(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
40%
Both A are R are true R is the correctexplanation of A
31%
Both A and R are true but R is not a correctexplanation of A
19%
A is true but R is false
10%
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
44%
Both A are R are true R is the correctexplanation of A
31%
Both A and R are true but R is not a correctexplanation of A
21%
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
77%
JUPITER
5%
MARS
10%
VENUS
Which one of the following statements is
correct with reference to our solar
system?
correct with reference to our solar
system?
Anonymous Quiz
32%
The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
30%
The predominant element in thecomposition of Earth is silicon
24%
The Sun contains 75 percent of the mass ofthe solar system
14%
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
33%
Tropic of Cancer
10%
South Pole
18%
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.
#Places_in_news
Join @Mapping_prelims_mains
🔆 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
Join @Anmolvachan1
@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
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🔆 Bitra Island – Lakshadweep’s Smallest Inhabited Island
📍 Key Facts
✅ Smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep – 0.57 km length, 0.28 km width.
✅ Located on the northeastern tip of a coral ring reef; naturally protected.
✅ Largest lagoon in Lakshadweep – 45.61 sq km.
✅ Cultural site – Shrine of Malik Mulla, revered Arab saint.
✅ Climate – Tropical, 32°C (max) to 28°C (min).
📍 Strategic Importance
✅ Close to international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea.
✅ Ideal for maritime surveillance & defence.
✅ Set to be third Lakshadweep island with a defence base (after INS Dweeprakshak – Kavaratti & INS Jatayu – Minicoy).
#UPSC #Lakshadweep #MaritimeSecurity
📍 Key Facts
✅ Smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep – 0.57 km length, 0.28 km width.
✅ Located on the northeastern tip of a coral ring reef; naturally protected.
✅ Largest lagoon in Lakshadweep – 45.61 sq km.
✅ Cultural site – Shrine of Malik Mulla, revered Arab saint.
✅ Climate – Tropical, 32°C (max) to 28°C (min).
📍 Strategic Importance
✅ Close to international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea.
✅ Ideal for maritime surveillance & defence.
✅ Set to be third Lakshadweep island with a defence base (after INS Dweeprakshak – Kavaratti & INS Jatayu – Minicoy).
📝 Prelims Question
Which of the following statements about Bitra Island is/are correct?
1. It is the largest inhabited island of Lakshadweep.
2. It has the largest lagoon in Lakshadweep.
3. It is home to a shrine dedicated to Malik Mulla.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
📝 Mains Question
Discuss the strategic importance of India’s Lakshadweep islands, with special reference to the recent defence expansion on Bitra Island.
#UPSC #Lakshadweep #MaritimeSecurity
🔆Fiji
✅It is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, surrounding the Koro Sea, about 2,100 km north of Auckland, New Zealand.
✅It consists of about 330 islands and 500 smaller islets and reefs.
✅The capital, Suva.
✅The largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are volcanic, while smaller ones are coral-based.
✅The highest point is Mount Tomaniivi (1,324 m).
✅It is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, surrounding the Koro Sea, about 2,100 km north of Auckland, New Zealand.
✅It consists of about 330 islands and 500 smaller islets and reefs.
✅The capital, Suva.
✅The largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are volcanic, while smaller ones are coral-based.
✅The highest point is Mount Tomaniivi (1,324 m).
🔆 Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki – Indonesia
📍 Location & Geology
✅ Situated on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
✅ Lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active zone prone to volcanic & seismic activity.
📍 Volcanic System
✅ Part of a twin stratovolcano system with:
• Lewotobi Laki-laki – More frequently active.
• Lewotobi Perempuan – Only two known eruptions in recorded history.
✅ Numerous eruptions from Lewotobi Laki-laki in the 19th & 20th centuries.
📍 Geological Features
✅ Small lava domes formed in summit craters of both peaks (20th century).
✅ Iliwokar flank cone located on the eastern side of Lewotobi Perempuan.
📍 Significance for UPSC
✅ Ring of Fire volcanism – high tectonic hazard zone.
✅ Example of stratovolcano formation & twin volcanic systems.
#UPSC #Geography #Volcanoes #PacificRingOfFire
📍 Location & Geology
✅ Situated on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
✅ Lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active zone prone to volcanic & seismic activity.
📍 Volcanic System
✅ Part of a twin stratovolcano system with:
• Lewotobi Laki-laki – More frequently active.
• Lewotobi Perempuan – Only two known eruptions in recorded history.
✅ Numerous eruptions from Lewotobi Laki-laki in the 19th & 20th centuries.
📍 Geological Features
✅ Small lava domes formed in summit craters of both peaks (20th century).
✅ Iliwokar flank cone located on the eastern side of Lewotobi Perempuan.
📍 Significance for UPSC
✅ Ring of Fire volcanism – high tectonic hazard zone.
✅ Example of stratovolcano formation & twin volcanic systems.
📍 UPSC Prelims Practice
Q: Mount Lewotobi is located in which tectonic region?
A) Alpine-Himalayan Belt
B) Pacific Ring of Fire
C) East African Rift
D) Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Correct Answer: ✅ B
#UPSC #Geography #Volcanoes #PacificRingOfFire
🔆 Kopili River
📍 Basic Information
• A major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, joining it on the left bank.
• Origin: Southwestern slopes of Shillong Peak, Meghalaya.
• Course: Flows through Meghalaya & Assam, joining Brahmaputra at Kopilimukh.
• Largest south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam.
📍 Geographical Setting
• Surrounded by:
✅ Jayanti Hills (west)
✅ South Cachar & Mikir Hills (east)
📍 Tributaries
• Upper Course: Kharkor, Myntriang, Dinar, Longsom, Amring, Umrong, Longku, Langkri.
• Lower Course (Assam): Diyung, Jamuna, Umkhen-Borapani, Killing, Umtrew (Digaru), Kolong.
#Geography
📍 Basic Information
• A major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, joining it on the left bank.
• Origin: Southwestern slopes of Shillong Peak, Meghalaya.
• Course: Flows through Meghalaya & Assam, joining Brahmaputra at Kopilimukh.
• Largest south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam.
📍 Geographical Setting
• Surrounded by:
✅ Jayanti Hills (west)
✅ South Cachar & Mikir Hills (east)
📍 Tributaries
• Upper Course: Kharkor, Myntriang, Dinar, Longsom, Amring, Umrong, Longku, Langkri.
• Lower Course (Assam): Diyung, Jamuna, Umkhen-Borapani, Killing, Umtrew (Digaru), Kolong.
#Geography
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🔆 Arctic Sea Ice: New Study Insights
📍 The News
• A study finds that the surface and bottom of Arctic sea ice do not melt and freeze simultaneously.
📍 About Arctic Sea Ice
• ❄️ Seasonal in nature – forms in winter & thaws in summer.
• 🌍 Functions:
✅ Insulates ocean from heat loss
✅ Reflects sunlight, regulating air & ocean temperature
✅ Maintains habitats above & below water
• 🔑 Understanding melt & freeze timings is crucial for the heat budget of the atmosphere–ice–ocean system.
• (Heat budget = balance between heat absorbed by Earth and heat escaping back)
📍 Study Findings
• Earlier studies relied on surface satellite data, ignoring bottom processes.
• New analysis (2001–2018) shows:
• At Beaufort Gyre, bottom melt starts ~17 days earlier than surface melt.
• Longer melt season under the ice = greater thinning.
• Explains persistently low summer ice extents.
✅ Key Takeaway
Both surface & bottom ice processes must be studied for accurate predictions of Arctic climate change, sea-level rise, and global warming.
📍 The News
• A study finds that the surface and bottom of Arctic sea ice do not melt and freeze simultaneously.
📍 About Arctic Sea Ice
• ❄️ Seasonal in nature – forms in winter & thaws in summer.
• 🌍 Functions:
✅ Insulates ocean from heat loss
✅ Reflects sunlight, regulating air & ocean temperature
✅ Maintains habitats above & below water
• 🔑 Understanding melt & freeze timings is crucial for the heat budget of the atmosphere–ice–ocean system.
• (Heat budget = balance between heat absorbed by Earth and heat escaping back)
📍 Study Findings
• Earlier studies relied on surface satellite data, ignoring bottom processes.
• New analysis (2001–2018) shows:
• At Beaufort Gyre, bottom melt starts ~17 days earlier than surface melt.
• Longer melt season under the ice = greater thinning.
• Explains persistently low summer ice extents.
✅ Key Takeaway
Both surface & bottom ice processes must be studied for accurate predictions of Arctic climate change, sea-level rise, and global warming.