CURRENT CONTEXT : A section of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahi (Mahisagar) River collapsed near Mujpur (Padra taluka), Gujarat, causing 11–13 deaths and several vehicles falling into the river. ABOUT MAHI RIVER & BRIDGE: River: Originates in Vindhya range (MP), flows ~583 km through Rajasthan and Gujarat before emptying into Gulf of Khambhat. Tributaries : Eru, Nori, Chap, Som, Jakham, Moran, Anas, Panam, Bhadar . Bridge: Gambhira Bridge built in 1985–86, concrete roadway connecting Central Gujarat with Saurashtra.Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : A powerful flash flood triggered by ~20 in (508 mm) of rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise by up to 29 ft in under 45 minutes.  ABOUT THE GUADALUPE RIVER: Source: Springs forming North & South Forks in Kerr County, Texas. Course: Flows to San Antonio Bay → Gulf of Mexico. Basin Features: Canyon Reservoir, Edwards Aquifer in Balcones Fault zone. Flash Flood Alley: Steep terrain, shallow limestone soils — rapidly converts rain into flash flood. Historical Floods: 1978 (Storm Amelia), 1987 (Comfort camp disaster), with the region being flash-flood prone.Read More

Current Context: Paris officially opened the Seine River for public swimming after a century-long ban, following massive clean-up efforts ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. ABOUT SEINE RIVER: Second-longest river in France after the Loire. Origin: Near Dijon Mouth: English Channel at Le Havre. Clean-up: €1.4 billion project to remove coli, improve sewage treatment, and ensure swimmable water quality. Part of Olympic legacy projects; new swim zones to boost tourism and public access.Read More

Current Context: Heavy monsoon rainfall in Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) has caused a sudden rise in the Alaknanda River, triggering localized flood alerts.  About Alaknanda River Source & Course: Originates from Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers; flows ~190 km before merging with Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form the Ganges. Panch Prayag (Five Confluences): Vishnuprayag (Dhauliganga), Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag (Mandakini), Devprayag. Pilgrimage Significance: Fertile bed for Char Dham Yatra—sites include Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, Joshimath. Hydro Infrastructure: Projects include Alaknanda (Badrinath), Lata Tapovan, Devsari Dam, Nandprayag Langasu, Vishnugad Pipalkoti.Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT  : A rare roll cloud was observed along the Portugal coast, during a severe heatwave.  About Roll Cloud Type: A rare form of arcus cloud Appearance: Low, horizontal, tube-shaped cloud that appears to "roll" Altitude Range: Typically forms between 2,000–7,000 metres Formation Conditions: When cool air undercuts warm moist air, especially along gust fronts or sea breeze fronts Not Tornado: Unlike funnel clouds, it does not touch the ground Occurrence Regions: Coastal/mountainous areas – e.g., Japan, Alps, Scotland, northern Australia Weather Significance: May indicate upcoming thunderstorms or wind shifts  What is an Arcus cloud? Definition: A cloud formation....Read More

Current Context: CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) reported the first flowering and seed formation of Heeng, showing its successful domestication in Indian soil. About heeng (asafoetida) What is Heeng? A spice and medicinal plant (Ferula assa-foetida) used widely in Indian cooking. Extracted as oleo-gum resin from the plant’s roots. Known for treating digestion, bloating, and abdominal pain in Ayurveda. Native Regions: Cold deserts of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia. Grows in low rainfall (below 300 mm) and cold, dry areas. Suitable Indian Zones: Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Uttarkashi, and Palampur (HP). Takes 5 years to mature before resin harvesting.....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Mount Etna produced an explosive eruption and sent a huge ash cloud to about 21,300 feet (6,500 m), smoke and rock fragments into the sky. About Mount Etna Location : Active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy (Metropolitan City of Catania). Elevation: ~3,403 m (varies after eruptions). Highest peak in Italy south of the Alps; one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. Type: Strombolian—moderately explosive bursts caused by gas pockets rising through magma. Geological Significance: Age: 350,000–500,000 years. UNESCO Heritage: Designated in 2013; eruptive record traced back ~500,000 years with ~2,700 years of documented activity.Read More

Current Context: The Chief Minister of Sikkim has requested the central government to ban climbing on Mt. Khangchendzonga, citing its sacred status among local communities. About Mt. Khangchendzonga: Location: Situated on the border between Sikkim, India, and Nepal. Elevation: 8,586 meters, making it the third-highest mountain in the world. Cultural Significance: Considered sacred by the people of Sikkim, who believe it is the abode of their guardian deity, Dzö-nga. Conservation Status: The Indian side of the mountain is part of the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legal Status: Climbing banned on Indian side under Places of Worship....Read More

Current Context : Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) demolished 36 illegal bungalows in the River Villa project built within the blue flood line of the Indrayani River, following NGT orders. About Indrayani River: Rain-fed tributary of the Bhima River (which flows into Krishna River), originates from the Western Ghats near Lonavala. Flows through Pune district and merges into Bhima River at Tulapur. Length: 103.5 km. Known for religious towns like Alandi (samadhi of Dnyaneshwar) and Dehu (birthplace of Sant Tukaram). Important for irrigation and local agriculture in Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Valvan Dam at Kamshet on Indrayani River is a hydroelectric station.Read More

Current Context : In May 2025, the central United States experienced a series of severe weather events, including multiple tornado outbreaks, resulting in significant fatalities and widespread destruction across several states. About Twisters Definition: "Twister" is a colloquial term for a tornado—a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Formation: Tornadoes form when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating atmospheric instability. This leads to strong updrafts and wind shear, causing the air to spin vertically. Characteristics: Tornadoes can reach wind speeds up to 250 miles per hour (approximately 400 km/h) and are....Read More