GK Express of 24/03/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → WORLD AND INDIAN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

🧠 Thought of the Day

“Geography is the canvas on which history is painted.”

— Parker Palmer

📰 Current Affairs

1. Mount Etna Activity: Europe's most active volcano has shown increased seismic activity this week, leading to the temporary closure of Catania airport and highlighting the unpredictability of tectonic movements.
2. Arctic Melting: Recent satellite data shows that the Arctic sea ice has reached its annual minimum, with rates of loss 15% higher than the 1981-2010 average.

📘 Concept of the Day

Peninsular Rivers in India

What are Peninsular Rivers?

Peninsular rivers are rivers that originate in the Peninsular Plateau and flow across southern India.

Peninsular Plateau – the ancient landmass of India made of hard rocks.
Seasonal Rivers – rivers that depend mainly on rainfall and have less water in dry seasons.

Main Characteristics

• Older rivers compared to Himalayan rivers
• Flow through hard rock regions
• Mostly seasonal (rain-fed)
• Less prone to floods
• Fixed courses (do not change path frequently)

Drainage Pattern

• Mainly follow radial and trellis patterns

Drainage Pattern – arrangement of rivers and streams in an area.

Major Peninsular Rivers

East-Flowing Rivers (Drain into Bay of Bengal)

• Godavari – longest peninsular river
• Krishna
• Kaveri
• Mahanadi

West-Flowing Rivers (Drain into Arabian Sea)

• Narmada
• Tapi (Tapti)
• Periyar

Difference Between East and West Flowing Rivers

• East-flowing rivers form large deltas (triangular landforms at river mouth).
• West-flowing rivers form estuaries (funnel-shaped river mouths).
• East-flowing rivers are longer; west-flowing rivers are shorter.

Delta – fertile landform formed by deposition of sediments at river mouth.
Estuary – tidal river mouth where fresh and salt water mix.

Importance of Peninsular Rivers

• Support irrigation and agriculture
• Provide water for drinking and industries
• Help in hydroelectric power generation
• Support biodiversity

Simple Example

Godavari River provides water to large parts of Andhra Pradesh and supports agriculture through irrigation projects.

🤔 Think About This

Tap a question to reveal the answer

Q. What are the various forms of precipitation? Explain with suitable examples.

Introduction:
Precipitation refers to all forms of water that fall from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. It is a key part of the water cycle and includes both liquid and solid forms.

Forms of Precipitation:

1. Rain: Liquid water droplets falling from clouds when condensation occurs. Example: Monsoon rainfall in India.

2. Snow: Frozen ice crystals falling in cold regions where temperature is below freezing. Example: Snowfall in Himalayas during winter.

3. Sleet: Small ice pellets formed when raindrops freeze before reaching the ground. Example: Occurs in temperate regions during winter.

4. Hail: Large ice balls formed due to strong upward air currents in thunderstorms. Example: Hailstorms in North India damaging crops.

5. Drizzle: Very light rainfall with small droplets falling slowly from low clouds.

6. Freezing Rain: Supercooled rain that freezes on contact with cold surfaces, forming ice layers.

Importance:

• Provides fresh water for agriculture and daily use.
• Maintains rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
• Influences climate and ecosystems.

Conclusion:
Precipitation occurs in various forms depending on temperature and atmospheric conditions. Understanding these forms is important for weather prediction and water resource management.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam

Q.1 Which of the following is the highest peak in the Western Ghats of India?

Doddabetta

Mahendragiri

Anamudi

Guru Shikhar

Anamudi, located in Kerala, stands at 2,695 meters and is the highest peak in both the Western Ghats and South India.

Q.2 The 'Standard Meridian of India' (82°30'E) passes through which of the following cities?

Patna

Ranchi

Mirzapur

Bhopal

The Standard Meridian of India passes through Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh). It is the reference for Indian Standard Time (IST).

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. Name the tributary of the Indus that flows through the Kashmir Valley.

2. Which layer of the atmosphere contains the Ozone layer?

📘 Answer Discussion

Q1. Jhelum

The Jhelum river is the main waterway of the Kashmir valley, famous for its meandering path and the Wular Lake.

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Q2. Stratosphere

The Stratosphere (the second layer of the atmosphere) contains the Ozone Layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV radiation.

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari