General Studies 1

Basics of Hydroelectric Power Captures the kinetic energy of water flowing from higher to lower levels. Water flow turns a turbine, generating mechanical energy, converted into electricity by a generator. Energy is transmitted to substations, where voltage is “stepped up” … Continue reading →

Shale gas is natural gas found in shale deposits, where it is trapped in microscopic or submicroscopic pores. This natural gas is a mixture of naturally occurring hydrocarbon gases produced from the decomposition of organic matter (plant and animal remains). … Continue reading →

Origin and Occurrence Petroleum is an organic liquid found in sedimentary basins, seas, and shallow depressions, primarily in anticlines and fault traps formed over millions of years. Oil reservoirs need porosity, permeability, and impermeable caps to retain oil. Major Oilfields … Continue reading →

Composition: Primarily methane, with varying amounts of higher alkanes, and small percentages of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or helium. Types of Gases Associated Gas: Natural gas found with oil (wet gas). Non-Associated Gas: Gas found without oil (dry gas). … Continue reading →

What is it?: Coal is a combustible rock with high carbon and hydrocarbons, formed over millions of years from plant material. Types of Coal (based on carbon content): Anthracite: Best quality, high carbon (80-95%), rare in India (mainly in Jammu … Continue reading →

Mica Occurrence: Found in metamorphic rocks and some igneous rocks. Properties: Elastic, tough, flexible, transparent, and a good insulator. Uses: Electrical and electronics industries, toothpaste, cosmetics, and as a mild abrasive. Major Reserves: Andhra Pradesh: Largest producer (41% of India’s … Continue reading →

Gold Source: Gold occurs in auriferous rocks and alluvial gold (river sands). Uses: Primarily used for making ornaments and as an international currency due to its universal value. Production: India imports gold due to insufficient domestic production, mainly from Australia, … Continue reading →

Lead Source: Lead does not occur free in nature; it’s primarily extracted from galena (PbS), which is found in veins and masses in crystalline rocks such as schists. Properties: Malleable, soft, heavy, bad conductor of electricity. Uses: Products: Lead oxide … Continue reading →

Copper Properties: Excellent electrical conductor, ductile, and used in many industries like automobile, defense, and electrical. Reserves in India: India has limited copper reserves (712.5 million tonnes) with a low-grade ore content (less than 1%). Major Copper-Producing Areas: Madhya Pradesh: … Continue reading →

Appearance and Nature: Manganese is a silvery-grey, hard, and brittle element, usually found in combination with other minerals like iron. Main Use: Primarily used in the iron and steel industry to manufacture steel alloys. It is essential for producing steel, … Continue reading →