministry.

     

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    What is Coal?

    • Coal is a readily combustible, black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, predominantly made of carbon. It is formed over millions of years through geological pressure applied on plant remains buried under the soil. 

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    Coal in India: 

    • Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India. It accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs. 
    • India has a total coal reserve of 344.02 billion tonnes and is the second largest producer of coal in the world. 
      • 72% of the electricity in India is generated from coal.
      • Coal import share reduced from 22.48% to 21% between April 2023 and January 2024.
      • The major coal producing States in the country are Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra & West Bengal.
    • The heat value of coal reserves in our country (measured in Gross Calorific Value (GCV)), is lower than that of international coal reserves. 
    • Coking Coal: Needed to produce coke, an essential component for steel making, and requires minimal ash content.

    Non-Coking Coal: Despite higher ash content, it can generate enough heat to be useful in thermal power plants.

     

    types of coal

    Types of Coal:

    • Anthracite: Highest rank of coal, hard, brittle, black lustrous coal.
    • Characteristics: High fixed carbon(86%–97%), low volatile matter.
    • Heating Value: Highest among all coal ranks.
    • In India it is found in smaller quantities in regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Usage: Mainly by the metals industry.
    • Bituminous: Middle rank coal between sub Bituminous and anthracite.
    • Characteristics: High heating value, blocky appearance with shiny and dull layers, 45%–86% carbon content.
    • In India it is found in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
    • Lignite: Lowest grade coal with least concentration of carbon.
    • Characteristics: Low heating value, high moisture content, 25%–35% Carbon Content.
    • In India it is found in the regions of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir, 90% concentrated in Tamil Nadu.
    •  Peat : The precursor to coal,
      •  It is a soft, organic material consisting of partly decayed plant and mineral matter. 

    Under high pressure and heat, peat undergoes coalification to become coal.

    Characteristics of Indian Coal:

    • High Ash Content: Indian coal is known for its high ash content, typically exceeding 40% on average.
    • Low Calorific Value: The Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of domestic thermal coal in India ranges from 3,500 to 4,000 kcal/kg. In contrast, imported thermal coals have a GCV of over 6,000 kcal/kg.
    • Increased Pollution: Burning high-ash coal results in higher emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen, and sulphur dioxide, contributing to environmental pollution.

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    Clean Coal: Coal with increased carbon content achieved by reducing ash content, typically through coal washing or gasification.

    • Coal Washing: On-site washing plants reduce ash and moisture content using blowers or a “bath” method.
      • Challenges/Costs: Coal washing equipment deployment is costly and increases power production expenses.
    • Coal Gasification: Converts coal into gas instead of direct burning.
    • IGCC System: Reacts steam and hot air/oxygen with coal to produce syngas (CO, H2, CO2, water vapour).
    • Syngas Usage: Cleaned and burned in gas turbines to generate electricity, increasing efficiency by producing steam and syngas.

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    Issues related to coal mining in India: 

    • Delayed Environment and Forest Clearances: prohibitions on mining in certain regions needs Clearances from both State and Central Governments.
    • Land acquisition difficulties impede coal sector growth.
    • Insufficient technological advancements pose challenges in coal extraction and processing.
    • Heavily relies on manual labour and outdated techniques.
    • Coal India Limited’s long-standing monopoly in commercial coal mining leads to monopolistic behaviours and an inability to meet domestic demands.
    • Many coal power plants rely on extensive debt financing from state-owned banks, adding to financial challenges in the sector.
    • Coal imports make up 25% of domestic needs due to a demand-supply mismatch.
    • Strict regulations incur higher operation and maintenance costs for coal plants.
    • India’s power regulators often fail to adjust prices to cover increased operational costs due to regulation.

     

    Government Actions to Enhance Coal Production and Supply:

    • Commercial Auction of Coal on Revenue Share Mechanism
    • Allow Sale of Excess Coal Production:. Aims to increase coal market supply by utilising mining capacities more efficiently.
    • Rolling Auction: Mechanism to expedite auction processes and conduct multiple rounds yearly.
        • Includes mines with no or single bids from previous tranches and newly identified mines.
    • Single Window Clearance:Unified platform for grant of clearances and approvals.
      • Streamlines application and approval processes for starting a coal mine.

    Government allowed 100% FDI under automatic route for sale of coal, coal mining activities.

  • Indian Reservoirs Continue to Experience Declining Storage Levels

    Context:

    According to Central Water Commission (CWC) data, the water level in the country’s 150 main reservoirs has dropped to 23% of their total capacity.

     

    More on News:

    • The decline is not only less than the storage of last year during the same period, but also less than the average storage of the last 10 years.
    • Eight reservoirs had zero storage, located in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh (AP), and Uttarakhand.
    • Four reservoirs had less than 10% storage in AP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka

     

     

    Where is Earth's Water

     

     

    Regional Water Storage Data:

    • Southern region (AP, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu): 42 reservoirs with a total capacity of 53.334 BCM, current storage at 7.455 BCM (14%). Last year was 25% and normal storage is 20%.
    • Gujarat and Maharashtra: 49 reservoirs, total live storage available is 8.833 BCM (24% of total live storage capacity).
    • Northern region: Available storage at 30% of total capacities.
    • Eastern region: Available storage at 28% of total capacities.
    • Central region: Available storage at 29.1% of total capacities.

     

    River Flow Conditions:

    • At least 13 east-flowing rivers between the Mahanadi and Pennar had no water for nine weeks. 
      • Rivers include Rushikulya, Bahuda, Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Sarada, Varaha, Tandava, Eluru, Gundlakamma, Tammileru, Musi, Paleru, Munneru.
    • These rivers flow through Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, draining into the Bay of Bengal.
    • Important urban centres in the combined basin include Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, West Godavari, Srikakulam, and Kakinada.

     

    Current Water Storage Levels in Major River Basins:

    • Better than normal storage is available in the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Brahmani and Baitarni, Narmada, Tapi, and Sabarmati basins.
    • Storage levels are close to normal in the Subarnarekha, Barak, Mahi, Godavari, Mahanadi basins, and west flowing rivers of Kutch and Saurashtra, including Luni.
    • Storage is also close to normal in the west flowing rivers from Tapi to Tadri, and from Tadri to Kanyakumari.
    • Deficient storage is reported in the Krishna basin, east flowing rivers between Pennar and Kanyakumari, and the Cauvery basin.
    • Highly deficient storage is noted in the east flowing rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar basins.

     

    Impact of River Systems:

    • Indian river systems provide water for irrigation, drinking, domestic consumption, cheap transportation, and electricity.
    • Water shortage in river basins significantly affects socio-economic conditions, livelihoods, and agricultural activities dependent on these water supplies.
    • Impact on Agriculture:
      • Low water availability in reservoirs can affect the yields of summer crops (sown between the Rabi and Kharif seasons).
      • Farmers are hopeful about the forecast of an ‘above normal’ southwest monsoon to bring sufficient rains for the Kharif crop sowing.

     

    Reason for the lower water levels in reservoirs:

    • According to the report of Central Water Commission:
      • Deficient rainfall since July last year due to El Nino has led to drought and prolonged dry periods in India.
      • This has caused groundwater levels to drop alarmingly in cities like Bangalore and parts of Andhra and Telangana.

     

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    Per Capita Water Availability:

    • Based on the study titled “Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs, 2019” conducted by the Central Water Commission:
      • The average annual per capita water availability for the year 2021 is assessed as 1486 cubic metres.
      • The average annual per capita water availability for the year 2031 is projected to be 1367 cubic metres.
    • Annual per capita water availability of less than 1700 cubic metres is considered a water-stressed condition, while below 1000 cubic metres is considered a water scarcity condition.

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    Government of India’s Initiatives for Water Conservation and Distribution: 

    • National Water Mission
    • Atal Bhujal Yojana
    • Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)
    • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
    • Jal Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan

  • Places in News: Alaska

    Alaska 

     

    Alaska Map

     

    • Location: situated in the far northwest of North America,
        • Bordered by Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west.
    • It is the largest state in the U.S. and was admitted into the Union as the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
    • Water Bodies: The Yukon River, almost 2,000 miles long, is the third longest river in the U.S. 
        • There are more than 3,000 rivers in Alaska and over 3 million lakes. The largest, Lake Iliamna, encompasses over 1,000 square miles.
    • Mountains: Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska. Denali, the highest peak in North America, is 20,320 ft. above sea level. Denali, the Native Alaskan name for the peak, means “The Great One.”
    • Alaska is renowned for its vast expanses of undeveloped land, rugged mountains, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems.
    • The largest glacier is the Malaspina at 850 square miles. Five percent of the state, or 29,000 square miles, is covered by glaciers.
    • The state boasts a harsh climate characterised by long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
    • Alaska is famous for the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon where colourful lights dance across the sky in polar regions.
    • It lies the world’s largest expanse of glacial ice outside Greenland and Antarctica.

  • Alaska’s Rivers Are Turning Orange

    Context:

    Rivers and streams in Alaska are changing color from clear blue to rusty orange,  due to toxic metals released by thawing permafrost.

     

    More on news:

    • Researchers from the National Park Service, UC Davis, and the US Geological Survey conducted tests at 75 locations in Alaska’s Brooks Range.
    • An aerial view of the Kutuk River in Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park shows orange paint-like discoloration in the clear blue water.
    • A study published in Water Resources Research details metal concentration increases across 22 mountain streams in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains over the past 30 years.
    • Similar discoloration processes occur in parts of California and Appalachia with mining history, but it’s surprising to see in remote wilderness areas far from mining sources.
    • The waterways have become rusty and cloudy over the past five to ten years.

     

    River in Alaska changing color from blue to orange

    Impact of Thawing Permafrost on Alaska’s Waterways:

    • Some of the metals are toxic to river and stream ecosystems and causing the discoloration include iron, zinc, copper, nickel, and lead.
    • Researchers attribute half of the increase to reduced streamflow, while the other half is from thawing permafrost allowing minerals to leach out of the bedrock.
    • Arctic soils naturally contain organic carbon, nutrients, and metals, such as mercury, within permafrost.
      • Thawing permafrost, accelerated by high temperatures, releases these minerals into water sources.
      • The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world, contributing to this phenomenon.
      • The most drastic colour changes occurred between 2017 and 2018, coinciding with record warm years.
    • Study highlights this as an unexpected consequence of climate change.

     

    Impact of Waterway Discoloration in Alaska:

    • Declines in aquatic life.
    • Concerns for drinking water and fishing.

  • Heating North Pole

    Context:

    The North Pole is warming faster than the global average. Climate models consistently underestimate its rapid warming which indicates significant disruption. 

     

    More on News

    • Rapid, unpredictable changes in the Arctic indicate major environmental shifts with global consequences. 
    • New data from a research vessel an Arctic expedition trapped in sea ice will enhance predictions. 

     

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    Permafrost: A layer of frozen soil, rock, or sediment that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years and is found in high mountain areas and near the North and South Poles.

     

    Arctic Treaty: The Treaty was signed in Washington in 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY). 

    • The total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 56.
    • To ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes, to promote scientific cooperation, and to protect the environment.
    • It prohibits military activities, nuclear explosions, and disposal of nuclear waste while emphasizing scientific research and international cooperation in the region.

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    Key Highlights:

    • Ozone and Greenhouse Effect: The layer in the lower atmosphere acts as a greenhouse gas. Unlike CO₂, it breaks down within a month but still contributes to heat. 
    • Ozone carried by winds is absorbed by seawater, ice, and snow exerting its warming effect over the Arctic region for a longer period.
    • Influx of Warm Air: During research expeditions, it was found that temperatures at the North Pole could rise rapidly from -35°C to 0°C, accelerating the melting of sea ice and increase the risk of ice breakup.
    • Soot Deposition and Ice Melting: Warm air transport carries soot particles from Northern Hemisphere industries to the North Pole, which settle on the sea ice and reduce its reflectivity. 
    • This indicates the global impact of human activities on the Arctic climate.
    • Implications and Urgency: Pollution from shipping and industry affects the North Pole, requiring accurate climate modeling and studies to predict impacts such as melting sea ice and rising sea levels.

  • Sanglaphu Lake

    Context:

    Sanglaphu Lake in Sikkim’s Mangan district, previously inaccessible to tourists, is now open for visitors. 

     

    sanglaphu lake

    About Sanglaphu Lake:

    • Located at an altitude of 5,080m, it’s revered as the “Great Lake” by locals.
    • The lake symbolises local heritage and religious beliefs.
    • Sanglaphu peak, with an altitude of 6,224m, feeds Gurudongmar lake, a major source of the Lachen stream that feeds the Teesta River.
    • The emergence of Sanglaphu Cho gained prominence subsequent to the closure of the renowned Gurudongmar Lake due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

  • Places in News

    Context :

    Severe weather events occur on different sides of the globe in Brazil, Indonesia and Vietnam.

     

    More on News :

    Brazil : 

    Facing the worst floods in The Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil.

    Brazil map

    About Brazil : 

    • Capital : Brasília.
    • Largest country in South America and the fifth largest nation in the world.
    • Known for its dense forests like The Amazon, the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
    • The Amazon River, having a length of 6575  km, travels through Brazil and falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
    • The Madeira River flows between Bolivia and Brazil is one of the largest and most important tributary of the Amazon River. 
    • Bordering countries : Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana
    • Mountains : Sugarloaf, Pico da Bandeira.

     

     

    Indonesia : 

     Floods and landslides on the island of Sulawesi

     

    Indonesia new capital plan

    About Indonesia : 

    • Consists of five major islands:    
        • Sumatra
        • Java (Jakarta capital lies) 
        • Borneo (“Kalimantan” in Indonesia)
        • Sulawesi
        • New Guinea.
    • Capital: Nusantara (Replace Jakarta). 
    • Volcanic Mountains : Mt. Sinabung, Merapi, Semeru.
    • Bordering countries :  Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.
    • Highest Mountain:Puncak Jaya 
    • River: Kapuas 

     

     

    Vietnam: 

    Facing Waves of high temperatures 

     

    veitnam

    Vietnam : 

    • Capital: Hanoi.
    • Bordering Countries: China, Laos and Cambodia.
    • River : Mekong River (Longest river in Southeast Asia and flows through China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia).

     

     

    Sudan

    Context:  

    The ongoing civil war in Sudan represents a big problem with how the country’s governing structure, along with power conflict between two military generals. 

     

    Sudan

     

    About Sudan: 

    • Location: Sudan is a country situated in northern Africa.
    • Capital: Khartoum (Situated at the confluence of the White and Blue Niles rivers. 
    • Borders: Sudan shares its borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Red Sea, South Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic and Libya.
    • Resources and Power:
        • Oil: Sudan has oil reserves, first discovered in the southwestern part of the country in 1977.
        • Other Minerals: Sudan also has mineral deposits such as gold, uranium, chromite, gypsum, mica, marble, and iron ore. 
        • However, not all of these resources are fully utilized.
    • Independence: Sudan gained independence from British rule in 1956.

  • High-Energy Swell Waves

    Why in News:

     

    INCOIS issued alerts for high-energy waves along coastal states.

     

    More in news:  

     

    Leading to the suspension of beach activities, Kerala is on red alert due to the ‘Kallakadal’ phenomenon, which poses flood risks.

     

    swell waves

    Swell Waves:

     

    • Swells are generated by wind blowing over the ocean’s surface.
    • “Storms produce powerful waves due to strong, prolonged winds over vast distances”.
    • The strength, duration, and area of wind determine the size and power of waves.
    • Swell energy diminish as waves move away from the storm source.
    • They Can combine with others, gaining energy or dissipating.
    • Two types of swells: 
        • Groundswell from distant winds, resulting in longer, organized waves; 
        • Windswell from nearby winds, creating shorter, less organized waves.
    • Swell direction is described in degrees from North to South.
    • The angle of the swell and coastline features determine surf conditions.
    • Island blockage can reduce swell energy, affecting surf quality.
    • Swell characteristics, local conditions, weather, and tides interact to create surf conditions.

     

    About the High-Energy Swell Waves:

     

    • It originates from the southern Atlantic Ocean and majorly hit the Indian coastal regions, starting from the southern tip of India.
    • These swells, combined with high tide conditions, could cause coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

     

    kallakadal

    The Phenomenon ‘Kallakadal’ (Rogue Sea):

     

    • ‘Kallakadal’, a local term, refers to the phenomenon of high-energy swell waves.
    • Kerala, in particular, is on red alert for these waves.
    • Swell waves could reach heights of 0.5 to 1.7 meters, posing a risk to low-lying areas.

     

     

    INCOIS symbol

     

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    About ESSO-INCOIS:

    • It is an autonomous body established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
    • It is a unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO).
    • Functions: 

    a) Provides ocean information and advisory services.

    b) Monitors and warns coastal populations about tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves. 

    c)Offers daily advisories to fisherfolk to locate abundant fish areas.

    d)Issues short-term ocean state forecasts for sectors like shipping, oil, and natural gas industries. 

    e)Manages Ocean Observing Systems for data collection and quality checks.

    f) Generates global ocean analysis data for monsoon prediction.

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  • Places in News: Tanzania

    Context :

    Cyclone ‘Hidaya’, a severe storm, is heading towards the Tanzanian coast from the Indian Ocean.

     

    tanzania map

    About Tanzania: 

    • Lies in East Africa.
    • Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
    • Three of Africa’s great lakes are partly within Tanzania. 
        • Lake Victoria– Africa’s largest lake. 
        • Lake Tanganyika– Africa’s deepest lake. 
        • Lake Malawi
    • Bordering countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia.
    • Natural Resources: Iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones (including tanzanite, found only in Tanzania), gold, natural gas, nickel.

  • Places in News – Shaksgam Valley

    Context :

    China illegally carrying out construction activities in the Shaksgam valley.

     

    More on News : 

    • Chinese-built road has breached the border at Aghil Pass (4805 m).
    • It enters the lower Shaksgam valley of Kashmir, with the road-head now less than 30 miles from Siachen.

     

    aghil pass

    Shaksgam Valley : 

    • It is a tract, spread over about 5,300 square kilometres.
    • The Shaksgam Valley is part of the Hunza-Gilgit region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It is a territory claimed by India but controlled by Pakistan.
    • It was captured by Pakistan in the 1947 war between India-Pakistan.
    • Pakistan handed over to China under Article VI of the Pakistan China Boundary Agreement.

     

      Aghil Pass – 

    Connects Ladakh region of India (Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan administered Kashmir) with the Xinjiang Province of China.

  • Gendered Impact of Climate Change

    Context:

    The effects of climate change, specifically heatwaves and water scarcity, exert disproportionate effects on women in India. 

    heatwaves and water crisis

     

    Gendered Impacts:

    The complex relationship among gender dynamics, societal norms, and climate change amplifies the vulnerability of women to heatwaves in India.

    • Physical Strain: Longer journeys to fetch water or working outdoors in agriculture amidst extreme heat.
    • Waterborne Diseases: The “Right to Water” Report of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR), cites prolonged hours of water-related tasks by women, thus exacerbating health risks, particularly due to waterborne diseases.
    • Neglected Health: Women’s health concerns are often sidelined due to cultural norms and devoting strategic gender needs compounding their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.
    • Lack of Decision Making: It impedes women’s access to essential resources for coping with heat and water scarcity.
    • More Vulnerable: Pregnant and elderly women face heightened risks from heat stress, leading to complications like preterm labour, worsened health conditions, and increased stillbirth rates. 
    • A study of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) indicates that a 1°C temperature rise leads to a 6 percent increase in preterm births.
    • Less Economic Opportunities: Economic opportunities, especially in agriculture are impacted significantly by heatwaves and droughts.
    • According to the Monster Salary Index (MSI), women earn 20 percent less than men on average, and this gap is further widened due to heat waves. 
    • Elevated Indoor Temperatures: Around 54% of Indian women live indoors, where elevated temperatures decrease their work capacity, leading to a potential income loss of up to 30% for home-based workers.

     

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    Feminisation of Disaster

    It refers to the disproportionate impact of disasters on women due to various factors such as social norms, gender roles, and inequalities. Research emphasises that women often face higher mortality rates and increased vulnerability during disasters, influenced by biological, social, and economic factors. 

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    Measures Needed:

    To address the unequal impact of heatwaves and water crises on women and girls, various strategies can be implemented.

    • Promoting women’s leadership: Empowering women in decision-making on water management and climate resilience ensures their inclusion and addresses their specific needs.
    • A World Bank evaluation highlighted that water projects were six to seven times more effective when women were involved compared to projects where they were not.
    • Gender-responsive policy and planning: Implementing Smart economics, as advocated by the World Bank, in climate policies is crucial, directing resources to reduce the vulnerability of women and girls to heatwaves and water scarcity for better, fairer outcomes.
    • Enhancing access to resources: Granting women access to clean water eases their burden of household chores. 
    • India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, targeting individual household tap connections in rural areas, marks substantial progress in this regard.
    • Improving education and employment opportunities: Encouraging women’s education and employment in climate-resilient sectors boosts their ability to adapt to environmental changes.
    • Data-Driven Mechanism: Investing in research and data collection on gendered climate impacts informs effective policymaking. 
    • Sex-disaggregated data on heatwaves and water scarcity effects on women guides targeted interventions.
    • Climate resilience agricultural practices: Ensuring women farmers receive training in climate-resilient techniques and equal access to resources and infrastructure is vital. 
    • For example, the Women-led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) Model, developed by the Samaj Pragati Sahayog (SSP) organisation, empowers women to become leaders in sustainable agriculture practices. 

     

    In summary, tackling the gendered effects of climate change demands a holistic approach, embedding gender perspectives across all facets of resilience planning and execution. Prioritising gender equity in climate initiatives fosters stronger, more sustainable communities for everyone.

  • PLACES IN NEWS: KENYA

    Context:

    Blockages in tunnels channeling water to Tongi River led to ruptures in Nakuru Dam (Kenya) causing heavy rains and floods in the nearby region.

     

    Geography of Kenya:

    • Capital: Nairobi
    • Neighbouring Countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia.
    • Major Rivers: Tana (Longest River in Kenya), Tongi, Nile, Mara, etc.
    • Located between the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria

     

  • Places in News: Panama Canal

    Context :

    • Climate change led to drought in Panama.
    • The Panama Canal  is an artificial 82-kilometre waterway in Panama. 
    • runs through a narrow strip of land called the Isthmus of Panama 
    • It connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.
    • It is bordered on the land by two countries: Costa Rica and Colombia.

     

    isthmus

     

    panama

     

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    3 Lakes Through which Panama Canal passes:

    • Gatun Lake 
    • Alajuela Lake
    • Miraflores Lake.

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  • Deepest Under-Ocean Blue Hole

    Context:

    Renowned journal “Frontiers in Marine Science”, published Earth’s Deepest underwater sinkhole has been found in Chetumal Bay (Mexico). It is called the Taam Ja’ Blue Hole.

     

    great blue hole

     

    About Taam Ja’ Blue Hole  

    • Deepest Sinkhole:It extends to 420 metres below sea level (1,380 feet). 
    • Location: It lies on Yucatan Peninsula in Chetumal Bay.

     

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    What are Blue Holes?

    • Blue Holes are diverse biological communities full of marine life, including corals, sponges, mollusks, sea turtles, sharks, etc.
    • Its opening can be several hundred feet underwater. 
    • It was originally reported by fishermen and recreational drivers and not by scientists or researchers.

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    • Prediscoveries: It was originally thought to be around 900 feet deep.
    • Breaking Record: This discovery surpasses Sansha Yongle Blue Hole which lies in the South China Sea