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).

Source : https://weather.com/en-IN/india/news/news/2024-05-24-cyclone-laly-kills-two-people-in-kenya-and-affects-dozens-in-somalia

 

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.

Source :  https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/over-half-of-world-s-mangroves-face-collapse-due-to-human-actions-and-climate-change-96311

 

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.

 

Source: https://www.northeasttoday.in/2024/05/15/endangered-red-panda-spotted-in-arunachals-eaglenest-wildlife-sanctuary/