Know Your GK: UPSC Current Affairs & General Knowledge

  Introduction Have you ever wondered what lies deep beneath your feet? From the solid crust we stand on to the fiery core that powers our planet’s magnetic field, the interior of the Earth holds secrets that shape everything around us. Understanding what’s beneath the surface is more than just satisfying curiosity—it’s key to unraveling the mysteries of our planet’s past, present, and future. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Earth’s interior so fascinating, how it affects our daily lives, and why it’s a window into the evolution of not just our own world, but the entire solar system. Importance of Studying the Earth’s Interior Helps us understand physical features on Earth’s surface —like mountains, valleys, and earthquakes. Reveals the evolution of life through fossils embedded in rock strata, forming the basis for the geological timescale developed in the 19th century. Guides us in exploring and extracting valuable minerals and energy resources , supporting mod...

 The Ganga River System is one of India’s most significant river networks, shaping the lives of millions and supporting diverse ecosystems along its journey. Let’s dive into its origin, course, and important tributaries in a way that’s easy to understand!  Origin of the Ganga River The Ganga River originates high in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Its source is the Gangotri Glacier , located near a place called Gaumukh (meaning “cow’s mouth”) at an altitude of approximately 3,892 meters (12,770 feet) . At its source, the river is known as the Bhagirathi River . According to Hindu mythology, it is named after King Bhagirath, whose penance brought the Ganga down to Earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors. The Bhagirathi flows through steep valleys and rugged mountain terrain, collecting water from several small streams. At Devprayag , the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda River (which itself originates from the Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath). From this sa...

  Mountains are landforms that rise above the Earth's surface, characterized by slopes, steep sides, and a pointed top called a peak. They are formed due to tectonic forces, volcanic activity, or erosion. Mountains play a vital role in influencing climate, storing freshwater, and supporting biodiversity."  William Morris Davis defines mountains as elevated land masses formed by endogenic forces, undergoing a cycle of youth, maturity, and old age through erosion. Types of Mountains Based on the Period of Origin Earth has experienced a total of  nine major orogenic movements  (mountain-building phases) throughout its geological history. Some of these orogenies occurred in the Precambrian era , dating back 3,500 to 600 million years ago , and are among the oldest known. The three most recent and geologically significant orogenies are: Caledonian Orogeny (around 400 million years ago) Hercynian Orogeny (around 300 million years ago) Alpine Orogeny (began around 65 mi...

Ramsar Sites in India  Did you know that India now has the  highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia ? From bird-filled wetlands in Tamil Nadu to heritage-linked lakes in Madhya Pradesh, these eco-rich zones are being recognized globally for their importance.  India now has 89 Ramsar sites , the highest in Asia, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation. New Ramsar Sites in India – 2024 Tawa Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh Recognised on: 8 January 2024  Type: Freshwater reservoir  Key species: Indian carp, rohu, catla, migratory ducks, herons  Importance: Supports agriculture, fisheries, and local biodiversity Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu Recognised on: 16 January 2024 Type: Shallow freshwater lake  Key species: Painted stork, spot-billed pelican, common coot, purple moorhen, egrets Importance: Major stop for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nad...