π¦
Mahabaleshwar
Famous hill station in Western Ghats
Origin of Krishna River
High rainfall zone
π Trimbakeshwar
π Key Points:
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Located near Brahmagiri Hills
Origin of Godavari River
π Kalsubai Peak
π Key Points:
Highest peak in Maharashtra (β 1646 m)
Located in Sahyadri (Western Ghats)
Famous trekking peak
π Kudremukh
Means βhorse faceβ mountain
Located in Western Ghats
Known for:
Iron ore deposits
Kudremukh National Park
π Doddabetta
Highest peak in Nilgiri Hills
Height β 2637 m
Near Ooty
π Baba Budan Giri
Hill range in Chikkamagaluru
Famous for introduction of coffee to India
Named after Sufi saint Baba Budan
π‘ Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, India, located in the Chandra Dhrona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats (Chikkamagaluru district) at an altitude of 1,930 meters (6,330 ft).
ππ’ Final Order (North β South)
π Kalsubai β Mahabaleshwar β Kudremukh β Baba Budan Giri β Doddabetta
Famous hill station in Western Ghats
Origin of Krishna River
High rainfall zone
π Trimbakeshwar
π Key Points:
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Located near Brahmagiri Hills
Origin of Godavari River
π Kalsubai Peak
π Key Points:
Highest peak in Maharashtra (β 1646 m)
Located in Sahyadri (Western Ghats)
Famous trekking peak
Means βhorse faceβ mountain
Located in Western Ghats
Known for:
Iron ore deposits
Kudremukh National Park
π Doddabetta
Highest peak in Nilgiri Hills
Height β 2637 m
Near Ooty
π Baba Budan Giri
Hill range in Chikkamagaluru
Famous for introduction of coffee to India
Named after Sufi saint Baba Budan
ππ’ Final Order (North β South)
π Kalsubai β Mahabaleshwar β Kudremukh β Baba Budan Giri β Doddabetta
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πThe Shencottah Gap (or Sengottai Gap) is a crucial, narrow mountain pass in the southern Western Ghats, located near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border between Tenkasi and Kollam districts
π Situated near Sengottai (Tamil Nadu) and Aryankavu/Punalur (Kerala). It lies in the Periyar-Agastyamalai landscape, acting as a link between the Western Ghats and the Cardamom Hills.
π Situated near Sengottai (Tamil Nadu) and Aryankavu/Punalur (Kerala). It lies in the Periyar-Agastyamalai landscape, acting as a link between the Western Ghats and the Cardamom Hills.
Forwarded from GEO-P
why soils in equatorial regions are often not rich, summarized in short points:
High Rainfall and Leaching: Heavy rainfall washes away soluble nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.
Rapid Decomposition: Warm, humid conditions break down organic matter quickly, leaving less nutrient accumulation in the soil.
ππ βDespite heavy leaching, equatorial regions support high biomass due to rapid nutrient recycling, where nutrients are quickly taken up by vegetation and remain locked in biomass rather than soil.β
Soil Erosion: Heavy rains erode topsoil, removing the most fertile layer.
Nutrient Uptake by Vegetation: Dense, fast-growing plants absorb nutrients rapidly, leaving soil nutrient-poor.
Soil Acidity: Many tropical soils are acidic, limiting nutrient availability.
Geological Factors: Soils form from ancient, highly weathered rocks, which are low in essential minerals.
Lack of Volcanic Activity: Fewer inputs of fresh, nutrient-rich minerals from volcanic activity.
High Rainfall and Leaching: Heavy rainfall washes away soluble nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.
Rapid Decomposition: Warm, humid conditions break down organic matter quickly, leaving less nutrient accumulation in the soil.
ππ βDespite heavy leaching, equatorial regions support high biomass due to rapid nutrient recycling, where nutrients are quickly taken up by vegetation and remain locked in biomass rather than soil.β
Soil Erosion: Heavy rains erode topsoil, removing the most fertile layer.
Nutrient Uptake by Vegetation: Dense, fast-growing plants absorb nutrients rapidly, leaving soil nutrient-poor.
Soil Acidity: Many tropical soils are acidic, limiting nutrient availability.
Geological Factors: Soils form from ancient, highly weathered rocks, which are low in essential minerals.
Lack of Volcanic Activity: Fewer inputs of fresh, nutrient-rich minerals from volcanic activity.
π βIn coniferous forests, acidic organic compounds act as chelating agents, mobilizing iron and aluminium and leading to their downward leaching, a key process in podzolization.β
π Indiaβs Adani Power Ltd. built a large coal power plant at Mundra (Gujarat) using advanced βsupercriticalβ technology.
π This project was registered under the UNβs climate mechanism (CDM) and could earn carbon credits because it emits less COβ than older plants.
π΅ 1) What is the CDM?
π Clean Development Mechanism under UNFCCC
Allows developing countries to run projects that reduce emissions
In return, they get carbon credits (CERs)
These credits can be sold to developed countries
π»3) Why Mundra project got CDM status?
π The Mundra Thermal Power Station used supercritical tech instead of older tech.
So compared to a βbaselineβ (subcritical plant), it:
Burns less coal
Emits less COβ
π That difference = emission reduction β eligible for carbon credits
π’ 4) What are carbon credits?
π 1 credit β 1 tonne of COβ reduced
If plant emits less than baseline
It earns credits
Can sell credits in carbon market
π This project was registered under the UNβs climate mechanism (CDM) and could earn carbon credits because it emits less COβ than older plants.
π΅ 1) What is the CDM?
π Clean Development Mechanism under UNFCCC
Allows developing countries to run projects that reduce emissions
In return, they get carbon credits (CERs)
These credits can be sold to developed countries
π»3) Why Mundra project got CDM status?
π The Mundra Thermal Power Station used supercritical tech instead of older tech.
So compared to a βbaselineβ (subcritical plant), it:
Burns less coal
Emits less COβ
π That difference = emission reduction β eligible for carbon credits
π’ 4) What are carbon credits?
π 1 credit β 1 tonne of COβ reduced
If plant emits less than baseline
It earns credits
Can sell credits in carbon market
ain sources of sulfur emissions (SOβ) in India
Coal-based thermal power plants (largest share)
Oil refineries & diesel/petrol use
Industries (cement, smelters, brick kilns)
π Key point: When fuel contains sulfur, burning it releases SOβ (sulfur dioxide).
Coal-based thermal power plants (largest share)
Oil refineries & diesel/petrol use
Industries (cement, smelters, brick kilns)
π Key point: When fuel contains sulfur, burning it releases SOβ (sulfur dioxide).
Step 1: What is terrestrial radiation?
π Earth absorbs sunlight and re-emits energy as infrared (longwave) radiation.
π This heat naturally wants to go out to space.
π π Cirrus clouds:
Contain many tiny ice crystals
These:
Absorb outgoing infrared
Re-emit it back downward
π Result:
π Heat gets trapped (warming effect)
π΅ Step 3: What CCT changes
π CCT introduces particles β forms fewer but larger ice crystals
Effect:
Large crystals:
Fall quickly (gravity)
Cloud becomes thinner & shorter-lived
π΄ Step 4: How heat escapes
π With thinner / disappearing cirrus:
βοΈ Less absorption of infrared
βοΈ Less back-radiation to Earth
π So:
β‘οΈ More terrestrial radiation escapes directly to space
π― π βCirrus Cloud Thinning enhances the escape of terrestrial radiation by reducing the density and lifetime of cirrus clouds, thereby decreasing their ability to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation back to Earth.β
π Earth absorbs sunlight and re-emits energy as infrared (longwave) radiation.
π This heat naturally wants to go out to space.
Contain many tiny ice crystals
These:
Absorb outgoing infrared
Re-emit it back downward
π Result:
π Heat gets trapped (warming effect)
π΅ Step 3: What CCT changes
π CCT introduces particles β forms fewer but larger ice crystals
Effect:
Large crystals:
Fall quickly (gravity)
Cloud becomes thinner & shorter-lived
π΄ Step 4: How heat escapes
π With thinner / disappearing cirrus:
βοΈ Less absorption of infrared
βοΈ Less back-radiation to Earth
π So:
β‘οΈ More terrestrial radiation escapes directly to space
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Forwarded from Ignorance Reliever School of UPSC Studies (Asanga)
Why....?
πΏUnique Growing Conditions
πͺ‘Yemen's coffee is grown in high-altitude regions (1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level) with terraced farms on steep mountain slopes.
πͺ‘Terraced Farming: Coffee is cultivated on steep, terraced slopes, which help prevent soil erosion and maximize the use of limited arable land.
Geography..
π§ΆMost Yemeni coffee is grown in mountainous regions such as Haraz, Ibb, Raymah, and Bani Matar.
πͺ΄Semi-Arid Climate with Seasonal Rains
βοΈYemen has a dry, semi-arid climate, but its coffee-growing regions receive seasonal monsoon rains, mostly during March to May and July to September.
π₯These seasonal rains provide just enough moisture for coffee trees to grow without excessive water, leading to concentrated sugars and stronger flavors in the beans.
πThe lack of excessive rainfall prevents diseases like coffee leaf rust, which commonly affects coffee plants in wetter climates.
π§£Key Takeaway:
π₯ΈYemen is considered the birthplace of commercial coffee cultivation. The port city of Mocha (Al-Makha) was historically the center of the global coffee trade
πIn Yemenβs high-altitude coffee-growing regions, temperature inversion can trap cooler air in the valleys at night. π§£This prevents the coffee plants from experiencing extreme cold, which could damage them.
π₯Ά Indiaβs coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu
πΏπ Coffee in India is not grown in open sun. It is grown under trees (shade-grown).
Two layers of shade:
π€’Upper layer (tall evergreen trees)
e.g., Silver oak
Give broad shade, reduce heat
Lower layer (leguminous trees)
e.g., dadap, erythrina
Fix nitrogen in soil
πThe Western Ghats, which form one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world and Eastern Ghats, provide ideal conditions, withπ» Arabica thriving in the cooler highlands and Robusta in the warmer, humid regions.
π»India has emerged as a significant player in the global coffee trade, ranking as the fifth-largest exporter of coffee among coffee-producing nations
In the 1940s, Indiaβs coffee industry faced a severe crisis, caused by World War II, declining prices, and widespread infestations of pests and diseases. To safeguard and revive the sector, the Government of India enacted the βCoffee Act VII of 1942β, leading to the establishment of the Coffee Board of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Board comprises 33 members, including the Chairman, and the Secretary, & the Chief Executive Officer along with representatives of coffee growers, traders, curing units, labor, consumers, state governments of major coffee-producing regions, and Members of Parliament.
β»οΈ#GENERALπΆ
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Ignorance Reliever School of UPSC Studies
India is the world's 5th largest exporter of coffee, accounting for about 5% of global exports and achieving a record USD 1.8 billion in exports in FY 2024β25
π¦βπ₯Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the entire country for the year 2024 on 31.12.2024. The assessment was carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs, which can be used for taking suitable interventions by various stake-holders. As per the assessment, the total annual groundwater recharge in the country has been assessed as 446.90 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM). Keeping an allocation for natural discharge, the annual extractable ground water resource has been assessed as 406.19 BCM. The annual groundwater extraction for all uses is 245.64 BCM. The average stage of groundwater extraction for the country stands at 60.47 %.
Out of the total 6746 assessment units (Blocks/ Mandals/ Talukas) in the country, 4951 (73.4 %) assessment units are categorized as βSafe. 711 (10.5 %) assessment units are categorized βSemi-criticalββ, 206 (3.05 %) assessment units, have been categorized as βCriticalβ and 751 (11.1%) assessment units have been categorized as βOver-exploitedβ. Apart from these, there are 127 (1.8%) assessment units, which have been categorized as βSalineβ as major part of the ground water in phreatic aquifers in these units is brackish or saline.
π Key Highlights:
Total Annual GW Recharge has increased (15 BCM) substantially and Extraction has declined (3 BCM) in 2024 from 2017 assessment. There is slight reduction in recharge and increase in extraction in the present assessment year compared to the preceding year.
Recharge from Tanks, Ponds and WCS has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments. In the year 2024, it has increased by 0.39 BCM w.r.t. 2023.
With respect to the year 2017, there is an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from Tanks, Ponds & WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024).
The percentage of Assessment Units under Safe Category have increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4 % in 2024 (The percentage of Safe assessment units was 73.14 % in 2023).
The percentage of Over Exploited Assessment units have declined from 17.24 % in 2017 to 11.13 % in 2024 (The percentage of OE Assessment units was 11.23% in 2023).
Out of the total 6746 assessment units (Blocks/ Mandals/ Talukas) in the country, 4951 (73.4 %) assessment units are categorized as βSafe. 711 (10.5 %) assessment units are categorized βSemi-criticalββ, 206 (3.05 %) assessment units, have been categorized as βCriticalβ and 751 (11.1%) assessment units have been categorized as βOver-exploitedβ. Apart from these, there are 127 (1.8%) assessment units, which have been categorized as βSalineβ as major part of the ground water in phreatic aquifers in these units is brackish or saline.
Total Annual GW Recharge has increased (15 BCM) substantially and Extraction has declined (3 BCM) in 2024 from 2017 assessment. There is slight reduction in recharge and increase in extraction in the present assessment year compared to the preceding year.
Recharge from Tanks, Ponds and WCS has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments. In the year 2024, it has increased by 0.39 BCM w.r.t. 2023.
With respect to the year 2017, there is an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from Tanks, Ponds & WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024).
The percentage of Assessment Units under Safe Category have increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4 % in 2024 (The percentage of Safe assessment units was 73.14 % in 2023).
The percentage of Over Exploited Assessment units have declined from 17.24 % in 2017 to 11.13 % in 2024 (The percentage of OE Assessment units was 11.23% in 2023).
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Bhangar = Old compost pit π€ β time to decompose β more humus
Khadar = Fresh soil added every year π β less time β less humus
ππ βClay soils exhibit high porosity due to abundant micropores, but low permeability because these pores are not well connected, restricting water movement.β
π΄π βMaterials such as sand, gravel, and fractured rocks like sandstone and limestone are permeable due to their large and well-connected pore spaces.β
Khadar = Fresh soil added every year π β less time β less humus
ππ βClay soils exhibit high porosity due to abundant micropores, but low permeability because these pores are not well connected, restricting water movement.β
π΄π βMaterials such as sand, gravel, and fractured rocks like sandstone and limestone are permeable due to their large and well-connected pore spaces.β
UPSC PRELIMS 2026
Bhangar = Old compost pit π€ β time to decompose β more humus Khadar = Fresh soil added every year π β less time β less humus ππ βClay soils exhibit high porosity due to abundant micropores, but low permeability because these pores are not well connected, restrictingβ¦
SOIL.pdf
3.2 MB
Forwarded from PRELIMS 2025 (SP)
π΄Arecanut, also known as betel nut, is believed to have originated in the Philippines or Malaysia.
πAreca nut is considered a minor forest produce (MFP) in India. It is a non-timber forest product that is collected from the wild or cultivated in areas where the forest land is also utilized for other purposes. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in India recognizes areca nut as a minor forest produce, and the government has even fixed a Minimum Support Price
π₯ΈKarnataka is the largest producer of arecanut in India, contributing over 60β69% of the countryβs total production. As the world's leading arecanut-producing nation, India relies heavily on Karnataka, particularly districts like Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga, which offer ideal climate conditions for cultivation. Kerala and Assam are the second and third largest producers, respectively
πAreca nut is considered a minor forest produce (MFP) in India. It is a non-timber forest product that is collected from the wild or cultivated in areas where the forest land is also utilized for other purposes. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in India recognizes areca nut as a minor forest produce, and the government has even fixed a Minimum Support Price
π₯ΈKarnataka is the largest producer of arecanut in India, contributing over 60β69% of the countryβs total production. As the world's leading arecanut-producing nation, India relies heavily on Karnataka, particularly districts like Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga, which offer ideal climate conditions for cultivation. Kerala and Assam are the second and third largest producers, respectively
Red laterite soil is the most suitable for growing cashew nuts. These well-drained soils, often red in color due to iron oxides, are found in regions with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Red laterite soil is ideal because it holds little humus and provides the necessary acidic pH of 5.0β6.5.
πLaterite soil is a reddish-brown, iron-and-aluminum-rich tropical soil formed by intense weathering and leaching under hot, humid conditions with alternating wet and dry seasons. It is characterized by high iron oxide content, poor nutrient availability (nitrogen, potash), and a brick-like, hardened texture when dry.
πLaterite soil is a reddish-brown, iron-and-aluminum-rich tropical soil formed by intense weathering and leaching under hot, humid conditions with alternating wet and dry seasons. It is characterized by high iron oxide content, poor nutrient availability (nitrogen, potash), and a brick-like, hardened texture when dry.
πΏThe topo-lithosequence of Kerala along with variation in rainfall, temperature and alternate wet and dry conditions particularly from the western coast to high ranges in the east and swift flowing rivers lead to the development of different types of natural vegetation and soil. The soils of Kerala can be broadly grouped into coastal alluvium, mixed alluvium, acid saline,π€£ kariπ, laterite, red, hill, black cotton and forest soils.@kottayam
π΄Kari soils are seen in Alappuzha & Kottayam districts in marshy areas lying below Mean Sea Level. Kari soils have poor drainage, high acidity, salinity and decomposed organic matter at lower layers. The high amount of decomposed organic matter and wood debris in the subsoil and intrusion of sea water into the area are the main source of extreme acid conditions. The soil texture ranges from sandy clay to clay with intermediate textures of silty clay loam and clay loam. Sand pockets are frequented in the solum
π΄Kari soils are seen in Alappuzha & Kottayam districts in marshy areas lying below Mean Sea Level. Kari soils have poor drainage, high acidity, salinity and decomposed organic matter at lower layers. The high amount of decomposed organic matter and wood debris in the subsoil and intrusion of sea water into the area are the main source of extreme acid conditions. The soil texture ranges from sandy clay to clay with intermediate textures of silty clay loam and clay loam. Sand pockets are frequented in the solum
πUNDERSTANDING SOIL HEALTH CARD
A Soil Health Card is a printed report given to farmers for each of their land holdings. It shows the condition of the soil by testing 12 key parameters, namely Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur (Macro-nutrients); Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron (Micro - nutrients); and pH (Acidity or Basicity), EC (Electrical Conductivity) and OC (Organic Carbon). The scheme helps farmers understand what their soil needs through regular testing and provides guidance every 2 years. Each card gives farmers a clear picture of the nutrient status of their land. It also suggests the right amount of fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, organic inputs, and soil treatments to help them take better care of their soil over time.
Merged with RKVYY
π‘ The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme has been merged into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) under the "RKVY-Cafeteria" approach starting from 2022-23.
A Soil Health Card is a printed report given to farmers for each of their land holdings. It shows the condition of the soil by testing 12 key parameters, namely Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur (Macro-nutrients); Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron (Micro - nutrients); and pH (Acidity or Basicity), EC (Electrical Conductivity) and OC (Organic Carbon). The scheme helps farmers understand what their soil needs through regular testing and provides guidance every 2 years. Each card gives farmers a clear picture of the nutrient status of their land. It also suggests the right amount of fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, organic inputs, and soil treatments to help them take better care of their soil over time.
Merged with RKVYY
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Golden Rice
Yes, Golden Rice is a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is engineered by introducing genes from corn and bacteria into the rice genome, allowing it to produce beta-carotene in the edible grain, which the body converts into Vitamin A to combat deficiency.
π° π‘ How is Golden Rice made? (Core Concept)
Think of it like adding a missing step in a factory π
π Rice plant already has machinery to make beta-carotene in leaves
π But NOT in the grain (edible part)
So scientists inserted 2 genes:
From corn (maize) π½
From a bacterium π¦ (Erwinia)
π These genes activate beta-carotene production inside the rice grain
π΄ What exactly happens inside?
Step-by-step logic:
Genes are inserted into rice DNA
These genes produce enzymes
Enzymes convert natural compounds β beta-carotene
Grain becomes yellow (golden)
Humans eat it β body converts beta-carotene β Vitamin A
π Why βGoldenβ?
Due to beta-carotene pigment
Same compound that gives:
Carrot π₯ its orange color
Yes, Golden Rice is a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is engineered by introducing genes from corn and bacteria into the rice genome, allowing it to produce beta-carotene in the edible grain, which the body converts into Vitamin A to combat deficiency.
Think of it like adding a missing step in a factory π
π Rice plant already has machinery to make beta-carotene in leaves
π But NOT in the grain (edible part)
So scientists inserted 2 genes:
From corn (maize) π½
From a bacterium π¦ (Erwinia)
π These genes activate beta-carotene production inside the rice grain
π΄ What exactly happens inside?
Step-by-step logic:
Genes are inserted into rice DNA
These genes produce enzymes
Enzymes convert natural compounds β beta-carotene
Grain becomes yellow (golden)
Humans eat it β body converts beta-carotene β Vitamin A
π Why βGoldenβ?
Due to beta-carotene pigment
Same compound that gives:
Carrot π₯ its orange color
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Poshan Abhiyanβs
Nutrition Support
π Supplementary Nutrition is provided to Children (6 months to 6 years), Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers and Adolescent Girls in accordance with the nutrition norms contained in Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013. These norms have been revised in January 2023. The old norms were largely calorie-specific; however, the revised norms are more comprehensive and balanced in terms of both quantity and quality of supplementary nutrition based on the principles of diet diversity that provides for quality protein, healthy fats and micronutrients (Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Dietary Folate, Vitamin-B6 and Vitamin B-12). Extra Supplementary Nutrition is provided to Severely Acutely Malnourished (SAM) children as per National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
Nutrition Support
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