This is a 'Sitter'—a non-negotiable question found in Class VI NCERT. If you get this wrong, you lose the 'easy marks' buffer that protects you from negative marking in tougher questions. The strategy is simple: Respect the basics of Physical Geography and don't ignore the 'easy' chapters.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in the first half of June (June 1–15)?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The [summer solstice] falls on June 20, 21 or 22 depending on the year."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states the summer solstice (the longest day) falls on June 20, 21 or 22.
- Dates given (20–22 June) are in the second half of June, not June 1–15.
"This year in the Northern Hemisphere it falls on Saturday 21 June."
Why this source?
- Identifies the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
- Gives a concrete example date: 21 June, which is after June 15.
"2028 | Tuesday, June 20, at 4:01 P.M. EDT |"
Why this source?
- Provides specific solstice dates in late June (example entries show June 20 for 2028 and 2029).
- Reinforces that the solstice commonly occurs around June 20–22, i.e., not in the first half of June.
Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
Strength: 5/5
“In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day occurs around 21 June—this is known as summer solstice. After the summer solstice, the duration of a day becomes shorter while that of a night becomes longer. The shortest day and longest night in this Hemisphere occur around 22 December known as the winter solstice. Around 21 March and 23 September, the daytime lasts for 12 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, these days are called the spring and the autumn equinox, respectively.”
Why relevant
States explicitly that in the Northern Hemisphere the longest day occurs around 21 June (summer solstice).
How to extend
A student can compare 'around 21 June' with the first-half window (1–15 June) and note the dates do not overlap, suggesting the statement is unlikely.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
Strength: 5/5
“• On 21st June, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, and the rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, these areas receive more heat. Since a large portion of the northern hemisphere is getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest night across the northern hemisphere occur on the 21st of June. This position of the earth is called the summer solstice. During summer solstice the whole Arctic region falls within the 'zone of illumination' all day long.• At this time in the southern hemisphere, all these conditions are reversed.”
Why relevant
Says the longest day and shortest night across the northern hemisphere occur on the 21st of June (summer solstice).
How to extend
Combine this precise date with calendar knowledge to judge whether 21 June falls in the first half (it does not).
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > UPSC Prelims 2022] In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: > p. 256
Strength: 4/5
“[UPSC Prelims 2022] In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the:
• a) First half of the month of June• b) Second half of the month of June• c) First half of the month of July• d) Second half of the month of July”
Why relevant
Presents an exam question asking whether the longest day in the northern hemisphere is in the first half or second half of June (implying the month-of-June timing is contested between halves).
How to extend
Use the other snippets that give the solstice date to resolve which half (first vs second) of June is correct.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > The Earth's Revolution > p. 7
Strength: 4/5
“The Sun never 'rises' and there is darkness for the whole day in mid-winter on 22 December. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the number of days with complete darkness increases, until we reach the North Pole (90° N) when half the year will have darkness. [In the summer (June), conditions are exactly reversed. Daylight increases as we go polewards. At the Arctic Circle, the Sun never 'sets' at mid-summer (21 June) and there is a complete 24-hour period of continuous daylight. In the southern hemisphere, the same process takes place, except that the conditions are reversed. When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere will experience winter.”
Why relevant
Notes mid-summer conditions at about 21 June (Arctic has 24-hour daylight at mid-summer/21 June), linking longest-day phenomena to late June.
How to extend
A student can map 'mid-summer / 21 June' onto the calendar to see it lies after June 15, contradicting the first-half claim.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Sample Objective Ouestions > p. 16
Strength: 4/5
“The following simplified diagram shows the annual movement of the sun. The important latitudes (Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn) are indicated. Which position marked shows the summer solstice (21st June) for the northern hemisphere? • 10. Which statement is incorrect? • A The solar system comprises the Sun, the nine planets and their satellites• B The circular horizon of the Earth widens as altitude increases• C The Earth has two movements: it rotates on its own axis and revolves round the sun• D Dawn and twilight is longer in temperate zones as opposed to tropical regions• 11. On 21st March, Alaska (U.S.A)”
Why relevant
Uses 21st June to illustrate the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere in a diagram/exercise, reinforcing that the key date is around June 21.
How to extend
Compare the solstice date used here (21 June) with the 1–15 June range to assess the statement's plausibility.
Statement 2
Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in the second half of June (June 16–30)?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
Presence: 5/5
“• On 21st June, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, and the rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, these areas receive more heat. Since a large portion of the northern hemisphere is getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest night across the northern hemisphere occur on the 21st of June. This position of the earth is called the summer solstice. During summer solstice the whole Arctic region falls within the 'zone of illumination' all day long.• At this time in the southern hemisphere, all these conditions are reversed.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly names 21st June as the day the longest day and shortest night occur in the northern hemisphere.
- Explains northern hemisphere tilt toward the Sun on that date (summer solstice), linking the geometry to longer daylight.
Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
Presence: 5/5
“In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day occurs around 21 June—this is known as summer solstice. After the summer solstice, the duration of a day becomes shorter while that of a night becomes longer. The shortest day and longest night in this Hemisphere occur around 22 December known as the winter solstice. Around 21 March and 23 September, the daytime lasts for 12 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, these days are called the spring and the autumn equinox, respectively.”
Why this source?
- States that in the Northern Hemisphere the longest day occurs around 21 June (summer solstice).
- Directly ties the date to the change thereafter in day/night duration, confirming significance of the date.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > The Earth's Revolution > p. 7
Presence: 4/5
“The Sun never 'rises' and there is darkness for the whole day in mid-winter on 22 December. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the number of days with complete darkness increases, until we reach the North Pole (90° N) when half the year will have darkness. [In the summer (June), conditions are exactly reversed. Daylight increases as we go polewards. At the Arctic Circle, the Sun never 'sets' at mid-summer (21 June) and there is a complete 24-hour period of continuous daylight. In the southern hemisphere, the same process takes place, except that the conditions are reversed. When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere will experience winter.”
Why this source?
- Identifies mid-summer (21 June) as the time when daylight increases toward the pole and the Arctic has continuous daylight.
- Reinforces 21 June as the mid-summer reference point, supporting that the longest day falls in late June.
Statement 3
Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in the first half of July (July 1–15)?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The summer solstice falls on June 20, 21 or 22 depending on the year. This marks the longest day of the year, which means longer days and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere."
Why this source?
- Explicitly gives the typical dates for the summer solstice as June 20, 21 or 22.
- States that this solstice 'marks the longest day of the year', placing the longest day in late June rather than early July.
"resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. On the day of the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year."
Why this source?
- Describes the June solstice as producing 'the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year'.
- Gives specific examples of solstice dates (e.g., June 21) demonstrating the event occurs in June.
"The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, meaning the day with the most hours of daylight. This year in the Northern Hemisphere it falls on Saturday 21 June."
Why this source?
- Directly states the summer solstice is the longest day of the year.
- Gives a concrete date for the year cited: 'it falls on Saturday 21 June', showing the longest day occurs in June, not July 1–15.
Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
Strength: 5/5
“In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day occurs around 21 June—this is known as summer solstice. After the summer solstice, the duration of a day becomes shorter while that of a night becomes longer. The shortest day and longest night in this Hemisphere occur around 22 December known as the winter solstice. Around 21 March and 23 September, the daytime lasts for 12 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, these days are called the spring and the autumn equinox, respectively.”
Why relevant
Directly states that in the Northern Hemisphere the longest day occurs around 21 June (the summer solstice).
How to extend
A student can compare 'around 21 June' with the July 1–15 window to see they do not coincide and thus suspect the statement is unlikely.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
Strength: 5/5
“• On 21st June, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, and the rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, these areas receive more heat. Since a large portion of the northern hemisphere is getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest night across the northern hemisphere occur on the 21st of June. This position of the earth is called the summer solstice. During summer solstice the whole Arctic region falls within the 'zone of illumination' all day long.• At this time in the southern hemisphere, all these conditions are reversed.”
Why relevant
Explicitly identifies 21 June as the date when the longest day and shortest night occur across the Northern Hemisphere (summer solstice).
How to extend
Use this fixed solstice date as the expected longest-day date and check whether July 1–15 contains that date (it does not).
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > The Earth's Revolution > p. 7
Strength: 4/5
“The Sun never 'rises' and there is darkness for the whole day in mid-winter on 22 December. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the number of days with complete darkness increases, until we reach the North Pole (90° N) when half the year will have darkness. [In the summer (June), conditions are exactly reversed. Daylight increases as we go polewards. At the Arctic Circle, the Sun never 'sets' at mid-summer (21 June) and there is a complete 24-hour period of continuous daylight. In the southern hemisphere, the same process takes place, except that the conditions are reversed. When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere will experience winter.”
Why relevant
Notes that at mid-summer (21 June) the Arctic has continuous daylight, indicating June as the mid-summer/longest-day period in the Northern Hemisphere.
How to extend
Treat 'mid-summer' = 21 June; compare that to early July to judge the statement's timing error.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > UPSC Prelims 2022] In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: > p. 256
Strength: 4/5
“[UPSC Prelims 2022] In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the:
• a) First half of the month of June• b) Second half of the month of June• c) First half of the month of July• d) Second half of the month of July”
Why relevant
Presents an exam question contrasting first/second halves of June and July for the longest day, implying authoritative sources expect June rather than July.
How to extend
Interpret the multiple-choice framing as indicating the commonly taught correct answer is in June; combine with solstice dates to eliminate early July.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Equinox > p. 254
Strength: 3/5
“• On 21st March and September 23rd, direct rays of the sun fall on the equator. At this position, neither of the poles is tilted towards the sun; so, the whole earth experiences equal days and equal nights. This is called an equinox.• On 23rd September, it is the autumn season (season after summer and before the beginning of winter) in the northern hemisphere and spring season (season after winter and before the beginning of summer) in the southern hemisphere. The opposite is the case on 21st March when it is spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere.”
Why relevant
Gives equinox dates (21 March and 23 September) and by context defines the main solar calendar markers (solstices and equinoxes) used to locate longest/shortest days.
How to extend
With equinoxes fixed, a student can place solstices roughly six months apart and use that to confirm the June solstice rather than a July date for the longest day.
Statement 4
Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in the second half of July (July 16–31)?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The summer solstice falls on June 20, 21 or 22 depending on the year. This marks the longest day of the year, which means longer days and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere."
Why this source?
- States which day is the longest day (summer solstice) and gives the calendar dates in June.
- Directly contradicts the claim that the longest day is in late July by placing it in June.
"resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. On the day of the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year."
Why this source?
- Explains that the June solstice produces 'the longest day and shortest night' in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Identifies the June solstice as the event that yields the maximum daylight, not a July date.
"The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, meaning the day with the most hours of daylight. This year in the Northern Hemisphere it falls on Saturday 21 June."
Why this source?
- Explicitly says 'The summer solstice is the longest day of the year' and gives a specific June date (21 June).
- Provides direct evidence that the longest day occurs in June rather than in the second half of July.
Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
Strength: 5/5
“In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day occurs around 21 June—this is known as summer solstice. After the summer solstice, the duration of a day becomes shorter while that of a night becomes longer. The shortest day and longest night in this Hemisphere occur around 22 December known as the winter solstice. Around 21 March and 23 September, the daytime lasts for 12 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, these days are called the spring and the autumn equinox, respectively.”
Why relevant
States that in the Northern Hemisphere the longest day occurs around 21 June (the summer solstice), giving a specific canonical date for the longest day.
How to extend
A student can combine this rule with a calendar to see that 'around 21 June' is in late June, not in the second half of July, and thus use it to doubt the July 16–31 claim.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
Strength: 5/5
“• On 21st June, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, and the rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, these areas receive more heat. Since a large portion of the northern hemisphere is getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest night across the northern hemisphere occur on the 21st of June. This position of the earth is called the summer solstice. During summer solstice the whole Arctic region falls within the 'zone of illumination' all day long.• At this time in the southern hemisphere, all these conditions are reversed.”
Why relevant
Explicitly says the longest day and shortest night across the northern hemisphere occur on 21 June (summer solstice).
How to extend
Using this precise date lets a student compare June 21 with the July 16–31 window and judge the July range inconsistent with the standard solstice date.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Equinox > p. 254
Strength: 4/5
“• On 21st March and September 23rd, direct rays of the sun fall on the equator. At this position, neither of the poles is tilted towards the sun; so, the whole earth experiences equal days and equal nights. This is called an equinox.• On 23rd September, it is the autumn season (season after summer and before the beginning of winter) in the northern hemisphere and spring season (season after winter and before the beginning of summer) in the southern hemisphere. The opposite is the case on 21st March when it is spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere.”
Why relevant
Gives the equinox dates (21 March and 23 September) and frames the solstice/equinox calendar of key solar events across the year.
How to extend
A student can place the solstices and equinoxes on a yearly timeline to see that the major solar event giving longest day is in June, not July.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Winter Solstice > p. 253
Strength: 4/5
“• On 22nd December, the Tropic of Capricorn receives direct rays of the sun. The longest night and the shortest day all across the northern hemisphere occur on this date. It is summer in the southern hemisphere with longer days and shorter nights. This position of the earth is called the winter solstice. The reverse happens in the northern hemisphere. (For the southern hemisphere 22nd December is the summer solstice)”
Why relevant
Describes the winter solstice on 22 December as the shortest day in the northern hemisphere, illustrating the paired nature of solstices (one in June, one in December).
How to extend
Recognizing that solstices come in approximately six-month pairs supports the expectation that the opposite (longest) solstice lies in June, helping reject a July occurrence.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > The Earth's Revolution > p. 7
Strength: 3/5
“The Sun never 'rises' and there is darkness for the whole day in mid-winter on 22 December. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the number of days with complete darkness increases, until we reach the North Pole (90° N) when half the year will have darkness. [In the summer (June), conditions are exactly reversed. Daylight increases as we go polewards. At the Arctic Circle, the Sun never 'sets' at mid-summer (21 June) and there is a complete 24-hour period of continuous daylight. In the southern hemisphere, the same process takes place, except that the conditions are reversed. When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere will experience winter.”
Why relevant
Notes that at mid-summer (21 June) the Arctic experiences continuous daylight, linking peak northern daylight conditions to around 21 June.
How to extend
A student can use this high-latitude observational pattern (mid-summer daylight at June 21) to corroborate that the longest day is in June rather than mid/late July.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC frequently tests 'Calendar Geography'. They want to ensure you know the specific dates that define Earth's physical cycles, not just the abstract concepts.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from NCERT Class VI (The Earth in the Solar System) or GC Leong Chapter 1. No advanced reading required.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Earth's Revolution and the 'Solar Calendar' (Solstices and Equinoxes).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Big 6' Dates: Summer Solstice (June 21), Winter Solstice (Dec 22), Spring Equinox (Mar 21), Autumn Equinox (Sep 23), Perihelion (Jan 3 - closest to Sun), Aphelion (July 4 - farthest from Sun).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Aspirants often confuse 'hottest month' with 'longest day'. The longest day is astronomical (Solstice); the hottest weather lags behind due to atmospheric heating. Stick to the geometry, not the temperature.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Summer solstice (date and consequence)
💡 The insight
The northern hemisphere reaches its longest day at the summer solstice, which occurs around 21 June.
High-yield for UPSC geography: questions often ask the dates and consequences of solstices (longest/shortest days). Mastering this helps answer items on seasonal timing, day-length patterns, and related calendar-based phenomena.
📚 Reading List :
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
👉 Earth's axial tilt and Tropic of Cancer direct rays
💡 The insight
The longest day occurs when the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and the Sun's rays fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer.
Essential for linking astronomical geometry to seasons and insolation patterns. This concept connects to topics like solar declination, climate zones, and why latitude controls seasonal intensity—common question themes in prelims and mains geography.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > The Earth's Revolution > p. 7
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
👉 Hemisphere seasonal reversal and day-length variation
💡 The insight
Seasons and day-length are opposite between hemispheres: when the northern hemisphere has long days in June, the southern has short days, with the reverse in December.
Useful for comparative questions about global seasons, solstices/equinoxes, and interpreting maps/diagrams showing day-length. It helps eliminate distractors in MCQs and supports answers on climate and seasonal impacts.
📚 Reading List :
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 178
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Winter Solstice > p. 253
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
👉 Summer solstice (around 21 June)
💡 The insight
The summer solstice is the event when the northern hemisphere experiences its longest day, occurring around 21 June.
High-yield for UPSC geography questions on seasons and important calendar dates; connects to questions on solstices, daylight variation, and seasonal timing. Knowing the solstice date helps eliminate options in MCQs about longest/shortest days.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
👉 Axial tilt and seasonal daylight variation
💡 The insight
Earth's axial tilt causes the northern hemisphere to tilt toward the Sun in June, producing longer daylight hours and summer conditions.
Core concept underpinning why solstices and equinoxes occur; useful across questions on climate, seasons, hemispheric contrasts, and polar day/night phenomena. Mastery enables explanation of day-length patterns and their geographic consequences.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 178
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 177
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
👉 Equinoxes as reference points (21 March and 23 September)
💡 The insight
Equinox dates are the complementary calendar markers when day and night are equal, framing the seasonal cycle that includes the June solstice.
Important for answering questions that contrast solstices and equinoxes, and for situating seasonal phases in the annual cycle. Knowing equinox dates aids in chronology-based geography questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Equinox > p. 254
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
👉 Summer solstice (timing & effect)
💡 The insight
The summer solstice occurs around 21 June in the Northern Hemisphere and produces the longest day of the year.
High-yield: exact solstice timing and its daylight consequences are frequently tested. Connects directly to questions on seasonality, solar declination, and polar day/night phenomena. Mastery helps eliminate wrong date options and explains large-scale seasonal patterns.
📚 Reading List :
- Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: Earth, Moon, and the Sun > 12.2.2 Seasons on the Earth > p. 179
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 19: The Motions of The Earth and Their Effects > Summer Solstice > p. 252
🔗 Anchor: "Does the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere normally occur in th..."
The logical sibling is 'Aphelion' (Earth farthest from Sun), which occurs around July 4th. UPSC traps students by making them think 'Summer = Closest to Sun', but in the Northern Hemisphere summer, we are actually farthest away. The tilt dominates the distance.
Use the 'Yoga Day' Anchor. You know International Yoga Day is June 21st. June 21st is mathematically in the 'Second Half' of June (16–30). Option B is the only match.
Connect June 21 (Solstice) to **International Yoga Day**. Why was this date chosen by India for the UN proposal? Because it is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing the dominance of light/consciousness. This links Physical Geography to **GS-2 (Soft Power Diplomacy)**.