Forwarded from UPSC Mapping Prelims Mains
🔆 Wular Lake Revival: Lotuses Bloom After 30 Years in Kashmir
✅ Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, has seen a revival of lotus blooms after three decades—an indicator of improving ecological health
✅ Located in Bandipora, Kashmir Valley, Wular is surrounded by 31 villages, supporting over 12,000 households
📍 Ecological Decline & Recovery:
✅ Lotuses stopped blooming in 1992 after Jhelum river floods damaged the ecosystem
✅ Over the years, farming runoff and siltation led to nutrient overload (N, P, K) → oxygen-depleted water
✅ De-siltation and wetland restoration enabled lotus return, acting as a natural barometer of water quality
✅ Lake area reduced from 217.8 sq. km (1911) to 86.7 sq. km (2007) due to encroachment & land conversion
📍 Cultural & Economic Importance:
✅ Lotus stems used in Kashmiri cuisine & rituals
✅ Lake sustains livelihoods via chestnut harvesting, fishing, etc.
✅ Wular is central to Kashmiri folklore, associated with gods and kings
✅ Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, has seen a revival of lotus blooms after three decades—an indicator of improving ecological health
✅ Located in Bandipora, Kashmir Valley, Wular is surrounded by 31 villages, supporting over 12,000 households
📍 Ecological Decline & Recovery:
✅ Lotuses stopped blooming in 1992 after Jhelum river floods damaged the ecosystem
✅ Over the years, farming runoff and siltation led to nutrient overload (N, P, K) → oxygen-depleted water
✅ De-siltation and wetland restoration enabled lotus return, acting as a natural barometer of water quality
✅ Lake area reduced from 217.8 sq. km (1911) to 86.7 sq. km (2007) due to encroachment & land conversion
📍 Cultural & Economic Importance:
✅ Lotus stems used in Kashmiri cuisine & rituals
✅ Lake sustains livelihoods via chestnut harvesting, fishing, etc.
✅ Wular is central to Kashmiri folklore, associated with gods and kings
Prelims MCQ
Q. Wular Lake, recently in news for ecological revival, is located in:
A. Ladakh
B. Jammu region
C. Kashmir Valley
D. Himachal Pradesh
✅ Answer: C
Mains Question
(GS3 – 150 words)
Ecological restoration of water bodies like Wular Lake reflects the impact of local conservation and de-siltation efforts. Discuss the environmental and socio-economic significance of reviving freshwater lakes in India.
Q2 What is the difference between asteroids
and comets?
1) Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while
comets are formed of frozen gases held
together by rocky and metallic material
2) Asteroids are found mostly between the
orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are
found mostly between Venus & Mercury
3) Comets show a perceptible glowing tail,
while asteroids do not
and comets?
1) Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while
comets are formed of frozen gases held
together by rocky and metallic material
2) Asteroids are found mostly between the
orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are
found mostly between Venus & Mercury
3) Comets show a perceptible glowing tail,
while asteroids do not
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
Anonymous Quiz
12%
1 and 2 only
59%
1 and 3 only
10%
3 only
19%
1,2 and 3 only
Which one of the following planets has
largest number of natural satellites or
moons?
largest number of natural satellites or
moons?
Anonymous Quiz
42%
Jupiter
11%
Mars
46%
Saturn
1%
Venus
(Assertion): To orbit around the Sun, the
planet Mars takes lesser time than the time
taken by the Earth (Reason): The diameter of the planet Mars is less than that of the Earth
planet Mars takes lesser time than the time
taken by the Earth (Reason): The diameter of the planet Mars is less than that of the Earth
Anonymous Quiz
26%
Both A are R are true R is the correctexplanation of A
23%
Both A and R are true but R is not a correctexplanation of A
16%
A is true but R is false
35%
A is false but R is true
(Assertion): The same face of the Moon is
always presented to the Earth
(Reason): The Moon rotates about its own axis in 231/2 days which is about the same time that it takes to orbit the Earth
always presented to the Earth
(Reason): The Moon rotates about its own axis in 231/2 days which is about the same time that it takes to orbit the Earth
Anonymous Quiz
38%
Both A are R are true R is the correctexplanation of A
33%
Both A and R are true but R is not a correctexplanation of A
18%
A is true but R is false
11%
A is false but R is true
(Assertion): Existence of human life on
Venus is highly improbable
(Reason): Venus has extremely high level of carbon di oxide in its atmosphere
Venus is highly improbable
(Reason): Venus has extremely high level of carbon di oxide in its atmosphere
Anonymous Quiz
43%
Both A are R are true R is the correctexplanation of A
34%
Both A and R are true but R is not a correctexplanation of A
20%
A is true but R is false
3%
A is false but R is true
Among the following which planet takes
maximum time for one revolution around
the Sun?
maximum time for one revolution around
the Sun?
Anonymous Quiz
8%
EARTH
78%
JUPITER
5%
MARS
9%
VENUS
Which one of the following statements is
correct with reference to our solar
system?
correct with reference to our solar
system?
Anonymous Quiz
33%
The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
31%
The predominant element in thecomposition of Earth is silicon
23%
The Sun contains 75 percent of the mass ofthe solar system
13%
The diameter of the Sun is 190 times that ofthe Earth
If the stars are seen to rise perpendicular
to the horizon by an observer, he is
located on the
to the horizon by an observer, he is
located on the
Anonymous Quiz
38%
Equator
34%
Tropic of Cancer
11%
South Pole
17%
North Pole
Bitra Island:
✅It is located in the northern region of Lakshadweep.
✅It is the smallest inhabited island in the territory.
✅On this island a small shrine dedicated to Malik Mulla, an old Arab Saint, who is said to have been buried here, is a place of pilgrimage.
📍Climate of Bitra Island:
✅The climate of Bitra is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. March to May is the hottest period of the year.
✅The temperature ranges from 25oC to 35oC and humidity ranges from 70 -76 per cent for most of the year.
✅It was the breeding ground for a number of sea birds.
✅Bitra would become the third island in the archipelago with a defence establishment – two Indian naval bases in the archipelago are INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, the capital of the UT, and INS Jatayu in Minicoy.
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✅It is located in the northern region of Lakshadweep.
✅It is the smallest inhabited island in the territory.
✅On this island a small shrine dedicated to Malik Mulla, an old Arab Saint, who is said to have been buried here, is a place of pilgrimage.
📍Climate of Bitra Island:
✅The climate of Bitra is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. March to May is the hottest period of the year.
✅The temperature ranges from 25oC to 35oC and humidity ranges from 70 -76 per cent for most of the year.
✅It was the breeding ground for a number of sea birds.
✅Bitra would become the third island in the archipelago with a defence establishment – two Indian naval bases in the archipelago are INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, the capital of the UT, and INS Jatayu in Minicoy.
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🔆 5 Profound Quotes from Savitri by Sri Aurobindo for UPSC Essays
📘 By Sri Aurobindo – A poetic vision of man’s moral and spiritual ascent
✅ On Inner Strength & Endurance
🗨️ “He who would save the world must share its pain.”
📌 Use in essays on: Leadership, Sacrifice, Empathy in public service
✅ On Duty & Moral Courage
🗨️ “A will to climb lifts a delight to live.”
📌 Use in essays on: Moral perseverance, Civil services motivation, Selfless action
✅ On Hope in Crisis
🗨️ “Night is not our beginning nor our end.”
📌 Use in essays on: Resilience, National rebirth, Visionary leadership
✅ On Spiritualized Action
🗨️ “Even in small beginnings lies the might of the eternal.”
📌 Use in essays on: Grassroots change, Policy innovation, Ethical reform
✅ On Self-Transcendence
🗨️ “The spirit rises mightier with each defeat.”
📌 Use in essays on: Failure and growth, Inner development, Moral victory
#essay #quotes
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@upsc_toppers_essay
📘 By Sri Aurobindo – A poetic vision of man’s moral and spiritual ascent
✅ On Inner Strength & Endurance
🗨️ “He who would save the world must share its pain.”
📌 Use in essays on: Leadership, Sacrifice, Empathy in public service
✅ On Duty & Moral Courage
🗨️ “A will to climb lifts a delight to live.”
📌 Use in essays on: Moral perseverance, Civil services motivation, Selfless action
✅ On Hope in Crisis
🗨️ “Night is not our beginning nor our end.”
📌 Use in essays on: Resilience, National rebirth, Visionary leadership
✅ On Spiritualized Action
🗨️ “Even in small beginnings lies the might of the eternal.”
📌 Use in essays on: Grassroots change, Policy innovation, Ethical reform
✅ On Self-Transcendence
🗨️ “The spirit rises mightier with each defeat.”
📌 Use in essays on: Failure and growth, Inner development, Moral victory
#essay #quotes
Join @Anmolvachan1
@upsc_toppers_essay
🔆 The Kamchatka Quake & the Ring of Fire
📍 What Happened?
✅ A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia’s far-east, on July 30, 2025
✅ It triggered 3–4 metre tsunami waves along Kamchatka and parts of Hawaii, though no casualties were reported
✅ It’s one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history, part of the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt (aka Ring of Fire)
📍 Ring of Fire: World’s Most Seismically Active Zone
✅ Accounts for 80% of world’s strongest earthquakes
✅ Formed by subduction zones where oceanic plates collide with continental plates
✅ Countries affected: Japan, US (Alaska & West Coast), Russia, Indonesia, Chile, Philippines, New Zealand, etc.
📍 Kamchatka’s Seismic Significance
✅ Kamchatka and Kuril Islands are among the most earthquake-prone zones
✅ Region has seen 130+ magnitude 7+ earthquakes since 1900
✅ The July 30 quake was second only to Japan’s 2011 Tohoku quake (9.1) in the last 20 years
📍 Other Active Earthquake Belts
✅ Himalayan Belt – less active than the Ring of Fire but highly destructive due to shallow focus
✅ Mid-Atlantic Ridge – mostly undersea, moderate intensity
📍 Why No Casualties This Time?
✅ Region is sparsely populated (0.62 people/km²)
✅ No major tsunami impact despite high magnitude
✅ Shows importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure
#Earthquake #RingOfFire #Kamchatka #SeismicZones #disaster_management #GS1 #Geography
📍 What Happened?
✅ A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia’s far-east, on July 30, 2025
✅ It triggered 3–4 metre tsunami waves along Kamchatka and parts of Hawaii, though no casualties were reported
✅ It’s one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history, part of the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt (aka Ring of Fire)
📍 Ring of Fire: World’s Most Seismically Active Zone
✅ Accounts for 80% of world’s strongest earthquakes
✅ Formed by subduction zones where oceanic plates collide with continental plates
✅ Countries affected: Japan, US (Alaska & West Coast), Russia, Indonesia, Chile, Philippines, New Zealand, etc.
📍 Kamchatka’s Seismic Significance
✅ Kamchatka and Kuril Islands are among the most earthquake-prone zones
✅ Region has seen 130+ magnitude 7+ earthquakes since 1900
✅ The July 30 quake was second only to Japan’s 2011 Tohoku quake (9.1) in the last 20 years
📍 Other Active Earthquake Belts
✅ Himalayan Belt – less active than the Ring of Fire but highly destructive due to shallow focus
✅ Mid-Atlantic Ridge – mostly undersea, moderate intensity
📍 Why No Casualties This Time?
✅ Region is sparsely populated (0.62 people/km²)
✅ No major tsunami impact despite high magnitude
✅ Shows importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure
📝 Prelims Question
Q. The “Ring of Fire” is associated with:
A. Deserts and drought-prone zones
B. Frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes ✅
C. Major oil reserves
D. Large-scale deforestation zones
🖋️ Mains Question (GS1 – Geography)
Q. Explain the geographical features and tectonic processes responsible for the frequent seismic activity along the Circum-Pacific Belt. Why is the Kamchatka region significant in this context?
#Earthquake #RingOfFire #Kamchatka #SeismicZones #disaster_management #GS1 #Geography
History is one of the subject which has high weightage, especially in the Prelims over the years. It is also GS 1 subject
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🔆 Tropical Rain Destabilises Oceans Only When Light
📍 Key Findings
✅ Scientists earlier believed rain makes the ocean’s surface more buoyant (due to freshwater being lighter)
✅ New study (Univ. of Washington, July 2025) finds light rain destabilises the ocean, but heavy rain stabilises it
📍 Mechanism
✅ Rain in tropics often comes with cold pools (cold, dry air + clouds)
✅ These cool the surface, block sunlight & transfer heat to air
✅ Thus, heavier rain makes surface cooler and more stable
✅ Light rain (0.2–4 mm/hr) increases mixing, while heavy rain = negative buoyancy flux (surface stays more stable)
📍 Additional Observations
✅ Rainfall at night destabilises oceans more than during the day
✅ Researchers identified:
• “Cold Rain Zone” (W. Pacific & Indian Ocean): High heat loss
• “Hot Rain Zone” (Central Pacific): Less heat loss
📍 Impact on Climate
✅ Ocean mixing affects carbon, heat, nutrient transport
✅ Rainfall dynamics influence weather and climate models
✅ Study highlights risk of prediction errors due to simplistic assumptions
#Oceanography #ClimateScience #TropicalRain #UPSC #geography
📍 Key Findings
✅ Scientists earlier believed rain makes the ocean’s surface more buoyant (due to freshwater being lighter)
✅ New study (Univ. of Washington, July 2025) finds light rain destabilises the ocean, but heavy rain stabilises it
📍 Mechanism
✅ Rain in tropics often comes with cold pools (cold, dry air + clouds)
✅ These cool the surface, block sunlight & transfer heat to air
✅ Thus, heavier rain makes surface cooler and more stable
✅ Light rain (0.2–4 mm/hr) increases mixing, while heavy rain = negative buoyancy flux (surface stays more stable)
📍 Additional Observations
✅ Rainfall at night destabilises oceans more than during the day
✅ Researchers identified:
• “Cold Rain Zone” (W. Pacific & Indian Ocean): High heat loss
• “Hot Rain Zone” (Central Pacific): Less heat loss
📍 Impact on Climate
✅ Ocean mixing affects carbon, heat, nutrient transport
✅ Rainfall dynamics influence weather and climate models
✅ Study highlights risk of prediction errors due to simplistic assumptions
📍 Prelims Question
Q. Which of the following statements regarding tropical rainfall and ocean mixing is/are correct?
1. Light tropical rainfall stabilises ocean surface due to lack of heat transfer.
2. Cold pools formed during heavy rainfall can increase ocean stability.
3. Ocean mixing affects the transport of heat and carbon, impacting climate.
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
📍 Mains Question (GS1 / GS3)
Q. Discuss the role of tropical rainfall in modulating ocean surface dynamics. How does it influence long-term climate modelling and weather prediction? (10 marks)
#Oceanography #ClimateScience #TropicalRain #UPSC #geography
Sabarmati River:
✅It is a monsoon-fed river that originates in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan near Udaipur and meets in the Bay of Khambhat in Arabian sea.
✅It is bounded by the Aravalli Hills in the north and north-east, the Rann of Kutch in the west, and the Gulf of Khambhat in the south.
✅The major part of the basin is covered with agriculture, accounting for 74.68% of the total area.
✅Tributaries: Wakal, the Hathmati, Vatrak, Sei
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✅It is a monsoon-fed river that originates in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan near Udaipur and meets in the Bay of Khambhat in Arabian sea.
✅It is bounded by the Aravalli Hills in the north and north-east, the Rann of Kutch in the west, and the Gulf of Khambhat in the south.
✅The major part of the basin is covered with agriculture, accounting for 74.68% of the total area.
✅Tributaries: Wakal, the Hathmati, Vatrak, Sei
#Places_in_news
Join @Mapping_prelims_mains