Prelims perspective: What needs to be  learned

  • What are Cold waves
  • Distinguish between cold and heat wave
  • Geographical features of Telangana

Mains Perspective: Notes need to be prepared

What needs to be Known

  • What are Cold waves:
    • Definition: Cold waves are abnormal weather events marked by extremely low near-surface air temperatures, persisting from a few days to several weeks depending on regional geography and climate.
    • In India, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the criteria for declaring a Cold wave as–
      • A cold wave involves a rapid fall in temperature within 24 hours, due to marked cooling or the influx of very cold air over a large area.
      • In Plains: Minimum temperature ≤ 10°C
      • In Hilly regions: Minimum temperature ≤ 0°C.
  • Geography of Telangana:
    • Capital City: Hyderabad
    • Twin cities: Hyderabad and Secunderabad
    • Bordering States: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Lies on the Deccan Plateau, forming part of the Peninsular Plateau of India.
    • Drained mainly by two major east-flowing rivers- Krishna and Godavari.
    • Singaneri Coal fields are located in Telangana.
    • Rice, cotton, maize, pulses, oilseeds are the major crops.
    • Husain Sagar lake separating Hyderabad and Secunderabad- a human-made reservoir.
    • Cultural Significance:
      • Ruled by Nizam of Hyderabad before independence and integrated into India through Operation Polo.
      • Standing Buddha statue in the middle of  Husain Sagar lake.
      • Char Minar and Golkonda fort in Hyderabad.

Source: The Hindu