Daily Current Affairs
To The Point Notes
Geography
1.Cyclone Laly
- Rare event in its latitude range.
- Struck East Africa just two weeks after Cyclone Hidaya.
- Caused widespread destruction in Kenya and Somalia.
- 2 fatalities confirmed in Kenya.
Cyclones Generally:
- Large rotating wind systems around low pressure.
- Counter-clockwise rotation in Northern Hemisphere (clockwise in Southern).
- Form over warm ocean waters (at least 26.5°C).
- Fueled by warm water and develop from thunderstorms.
Stages of Development:
- Tropical Disturbance: Initial stage with thunderstorms.
- Tropical Depression: Organized system with winds < 39 mph.
- Tropical Storm: Winds 39-73 mph, given a name.
- Hurricane/Typhoon/Cyclone: Winds > 74 mph (region dependent).
Cyclone Structure:
- Eye: Central area with calm conditions.
- Eyewall: Surrounds eye, with strongest winds and heaviest rain.
- Spiral Rainbands: Bands of clouds and thunderstorms spiraling inward.
Cyclone Impacts:
- Strong winds causing significant damage.
- Heavy rain leading to floods and landslides.
- Storm surge inundating coastal areas due to low pressure and strong winds.
- Secondary hazards: power outages, transportation disruption, waterborne diseases.
Cyclone Tracking and Prediction:
- Satellites, radar, aircraft, and computer models used for tracking and prediction.
- Crucial information for issuing warnings and preparations.
Naming:
- Easier communication and media coverage.
- Different regions have their own naming conventions (e.g., World Meteorological Organization).
Environment
2.Mangroves in Peril
- Crisis: Over 50% of global mangroves threatened by human actions and climate change.
- Threats:
- Human Activities: Deforestation, development, pollution, dams.
- Climate Change: Increased storms, rising sea levels.
- Impacts of Loss:
- Geography: Mangroves in South India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and NW Atlantic most at risk.
- Economy: $13 billion potential loss in carbon market value by 2050.
- Biodiversity: Loss of critical habitat and breeding grounds for many species.
- Climate Change: Increased carbon emissions from mangrove destruction.
- Coastal Protection: Loss of defense against erosion, floods, and storm surges.
- Fisheries: Decline in fish populations harming local communities.
- Livelihoods & Economy: Losses from fisheries, tourism, and other ecosystem services.
- Importance:
- Store 11 billion tonnes of carbon.
- Protect 15.4 million people from coastal threats.
- Support 126 million fishing days annually.
- Action Needed: Urgent protection and restoration to fight climate change and sustain biodiversity.
Environment
3.Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to the Red Panda
- Location: Himalayan foothills, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Established: 1989
- Part of Kameng Elephant Reserve
- Biodiversity:
- Flora: Temperate & subtropical forests, bamboo groves, rhododendron thickets.
- Fauna: Red panda, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, etc.
- Avifauna: Over 450 bird species, including Bugun liocichla (discovered in 2006).
- Recent Sighting: Endangered red panda captured on camera.