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The Amazon Rainforest: Earth's Largest Ecosystem

deveshgarkoti  •  August 30, 2025  •  Government

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    The rainforest that is so big that the UK and Ireland would fit into it 17 times is the **Amazon rainforest**. Covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers (2.1 million square miles), the Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth. This staggering size makes it an ecological powerhouse, stretching across nine countries in South America, with the majority of the forest located in Brazil. To put its scale into perspective, the combined land area of the United Kingdom and Ireland is roughly 315,000 square kilometers, which means the Amazon is indeed vast enough to contain them more than 17 times over. This immense expanse is not just a collection of trees; it is a complex and interconnected ecosystem that is home to a significant portion of the world's biodiversity. The Amazon is estimated to host 10% of all known species on the planet. This includes over 40,000 plant species, nearly 3,000 types of fish, and more than 400 mammal species. The richness of its flora and fauna is a marvel of nature, with new species being discovered regularly. The rainforest is also home to thousands of indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries, relying on its resources for their survival and cultural identity. Beyond its incredible biodiversity, the Amazon plays a critical role in regulating global climate. It is often referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth" because its vast forests absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The forest's trees release a significant amount of oxygen into the atmosphere and are a key component of the global water cycle. However, this vital ecosystem is under severe threat from deforestation, primarily driven by agriculture, logging, and mining. Scientists warn that if a "tipping point" is reached—estimated to be around 20-25% deforestation—the forest may no longer be able to sustain itself, potentially turning into a dry savanna. Preserving the Amazon is therefore not just a local issue but a global imperative. International and national efforts are underway to protect the forest and its inhabitants, but the challenge remains significant. The sheer scale and importance of the Amazon highlight why it is one of the world's most precious natural resources.

    📘 Key Terminologies by Subject

    Indian Geography

    Hooghly River

    A distributary of the Ganges River in West Bengal. It is a major river and a key waterway for the city of Kolkata, and it is a major source of water for irrigation and transportation, though it is also prone to flooding during the monsoon.

    Medium
    Doab

    A term used in India and Pakistan for the land lying between two converging rivers. The most famous example is the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, which is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world due to the rich alluvial soil deposited by both rivers.

    Medium
    Aravali Range

    A mountain range in northwestern India, running in a southwest-northeast direction through the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. It is the oldest fold mountain range in the world and a major geographical feature of the region, influencing the climate of the region.

    Medium
    Greater Himalayas

    The northernmost and highest range of the Himalayas, known for its permanent snow cover and towering peaks like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Nanda Devi. This range is the source of many perennial rivers like the Ganges and the Indus.

    Medium
    Gondwana

    A supercontinent that existed during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. India was a part of this supercontinent, and its movement is responsible for the formation of the Indian landmass and its unique geological features, including the Deccan Plateau.

    Medium

    Indian History

    Rashtrakutas

    Powerful dynasty in Deccan India between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.

    High
    1857 Revolt

    First War of Indian Independence against British rule.

    Jahangir

    The fourth Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1605 to 1627. His reign is noted for the flourishing of art and culture, particularly Mughal miniature paintings, and for his patronage of the arts, though his later years were marked by political instability.

    Medium
    Government of India Act 1935

    Introduced provincial autonomy and federal structure.

    Mountbatten Plan

    The final plan for the transfer of power from the British to India in 1947, proposed by Viceroy Lord Mountbatten. It provided for the partition of India into two independent states, India and Pakistan, and the granting of independence on August 15, 1947.

    Medium

    Uttarakhand Geography

    Pindari Glacier

    A glacier located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, which is the source of the Pindar River, a tributary of the Alaknanda River. It is a popular trekking destination and is a key geographical feature of the region, though it is one of the smaller glaciers in the Himalayas.

    Medium
    Alaknanda River

    A major Himalayan river in Uttarakhand that is one of the two headstreams of the holy Ganga River. It originates from the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers and is known for its powerful flow and deep gorges, and it is a key feature of the region.

    Medium
    Yamunotri Glacier

    A glacier located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, which is the source of the Yamuna River. It is a major holy site for pilgrims and is a key geographical feature of the region, though it is one of the smaller glaciers in the Himalayas.

    Medium
    Alaknanda River

    A major Himalayan river in Uttarakhand that is one of the two headstreams of the holy Ganga River. It originates from the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers and is known for its powerful flow and deep gorges, and it is a key feature of the region.

    Medium
    Shivalik Hills

    The southernmost and youngest of the Himalayan mountain ranges, located at the foothills of the Himalayas. These hills are characterized by their low altitude and are a major geographical feature of the region, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the famous Jim Corbett National Park.

    Medium

    General Hindi

    ज्ञान

    ज्ञान का अर्थ है किसी विषय की गहरी समझ और जानकारी। यह अध्ययन, अनुभव और चिंतन से प्राप्त होता है।

    High
    स्वास्थ्य

    स्वास्थ्य का अर्थ है शारीरिक और मानसिक रूप से स्वस्थ रहना। यह जीवन की सबसे बड़ी पूंजी है। विलोम शब्द: अस्वास्थ्य।

    High
    सवैया

    सवैया हिंदी कविता का एक छंद है जिसमें लय और मात्रा का विशेष महत्व होता है। इसका प्रयोग प्राचीन कवियों ने विशेष रूप से भक्ति साहित्य में किया।

    Medium
    शक्ति

    शक्ति का अर्थ है कठिनाइयों का सामना करने और कार्य को पूरा करने की क्षमता। यह व्यक्ति को आत्मनिर्भर और दृढ़ बनाती है। विलोम शब्द: निर्बलता।

    High
    नदी

    नदी के पर्यायवाची शब्द हैं सरिता, वाहिनी, और तटिनी। यह एक प्राकृतिक जलधारा है जो पहाड़ों से निकलकर समुद्र में मिलती है, और यह कृषि, पीने के पानी, और परिवहन के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

    Medium

    General English

    Patience

    The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. It's a virtue that allows one to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, enabling better decision-making.

    Medium
    Zest

    Great enthusiasm and energy. It is a sense of keen enjoyment and excitement for life, which is a key component of a positive and vibrant personality.

    Medium
    Purity

    The state or quality of being pure. It is a state of being free from moral or spiritual corruption, and it is a key component of a person's character and their integrity.

    Medium
    Resilience

    The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It's the ability to bounce back from adversity, stress, or failure, demonstrating inner strength and adaptability in challenging situations.

    Medium
    Simplicity

    The quality or condition of being easy to understand or do. It is the absence of complexity or complication, and it is often associated with clarity, elegance, and peace of mind.

    Medium

    Uttarakhand History

    हर्षदेव जोशी

    हर्षदेव जोशी उत्तराखंड के स्वतंत्रता सेनानी और राजनेता थे। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों की आवाज़ को राष्ट्रीय स्तर तक पहुँचाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई।

    Medium
    गढ़वाल का मंदाकिनी क्षेत्र

    मंदाकिनी नदी का क्षेत्र धार्मिक और ऐतिहासिक दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण है। यहाँ केदारनाथ धाम और अन्य धार्मिक स्थल स्थित हैं जो तीर्थयात्रियों को आकर्षित करते हैं।

    High
    कुमाऊँनी रामलीला

    कुमाऊँनी रामलीला यूनेस्को की अमूर्त सांस्कृतिक धरोहर में शामिल है। इसे स्थानीय शैली में प्रस्तुत किया जाता है और इसमें गायन और वाद्य यंत्रों का विशेष महत्व होता है। यह पर्व सामाजिक एकता का प्रतीक है।

    High
    जागरी परंपरा

    जागरी परंपरा उत्तराखंड की प्राचीन धार्मिक परंपरा है। इसमें देवताओं की स्तुति और आह्वान लोकगीतों के माध्यम से किया जाता है।

    Medium
    लक्ष्मण झूला

    ऋषिकेश में स्थित प्रसिद्ध पुल।

    Medium

    Indian Polity

    National Commission for Backward Classes

    A statutory body responsible for protecting the interests of the Backward Classes in India. The NCBC is a crucial component of the Indian political system, ensuring that the government and its agencies act within the boundaries of the law and do not discriminate against the Backward Classes.

    Medium
    Fundamental Duties

    These are a set of ten duties of every Indian citizen. Added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, they are not legally enforceable but are considered an essential component of the Constitution, promoting patriotism and national unity.

    Medium
    National Commission for Women

    A statutory body responsible for protecting and promoting the interests of women in India. The NCW is a crucial component of the Indian political system, ensuring that the government and its agencies act within the boundaries of the law and do not discriminate against women.

    Medium
    Central Vigilance Commission

    A statutory body responsible for preventing corruption in the central government. The CVC is a crucial component of the Indian political system, ensuring that the government is free from corruption and that public officials are held accountable for their actions.

    Medium
    Right to Education Act

    A landmark law that makes education a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. The RTE Act is a crucial component of the Indian political system, ensuring that every child has access to quality education and is a key step towards achieving universal literacy.

    Medium

    Uttarakhand Polity

    Governor of Uttarakhand

    The constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India. The Governor has powers and functions similar to the President at the central level, including giving assent to bills passed by the state assembly.

    Medium
    State Disaster Management Authority (Uttarakhand)

    A government agency responsible for disaster management in the state. The authority plays a crucial role in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes.

    Medium
    Valley of Flowers National Park

    A national park in Uttarakhand, known for its diverse species of alpine flowers. The Valley of Flowers is a key tourist destination and is a crucial component of the state's economy.

    Medium
    Uttarakhand Kranti Dal

    A regional political party in Uttarakhand that was instrumental in the statehood movement. The UKD is a key political player in the state and is responsible for formulating and implementing the party's policies and programs.

    Medium
    Tehsil

    A sub-district or sub-division of a district in Uttarakhand. The Tehsil is an important administrative unit, responsible for land revenue administration, voter registration, and other government functions at the local level.

    Medium