Online Learning Portal
Online Learning Portal
Hybrid Classes
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Personalised Mentoring
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant
Topicwise Mindmaps
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
Quality Content
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
PRINT
21 February, 2026
3 Min Read
Recently, a massive bloom of phytoplankton encircled the Chatham Islands during the austral summer.
Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the base of marine food chains. When their population increases rapidly, it creates a visible bloom detectable by satellites. Such blooms are often influenced by nutrient availability, ocean currents, and seasonal temperature changes.
The Chatham Islands are an island group located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 800 km east of New Zealand. They represent New Zealand’s easternmost territory.
The islands consist of 10 islands, mostly of volcanic origin. However, the presence of limestone in some areas suggests that parts of the islands may once have been connected to New Zealand.
Only two islands are permanently inhabited:
Chatham Island – the largest island, featuring a high southern tableland, steep cliffs, and a gentler northern region with extensive waterways, peatlands, and sandy beaches.
Pitt Island – known for its forested interior and rugged coastline with cliffs, headlands, and beaches.
Both islands are surrounded by smaller islands within a radius of about 50 kilometres.
The Chatham Islands are recognized as the first inhabited place in the world to witness the sunrise each day, due to their eastern location relative to the International Date Line.
The islands were first inhabited by the Moriori people, who named them “Rekohu,” meaning “misty skies” or “misty sun.”
Later, European sealers and whalers arrived, followed by M?ori settlers from New Zealand, who renamed the islands “Wharekauri.”
Descendants of the Moriori still reside on the islands today.
As of 2024, the total population of the Chatham Islands is estimated at around 720 people.
The main settlement is Waitangi. Other settlements include Te One, Port Hutt, K?ingaroa, and ?wenga.
The economy of the Chatham Islands is heavily dependent on:
Fishing
Farming
Tourism
Marine resources play a particularly vital role in sustaining the local population.
The recent phytoplankton bloom is significant because:
It reflects oceanographic and climatic processes in the South Pacific.
It highlights the importance of phytoplankton in carbon cycling and marine food webs.
It demonstrates how satellite monitoring helps track ecological changes in remote regions.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
18 Mar, 26
The Supreme Court of India recently gave a final three-week deadline to the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the 52nd Amendment (1985), which added the Tenth Schedule to the
18 Mar, 26
A major disaster unfolded in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, when at least 18 workers died following an explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine. This incident highlights the continued prevalence of rat-hole mining despite bans imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India. Rat-hole mining is driven
17 Mar, 26
India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly, becoming a major economic success story. However, regulatory oversight has not evolved at the same pace. Data-driven monitoring of fares and market behavior is essential to ensure fair competition, prevent market abuse, and shift from reactive crisis management to proactive regulation. Challen
14 Mar, 26
Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu. The report examines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the States, highlighting ongoing debates regarding the balance between central authority and state autonomy. This discussion is clos
14 Mar, 26
The relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates has evolved from a traditional energy-based partnership into a comprehensive economic and strategic relationship. Over the years, strong political trust, growing trade, and expanding investments have transformed bilateral ties into a diversified economic corridor. The economic partnership
22 Mar,2026
Our Popular Courses
Module wise Prelims Batches
Mains Batches
Test Series
24 × 7 Support :
8287714422
Whatsapp :
8010068998
Email Us: query@aspireias.com
My Notes
Geography And Environment
