Prelims Facts

PRELIMS DATA & FACTS Prelims Facts

Prelims fact is an exclusive column to assist the students, in preparation for subject wise prelims facts and data this section not only helps in UPSC prelims in interview but also helps in various public service commission examination like OAS UPPCS UKPCS Rajasthan PCS Haryana PCS

Gravitational Wave

Scientists from a global network of observatories have recently detected an unusual and powerful burst of gravitational waves named GW231123. What Are Gravitational Waves? Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time, caused by some of the most extreme and energetic events in the cosmos. Here are the key points to know about gravitational waves: Nature of Gravitational

Reykjanes Peninsula

Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has recently experienced its ninth volcanic eruption since the end of 2023, according to weather authorities. About Reykjanes Peninsula The Reykjanes Peninsula, located in the southwest of Iceland, is a geologically unique and highly active region, known for its volcanoes, lava fields, and geothermal activity. Key Features of the Reykjanes Peninsula

Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition

Recently, the Defense Secretary flagged off mountaineering expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro at an event in South Block, New Delhi. About Mount Kilimanjaro Mount Kilimanjaro is an iconic peak located in northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenya border. Key Features of Mount Kilimanjaro: Height & Significance: Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

In May 2024, a series of powerful solar eruptions, known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), resulted in a stunning display of northern lights across Ladakh’s night skies, capturing the attention of astronomers and sky-gazers alike. About Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are massive bursts of magnetized plasma that are ejected from the Sun’s corona. T

Tanimbar Islands

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake recently struck off the coast of the Tanimbar Islands in the Maluku province of Indonesia. This region, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is particularly prone to seismic activity due to the tectonic plate movements in the area. Seismic Activity and Tectonic Setting: The Tanimbar Islands are situated in a seismically active zone. Indonesia lies on t

Klyuchevskoy Volcano

A false-color satellite image from 2023 shows a dramatic pair of lava flows emerging from Klyuchevskoy, with an enormous plume of smoke spewing from its summit. Klyuchevskoy Volcano Klyuchevskoy is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in far eastern Russia. Standing at 15,584 feet (4,750 meters), it is the tallest active volcano in both Europe and Asia, and the highest point on

Machilipatnam

Machilipatnam, or Masulipatnam, has a rich and varied history, and its revival as a port city , a thriving trading hub, the city is now poised for a renaissance, particularly with the ongoing development of the Greenfield port at Manginapudi, which is already 48% complete. About Machilipatnam Location: Machilipatnam is a coastal city situated in the Krishna district of Andhra Pra

Wular Lake

The recent resurgence of pink and green lotus beds in Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant event, marking a hopeful return of life and ecological balance to the lake after nearly 25 years since the devastating 1992 floods. About Wular Lake Wular Lake is one of India’s most important freshwater ecosystems, located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Noctilucent Clouds

The recent sightings of noctilucent clouds from parts of Scotland are a beautiful natural phenomenon that can be both scientifically intriguing and visually stunning. What Are Noctilucent Clouds? Appearance: Noctilucent clouds are thin, wispy clouds that glow with a blue or silvery hue at night. The glow is caused by sunlight illuminating the clouds from below the horizon, even w

Sigandur Bridge

The dedication of the Sigandur Bridge is a major milestone for the Sagar taluk in Shivamogga district, especially for the communities around the Sharavati River. The bridge will significantly ease transportation and offer better access to religious, economic, and cultural hubs like Sigandur and the Chowdeshwari Temple. Sigandur Bridge Highlights Length and Structure: At 2.44 km lon

Tungabhadra River

Recently, three youngsters from Karnataka tragically drowned in the Tungabhadra River near Mantralayam in Kurnool district. This incident highlights the potential dangers posed by river bodies, especially those with strong currents or unpredictable weather conditions. The Tungabhadra River is a major river in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the

Barak Valley

Barak Valley is an important region in southern Assam, known for its fertile lands, agriculture-based economy, and strategic location. The valley is grappling with a connectivity crisis, particularly regarding its road and transportation infrastructure. Geography and Location: Region: Barak Valley consists of three districts in Assam: Cachar Hailakandi

Discovery of 3I/ATLAS

On July 1, 2025, scientists using the ATLAS telescope in Chile announced the discovery of an extraordinary interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS, which has been tracked since June 14, 2025. About 3I/ATLAS Classification: 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet, meaning it originates from outside our solar system. Its highly elliptical orbit and fast velocity through

Bhadrakali Lake

Recently, activists have raised concerns about the development plans for Bhadrakali Lake, especially in light of the shrinking lake area. key issues include: Lake Shrinkage: The lake has been undergoing significant shrinking, which raises alarms about its future ecological health and the loss of its water-holding capacity. Factors such as encroachments, poll

Cloud Seeding Technology

In the wake of recent floods in Texas, there have been growing concerns about the unintended consequences of cloud seeding. The technology, while potentially useful, is not without risks: Environmental Impact: The substances used in cloud seeding, such as silver iodide, have been criticized for their potential toxicity to the environment, particularly in large concentrations. While th

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

This recent study on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their survival in Taurus Molecular Cloud 1 (TMC1) sheds fascinating light on the behavior of complex molecules in space. Key Fact from the Study: PAHs in Space: PAHs are flat, ring-shaped molecules made of carbon and hydrogen, and are believed to make up about one-fifth of all the carbon in interstellar sp

Bulgaria

Bulgaria's adoption of the euro in 2026 marks an important milestone in the country’s integration into the European Union's economic and monetary system Geopolitical and Economic Significance Being surrounded by countries that are either EU members or close to EU membership, Bulgaria’s shift to the euro will solidify its economic ties to the West. Trade: Bul

Mahi River

In the Padra taluka of Gujarat's Vadodara, a portion of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge collapsed recently, killing 11 people and causing other vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River About Mahi River The Mahi River is one of the major west-flowing interstate rivers in India, and it plays a crucial role in the geography, economy, and ecosystem of the states through which it flo

Lake Turkana

Researchers have recently isolated enamel proteins that date back 18–20 million years from remains of extinct mammals found in the Lake Turkana Basin. Location: Located in the remote northern region of Kenya, extending to Ethiopia in the north. It lies in the Eastern Rift Valley. Geographical Features: Largest permanent desert lake in the world.

The River Seine

After more than a century, swimmers are once again allowed to bathe in the River Seine, which was officially reopened for public use on Saturday, after a long ban since 1923. This move is part of France's larger effort to improve water quality and provide better public access to natural spaces within the urban setting of Paris. Key Facts About the River Seine The Seine River is an ic

Helgoland

Helgoland, a small and historically significant island located in the German Bay (Deutsche Bucht) of the North Sea, holds a special place in the history of physics. Though it is barely one square kilometer in size and was once a naval fortress, it is today regarded as the birthplace of quantum theory. About Helgoland: Location: Situated in the North Sea, Helgoland is a

The Ancient City of Penico

Archaeologists have recently uncovered Penico, an ancient city dating back around 3,500 years, located in Peru. This incredible discovery offers a glimpse into one of the oldest and most significant civilizations in the Americas. About the Ancient City of Penico Location: Region: The site lies about 200 km north of Lima, the capital of Peru, in the Barranca province. Ele

Nyangai Island

Nyangai Island’s rapid erosion is part of a larger global trend of coastal erosion caused by climate change. About Nyangai Island is a small island located off the coast of Sierra Leone, part of the Turtle Islands archipelago. Despite its historical and cultural significance, the island has suffered considerable loss in its surface area due to erosion, likely exacerbated by climate

Vera C Rubin Observatory

The Vera C Rubin Observatory is a groundbreaking astronomical facility located in Chile, atop the Cerro Pachón mountain in the Chilean Andes. It has been designed to revolutionize our understanding of the universe credit to its cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art instruments. One of the most significant features of the observatory is its 3,200-megapixel digital camera, the larg

Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS)

Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have introduced an innovative technique called Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS). This method is designed to address challenges in magnetometry, which is the measurement of magnetic fields, and could revolutionize quantum magnetometers with enhanced precision and portability.

Roll Cloud

The recent appearance of a roll cloud over Portugal’s coast during a heatwave is an intriguing weather event that highlights the complex dynamics of cloud formations and extreme weather. What is a Roll Cloud? Roll Cloud Characteristics: A roll cloud is a type of arcus cloud that is low, horizontal, and tube-shaped. Its most distinct feature is its rolling motion along a ho

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

The completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) marks a major milestone for Ethiopia and is a significant development in Africa’s energy infrastructure. However, it remains a highly contentious project due to the concerns raised by downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan, over the potential impacts on their water supply from the Nile. Key Details about GERD:

Alaknanda River

The Alaknanda River is a vital and revered river that flows through the state of Uttarakhand, India. It holds immense spiritual and geographical significance, forming one of the two main headstreams of the Ganges River, the other being the Bhagirathi River. Key Facts about the Alaknanda River: Origin and Course: Source: The river originates from the Satopanth and Bhagir

Mount Shinmoedake

Mount Shinmoedake, an active stratovolcano, recently erupted in the Kirishima mountain range on Kyushu Island, Japan. This eruption sent a towering ash plume high into the sky, attracting global attention to its geological significance and the natural hazards it poses to the surrounding areas. About Mount Shinmoedake Location: Mount Shinmoedake is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, p

Polar Anticyclone

A polar anticyclone is a high-pressure system that forms near or around the poles, typically during the cold season. This weather system is responsible for some of the coldest conditions on Earth and can affect vast areas, even extending beyond the polar regions. What is a Polar Anticyclone? Definition: It is a wind system that forms over regions near the poles where high atmospher

What is Doomsday Glacier

Overview: Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. About Doomsday Glacier: Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is located in the remote Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica. It’s a wide and fast-flowing glacier, roughly the size of F

Kinmen Island

Context: Presidential elections are scheduled in Taiwan on 13th January in which Kinmen residents are preparing to vote. About: Governance: Kinmen, also known as Quemoy, comprises a cluster of islands under the jurisdiction of Taiwan. Location in Relation to China: Geographical Position: Positioned on the southeastern coast of the People’s Republic of China

Zanskar River

The Zanskar River is a tributary of the Indus River. It originates from the Doda and Lungnak rivers, and flows entirely within Ladakh. The Zanskar River's headwaters are known as the Tsarap Chu, and originate from the snows of the Himalayas. The river's entire catchment area is formed by glaciers.

Harni lake

Harni Motnath Lake is a green lake in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs is celebrated on January 9 every year. Aim - To mark the contribution and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. It’s a day to acknowledge the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of

Polar Bear Dies of Avian Flu in the Arctic

Context: The Arctic region has reported the first case of death of a polar bear due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). News: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reported the discovery of a deceased bear in the vicinity of Utqiagvik, Alaska's northernmost community. The first detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Arctic regio

Vellayani Lake

Vellayani Lake of Punchakkari wetland is the largest freshwater lake in Trivandrum, Kerala. The Vellayani Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, is located on the eastern banks of the lake.

Krizna Jama Cave

Krizna Jama, also known as Cross Cave or Cold Cave under Cross Mountain, is a cave in Slovenia. It's located in the Loz Valley, between the Loz Karst Field, Cerknica Karst Field, and Bloke Plateau. Krizna Jama is the 4th biggest known underground ecosystem in the world in terms of biodiversity.

Indrayani river

Context: The reappearance of toxic foam in the Indrayani River has revived concerns about pollution in the region. About Indrayani River : Geographical Setting: The Indrayani River serves as a tributary of the Bhima River, a significant contributor to the Krishna River. Originating near Lonavla in Kurvande village amidst the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra, the river depends on rainfa

GI-Tagged Products from Odisha

Context: Seven products from Odisha, including traditional foods and handicrafts, have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label affixed to products originating from a specific geographical location, possessing unique qualities or a reputation attributable to that origin. Nodal Agency and Legal Framewor

Krishnarajasagar (KRS) dam

Context: Karnataka HC bans mining activity near KRS reservoir. High Court says ban will apply even on existing mining licences, adding, it will be in force till the completion of a study by experts and decision taken by the State committee on dam safety. About Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam: Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam is a gravity dam. Situated below the confluence of the Kaveri River wit

Alvaro

Alvaro, the 1st cyclone of 2024, made landfall near Morombe in Madagascar recently. Mozambique named the cyclone Alvaro. Resilience and Preparedness to tropical cyclones across Southern Africa (REPRESA) is an international initiative that aims to improve community preparedness for tropical cyclones in Southern Africa.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe with its capital Prague. It borders Poland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. With a lack of natural lakes, reservoirs are important in the Czech Republic.

Perihelion

The Earth reached its perihelion, or the closest point in its orbit around the Sun recently. Perihelion occurs in early January, about 2 weeks after the Winter Solstice.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a mountain in Indonesia. It is part of the Lewotobi twin volcano, which is located in the southeastern part of Flores Island. The Lewotobi twin volcano is made up of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki (male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (female) stratovolcanoes, with summit craters less than 2 km apart. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has erupted several times

REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (RRTS)

RRTS is India’s first mass rapid system dedicated to regional connectivity. It is capable of running at speeds up to 180 km/hour with semi high-speed rail connectivity at its core. The integrated, mass transit network aims to ensure “balanced and sustainable urban development” through better connectivity and access across the NCR. The RRTS also known as Namo Bharat has b

COAL PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Coal production in India is a significant part of the country's energy and industrial sectors. India has one of the world's largest coal reserves, and coal remains a crucial source of energy for power generation, as well as a key raw material for various industries, including steel and cement production. Coal production in India is mainly overseen by Coal India Limited (CIL), a state-ow

RAFAH CROSSING

The Rafah crossing is the only passage in and out of the Gaza Strip to Eygpt, that is not controlled by Israel. It has been recognized by the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty. As part of that treaty, a 100-meter-wide strip of land known as the Philadelphi Route was established as a buffer zone between Gaza and Egyp Gaza has been under a joint Israeli-Egyp

SOLAR ECLIPSE

SOLAR ECLIPSE   A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun's, blocking most of the Sun's light and causing the Sun to look like an annulus (ring). An annular solar eclipse occurred on October 14, 2023. Solar

CHERIYAPANI

CHERIYAPANI     Cheriyapani is a high-speed craft will ply from Nagapattinam in T.N. to Kankesanthurai in the northern province of Sri Lanka. It shall involve a 4-hour journey between India and Sri Lanka. The vessel can accommodate 150 passengers on board and the one-way ticket for travel will cost around ₹7,670. The Nagapattinam port It

Sikkim flash floods - Chungthang dam

Why in News There is a popular folk tale in Sikkim about two rivers, the male Rangeet and female Rungnyu (Teesta), and how the Rangeet turned back angrily after losing a race. In 2021, a protest song gave a modern twist to this tale, referring to the Teesta's rage at hydropower projects. On October 4, 2022, the South Lhonak glacial lake in northwest Sikkim breached its embankment

Gaza Strip

  Gaza strip is a narrow piece of land located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea It is bordered by Israel to the east and north, and Egypt to the southwest.  It is ranked as the third most densely populated in the world with a population of 2 million in just 365 square kilometers of land area. It is one of the two Palesti

Mundra Port

Mundra Port     It is India's first private port and largest container port in India. It is located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra, Kutch district of Gujarat. Incorporated in 2003, it became India's first multi-product port-based special economic zone.  Formerly operated by Mundra Port and Speci

Vizhinjam port

Vizhinjam port     It is located in Vizhinjam, Kerala and has a natural depth of 18 metres. It is a deep-sea water port developed as India’s first Mega deepwater Transshipment Container Terminal. It is the only container transshipment hub in the Indian subcontinent closest to the international shipping routes, and is centrally located on the Indian coastline

WACE pattern-Cyclones

WACE pattern-Cyclones     Cyclogenesis is an indicator that denotes the chance of a cyclone forming. It depends on parameters such as   Sea surface temperature The ocean heat content Change in winds from the surface into the upper atmosphere (or the vertical shear) Rotation of winds near the surface. A rapid increase in the cyclogenesis p

Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort     Bekal Fort is a medieval fort built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650 AD, at Bekal.  It is the largest fort in Kerala. The fort appears to emerge from the sea and about three-quarters of its exterior lies in contact with water. The fort does not include any palaces or mansions as it was not an administrative centre. The

Green Drought

Green Drought     Green drought is when the vegetation may appear green on the top, but there is stunted growth and soil moisture stress for more than a month impacting yield drastically. This phenomenon is particularly problematic because it can be challenging to detect and monitor. Karnataka has urged to conduct an assessment on the ‘green drought’ p

Karman Line

Karman Line Kármán Line is a boundary located at 100 km above sea level. It is an imaginary line that demarcates the earth’s atmosphere from space. A record-keeping body called Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) established this boundary in the 1960s. Any individual who crosses this line qualifies to be an astronaut. The

Kosi River

Kosi River   It is a transboundary river which flows through China, Nepal and India.  It drains the northern slopes of the Himalayas in Tibet and the southern slopes in Nepal. The Kosi River is also known as Saptakoshi for its seven upper tributaries which includes: Tamur river Arun river Sun Kosi The trib

India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC), 2022:

India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC), 2022:     It was launched to reward the cities, projects and innovative ideas promoting smart development in cities as an outcome of Smart Cities Mission, which was launched in 2015 to transform 100 cities into sustainable and livable urban centres. The awards are announced by The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Chabahar port

Chabahar port     India and Iran have agreed that disputes at Chabahar will not go for commercial arbitration in foreign courts but take investment arbitration or any other mode of dispute settlement. The arbitration will be pursued under rules framed by the UN Commission on International Trade Law This shall enable long-term agreement and boost investor confidenc

Kerala to Keralam

Kerala to Keralam The Kerala’s Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to rename the state as Keralam by adding a suffix ‘m’ to its existing name in the Constitution and official records. The rationale behind the move is that it seeks convergence with its Malayalam name ‘Keralam’, as states were formed on the basis of the language in the S

Crawford Lake

Crawford Lake Location- Ontario in Canada The lake's bottom sediments has provided evidence for beginning of Anthropocene epoch ( present geological time scale during which earth's ecosystem has degraded due to human activities especially after Industrial revolution) The lake bottom sediments contained burned fossil fuels, exploded nuclear weapons, plastic and fertilizers dumped

Waorani community

Waorani community     The Huaorani, Waorani, or Waodani, also known as the Waos, are an Indigenous people from the Amazonian Region of Ecuador. They comprise almost 4,000 inhabitants and speak the Huaorani language. Their language is distinct and unrelated to any other known tongue, including Quechua, which is commonly spoken in

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