July 21st Current Affairs
Dramaturgy
Home / Dramaturgy Dramaturgy is a sociological perspective developed by Erving Goffman, which views social life as a theatrical performance. People behave like actors on a stage, presenting themselves in ways that secure approval, manage impressions, and control how others perceive them. At its core, dramaturgy argues that identity is
Symbolic Interactionism
Home / Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism is a major sociological perspective associated primarily with George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley. Cooley’s famous idea of the “Looking Glass Self” explains how individuals develop their identity through social interactions and perceived judgments of others. For example, if a person is repeatedly
UPSC Current Affairs – December 10
December 10th Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents INDIA bloc MPs move motion to impeach HC judge Relevance to UPSC GS Paper-II: Polity & Governance | Judiciary & Constitutional Provisions Illustrates the constitutional mechanism for removal of judges — the check on judicial misconduct through impeachment under Articles 124
Ethnomethodology
Home / Ethnomethodology Ethnomethodology, introduced by Harold Garfinkel, examines how people use everyday, common-sense knowledge to interpret situations, organise interactions, and act in the social world. Rather than offering a research method, it studies the methods people themselves use to make sense of reality—hence, it is best described as the
Phenomenology in Sociology
Home / Phenomenology in Sociology Phenomenology argues that the subject matter of social sciences fundamentally differs from that of natural sciences, and therefore, the latter’s methods cannot be mechanically applied to the study of human beings. Social phenomenology focuses on how human consciousness shapes social action, interactions, and the world
UPSC Current Affairs – December 8
December 08th Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents Parliament approves Bill to levy higher excise duty on tobacco Relevance to UPSC GS Paper-II: Polity & Governance Involves parliamentary law-making, taxation powers, and the Union’s authority under the Union List (Entry 84 – Excise Duties). Helps understand how Parliament uses
Alaska Earthquakes
Why in News?
- On July 21, 2025, Alaska Peninsula was struck by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake at a shallow depth of 48 km—hours after a larger M 7.3 quake on July 17, which occurred at 36 km depth and triggered a tsunami warning
- Both quakes were followed by alerts due to heightened aftershock and tsunami risks.
Context
- Alaska sits on the Aleutian subduction zone, where the Pacific Plate dives under the North American Plate—making it among the earth’s most seismically active regions.
- Shallow quakes (<70 km) are more destructive due to stronger ground shaking
Past Instances
- Historical mega-earthquakes:
- 1964 magnitude 9.2 quake caused a colossal tsunami across the Pacific, killing ~130 in Alaska and Hawaii
- 1958 Lituya Bay quake (7.8–8.3 M) triggered a “megatsunami” wave over 500 m high
Global Response
- Tsunami warnings were issued post-7.3 quake; evacuations were precautionary and later downgraded after low wave activity.
- U.S. alerts leverage sirens, media, and door-to-door outreach—as practiced during the 1964 disaster—highlighting effective systems despite warning fatigue.
Implications
- Frequent shallow quakes stress the need for robust seismic monitoring, reliable tsunami procedures, and sustained public awareness.
- Warning fatigue is a concern: communities with regular false alarms may become complacent.
Earthquake Vulnerability in India
- Regions like Himalayan foothills and Andaman-Nicobar subduction zone remain highly vulnerable, notably during events like the 2004 tsunami.
NDMA Guidelines
- NDMA emphasizes:
- Seismic zoning and mapping of vulnerable coastal districts.
- Comprehensive early warning systems ( tide gauges, buoys, INCOIS network).
- Awareness outreach using SMS, sirens, radio, and door-to-door alerts.
- Infrastructure resilience via tsunami-resilient constructions, elevated safe zones.
Coordinated crisis management across national, state, and local bodies.
Best Practices
- Tsunami Vulnerability Zones: Countries like Japan, Chile, and the U.S. West Coast conduct regular drills, enforce tsunami evacuation routes, and maintain community shelters.
- Real-time seismic monitoring (like INCOIS) integrates global data networks and automated alerts to ensure readiness.
- Community drills, education, and resilient urban planning are essential for preparedness and resilience.
Way Forward
Focus Area | Action Items |
Monitoring & Alerts | Enhance seismic and ocean sensors; ensure real-time data sharing |
Public Awareness | Regular community drills; address warning fatigue via meaningful alerts |
Infrastructure Resilience | Implement coastal zoning, build elevated shelters, train first responders |
Policy & Coordination | Strengthen coordination across agencies; invest in R&D for prediction methods |
Global Collaboration | Share best practices; align with UNESCO-IOC Pacific Tsunami Warning System |
Conclusion
Alaska’s recent quakes serve as a stark reminder that shallow-focus seismic activity in subduction zones demands enduring vigilance—from monitoring and emergency response to community engagement and infrastructure resilience. India, informed by frameworks like the NDMA guidelines, must continue investing in early warning systems, coastal planning, and public preparedness, learning from global best practices to safeguard its own vulnerable zones.
Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to earthquakes, consider the following statements:
- Primary (P) waves are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through both solids and liquids.
- Richter scale and Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) are both used to measure the energy released by an earthquake.
- Seismographs record ground motion and help determine the epicenter and depth of an earthquake.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct. P-waves are longitudinal waves and are the fastest. They travel through solids, liquids, and gases, unlike S-waves which cannot travel through liquids.
- Statement 2 – Correct. The Richter Scale is an older method, while the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is currently preferred. Both measure magnitude, i.e., the energy released.
- Statement 3 – Correct. Seismographs (or seismometers) detect and record seismic waves, helping determine location (epicenter), depth, and magnitude.
Mains Question
Q. In the context of the recent earthquakes in Alaska, examine the geological reasons for such seismic activity and suggest measures for tsunami preparedness in coastal regions. (10 marks, 150 words)
