GK Express of 03/03/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → WORLD AND INDIAN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

🧠 Thought of the Day

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.”

— Michael Palin

📰 Current Affairs

1. Sagar Kanya Research: Indian scientists aboard the vessel 'Sagar Kanya' have discovered massive underwater 'seamounts' in the Arabian Sea, providing new data on tectonic activity near the Lakshadweep ridge.
2. Ken-Betwa Link Project: The Ministry of Jal Shakti has accelerated the environmental clearance for the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project, aimed at transforming the water-scarce Bundelkhand region.

📘 Concept of the Day

Windward and Leeward Side (Orographic Rainfall Concept)

Why is this Topic Important?

Windward and leeward sides are important concepts in Physical Geography. They explain rainfall patterns, desert formation and climate differences. Frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and useful in Mains answers related to Indian Monsoon.

Basic Meaning

When moist winds hit a mountain, one side receives heavy rainfall and the other side remains dry.

Windward Side – The side of the mountain that faces the wind and receives heavy rainfall.
Leeward Side – The opposite side of the mountain that does not face the wind and receives very little rainfall.
Orographic Rainfall – Rainfall caused due to mountains blocking moist winds.

How It Happens? (Step-by-Step)

• Moist air moves towards a mountain.
• Air rises upward due to obstruction.
• Rising air cools (temperature decreases).
• Cooling causes condensation (conversion of water vapour into water droplets).
• Rainfall occurs on the windward side.
• After crossing the mountain, air becomes dry and warm.
• Leeward side receives little or no rainfall (called Rain Shadow Region).

Simple Example

Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall on the western side (windward side) during southwest monsoon. Eastern side (Deccan Plateau) receives less rainfall and becomes drier (leeward side).

Indian Examples

• Western Ghats – Windward: Kerala and Coastal Karnataka; Leeward: Maharashtra interior
• Himalayas – Southern slopes get heavy rainfall; Tibetan Plateau remains dry
• Aravalli Range – Does not block monsoon effectively

Importance

• Explains formation of deserts (like Ladakh)
• Influences agriculture patterns
• Affects vegetation distribution
• Important for settlement and population distribution

Key Term

Rain Shadow Region – Area that receives very low rainfall because it lies on the leeward side of a mountain.

🤔 Think About This

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. Explain how 'Western Disturbances' influence the climate of North-West India.

Introduction:
Western Disturbances are extra-tropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean region and move towards India during winter months. They are carried by westerly winds and mainly affect North-West India.

Influence on Climate of North-West India:

1. Winter Rainfall: Western Disturbances bring moderate to heavy rainfall to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh during winter (December–March).

2. Snowfall in Himalayas: They cause snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Importance: Snow acts as water storage and feeds rivers in summer.

3. Support to Rabi Crops: Winter rainfall is beneficial for wheat, mustard, and barley crops. It improves soil moisture and crop yield.

4. Temperature Changes: After rainfall, temperatures drop sharply, leading to cold waves in North India.

5. Extreme Weather Events: Sometimes, intense Western Disturbances cause hailstorms, heavy rain, or flash floods, damaging crops and property.

6. Interaction with Monsoon: In some cases, Western Disturbances interact with monsoon winds, increasing rainfall variability.

Conclusion:
Western Disturbances play a crucial role in shaping the winter climate of North-West India. While they are essential for agriculture and water resources, their increasing intensity due to climate change may lead to extreme weather events and agricultural losses.

2. Why is the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

The Ring of Fire is a string of volcanoes and sites of seismic activity around the edges of the Pacific Ocean. It is caused by the subduction of oceanic plates beneath lighter continental plates. This constant collision and melting of crust create intense pressure that is released through frequent volcanic activity and tremors.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam

Q.1 Which one of the following longitudes is the Standard Meridian of India?

68° 7' E

97° 25' E

82° 30' E

85° 30' E

The 82° 30' E longitude passing through Mirzapur (UP) is taken as the Standard Meridian of India. The local time at this meridian is taken as the Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

Q.2 The 'Great Barrier Reef' is located along the coast of which country?

Brazil

Indonesia

Australia

Philippines

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a vital marine ecosystem.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. Name the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

2. What is the phenomenon of 'El Niño' and its general impact on the Indian Monsoon?

📘 Answer Discussion

Q1. Anamudi

Anamudi, located in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India, standing at an elevation of 2,695 meters.

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Q2. Warming of Pacific Waters; Weakens Monsoon

El Niño is the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. In India, it is generally associated with below-normal rainfall and drought conditions as it disrupts the normal monsoon wind patterns.

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari