Why in news :  Recently , a bill was introduced to amend Disaster Management Act.

About : 

Definition : A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society, involving widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses and impacts that exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Disasters are often caused by natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, floods, cyclones) or human-induced events (e.g., industrial accidents, conflicts) and result in significant damage, destruction, and suffering.

Difference Between Disaster and Hazard

A hazard refers to a potential event that could lead to loss of life, injury, property damage, social and economic disruption, or environmental harm. Hazards can be natural (e.g., earthquakes, floods) or human-made (e.g., industrial accidents, chemical spills).

A disaster, on the other hand, occurs when a hazard severely or catastrophically affects society or the environment. In other words, a hazard becomes a disaster when it interacts with vulnerability, leading to significant adverse consequences.

Stages of the Disaster Management Cycle

1. Mitigation: Efforts to reduce the impact of disasters.
2. Preparedness: Planning how to respond.
3. Response: Efforts to minimize the hazards created by a disaster.
4. Recovery: Returning the community to normal.

Vulnerability Profile of India

• Approximately 59% of India's landmass is susceptible to earthquakes ranging from moderate to very high intensity. 
• Around 12% of its land, covering over 40 million hectares, is vulnerable to floods and river erosion. 
• Of the 7,516 km-long coastline, nearly 5,700 km are prone to cyclones and tsunamis. 
• Additionally, 68% of the cultivable area faces drought risks, while hilly regions are exposed to landslides and avalanches. 
• India is also at risk of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies, along with other human-induced disasters.

Structural Issues in India’s Disaster Management Strategy

• Overcentralization and Delayed Fund Disbursal: Tamil Nadu’s request for ₹6,675 crore post-Cyclone Fengal remains pending, hampering recovery efforts.
• Weak Local Governance and Implementation Gaps: During the 2023 Himachal Pradesh floods, poor district-level coordination delayed relief for thousands.
• Outdated Early Warning Systems and Poor Forecasting: The 2023 Sikkim GLOF had no early warning system, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
• Inadequate Urban Planning and Infrastructure Resilience:  Over 80% of Delhi’s buildings are earthquake-vulnerable due to non-compliance with the National Building Code.
• Limited Use of Technology and Innovation: While Japan uses AI for tsunami prediction, India’s coastal EWS relies on outdated sensors.
• Fragmented Disaster Health Management:  During the 2024 Odisha heatwave, hospitals lacked cooling facilities, leading to 26 deaths in 24 hours.

Organisations related to Disaster Management Framework at Global level

• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) is the successor to the secretariat of IDNDR and was created in 1999 to implement UN Disaster Risk Reduction strategy.
• The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) is a 10-year plan (2005-2015) to make the world safer from natural hazards. Priorities such as, Disaster risk reduction, identification, assessment through legal and policy frameworks, disaster preparedness and use of innovation was adopted.
• The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework.
  
• It is a non-binding agreement, which the signatory nations, including India, will attempt to comply with on a voluntary basis.
• There are three international agreements within the context of the post- 2015 development agenda. These are:
  
• The Sendai Framework.
• Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030
• The Paris agreement (COP 21) on Climate Change.

Measures to Strengthen India’s Disaster Management System

1. Decentralized Disaster Governance and Fund Allocation: Empower State and District Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs & DDMAs) with autonomy in fund utilization for faster response. Integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) into Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs) for better local governance.
2. Strengthening Early Warning Systems and Real-Time Monitoring: Upgrade Doppler radar networks and AI-based predictive analytics for accurate, localized forecasting. Implement automated alerts via SMS, social media, and mobile networks for last-mile connectivity, especially in rural areas.
3. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Urban Planning:  Over 80% of Delhi’s buildings are earthquake-vulnerable due to poor compliance with NBC guidelines.Promote nature-based solutions like wetland restoration and mangrove plantations to mitigate urban flooding.
4. Enhancing Community Awareness and Preparedness: Odisha’s successful evacuation during Cyclone Fani (2019) was attributed to community awareness programs.Strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs) and local NGOs to act as first responders in disaster-prone areas.
5. Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Drones were effectively used during the 2023 Himachal Pradesh floods for mapping and relief delivery. Develop mobile apps for real-time alerts, evacuation routes, and emergency contacts.
6. Strengthening Healthcare and Post-Disaster Response: During the 2024 Odisha heatwave, inadequate emergency cooling facilities led to 26 deaths in 24 hours. Stockpile emergency medical supplies and vaccines for quicker post-disaster interventions.
7. Institutional Reforms and Inter-Agency Coordination: Create a unified National Emergency Coordination Hub (NECH) for better coordination between IMD, ISRO, NDMA, and NDRF.
8. Strengthening Financial Resilience and Disaster Insurance: Expand state-level catastrophe risk insurance schemes to cover crop loss and property damage.Establish a National Resilience Fund (NRF) for climate adaptation and pre-disaster mitigation.
9. Promoting Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Restoration: Mangrove restoration in Odisha reduced cyclone damage during Phailin (2013). Integrate disaster resilience into MGNREGA and Jal Shakti Abhiyan for ecological sustainability.
10. Ensuring Faster Rehabilitation and Livelihood Recovery: Post-2015 Chennai floods, delayed housing reconstruction prolonged displacement. Promote livelihood diversification and psycho-social support for faster recovery.

Other Initiatives 

1. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP): Launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs with World Bank support, NCRMP aims to reduce loss of life and property in cyclone-prone coastal states and UTs. Implemented by NDMA, it focuses on infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and community preparedness.
2. Aapda Mitra Scheme: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme to train community volunteers in 30 flood-prone districts across 25 states. Equips volunteers with skills for immediate relief and rescue during floods, flash floods, and urban flooding when emergency services are unavailable.
3. National Disaster Management Services: Provides reliable telecommunication infrastructure for disaster managers during and outside disasters. Supports Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) at MHA, NDMA, NDRF, 36 States/UTs, and 81 vulnerable districts.
4. Mobile Radiation Detection System (MRDS): A pilot project by NDMA to equip police and NDRF personnel for managing radiological emergencies in public spaces.

Conclusion 

The proactive deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and pre-positioning of resources during impending disasters have significantly reduced damage from natural calamities. Additionally, the Indian government enhances disaster management through international collaboration, signing MoUs with countries like Japan, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, SAARC nations, and others to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/revamping-disaster-management-in-india-key-changes-and-innovations-in-new-bill/

https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/parliament-budget-session-2025-finance-bill-waqf-bill-among-16-bills-check-full-list-and-details-here-1738846675-1

Where to use :  

Paper II ( Geography Optionals ) : Disaster 

Paper III ( General Studies ) :  Disaster Management 

Why in news :  According to the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the total global sea ice coverage, including both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, decreased to 15.76 million square kilometers in February 2025.

About : 

Sea ice is floating ice that forms in polar regions. It grows larger in winter, shrinks in summer, and some of it stays throughout the year. It is mostly found in the Arctic Ocean and around Antarctica.

Unlike icebergs, glaciers, and ice sheets, which come from land, sea ice forms when ocean water freezes. As it freezes, most of the salt is pushed out, making the ice less salty than the seawater. Some salt gets trapped in tiny holes, giving the ice a spongy, porous texture.

Reasons for Drop in Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Cover

• Delayed Freezing: Warmer ocean temperatures slowed the cooling process, delaying the formation of sea ice. For example, ice formation around Hudson Bay in northeastern Canada was slower than usual due to unusually warm waters.
• Marine Heatwaves (MHWs): Marine heatwaves in the Arctic and warm Gulf Stream currents carried excess heat toward the Arctic, accelerating the melting of sea ice. These heatwaves have contributed significantly to the loss of Arctic ice.
• Ice-Breaking Winds: Strong storms in the Barents Sea and Bering Sea broke apart sea ice, making it more prone to melting. Antarctic sea ice is especially vulnerable to such winds because it floats freely in the ocean and can be easily fragmented. For example, the massive Antarctic iceberg Colossus A23a, which has been drifting in the Southern Ocean since 2020, is an example of how winds and ocean currents can break and move large ice masses.
• Thinning Ice: Arctic sea ice has become thinner and more fragile over the years, making it more likely to break apart during storms or temperature changes. This thinning has made the ice less stable and more susceptible to melting.
• Higher Air Temperatures: Rising air temperatures have caused the edges of the Antarctic ice sheet, particularly the ice shelves that extend over the ocean, to melt. This has further contributed to the reduction of sea ice in the region.

Consequences 

• Increased Global Warming: With less sea ice covering the oceans, more water is exposed to sunlight. For example, polar sea ice has lost about 14% of its natural cooling effect since the 1980s due to the reduction of bright, reflective ice surfaces.
• Disruption of Global Ocean Circulation: Melting sea ice releases freshwater into the ocean, reducing salinity and surface water density. This disrupts global ocean currents, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which regulates climate. Slowdown in ocean circulation can lead to colder winters in Europe and altered weather patterns worldwide.
• Loss of Climate Regulation: Sea ice acts as a natural insulator, reducing heat loss from the ocean to the atmosphere and limiting evaporation. For example, the Arctic is warming at least twice as fast as the global average, partly due to the loss of sea ice.
• Extreme Weather Events: Thinner ice and warmer temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense storms. Loss of Arctic sea ice has been linked to extreme weather events like prolonged cold spells in North America and severe winter storms in Europe, as it alters atmospheric circulation patterns.

Source : 

https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/arctic-sea-ice/?intent=121

https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/ice-sheets/?intent=121

Where to use: 

Paper I( Geography Optionals ) : Climatology 

Paper I ( General Studies ) : Global Warming and Effects 

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Environment Conservation 

Why in news: The northern region of Iraq, especially around the Zagros Mountains, is slowly sinking into the Earth. This process is happening very slowly, over millions of years, and is caused by forces deep inside the Earth. 

About : 

Key-findings of the Study

Neotethys Oceanic Plate Rupture: Research shows that the Neotethys oceanic plate, which was once the seafloor between the Arabian and Eurasian continents, is gradually breaking apart horizontally. This rupture stretches from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran. As this oceanic plate sinks beneath the Earth's surface (a process known as subduction), it plays a major role in bending and lowering the region's surface.

Surface Depression and Sediment Accumulation: Over millions of years, the enormous weight of the Zagros Mountains has caused the surrounding land to bend downward. Eroded sediments from the mountains have filled this depression, forming vast plains like Mesopotamia in the Middle East. A depression of 3-4 kilometers deep has been observed, which cannot be explained solely by the weight of the mountains. Instead, the sinking oceanic plate beneath the region is pulling the surface downward, creating more space for sediment to accumulate.

Why is it Sinking?
The sinking is driven by tectonic processes. The Earth's surface is composed of large, moving plates, and their interactions cause changes to the land above.

Tectonic Plates:
The Earth's surface is divided into tectonic plates that are constantly shifting. Where these plates meet, they can cause significant changes to the landscape.

Neotethys Slab:
Beneath the Zagros Mountains lies a piece of ancient ocean floor called the Neotethys slab. This slab is slowly sinking into the Earth's mantle (the layer below the crust). This process began millions of years ago when the oceanic plate broke apart and continues to this day.

Plate Collision:
The sinking is occurring because the Arabian Plate and the Eurasian Plate are colliding. This collision formed the Zagros Mountains, and the sinking slab is pulling the land downward as it descends into the mantle.

Key Location: Zagros Mountains (Kurdistan Region, Iraq)

• The Zagros Mountains extend across southwestern Iran, reaching from the border areas of eastern Turkey and northern Iraq to the Strait of Hormuz.
• The mountain range is approximately 1,600 kilometers long and 240 kilometers wide.

Geological Composition:

• The oldest rocks in the Zagros Mountains date back to the Precambrian period, over 541 million years ago.
• The range is primarily composed of limestone and shale, with rock formations from the Mesozoic Era (252 to 66 million years ago) and the Paleogene Period (66 to 23 million years ago).

Formation and Tectonic Activity:

• The Zagros Mountains were formed through mountain-building events (orogenies) caused by the collision of the Arabian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. This process occurred mainly during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, between 23 and 2.6 million years ago.

Highest Peak:

• The highest point in the range is Mount Dena, which stands at an elevation of 4,409 meters (14,465 feet).

Source : 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/iraq-slowly-sinking-into-earth-9848939/#:~:text=Iraq%20is%20sinking.,of%20Iraq%20down%20with%20it.

Where to use :  

Paper I ( General Studies ) : Physical Processes 

Biomining : Biomining is the process of using microorganisms like bacteria to extract metals from ores or waste materials. It is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mining, reducing environmental impact. Commonly used for extracting copper, gold, and uranium.

Geodynamo Effect : The geodynamo effect refers to the process by which Earth's magnetic field is generated. It occurs due to the movement of molten iron and nickel in the outer core, creating electric currents that produce the planet's magnetic field.

Haemotoxins : Haemotoxins are toxins that destroy red blood cells, disrupt blood clotting, or damage tissues. Found in venomous snakes and spiders, they can cause severe bleeding, organ failure, or death in prey or humans.

Lavender Revolution: The Purple Revolution, also known as the Lavender Revolution, is a program in Jammu and Kashmir that encourages lavender farming as an alternative to traditional crops. Goals of the Purple Revolution Increase farmer income, Promote commercial lavender cultivation, Create jobs in rural areas, Support the domestic aromatic crop-based economy, and Promote the expansion of the aroma sector.

Arribada : Arribada is a Spanish term meaning "arrival," used to describe the mass nesting behavior of olive ridley sea turtles. Thousands of turtles come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs on beaches, primarily in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

The Gujarat Forest Department, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) pioneered a crucial project to restore coral ecosystems in the state, after beginning and continuing collaboration through whale shark conservation.   Beginning with creating an inventory of the biodiversity in Mithapur reef, the project also evaluated threats, took actions to mitigate them and even worked at spreading awareness on this important ecosystem. The highlight of the project was the unprecedented attempt to transplant locally-extirpated coral species as well as to enrich reef health through restoration activities including placement of artificial substrates for the corals to extend their reach. 

Where to use : 

Paper I ( Geography Optional ) : Coral reefs and Coral Bleaching.

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Contemporary issues 

1. Vishvamitri 

Why in news :  The Government of Gujarat conducted a crocodile census in the Vishwamitri river of Vadodara, to estimate the population of mugger or marsh crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris). 

About : 

• It originates on the Pavagadh hills in Gujarat.
• It is linked with two other tributaries Dhadhar and Jambuva and finally culminates in the Gulf of Kambhat.
• It is primarily rain-fed, it flows through a 25-km stretch of Vadodara, along the way before meeting the sea in Bharuch district.
• It is a highly meandering sinuous river which has a unique ecosystem bearing a plethora of beautiful ravines right from its beginning till its end.
• The Vadodara stretch of the Vishwamitri is unique in that it is home to a large population of mugger or marsh crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris). 

2. Gurez valley 

Why in news : Eurasian otters have been spotted in Gurez Valley (Kashmir) with the first live documentation in 25 years. 

About : 

• Found in the Kashmir valley, Gurez is positioned near the Line of Control, which separates it from Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Astore and Neelum districts.
• Gurez valley played a significant role in the Kargil war.
• It is closely situated to the Line of Control (LoC), with the Kishanganga river delineating the border in multiple areas.
• Unique to the Gurez valley is the presence of villages constructed entirely of log houses, devoid of modern urban construction materials.
  • Approx :  Bandipora 

3. Udhwa Lake

Why in news :   Recently added in Ramsar list of Wetlands .

About : 

• It is located in Sahebganj district of Jharkhand. 
• It is situated in a small village called Udhwa, which is named after Saint Uddhava, a friend of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata
• It is the first Ramsar designated wetland from Jharkhand. 
  • Approx :  Sahebganj
    

4. Guneri’s Inland Mangrove

Why in news :  Gujarat village’s inland mangrove to be state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site. 

About : 

• It is a natural inland mangrove site located in Kutch district of Gujarat.
• It is located at a distance of 45 km from the Arabian Sea and four km from the Kori Creek, where seawater never approaches.
• It is also devoid of any sludge, and is spread over a flat piece of land like a forest.
• It is the last remains of inland mangrove in India.
  • Approx  : Kutch

5. Khecheopalri Wetland

Why in news:  Khecheopalri Wetland in West Sikkim has been designated a Ramsar site, enhancing its protection and promoting sustainable management. 

About : 

• Located in Sikkim , It is a sacred gem revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
• It is known as a wish-fulfilling lake, its tranquil waters are believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and the Goddess Tara.
• It is surrounded by lush forests and the mystical aura of ancient legends, this enchanting lake, part of the revered Demazong valley.
  • Approx : West Sikkim 

Q1. Consider the following statements about Black Holes:

1. The event horizon of a black hole is the boundary beyond which nothing, including light, can escape.
2. Black holes can be directly observed by detecting their surface using telescopes.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2. Consider the following statements about tribes in India:

1. The Jarwa tribe is an indigenous tribal community residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. The Bhil tribe is the largest tribal group in India by population.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Asteroids are rocky remnants from the solar system’s formation 4.6 billion years ago, primarily orbiting the Sun in the Asteroid Belt, though some follow paths that intersect with Earth.
2. The Main Asteroid Belt, located between Mars and Jupiter, contains the majority of known asteroids.
3. The Torino Scale, introduced by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1999, rates asteroid impact risks on a scale from 0 to 10 based on probability and potential consequences.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All Three 

(d) None 

Q4. Consider the following statements related to Mount Taranaki:

1. It is a stratovolcano characterized by a distinct symmetrical shape.
2. It was formed due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate.
3. It was recently recognized as having legal personhood.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All Three 

(d) None 

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Asian elephants :

1. They use trumpets, roars, rumbles, and chirps to communicate, seek attention, and express emotions.
2. They are smaller than African elephants and have relatively smaller ears.
3. They are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only One

(b) Only Two

(c) All Three

(d) None

Q6. Consider the following statements:

1. Earth’s inner core is a hot, dense sphere composed mainly of iron and nickel.
2. The boundary separating the inner core from the outer core is known as the Lehmann Discontinuity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q7. Consider the following features:

1. It originates from the Pavagadh hills in Gujarat.
2. It is fed by tributaries Dhadhar and Khanpur
3. Its banks housed ancient settlements, including Ankotakka, which flourished under the Guptas and Vallabhi rule.

Which of the following rivers is best described by above characteristics?

(a) Mahi River

(b) Vishwamitri River

(c) Sabarmati River

(d) Tapi River

Q8. Consider the following features:

1. It was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded to a national park.
2. Dominated by dry deciduous forests, it features Kardhai, Khair, and Salai as key tree species.
3. A significant tributary of the Chambal River flows through its landscape.

Which of the following protected areas is best described by above features?

(a) Panna National Park

(b) Ranthambore National Park

(c) Madhav National Park

(d) Kuno National Park

Q9. Which of the following states of India share a border with Myanmar?

1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Nagaland
3. Manipur
4. Assam

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q10. Konda Veduru Bamboo, also known as Green Gold, recently in the news is native to which of the following regions?

(a) Eastern Ghats

(b) North-East India

(c) Western Himalayan Foothills

(d) Kathiawar Region