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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

El Niño

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of the El Niño phenomenon developing after July 2026, but definitive clarity on its formation will emerge only in April. Global forecasters, including the U.S. NOAA, estimate that the chances of El Niño forming during the June–August period are around 62%, with the probability increasing later in the year. Current Climatic Conditions At present, the Pacific Ocean is experiencing ENSO-neutral

22 March, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Solar Cycles

Researchers from IIT Kanpur have recently developed a new method to predict solar cycles, which can improve our understanding of solar activity and its impact on Earth. About Solar Cycles A solar cycle refers to an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity driven by changes in the Sun’s magnetic field. This cycle is primarily observed through the frequency and intensity of sunspots visible on the Sun’s surface. During each cycle, the Sun’s magnetic field reverses,

21 March, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Polar Vortex

A recent severe winter storm in the United States, affecting regions from Texas to New England, has highlighted the important role of the stratospheric polar vortex in shaping extreme weather events. What is the Polar Vortex? The polar vortex is a large region of low pressure and extremely cold air that surrounds both the North Pole and South Pole. It extends from the tropopause (boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere) into the stratosphere and even the mesosphere (abov

19 March, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Sonic Boom

Recent studies have shown that seismometers can detect sonic booms created by debris from orbit falling back to Earth. This highlights that sonic booms are not only generated by aircraft but also by objects re-entering the atmosphere from space, producing detectable ground vibrations. What is a Sonic Boom? A sonic boom is a loud, thunderous noise produced when an object moves faster than the speed of sound (approximately 343 meters per second at sea level). When an object exceeds th

18 March, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Recently, Mozambican humanitarian and rights activist Graça Machel has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2025. She is globally recognized for her work in human rights, women’s empowerment, and child welfare. About the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, formally known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, was instituted in 1986 in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

17 March, 2026 GS-I Art and Culture

Lambadi Tribe

The Supreme Court of India is once again being asked to rule on the long-standing controversy regarding the Parliament’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Lambadi community in Telangana. This issue has significant implications for social welfare benefits and legal recognition for the community. About the Lambadi Tribe The Lambadi Tribe, also known as Sugali or Banjara, is a nomadic tribal community primarily found in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and

16 March, 2026 GS-I Social issues

Phulkari

Recently, an exhibition showcased over 40 rare pre-Partition textiles that highlighted how Phulkari embroidery was deeply connected to women’s lives, traditions, and everyday culture in the region of undivided Punjab. These textiles demonstrate how phulkari functioned not only as an art form but also as a symbol of identity, heritage, and social customs. About Phulkari Phulkari, which literally means “flower work,” is a traditional embroidery style originating from th

16 March, 2026 GS-I Art and Culture

Kamchatka Peninsula

Recently, the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East has experienced extreme and record-breaking snowfall, as powerful winter storms dumped several metres of snow across the region. The event highlights the peninsula’s harsh climatic conditions and unique geographical environment. Location The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in Russia in the far eastern part of the country. It lies between the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea to the east.

14 March, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Geomagnetic Storms

Recently, a powerful G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm triggered by intense solar activity illuminated the night skies with spectacular auroras visible across several continents. Such storms occur when disturbances from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic environment. What is a Geomagnetic Storm? A Geomagnetic Storm is a major disturbance in the Earth's Magnetosphere, the magnetic shield that surrounds Earth and protects it from harmful solar radiation. These storms occur w

13 March, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Parbati Giri

Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Parbati Giri on the occasion of her birth centenary, recognising her significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle and her lifelong service to society. About Parbati Giri Parbati Giri was a prominent freedom fighter and social worker from Odisha. She is popularly known as the “Mother Teresa of Western Odisha” and was also given the epithet “Banhi-kanya” (daughter of fire) for her fearless participation in

13 March, 2026 GS-I Art and Culture

Mount Elbrus

Recently, an artificially triggered avalanche was filmed cascading down Mount Elbrus, drawing attention to the geological and climatic conditions of Russia’s highest peak. About Mount Elbrus Location: Mount Elbrus is located in southwest Russia and forms part of the Caucasus Mountains. It is the highest point in Russia and in Europe, with an elevation of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet). The mountain lies within Prielbrusye National Park. It is one of the

28 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Chatham Islands

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. Location and Geographical Setting The Chatham Islands are an island group located in th

21 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Lake Natron

Recently, Lake Natron in Tanzania has drawn global attention for its striking blood-red appearance, a phenomenon caused by volcanic activity and extreme chemical conditions. About Lake Natron Location Lake Natron is located in the Arusha region of Northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. It lies within the Gregory Rift, which forms the eastern branch of the East African Rift system. The lake was designated as a Ramsar Site of International Importance in 2001, recognizing it

21 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Zanskar River

The much-awaited Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River has been deferred due to inadequate ice formation this winter. The trek depends on the river freezing into a thick sheet of ice, and insufficient freezing has made the route unsafe for trekkers. About Zanskar River The Zanskar River is a major left-bank tributary of the Indus River and flows entirely within the Union Territory of Ladakh in northern India. It drains the remote and rugged Zanskar Valley in the northwestern Himalaya

16 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Shaksgam Valley

China has recently rejected India’s territorial claim over the Shaksgam Valley, asserting that the region forms part of Chinese territory.India maintains that the area is part of the larger Jammu & Kashmir region, and therefore an integral part of India. The renewed statements have brought the strategically sensitive region back into focus. About Shaksgam Valley The Shaksgam Valley, also known as the Trans-Karakoram Tract, is a disputed territory located in the northernmost p

15 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Bhadrakali Inscription

The Bhadrakali Inscription is an important 12th-century epigraphic record that confirms the historical development of the Somnath Temple and highlights the patronage extended by the Solanki dynasty. About the Bhadrakali Inscription The inscription is located at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, specifically engraved on the wall of the Bhadrakali Temple. It was carved in 1169 CE, corresponding to Valabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255. At present, it is protected by the State Departmen

15 February, 2026 GS-I Ancient History

Hatti Tribe

Recently, “Boda Tyohar”, the biggest annual festival of the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, commenced with traditional fervour. The festival is celebrated by over three lakh members of the community and reflects their rich cultural heritage and social unity. About the Hatti Tribe The Hattis are a close-knit tribal community who derive their name from their traditional occupation of selling homegrown agricultural produce at small markets known as

14 February, 2026 GS-I Social issues

Dal Lake

Recently, parts of Dal Lake in Srinagar froze as the city recorded its coldest night of the winter. Temperatures plunged well below the freezing point across the Kashmir Valley, highlighting the region’s harsh winter conditions. Geographical Location Dal Lake is a mid-altitude urban freshwater lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountain range, which adds to its scenic and ecological significance. Importance and Popular Names Dal

11 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Kathputli

In Jaipur, nearly 250 families continue to preserve and practice Kathputli, one of Rajasthan’s oldest and most vibrant folk art traditions. About Kathputli Kathputli is a traditional string puppet theatre originating from Rajasthan. It is regarded as one of the oldest folk art forms of the state. The term Kathputli is derived from two Hindi words: Kath meaning wood, and Putli meaning doll. The name reflects the simple yet expressive construction of th

11 February, 2026 GS-I Art and Culture

Aravalli Hills

In November 2025, the Supreme Court of India adopted a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills, defining them as landforms rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding local terrain. While the Court stated that the objective was to bring clarity and scientific objectivity to mining regulation, the decision sparked public protests, political reactions, and the #SaveAravalli campaign, amid fears that large parts of the Aravalli landscape could become vulnerable to mining and construction.

09 February, 2026 GS-I Indian Geography

Mayon Volcano

A series of mild eruptions at Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, has recently forced nearly 3,000 villagers to evacuate from areas near its foothills. Location and Geological Setting of Mayon Volcano Mayon Volcano is an active stratovolcano located in Albay province on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to tectonic plate interactions. Physical Characteri

09 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Barak River

The Senapati Forest Division has recently launched Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises as a pilot initiative to rejuvenate the Barak River watershed, while simultaneously strengthening local livelihoods in the region. About the Barak River The Barak River is a major river of Northeast India, flowing through the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam before entering Bangladesh. It is the second-largest river in Northeast India, after the Brahmaputra. Source and Course The

08 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Socotra Island

Recently, hundreds of tourists were stranded on Socotra Island after flights were grounded due to clashes on the Yemeni mainland. The incident has once again drawn attention to the island’s geopolitical sensitivity and strategic location. Location and Geographical Setting Socotra Island is located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 340 kilometres southeast of Yemen, to which it politically belongs. It is the largest island in a small archipelago that extends eastward from the Hor

05 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Balidaan Diwas

On 19th December, the Union Home Minister of India paid tribute to Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Thakur Roshan Singh on their Balidaan Diwas, commemorating their supreme sacrifice in the Kakori Train Action. Their martyrdom is remembered as a defining moment in India’s revolutionary struggle against British colonial rule. Overview of the Kakori Train Action The Kakori Train Action, carried out on 9th August 1925, was a landmark revolutionary act by members of the

05 February, 2026 GS-I Modern History

Popocatépetl Volcano

Recently, a team of scientists successfully obtained the first-ever 3D images from inside Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano. This scientific breakthrough is expected to enhance understanding of the volcano’s internal structure and improve volcanic monitoring and hazard assessment. About Popocatépetl Volcano Popocatépetl, meaning “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language, is one of the most prominent and active volcanoes in Mexico. Loca

05 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Thadou Tribe

The public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has recently sought inputs from the Programme Head of All India Radio (AIR), Imphal, regarding the recruitment of staff to resume live radio broadcasts in the Thadou language and other major dialects of Manipur. This initiative aims to promote linguistic inclusion, preserve indigenous tribal languages, and strengthen cultural representation through public broadcasting in the border state. About the Thadou Tribe The Thadou are an indigenous tribal c

03 February, 2026 GS-I Indian Society

Car Nicobar Island

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) recently inaugurated a major runway upgrade at the Indian Air Force base on Car Nicobar Island, significantly enhancing India’s strategic and operational capabilities in the eastern Indian Ocean region. About Car Nicobar Island Car Nicobar Island is part of the Nicobar district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory. It is the northernmost island of the Nicobar group, located south of Little Andaman and north of Nancowry Island. The

02 February, 2026 GS-I Physical Geography

Copper

Why in News Recently, copper prices reached a fresh all-time high in December, with the benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) crossing USD 12,000 per tonne. The surge reflects strong global demand, especially from clean energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure sectors. About Copper Copper is a naturally occurring chemical element with the symbol Cu. It is one of the most widely used metals and has played a central role in human civilisation for over 10,000 years, b

01 February, 2026 GS-I Indian Geography

Paliyar Tribe

Recently, 17 families belonging to the Paliyar tribe in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu submitted a petition to the District Collector, requesting the district administration to recognise and develop their existing settlement as a formal village. About the Paliyar Tribe The Paliyar tribe is an indigenous tribal community primarily inhabiting the hilly regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, especially along the Western Ghats. Nomenclature and Distribution The Paliyars are known by mult

31 January, 2026 GS-I Indian Society

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined to grant an urgent hearing on a petition challenging the practice of state-sponsored ceremonial honours, specifically the offering of a ‘Chadar’ by the Prime Minister at the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. The matter has brought renewed attention to the historical and spiritual significance of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Who was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti? Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was one of the most revered Sufi saint

31 January, 2026 GS-I Modern History

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