Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

India's mandatory E20 fuel rollout sparks compatibility and consumer-protection concerns, while Odisha battles erosion along 28.3% of its coastline. Other key stories: UDISE+ 2025–26 findings, Maharashtra earthquake swarms, UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, RBI's FCNR(B) swap window, a new NITI Aayog CEO, Exercise MAITREE-XV, and Kaziranga's proposed narrower ESZ.

Topics in this edition

  1. Odisha Coastal Erosion (own page)
  2. India's Changing School Education System: UDISE+ 2025–26 (own page)
  3. UNCCD COP17: Restoring Land, Restoring Hope (own page)
  4. FCNR(B) Deposits and RBI's Special Forex Swap Window (own page)
  5. Anurag Jain Takes Charge as NITI Aayog CEO (own page)
  6. Exercise MAITREE-XV (own page)
  7. Kaziranga's Proposed Narrower Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) (own page)
  8. Earthquake Swarms: Concept and Mechanisms (own page)

Current affairs

Odisha Coastal Erosion

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways informed the Rajya Sabha that 28.3% of Odisha's 564-km coastline is eroding, per a 1990–2022 NCCR assessment. Jagatsinghpur (47.6%), Ganjam (45.7%) and Kendrapara (45.0%) are worst affected, with 16 villages already submerged in Kendrapara alone.

Quick highlights

  • NCCR mapping (1990–2022) of Odisha's 564.14 km coastline: 28.3% eroding, 54.1% accreting, 17.6% stable.
  • Worst-hit districts: Jagatsinghpur (47.6% of its 55.8-km coastline), Ganjam (45.7%), Kendrapara (45.0%); moderate erosion in Balasore (23.8%), Puri (10.2%), Bhadrak (4.6%).
  • 16 entire villages have been submerged in Kendrapara district, displacing hundreds of families.
  • Causes include cyclones, sea-level rise, hard structures disrupting longshore drift, loss of mangrove bio-shields, and unregulated sand mining plus dam-trapped sediments.
  • Erosion at Gahirmatha and the Devi river mouth threatens the world's largest Olive Ridley mass nesting (Arribada) grounds.

Context

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways informed the Rajya Sabha that 28.3% of Odisha's 564-km coastline is undergoing erosion, based on a long-term (1990–2022) assessment by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR). Coastal erosion is the progressive wearing away and landward displacement of beach or dune sediments by waves, tidal currents, storm surges, and littoral drift.

Key Facts

Of Odisha's 564.14 km coastline, 28.3% is eroding, 54.1% accreting, and 17.6% stable. Jagatsinghpur is most vulnerable (47.6% of its 55.8-km coastline eroding), followed by Ganjam (45.7%) and Kendrapara (45.0%); Balasore (23.8%), Puri (10.2%) and Bhadrak (4.6%) record moderate to low erosion. Sixteen entire villages in Kendrapara have been submerged. Causes include increasing cyclone frequency and intensity in the Bay of Bengal, climate-change-driven sea-level rise, hard marine structures (breakwaters, groynes, sea walls) blocking littoral sand transport, destruction of mangroves and sand dunes, and unplanned sand mining combined with sediment trapping by upstream dams.

Significance

Erosion is displacing communities and creating 'climate refugees' without land titles, destroying fish-landing centres and salinizing farmland, damaging ports, coastal highways and tourism infrastructure, threatening Olive Ridley turtle nesting habitats at Gahirmatha and the Devi river mouth, and causing saline ingress into freshwater coastal aquifers.

Challenges / Way Forward

Prioritize soft, nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration and casuarina shelterbelts; deploy non-invasive hybrid engineering like submerged geotextile tubes and sand nourishment (as piloted at the Pentha embankment); enforce CRZ norms and marine spatial plans with dynamic hazard-line mapping using NCCR data; formulate a statutory climate resettlement policy with land rights and livelihoods; and use satellite-based real-time shoreline monitoring with community surveillance against illegal sand mining.

Exam Angle

GS Paper I/III — Coastal geomorphology, climate change, disaster management. Prelims: NCCR data, worst-affected districts, Gahirmatha, Arribada, Pentha geotextile project. Mains: 'Human activities like coastal development and sea defences have altered natural coastal processes.' Elucidate.

Remember this

  • Odisha coastline: 564.14 km; 28.3% eroding, 54.1% accreting, 17.6% stable (NCCR, 1990–2022).
  • Jagatsinghpur is the most erosion-affected district (47.6%), followed by Ganjam (45.7%) and Kendrapara (45.0%).
  • 16 villages fully submerged in Kendrapara district due to sea-level rise and land loss.
  • Gahirmatha hosts the world's largest mass nesting (Arribada) of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.
  • NCCR = National Centre for Coastal Research; conducted the long-term shoreline assessment.
  • Pentha embankment: successful pilot using submerged geotextile tubes instead of concrete sea walls.
  • Odisha is the most cyclone-prone state on India's east coast.

India's Changing School Education System: UDISE+ 2025–26

The Department of School Education and Literacy released the UDISE+ 2025–26 Report covering 14.67 lakh schools, 1.03 crore teachers and 24.72 crore students. It shows an overall PTR of 24:1 within the NEP 2020 benchmark, improved retention and transition rates, declining dropouts, and expanding digital infrastructure.

Quick highlights

  • UDISE+ 2025–26 covers 14.67 lakh schools, 1.03 crore teachers, and 24.72 crore students.
  • Overall Pupil–Teacher Ratio is 24:1 — within the NEP 2020 benchmark of 30:1; it ranges from 10:1 (Foundational) to 21:1 (Secondary).
  • GER: 89.6% at Middle and 71.7% at Secondary level; transition to Secondary is 88.3%.
  • Retention: 98.5% Foundational, 91.1% Preparatory, 83.7% Middle, 51.9% Secondary; dropouts fell to 1.8% (Preparatory) and 7% (Secondary), though Middle rose marginally to 3.6%.
  • Single-teacher schools fell ~3% to 1,00,843; zero-enrolment schools fell 29% to 5,663.
  • Girls form 48.4% of enrolment; women are 54.9% of teachers; SC and ST students account for 27.7% of enrolment.

Context

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L) released the UDISE+ 2025–26 Report, providing a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of India's school education landscape covering 14.67 lakh schools, 1.03 crore teachers and 24.72 crore students.

Key Facts

India's overall Pupil–Teacher Ratio is 24:1, within the NEP 2020 benchmark of 30:1, ranging from 10:1 at Foundational to 21:1 at Secondary level. GER stands at 89.6% (Middle) and 71.7% (Secondary). Retention is 98.5% (Foundational), 91.1% (Preparatory), 83.7% (Middle) and 51.9% (Secondary); transition to Secondary is 88.3%. Dropout rates fell to 1.8% at Preparatory and 7% at Secondary, though the Middle-stage rate rose marginally to 3.6%. Infrastructure: 95% of schools have electricity, 99.5% safe drinking water, 98.5% girls' toilets, 90.5% libraries, 69.9% computer access, and 67.4% internet connectivity.

Significance

UDISE+ provides granular data for planning, resource allocation and monitoring NEP 2020 implementation. Better retention, gender participation (girls at 48.4% of enrolment; women at 54.9% of teachers) and infrastructure indicate progress toward equitable, inclusive education, while growing digital connectivity and teacher availability strengthen India's long-term human capital formation.

Challenges / Way Forward

Retention drops sharply to 51.9% at the Secondary level and GER at Secondary (71.7%) shows continued scope for expansion at higher stages. The marginal rise in Middle-stage dropout (3.6%) and persistence of over 1 lakh single-teacher schools indicate areas needing targeted resource allocation and monitoring.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II — Governance & Social Justice: development and management of education and human resources; government policies in education. GS Paper III — Inclusive growth, human capital development, digital infrastructure. Essay themes: education, human capital, gender equality, digital transformation, inclusive development.

Remember this

  • UDISE+ 2025–26 released by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L).
  • Coverage: 14.67 lakh schools, 1.03 crore teachers, 24.72 crore students.
  • Overall PTR 24:1 vs NEP 2020 benchmark of 30:1.
  • Secondary-level retention is just 51.9%; transition to Secondary is 88.3%.
  • Zero-enrolment schools fell 29% to 5,663; single-teacher schools down ~3% to 1,00,843.
  • SC + ST students = 27.7% of total enrolment; girls = 48.4% of enrolment.
  • 99.5% schools have safe drinking water; 67.4% have internet connectivity.

UNCCD COP17: Restoring Land, Restoring Hope

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification opened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme 'Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.' The UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management, targeting Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030.

Quick highlights

  • COP17 to the UNCCD opened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, themed 'Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.'
  • UNCCD is one of the three Rio Conventions (with UNFCCC and CBD) from the 1992 Earth Summit, recommended by Agenda 21.
  • Adopted in Paris on June 17, 1994 (World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought); entered into force in December 1996.
  • Near-universal membership: 197 Parties (196 countries plus the EU).
  • Core goal: combat desertification and drought in drylands to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030.
  • Key mechanisms: Global Mechanism for land finance, Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, National Action Programmes, Peace Forest Initiative.

Context

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification opened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme 'Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.'

Key Facts

The UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management, and one of the three Rio Conventions alongside UNFCCC (climate) and CBD (biodiversity) from the 1992 Earth Summit. Formally recommended by Agenda 21 at Rio, it was adopted in Paris on June 17, 1994 — now observed as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought — and entered into force in December 1996. It has 197 Parties (196 countries plus the European Union). Its aim is to combat desertification, reverse land degradation and mitigate drought in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030.

Significance

The Convention coordinates global efforts on Land Degradation Neutrality, promotes proactive drought resilience through frameworks like the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, mandates bottom-up National Action Programmes involving local communities, farmers, pastoralists, indigenous peoples and women, mobilizes finance via the Global Mechanism, and promotes transboundary restoration through the Peace Forest Initiative. Restored drylands protect soil fertility, water resources and rural livelihoods, while restored soils act as carbon sinks supporting climate and biodiversity goals.

Challenges / Way Forward

The key transition is moving countries from reactive post-disaster crisis relief toward proactive drought preparedness, early warning systems, and adequately financed sustainable land management — requiring domestic, bilateral, private-sector and multilateral fund mobilization for developing countries.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III — Environment and conservation; international environmental agreements. Prelims: the three Rio Conventions, adoption date (June 17, 1994), LDN target 2030, COP17 venue and theme, Global Mechanism, Peace Forest Initiative.

Remember this

  • UNCCD COP17 venue: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; theme: 'Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.'
  • UNCCD is the only legally binding global agreement on land degradation and desertification.
  • Three Rio Conventions: UNCCD (land), UNFCCC (climate), CBD (biodiversity) — all from the 1992 Earth Summit.
  • Adopted in Paris, June 17, 1994 — observed as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
  • Entered into force December 1996; membership: 197 Parties (196 countries + EU).
  • Target: Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030.
  • Global Mechanism (GM) channels finance for sustainable land management; Peace Forest Initiative promotes transboundary restoration.

FCNR(B) Deposits and RBI's Special Forex Swap Window

The RBI advanced the deadline for fresh FCNR(B) deposits to qualify for its special USD–INR forex swap window to August 31, 2026. FCNR(B) accounts are foreign-currency term deposits held by NRIs and OCIs with Indian banks, offering zero exchange risk, full tax exemption and complete repatriability.

Quick highlights

  • RBI advanced the deadline for fresh FCNR(B) deposits to qualify for its special USD–INR swap window to August 31, 2026.
  • FCNR(B) = foreign-currency term deposits (1–5 year tenors) held by NRIs and OCIs with authorized Indian banks.
  • Funds remain in foreign currency (e.g., USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CAD, AUD), eliminating exchange-rate risk for depositors — unlike rupee-denominated NRE/NRO accounts.
  • Original FCNR scheme launched in 1975 (exchange risk borne by RBI/Government); revised FCNR(B) launched May 1993 with banks bearing forex exposure.
  • Governed by FEMA, 1999 and RBI Master Directions; interest is fully exempt from Indian income and wealth tax, and funds are freely repatriable.
  • Under the swap window, banks sell forex to RBI at spot and buy it back at par via forward contract, eliminating hedging costs.

Context

The Reserve Bank of India advanced the deadline for fresh Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits to qualify for its special USD–INR forex swap window to August 31, 2026.

Key Facts

An FCNR(B) deposit is a term/fixed deposit maintained in approved foreign currencies by NRIs and OCIs with authorized banks in India; unlike rupee-denominated NRE or NRO accounts, funds are held entirely in foreign currency, eliminating conversion risk. The original FCNR scheme (1975) placed exchange risk on the RBI/Government; the revised FCNR(B) scheme (May 1993) shifted forex exposure to commercial banks. It is governed under FEMA, 1999 and RBI Master Directions on Non-Resident Deposits. Deposits run for 1–5 year tenors in currencies such as USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CAD and AUD, with interest fully exempt from Indian income and wealth tax and full repatriability of principal and interest.

Significance

FCNR(B) deposits attract stable, long-term foreign currency capital into Indian banking, reinforce the external Balance of Payments, and bolster gross forex reserves while giving NRIs a secure, tax-free, exchange-risk-free investment avenue. Under the special swap window, banks sell the foreign currency principal to the RBI at spot rate for rupees to fund domestic credit, with a par forward contract to buy back the dollars at maturity — eliminating banks' hedging costs. RBI also offers regulatory sweeteners like CRR/SLR exemptions during mobilization drives.

Challenges / Way Forward

The advancement of the swap-window deadline signals RBI's calibrated approach to timing foreign-currency mobilization; banks must price deposits competitively within the window while managing the foreign currency exposure they carry under the post-1993 FCNR(B) framework.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III — Indian economy, banking, external sector. Prelims: FCNR(B) vs NRE/NRO accounts, 1975 origin and 1993 revision, FEMA 1999, 1–5 year tenors, tax exemption and repatriability, RBI swap window mechanics, CRR/SLR exemptions.

Remember this

  • New RBI deadline for FCNR(B) deposits to qualify for the special USD–INR swap window: August 31, 2026.
  • FCNR(B) deposits are held entirely in foreign currency — depositor bears zero exchange risk.
  • Original FCNR scheme: 1975; revised FCNR(B) scheme: May 1993 (banks bear forex exposure).
  • Governed under FEMA, 1999 and RBI Master Directions on Non-Resident Deposits.
  • Tenors: 1 to 5 years; interest 100% exempt from Indian income and wealth tax for non-residents.
  • Both principal and interest are fully and freely repatriable overseas.
  • In the swap window, RBI buys forex at spot and sells it back at par forward, removing banks' hedging costs.

Anurag Jain Takes Charge as NITI Aayog CEO

Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain (1989-batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre) officially took charge as Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog. His appointment followed approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Quick highlights

  • Anurag Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken charge as CEO of NITI Aayog.
  • The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  • NITI Aayog is the Government of India's apex public policy think tank, which replaced the erstwhile Planning Commission in 2015.
  • The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog.

Context

Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain (1989-batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre) officially took charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Key Facts

Anurag Jain belongs to the 1989 batch of the Indian Administrative Service, Madhya Pradesh cadre. Appointments to the post of NITI Aayog CEO require clearance from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission, with the Prime Minister as its ex-officio Chairperson.

Significance

The CEO heads the administrative machinery of NITI Aayog, India's premier policy think tank that promotes cooperative and competitive federalism, prepares strategic and long-term policy frameworks, and monitors implementation across states.

Challenges / Way Forward

The new CEO will steer NITI Aayog's ongoing policy, monitoring and evaluation agenda, coordinating between the Centre and states on development priorities.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II — Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial/executive bodies; appointments to key institutions. Prelims: NITI Aayog structure (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, CEO), establishment year 2015, role of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Remember this

  • New NITI Aayog CEO: Anurag Jain, IAS (1989 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre).
  • Appointment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  • NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
  • The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
  • NITI = National Institution for Transforming India; it is an executive (non-statutory) body.

Exercise MAITREE-XV

Exercise MAITREE-XV, the latest edition of the joint military exercise between the armies of India and Thailand, featured among the day's key defence developments. The MAITREE series is aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint tactical cooperation between the two armies.

Quick highlights

  • MAITREE-XV is the 15th edition of the India–Thailand joint army exercise series.
  • The MAITREE series focuses on interoperability, joint training and tactical cooperation between the Indian and Royal Thai armies.
  • Such exercises reinforce India's Act East Policy and defence engagement with ASEAN nations.

Context

Exercise MAITREE-XV, the 15th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Thailand, was among the key security developments covered on this date.

Key Facts

MAITREE is a bilateral joint army exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army, held periodically to enhance mutual training standards and interoperability. The 'XV' denotes the fifteenth edition of the series.

Significance

Joint exercises like MAITREE deepen military-to-military cooperation, build interoperability for joint operations, and strengthen India's strategic outreach to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.

Challenges / Way Forward

Sustained, regular editions of such bilateral exercises help institutionalize defence cooperation and expand its scope to newer domains of joint training.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III / Prelims — Defence exercises in the news. Remember MAITREE = India–Thailand (Army); frequently asked as a match-the-pairs question on bilateral military exercises.

Remember this

  • Exercise MAITREE: joint army exercise between India and Thailand.
  • MAITREE-XV is the 15th edition of the series.
  • Objective: enhancing interoperability and joint tactical cooperation.
  • Relevant to India's Act East Policy and defence diplomacy with ASEAN.

Kaziranga's Proposed Narrower Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

A proposal for a narrower Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park was among the day's key environment developments. ESZs act as buffer or 'shock absorber' areas around protected areas to regulate activities that could harm fragile ecosystems.

Quick highlights

  • A narrower Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) has been proposed around Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
  • ESZs are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as buffers around protected areas.
  • Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tiger Reserve, famous as the habitat of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

Context

Among the day's key developments is the proposed narrower Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park, Assam — a move with implications for conservation buffers around one of India's most important protected areas.

Key Facts

Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas notified around protected areas (national parks and wildlife sanctuaries) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, where activities are regulated, restricted or prohibited to protect the ecosystem. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Tiger Reserve, and the world's principal habitat of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, situated along the Brahmaputra floodplains.

Significance

ESZs act as transition or buffer zones minimizing the impact of urbanization, industry and infrastructure on protected-area ecology. Any narrowing of Kaziranga's ESZ would alter the extent of regulated land around the park, affecting wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity.

Challenges / Way Forward

ESZ delineation must balance local livelihood and development needs with ecological integrity, using scientific assessments of animal movement corridors and floodplain dynamics before finalizing boundaries.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III — Environmental conservation, protected area networks. Prelims: ESZs under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Kaziranga's status as National Park, Tiger Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site; one-horned rhinoceros.

Remember this

  • A narrower Eco-Sensitive Zone has been proposed around Kaziranga National Park.
  • ESZs are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Kaziranga (Assam) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tiger Reserve.
  • Kaziranga is the prime habitat of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
  • ESZs function as buffers/'shock absorbers' around national parks and sanctuaries.

General knowledge

Earthquake Swarms: Concept and Mechanisms

Maharashtra recorded 29 low-intensity, shallow earthquakes in two weeks, mainly in Nashik, with tremors also in Palghar and Nagpur, which seismologists classify as an earthquake swarm. Swarms are clusters of numerous small quakes over days to months without a distinct mainshock, often triggered by fluid migration and elevated pore pressure in fractured rock.

Quick highlights

  • An earthquake swarm is a sequence of numerous, closely clustered quakes in a localized area over days to months without a distinct single mainshock.
  • Maharashtra recorded 29 low-intensity, shallow earthquakes in two weeks — mainly in Nashik, with tremors also in Palghar and Nagpur.
  • Mechanisms: intraplate stress on Deccan Trap basalts, fluid migration raising pore pressure (rainfall infiltration or reservoir filling), and repeated frictional failure along fractures.
  • Swarms typically originate at shallow focal depths of 5–10 km, making even low-magnitude tremors noticeably felt.
  • Reservoir-triggered seismicity (RTS), as in the Koyna–Warna region, and rainfall-triggered seismicity are classic examples.
  • Swarm data aids seismic hazard mapping, sub-surface fault identification and dam safety oversight.

Context

Maharashtra recorded 29 low-intensity, shallow earthquakes in two weeks, mainly in Nashik, with tremors also in Palghar and Nagpur. Seismologists classify the cluster as an earthquake swarm.

Key Facts

An earthquake swarm is a sequence of numerous, closely clustered earthquakes within a localized area over days, weeks or months, without an identifiable single 'mainshock' or a standard mainshock–aftershock sequence. Mechanisms include intraplate stress deforming interior bedrock such as the basaltic Deccan Traps along shear zones and ancient fractures; fluid migration from heavy rainfall or reservoir filling elevating pore-fluid pressure; and reduced effective normal stress causing repeated small slips instead of a single massive rupture. Swarms feature comparable-magnitude tremors, shallow focal depths (often 5–10 km), sensitivity to hydro-geological triggers (rainfall-triggered or reservoir-triggered seismicity, e.g., Koyna–Warna), and prolonged durations of weeks to years.

Significance

Swarm data helps seismologists map hidden sub-surface faults, assess intraplate crustal deformation rates, and implement mandatory safety protocols for large reservoirs and civic infrastructure.

Challenges / Way Forward

Continuous low-intensity micro-tremors can weaken masonry, crack foundations and trigger localized subsidence, while unpredictable repetitive rumblings cause public anxiety — requiring sustained disaster management engagement, public sensitization, and seismic hazard mapping.

Exam Angle

GS Paper I/III — Geophysical phenomena and disaster management. Prelims: swarm vs mainshock–aftershock sequence, reservoir-triggered seismicity (Koyna–Warna), Deccan Traps, shallow focal depths, pore-pressure mechanism.

Remember this

  • Earthquake swarm = many clustered quakes of comparable magnitude with no distinct mainshock.
  • Maharashtra: 29 low-intensity shallow quakes in two weeks — mainly Nashik; also Palghar and Nagpur.
  • Typical swarm focal depths: shallow, often 5–10 km.
  • Koyna–Warna region is the classic Indian example of reservoir-triggered seismicity (RTS).
  • Elevated pore-fluid pressure from rainfall/reservoir water reduces rock friction and triggers repeated slips.
  • Deccan Traps' basaltic bedrock concentrates intraplate tectonic stress along ancient fractures.
  • Swarms can persist for weeks to years without culminating in a catastrophic earthquake.

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