GK Express of 17/03/2026
🚆 GK Express 2.0
Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation
- Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): Meteorological reports for March 2026 indicate a 'Positive IOD' phase, which is generally favorable for a healthy Indian Monsoon and suppresses drought conditions.
- Aras-Kura River Basin: Recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia have highlighted the ecological stress on the Aras river basin, critical for the water security of Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
- Arctic Amplification: A new study by Drishti IAS highlights that the Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, leading to extreme weather shifts in the Indian Subcontinent.
Why is this Topic Important?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the main government agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring and disaster warnings in India. It plays a crucial role in predicting cyclones, monsoons and other weather events.
What is the India Meteorological Department?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological agency of India responsible for weather observation, forecasting and early warning services.
Weather Forecasting – predicting future weather conditions using scientific data and models.
Establishment
- Established in 1875.
- Headquarters located in New Delhi.
- Functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Main Objectives
- Weather forecasting
- Monitoring climate patterns
- Providing early warning for natural disasters
- Supporting agriculture, aviation and shipping
- Studying atmospheric phenomena
Key Functions
1. Weather Forecasting
- Daily weather predictions
- Monsoon forecasting
- Temperature and rainfall predictions
2. Disaster Warning
- Cyclone alerts
- Heavy rainfall warnings
- Heatwave and cold wave alerts
- Thunderstorm warnings
3. Climate Monitoring
- Study of climate change
- Monitoring long-term weather patterns
- Collecting atmospheric data
Cyclone – large rotating storm system formed over warm oceans.
Importance for India
- Helps farmers plan agricultural activities
- Supports disaster preparedness
- Ensures safety of aviation and shipping
- Assists government in climate planning
Technology Used by IMD
- Doppler Weather Radar
- Weather satellites
- Automatic Weather Stations
- Numerical weather prediction models
Simple Example
When a cyclone forms in the Bay of Bengal, IMD tracks its movement and issues early warnings to coastal states, helping authorities evacuate people and reduce damage.
Introduction:
The Tibetan Plateau, often called the “Roof of the World,” is a vast high-altitude region located north of the Himalayas. Due to its large size and high elevation, it plays a crucial role in influencing the climate of Asia, particularly the Indian monsoon.
Tibetan Plateau as a Thermal Engine:
Conclusion:
Thus, the Tibetan Plateau acts like a thermal engine by creating strong seasonal pressure differences that drive the monsoon circulation. Its heating and cooling patterns play a vital role in determining the intensity and distribution of the Indian monsoon.
Introduction:
The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world and form the northern boundary of India. They play an important role in shaping India’s climate, geography, economy, and culture.
Significance of the Himalayas:
Conclusion:
Thus, the Himalayas are vital for India’s climate, water resources, security, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, making them one of the most significant geographical features of the country.
Q.1 Which of the following is the highest peak of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri)?
Q.2 The "Roaring Forties" are powerful westerly winds found in which part of the Earth?
1. Which is the widest waterfall in the world?
2. Which line of latitude passes through the middle of India?

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