sheets 6 Flashcards

Question

24,Which one of the following types of coal contains a higher percentage of carbon than the rest?,(a) Bituminous coal (b) Lignite (c) Peat (d) Anthracite,1999

Answer 1

24,d,"Anthracite is a dense, shiny coal with high carbon content, little volatile matter, and almost smokeless burning."

Answer 2

25,d,"O. Schmidt in 1943 proposed the Interstellar Dust Hypothesis for the origin of Earth and the solar system."

Answer 3

26,d,"Benguela is a cold current flowing south to north along Africa's west coast; Guinea current is a warm current east of Guinea along Africa's west coast."

Answer 4

27,d,"In the figure, 'B' lies between cyclone zones 'A' and 'D'; at 'B', rainfall is accompanied by thunderstorms."

Answer 5

28,c,"The given data indicates Mediterranean climate: temperature ranges 7–15°C, rainfall ranges 6–16 cm."

Answer 6

29,d,"At 'M4', tide height is maximum due to Earth, Moon, and Sun alignment."

Answer 7

30,c,"Cedar—Canada; Douglas Fir—Mexico; Mahogany—Honduras; Teak—Myanmar."

Answer 8

31,d,"The first light of the new millennium's sunrise in India was observed at Kathal Island, Andaman and Nicobar, 92°30' E."

Answer 9

32,d,"All given statements are true."

Answer 10

33,b,"Southern hemisphere westerlies, roaring forties, lie 40°S to 50°S, being slow over land."

Answer 11

34,a,"In stormy weather, varying atmospheric pressure causes sudden barometer reading falls."

Answer 12

35,a,"Aristotle, 340 B.C., first suggested Earth's spherical shape in 'On the Heavens'."

Answer 13

36,a,"Perpendicular star rising indicates equator location; stars rotate parallel to celestial equator."

Answer 14

37,d,"All statements hold true for sedimentary rocks."

Answer 15

38,a,"Basaltic rock in the Baltic Sea is glacier-transported."

Answer 16

39,c,"Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone."

Answer 17

40,a,"Soil erosion sequence: splash, sheet, rill, gully erosion."

Answer 18

Question Number,Answer,Explanation

Answer 19

41,a,"The region described fits the Mediterranean climate pattern: hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters."

Answer 20

42,c,"Quadrature alignment creates neap tides; spring tides occur during full moon."

Answer 21

43,c,"Sun halo, or 22 degree halo, results from sunlight passing through cirrus clouds' ice crystals."

Answer 22

44,b,"Ocean currents aren't always slow; statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct."

Answer 23

45,d,"Equatorial region has only two seasons; Mediterranean climate gets rain in winter."

Answer 24

46,b,"Tundra has highest albedo, followed by Taiga, Tropical Deciduous, and then Tropical Evergreen."

Answer 25

47,c,"A is true (sub-polar low pressure), R is false (it's due to air spreading outward, not downward)."

Answer 26

48,a,"Eye of a storm forms when air descends in the center, creating calm; calmest part of storm on land."

Answer 27

49,d,"Thunder clouds form due to high temperature, humidity, and orographic lifting."

Answer 28

50,c,"El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of ENSO cycle, impacting Pacific climate."

Answer 29

51,c,"Periyar Lake is formed by Mulloperiyar River dam, situated within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary." Certainly! Here are the locations of the lakes you've mentioned: a) Ashtamudi Lake: Ashtamudi Lake is located in the Kollam district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the second-largest estuarine system in Kerala and is renowned for its scenic beauty, backwater cruises, and biodiversity. b) Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake is situated in the state of Odisha, India. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second-largest in the world. The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandy ridge and is famous for its rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphins. c) Periyar Lake: Periyar Lake is an artificial reservoir located in the Periyar National Park in the Indian state of Kerala. It was formed by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River. The lake and its surrounding areas are known for their wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. d) Pulicat Lake: Pulicat Lake is a brackish water lagoon located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states in southern India. It is the second-largest lagoon in India and serves as an important habitat for migratory birds, especially during the winter season. The lake is also known for its fishing communities and mangrove forests. These lakes hold significant ecological, economic, and cultural importance in their respective regions.

Answer 30

52,a,"Earth is densest planet; densities: Earth—5.52, Venus—5.50, Mercury—5.27, Mars—3.95, Jupiter/Saturn—0.69, Uranus—1.27."

Answer 31

53,a,"Moisture in atmosphere related to latitude due to temperature's effect on moisture-holding capacity."

Answer 32

Question Number,Answer,Explanation

Answer 33

54,d,"Constant rain in tropical rainforests leads to continuous leaching of soil nutrients, requiring additional minerals via chemical fertilizers."

Answer 34

55,a,"Highest rainfall occurs near equator in tropics due to strong solar heating, causing vertical uplifts, prolonged heavy showers, and frequent thunderstorms."

Answer 35

56,a,"Coniferous forests cover the highest percentage of forest area globally."

Answer 36

57,b,"Jupiter has longest revolution period (11 years 86 days); Mars—687 days, Venus—267 days."

Answer 37

58,a,"Circulation of atmosphere and oceans is driven by solar radiation variation; high latitudes have thicker atmosphere and Earth's maximum thickness over poles."

Answer 38

59,d,"Mount St. Helens is a volcanic mountain located in the United States of America."

Answer 39

60,c,"Moon's rotation period is 27.322 days; Earth's gravitational field slowed moon's rotation, stabilizing it to always show the same face to Earth."

Answer 40

61,a,"Venus atmosphere: primarily carbon dioxide, denser and hotter than Earth's; supports opaque sulfuric acid clouds, hindering surface observation."

Answer 41

62,a,"Wind direction in Northern Hemisphere is clockwise and counterclockwise in Southern Hemisphere due to Coriolis effect."

Answer 42

63,a,"Balearic Islands are an archipelago of Spain in the Western Mediterranean Sea, near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula."

Answer 43

64,c,"Managua is capital of Nicaragua, not Balmopan; Balmopan is capital city of Belize."

Answer 44

65,b,"Earth's magnetic field is inclined between –90° to 90°; points downward in Northern Hemisphere and upward in Southern Hemisphere."

Answer 45

66,a,"Earth's land area is approximately 148,226,000 square kilometers, making land-to-water ratio approximately 1:3; Pacific Ocean holds maximum percentage of Earth's water."

Answer 46

67,c,"Diamantina Trench is in southeast Indian Ocean, with depth of 8047 meters."

Answer 47

68,d,"Mars revolution around sun takes 1.88 years; Earth's diameter is nearly double that of Mars."

Answer 48

69,d,"Actual average distance between Sun and Earth is about 152 × 10^6 km, close to 150 × 10^6 km."

Answer 49

70,a,"Horse latitudes are located between latitudes 30°–35° north and south of the equator, characterized by a ridge of high pressure known as the subtropical high."

Answer 50

71,b,"Maximum and minimum annual temperatures of ocean water are recorded in August and February respectively in the Northern Hemisphere. Enclosed seas have higher annual temperature range than open seas. Atlantic Ocean has higher annual temperature range than Pacific Ocean. Northern Hemisphere's greater landmass leads to higher annual temperature range."

Answer 51

72,a,"Albedo is the fraction of incident sunlight reflected. Higher albedo indicates brighter appearance. Mercury has an albedo of 0.1, Earth's albedo is 0.30."

Answer 52

73,b,"The correct sequence of median age of population for India, China, USA, and UK is India < China < USA < UK."

Answer 53

74,b,"Jupiter and Saturn are located between Mars and Uranus."

Answer 54

75,a,"Jupiter has the maximum number of moons (63), followed by Saturn (61), Mars (2), and Venus (none)."

Answer 55

76,c,"Earth's core is primarily composed of nickel and iron."

Answer 56

77,a,"Less than 1% of Earth's total water is freshwater available for use, with 68.7% bound up in polar ice and glaciers."

Answer 57

78,d,"Tropical rainforests are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius (70 to 85°F) and annual precipitation of 60 to 160 inches (152 to 406 cm). Some rainforests experience even higher rainfall, up to almost 400 inches annually."

Answer 58

79,b,"Normal El Niño forms in the south-eastern Pacific, while El Niño Modoki forms in the central Pacific and leads to a greater number of hurricanes."

Answer 59

80,c,"Snow has the highest albedo."

Answer 60

81,a,"Mediterranean climates feature mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, along with evergreen and oak trees."

Answer 61

82,c,"Rotation of the Earth causes wind to deflect towards the left in the Southern Hemisphere, known as the Coriolis effect."

Answer 62

83,a,"Soils in tropical rainforests are relatively poor in nutrients due to heavy rainfall washing them away, unlike tropical deciduous forests where major nutrients remain in the soil."

Answer 63

84,d,"Ionosphere contains charged particles that reflect electromagnetic radio waves, while ozone is primarily found in the stratosphere and troposphere, mainly absorbing UV rays."

Answer 64

85,d,"El Niño is characterized by warming of the Pacific Ocean between South America and the Date Line, accompanied by high air surface pressure in the western Pacific. La Niña occurs when cooler-than-usual ocean temperatures exist on the equator between South America and the Date Line, accompanied by low air surface pressure in the eastern Pacific."

Answer 65

86,b,"Comets are found beyond Neptune in the Kuiper Belt, while asteroids are tiny planetary bodies between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars."

Answer 66

87,a,"The westerlies are faster and more persistent in the Southern Hemisphere due to less landmass, resulting in decreased velocity as they cross land, affecting the Northern Hemisphere less."

Answer 67

88,a,"The given region experiences the influence of a cold ocean current, making the second statement incorrect."

Answer 68

89,c,"Jets fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid turbulence, where there are no clouds, little water vapor, and no vertical winds."

Answer 69

90,a,"The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is thermal radiation left over from the Big Bang, considered a landmark test of the Big Bang model of the universe."

Answer 70

91,b,"Rotation of the Earth and air pressure/wind affect ocean currents, while the revolution of the Earth has no direct impact."

Answer 71

92,c,"The atmosphere is heated by infrared radiation, and the lower atmosphere holds more moisture, while the upper atmosphere is less dense and holds less heat, resulting in lower temperatures."

Answer 72

93,d,"Savannah covers about 20% of Earth's land area, primarily in Africa, with distinct dry and wet seasons, and savannah grasslands are richer in humus than equatorial forests."

Answer 73

94,b,"The Atlas mountain ranges are situated in the northwestern part of Africa, extending almost 2000 km and passing through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia." Certainly, here are brief notes for each of the four geographical features: a) Abyssinian Plateau: - Location: Located in the northeastern part of Africa, primarily in Ethiopia and Eritrea. - Characteristics: The Abyssinian Plateau is a rugged plateau with an average elevation of around 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level. It is characterized by deep valleys, steep cliffs, and numerous rivers. - Importance: It serves as the source region for several major rivers in Africa, including the Blue Nile and its tributaries. The plateau's elevation also influences the region's climate and agriculture. b) Atlas Mountains: - Location: Stretching across North-Western Africa, primarily in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. - Characteristics: The Atlas Mountains form a series of mountain ranges and plateaus, including the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Anti-Atlas. They are characterized by rugged terrain, snow-capped peaks, and deep valleys. - Importance: The Atlas Mountains act as a natural barrier, separating the Mediterranean coast from the Sahara Desert. They play a crucial role in regional climate patterns, biodiversity, and human settlement. c) Guiana Highlands: - Location: Located in northern South America, spanning parts of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. - Characteristics: The Guiana Highlands are a vast plateau region with rugged terrain, dense rainforests, and numerous rivers and waterfalls. Mount Roraima, one of the most famous tepuis (tabletop mountains), is located in this region. - Importance: The Guiana Highlands are known for their rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic species. They also hold significant mineral resources and are important for indigenous cultures and ecotourism. d) Okavango Basin: - Location: Situated in southern Africa, primarily in Botswana, with parts extending into Namibia and Angola. - Characteristics: The Okavango Basin is a vast inland delta formed by the Okavango River, which flows into the Kalahari Desert but does not reach the sea. It consists of a network of channels, lagoons, and islands, supporting diverse ecosystems. - Importance: The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial habitat for numerous species of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and various bird species. It is a significant tourist destination for wildlife safaris and supports local communities through tourism and fishing.

Answer 74

95,d,"Variations in daytime and nighttime length from season to season are due to the revolution of the Earth on its tilted axis."

Answer 75

96,c,"Saline water in oceans, seas, and saline groundwater makes up about 97% of Earth's water, with only about 2.5-2.75% being fresh water."

Answer 76

97,d,"Various factors, from electromagnetic radiation to plate movement, contribute to dynamic changes on Earth's surface, including rotation causing day and night, revolution causing seasons, and plate tectonics affecting various geological phenomena."

Answer 77

Question Number,Answer,Explanation

Answer 78

98,c,"The mixing of warm and cold currents in the region where plankton are found provides food for fishes, as the temperature is suitable for their survival and the growth of plankton."

Answer 79

99,d,"The canopy is the primary layer of the forest, hosting the densest biodiversity and a variety of epiphytes."

Answer 80

100,a,"The distribution of land and oceans, with more land in the Northern Hemisphere and more water in the Southern Hemisphere, along with differences in specific heat, leads to moderate temperatures in oceans and extreme temperatures on continents, known as Maritime and Continental influences."

Answer 81

101,b,"The central Asian steppes run through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, characterized by harsh climates with dust storms, little rainfall, and extreme temperatures."

Answer 82

102,c,"Continental drift has affected the evolution of animals, geographical positions, and climates by creating new regions, displacing landmasses to create diversity, and influencing the evolution of Homo genus during glacial cycles."

Answer 83

103,b,"The Westerlies are prevailing winds from the west toward the east between 30 and 60 degrees latitude, originating from high-pressure areas and causing winter rains in the northwestern region of India."

Answer 84

104,d,"Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, Sun, and rotation of the Earth."

Answer 85

105,b,"The passage discusses the equatorial region."

Answer 86

106,b."One of the main factors for tropical cyclone formation is a large sea surface temperature higher than 27°C, but in the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions, sea surface temperatures remain relatively cooler, preventing cyclone formation."

Answer 87

107,a,"The Earth's rotation on its axis explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current, as water piles up on the west side due to rotation."

Answer 88

108,d,"All three statements are correct regarding the Brahmaputra River's tributaries."

Answer 89

109,b,"The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can influence El Nino's impact on the Monsoon, but the IOD itself does not directly affect El Nino. The second statement is correct."

Answer 90

110,a,"Barren Island volcano became active again in March 1991, followed by a second phase of eruptions in 1995. The third statement is incorrect."

Answer 91

111,b,"The process of decay transforms organic matter into humus, which enhances the soil's water retention capacity. The third statement is incorrect."

Answer 92

112,b,"Sand mining increases salinity, which poses a threat of saline water ingress into fresh water. The first statement is incorrect."

Answer 93

113,a,"Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide increase photosynthesis, explaining 70 percent of the greening effect observed."

Answer 94

114,c,"Early Earth's atmosphere had no free oxygen, so organisms at that time could at best be anaerobic. The first statement is correct, and CO2 was present in the early atmosphere."

Answer 95

115,a,"On 21st June, places beyond the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight for about six months due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. The other options are incorrect."

Answer 96

116,d,"Large amounts of methane are frozen in Arctic tundra soils and marine sediments. As Earth's climate warms, this methane is vulnerable to release, contributing to global warming. Additionally, methane molecules remain in the atmosphere for about 8 years before being oxidized into carbon dioxide and water. All three statements are correct."

Answer 97

117,b,"The most appropriate reason for favorable dew formation is clear skies, which allow for maximum release of longwave radiation to space. Cloudy skies reflect and absorb longwave radiation, preventing as much cooling from occurring. The other options are not directly related to dew formation."

Answer 98

118,b,"Ocean mean temperature (OMT) is measured up to a depth of the 26°C isotherm. However, during January–March in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, the mean depth of the 26°C isotherm is 59 meters. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect. OMT has better predictive ability for India's monsoon rainfall compared to sea surface temperature (SST). Statement 2 is correct."

Answer 99

119,c,"Jet streams are high-altitude westerly wind systems blowing at heights of 6 to 14 km, with speeds reaching up to 450 km/hr in wavy forms in both hemispheres. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect. The calm region at the center of a cyclone is called the eye. It is characterized by no rainfall, the highest temperatures, and the lowest pressure within the cyclonic system. Statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is (c)."

Answer 100

Question,Notes

Answer 101

1,The marked countries in figure are: '1' – Kazakhstan '2' – Turkmenia '3' – Uzbekistan '4' – Kirgizia '5' – Tajikistan

Answer 102

2,Greenwich Mean Time is the standard time for time assessment in different countries. The countries which lie east of the Greenwich line are ahead of Greenwich Mean Time while the countries which lie west of Greenwich have their standard time behind the Greenwich Mean Time. So, the correct sequence of the countries is Japan, Iraq, Greece, Cuba, and Costa Rica.

Answer 103

3,The 'Gypsies' are a group of people found in Central Asia. But, the original home of Gypsies was in India (Western Rajasthan and Punjab) area. 'Gypsies' are an ethnic group, which for unknown reasons took to a wandering lifestyle during the late middle ages.

Answer 104

4,Chechnya is situated in the Asian continent. Chechnya was in the news due to its separatist movement from Russia.

Answer 105

5,Arakan Yoma is located in western Myanmar. It is a part of the eastern Himalayas. It includes the Naga hills, the Chin hills, and the Patkai range which includes the Lushai hills.

Answer 106

6,The dotted (broken) line in the map represents the Durand line, the boundary between India and Afghanistan. This line was demarcated by a commission headed by Mortiner Durand in 1896.

Answer 107

7,Western Ghat is known as an ecological hotspot in India notified under the Wildlife Act of 1972.

Answer 108

8,In the given map, the labeled countries are 'A' is Iraq 'B' is Syria 'C' is Saudi Arabia 'D' is Jordan.

Answer 109

9,The Palk Bay (strait) separates India and Sri Lanka. It lies between the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal.

Answer 110

10,Jaffna is situated at the 'D' point in the given figure. Jaffna is the location in Sri Lanka, where the LTTE group was very active and had a stronghold.

Answer 111

11,About 50% of the world population is concentrated between latitudes of 20°N and 40°N, because most populous countries and areas like Asia, U.S.A, Europe, and India lie within this latitude.

Answer 112

12,Mongoloids are inhabitants of northern, eastern, and southeast Asia. Their eyes have a characteristic fold of skin on the upper lid, hair is lank and straight, and the height is medium. The group also includes the Chinese, Japanese, Burmese, Thais, Vietnamese, and Malays.

Answer 113

13,The Salween river is located in the eastern part of Myanmar. This river is situated on the Shan Plateau of Myanmar. Its basin covers 320,000 sq km. This river forms the border between Burma and Thailand. Certainly! a) Irrawaddy River: The Irrawaddy River flows through Myanmar (formerly Burma). It originates in the Kachin State in the northern part of the country and flows southward through the central plains, eventually emptying into the Andaman Sea. b) Mekong River: The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Southeast Asia, flowing through multiple countries. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. c) Chao Phraya River: The Chao Phraya River is located in Thailand. It begins at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers in Nakhon Sawan Province and flows through central Thailand, passing through Bangkok before emptying into the Gulf of Thailand. d) Salween River: The Salween River, also known as the Thanlwin River, flows through China, Myanmar, and Thailand. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through eastern Tibet, Yunnan Province in China, eastern Myanmar, and western Thailand before emptying into the Andaman Sea.

Answer 114

14,Indonesia consists of 13,677 islands (nearly 14,000) and this country is 5000 miles from Torres strait. 4th largest country in Asia.

Answer 115

15,The geographical details given in the figure indicate England, which is situated in Europe.

Answer 116

16,c According to FAO: India - 305485093 cubic meters; China - 191042128 cubic meters; Indonesia - 73719856 cubic meters; Russia - 47,000000 cubic meters.

Answer 117

17,Canada is the largest importer of bauxite from India.

Answer 118

18d ,It's a blame game, with everyone pointing the finger at someone else. Environmental group WWF Indonesia, which has been highlighting the problem of Indonesia's recurrent fires for years, says that the fires are caused by the "collective negligence" of companies, smallholders, and government (which isn't investing sufficiently in preventative measures). Many blame big business. According to a recent analysis of World Resources Institute data in September, more than one third (37%) of the fires in Sumatra are occurring on pulpwood concessions. A good proportion of the rest are on or near land used by palm oil producers. "Many of these fires are a direct result of the industrial manipulation of the landscape for plantation development," says Lindsey Allen, executive director of the conservation organization Rainforest Action Network.

Answer 119

20,Puerto Miranda is an oil port situated on the east side of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela and it is the largest crude oil export port in South America.

Answer 120

21,Assertion and reason both are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. Chile is the largest copper producer in the world. 35% of the total global production of copper is done by Chile and the major deposit is of porphyry copper.

Answer 121

22,‘A’ marked city in the map is Darwin in Australia. ‘B’ marked city in the given map is Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. ‘C’ marked city in the map is Nairobi in Kenya. The city marked ‘D’ in the map is Lagos in Nigeria.

Answer 122

23. (b) Mestizo originally meant a person of combined European and American Indian descent, regardless of where the person was born.

Answer 123

24,Mt. Rainier is a volcanic mountain situated in the U.S.A. Mt. Etna is situated in Europe, Paricutin volcanic mountain is present in Mexico, and Taal volcanic mountain is present in the Philippines.

Answer 124

25,The correct sequence from east to west is Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Answer 125

26,Lake Victoria acts as the international boundary between Tanzania and Uganda. It is the largest lake in Africa and the 2nd widest freshwater body in the world.

Answer 126

27,Marsupials are a group of mammals commonly have pouches or pockets of skin, where the mother nurses their young. These marsupians are found in Australia. The common examples of marsupians are Kangaroo and Koala. Certainly! Here are some key points about marsupials that could be useful in UPSC exam preparation: 1. **Definition**: Marsupials are a group of mammals characterized by the presence of a pouch, called a marsupium, in females where their young develop after birth. 2. **Geographical Distribution**: Marsupials are primarily found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. However, some species are also found in the Americas. 3. **Examples of Marsupials**: - Kangaroos: Kangaroos are perhaps the most iconic marsupials, known for their hopping locomotion. They belong to the family Macropodidae. - Koalas: Koalas are arboreal marsupials known for their diet primarily consisting of eucalyptus leaves. They belong to the family Phascolarctidae. - Wallabies: Wallabies are smaller relatives of kangaroos, also belonging to the family Macropodidae. - Tasmanian Devil: The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, known for its ferocious temperament. - Wombats: Wombats are burrowing marsupials known for their sturdy build and herbivorous diet. - Possums: Possums are a diverse group of marsupials found in Australia, known for their nocturnal habits and varied diets. 4. **Reproductive Adaptations**: One of the most distinctive features of marsupials is their reproductive strategy. Unlike placental mammals, marsupials give birth to relatively undeveloped young, which then crawl into the mother's pouch to continue their development attached to a nipple. This adaptation allows for a shorter gestation period. 5. **Evolutionary History**: Marsupials are believed to have evolved earlier than placental mammals. They diverged from the common ancestor of placental mammals around 160 million years ago. 6. **Ecological Role**: Marsupials play various ecological roles in their habitats, ranging from herbivores to carnivores, and they contribute to ecosystem dynamics in their respective regions. 7. **Conservation Status**: Some marsupial species face threats due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and diseases. Conservation efforts are underway to protect vulnerable species and their habitats. Understanding these key points will provide a comprehensive overview of marsupials, their characteristics, distribution, and ecological significance, which could be useful for answering questions related to biodiversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology in UPSC exams.

Answer 127

28,The given map is the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, located in western India. The capital is at Silvassa, and the major language of this Union Territory is Gujarati.

Answer 128

29,bFöhn is the warm and dry wind of the Alps region. Sarmun is the local wind of Kurdistan region, Santa Ana is the local wind of California, and Zonda is the local wind of Argentina.

Answer 129

30,Ashgabat is marked as '1', Tashkent is marked as '2', Bishkek is marked as '3', and Dushanbe is marked as '4' in the given map. A. Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan B. Ashgabat: Turkmenistan C. Tashkent: Uzbekistan D. Dushanbe: Tajikistan | tabiastu

Answer 130

31,All the statements given in the options are correct.

Answer 131

32,cAccording to the provided data, the top ten countries with the highest population in 2000 were as follows: 1. China - 1,268,853,362 2. India - 1,004,124,224 3. United States - 282,338,631 4. Indonesia - 213,829,469 5. Brazil - 176,319,621 6. Pakistan - 146,404,914 7. Nigeria - 123,178,818 8. Bangladesh - 130,406,594 9. Russia - 146,709,971 10. Japan - 126,729,223 The total population of these top ten countries was 3,618,894,827, while the rest of the world's population was 6,084,907,596.

Answer 132

33,a.According to UNESCO data from 2015, the literacy rates of the given countries are as follows: - Pakistan: 56.4% - India: 72.1% - Bangladesh: 72.8% - Sri Lanka: 92.6%

Answer 133

34,Bosnia, Herzegovina, Albania, and Croatia have the Adriatic Sea as a boundary. Macedonia is not located adjacent to the Adriatic Sea.

Answer 134

35,In the given figure, the four islands of the Indian Ocean region are Chagos, Socotra, Seychelles, and Mauritius, which are marked as 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

Answer 135

36c.,Victoria Falls is associated with the Zambezi River, located in Africa.

Answer 136

37,Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world, with a life expectancy of 80.9 years.

Answer 137

38. (a) In Macedonia, ethinic Albanian population is 23%, which is a good number in Macedonia. But in Kosovo 92% are Albanians and Serbians are in a minority

Answer 138

39,Israel has common borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.

Answer 139

40,Indonesia has the largest population among the given countries.

Answer 140

41,Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America.

Answer 141

42,Armenia is a former Soviet republic located in the Mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. It is a landlocked country.

Answer 142

43,bMekong is a major river in southeastern Asia, known as the Lancang in China. It runs through Yunnan province, China, forms the border between Myanmar and Laos, most of the border between Laos and Thailand, and flows across Cambodia and Southern Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea.

Answer 143

44,d Latvia does not share its border with Poland. Its neighbors include Lithuania to the south, Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, and Belarus to the southeast. Latvia's only distinct border is the Baltic Sea coast, which extends for 531 kilometers.

Answer 144

45,Black Sea: Bulgaria, Red Sea: Eritrea, Yellow Sea: China, Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan

Answer 145

46,Panama is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica, on the narrow and low Isthmus of Panama.

Answer 146

47,b.Ukraine is a sovereign state in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the northwest, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south.

Answer 147

48,The correct sequence of towns while moving from North to South in Pakistan is Peshawar – Islamabad – Gujranwala – Multan.

Answer 148

49,City River: A. Washington, D.C. - Potomac, B. Berlin - Spree, C. Paris - Seine, D. Madrid - Manzanares

Answer 149

50b ,The total area of the United Kingdom is 94,226 sq miles (244,044 sq km), with England covering 50,344 sq miles (130,365 sq km), which is less than 60% of the total land area of the United Kingdom. Great Britain does not include Northern Ireland.

Answer 150

51,Itaipu Dam, built on the Paraná River, is the largest dam in the world, a joint project of Brazil and Paraguay.

Answer 151

52,The decreasing order of continents according to the percentage of Earth's land area is Africa, North America, South America, and Europe.

Answer 152

53,b.The Bermuda Triangle is a mysterious area in the southern Atlantic Ocean roughly in the shape of a triangle extending to South Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda.

Answer 153

54,Bulgaria and Greece are in dispute over the Macedonian territory.

Answer 154

55,c.The Huangpu River is the largest river in Shanghai, China, providing most of the city's drinking water.

Answer 155

56,Canada is the largest producer of uranium among the given alternatives in the question, although Kazakhstan was the largest producer globally in 2016. Other major producers include Australia, Niger, Namibia, and Russia.

Answer 156

57,d.One terrestrial mile (1609 meters) is less than one nautical mile (1852 meters). The Harmattan is a dry and dusty season in West Africa, characterized by the northeast trade wind blowing from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea. The Iberian Peninsula includes Portugal, Spain, Andorra, and Gibraltar.

Answer 157

58,Colombia, Kenya, and Indonesia are countries through which the equator passes.

Answer 158

59,Baikonur is the world's first and largest operational space launch facility, located in Kazakhstan, not in Russia.

Answer 159

60,Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh are countries bordering Myanmar.

Answer 160

61,Copacabana Beach is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Answer 161

62,Addis Ababa is situated on the eastern part of Africa (longitude 38.74 E), differing from the Greenwich Meridian. London, Lisbon, and Accra are close to the Greenwich Meridian.

Answer 162

63,a.Bangkok is located on the Menam (Chao Phraya) River, Phnom Penh on the Mekong River, Hanoi on the Red River, and Yangon on the Irrawaddy River.

Answer 163

64,The Amazon River is the longest river in the world, originating from the Andes Mountains in Peru.

Answer 164

65,The Strait of Dover connects the United Kingdom and France and is about 32 km in length.

Answer 165

66,The Great Barrier Reef, located off the north-eastern coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef in the world, spanning 1200 miles (1900 km).

Answer 166

67,Malta is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, with Italy to the south and Libya to the north. Its area is 246 sq km.

Answer 167

68,Singapore is located 200 km north of the equator.

Answer 168

69,The Bering Strait is nearest to the International Date Line, located 1.5 km away from it.

Answer 169

70,Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, sharing boundaries with Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.

Answer 170

71,c.Ajman is one of the seven emirates constituting the United Arab Emirates, with an area of 260 sq kilometers. Ras al-Khaimah was the 7th and last Sheikhdom to join UAE in 1972.

Answer 171

72,The top ten countries with the highest population in decreasing order are: 1. China, 2. India, 3. USA, 4. Indonesia, 5. Brazil, 6. Pakistan, 7. Nigeria, 8. Bangladesh, 9. Russia, 10. Japan.

Answer 172

73,The Tropic of Capricorn runs through 10 countries: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. para bac mn mbs a

Answer 173

74,Berlin is located in northeastern Germany on the banks of the rivers Spree and Havel, serving as the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. The Rhine River is located in Western Europe. It originates in the Swiss Alps and flows through several countries including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea. It is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe, serving as a major transportation route and supporting various industries and ecosystems along its course.

Answer 174

75,India has the highest overall population density at 324 persons per square kilometer, followed by Sri Lanka (280), Pakistan (146), and Nepal (102).

Answer 175

76,Great Victoria Desert – Australia, Grand Canyon – USA, Lake Winnipeg – Canada, Southern Alps – New Zealand

Answer 176

77,Cape Canaveral is located on the coast of Florida.

Answer 177

78,Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves, accounting for approximately 24% of the planet’s uranium.

Answer 178

79,Putrajaya is the new federal administrative center of Malaysia.

Answer 179

80,The Malacca Strait is between the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the Malaya Peninsula. Singapore lies at the tip of the Malay Peninsula.

Answer 180

81,Turkey's smaller part is in Southeastern Europe and its larger part in Western Asia, located between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Answer 181

82,a.The Chechen Republic is a federal subject (a republic) of Russia. Darfur is a region in western Sudan. Swat is a valley and an administrative district in Pakistan.

Answer 182

83,The correct sequence of cities in South-East Asia from south to north is Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, and Hanoi.

Answer 183

84,Jordan does not have a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea.

Answer 184

(d) All 12 Pacific Rim Countries have signed Trans - Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. These 12 countries are: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Darussalam, Japan, Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. Objectives of TPP: (i) Lower track barriers such as tariffs. (ii) Establish a common framework for intellectual property. (iii) Enforce standards for labour low and environmental low. (iv) Establish an investor - state dispute settlement mechanism

Answer 185

86,In the map, Sumatra is closer to Great Nicobar than Sri Lanka.

Answer 186

87,The Mediterranean Sea does not touch Jordan and Iraq on the map, eliminating options (a), (b), and (d), leaving (c) as the correct answer.

Answer 187

88,The Aral Sea has significantly shrunk due to human activities, while Lake Baikal has faced detrimental phenomena, but there is no mention of it immensely drying up.

Answer 188

89,The Caspian Sea borders Kazakhstan, eliminating options (a) and (c). Syria touches the Mediterranean Sea, not the Black Sea, eliminating option (d). Thus, option (b) remains as the correct answer.

Answer 189

Question,Answer

Answer 190

1,(c) The alpine vegetation in eastern himalayas is found upto 4000 meters because in eastern himalayas the monsoon rainfall is higher than western Himalayas.

Answer 191

2,(d) The given map indicates the coastal region underwater relief contours of India. In this region some islands like Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshyadeep are present. – Qman basin – Arabian basin – Chapo Ridge

Answer 192

3,(d) In the given map the marked places indicates :- ‘1’ indicates Ukai in Gujarat ‘2’ indicates of Dondapadu in A.P. ‘3’ indicates Korba of Chhattisgarh

Answer 193

4,(a) The quotation referred to Sundarban of West Bengal. Sundarban is famous for mangrove forest and tiger population. It is present at the delta region of Ganga. Sundarban is world’s largest delta.

Answer 194

5,(a) The palaeomagnetic results indicates that, the Indian land mass has moved to the north breaking from Africa.

Answer 195

6,(d) From the given figure ‘1’ indicates Calcutta port which is a tidal port, situated at river Hoogly. ‘2’ indicates Paradeep port of Orissa. ‘3’ indicates Kochi of Kerala ‘4’ indicates Kandla port of Gujarat is tidal port. Paradeep, Kochi and Kandla are natural ports on the sea coast.

Answer 196

7,(d) Geologists believes that the Indian peninsula was a part of the Gondwanaland (continent) which drifted northwards and India, Africa and other parts separated from each other.

Answer 197

8,(c) Ajanta mountain range a short range, which spreads within Maharashtra. – Aravali ranges covers Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi – Satpura ranges are found in Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh. – Sahyadris ranges starts from Gujrat, Maharastra border and crossing Goa, Karnataka it reaches Kerala tip upto Cape Comrin. – Ajanta is found in the Aurangabad district of Maharastra.

Answer 198

9,(b) National Highway from Amritsar to Calcutta via Delhi is called National highway No. 2. It was called Grand Trunk road and was constructed by Sher Shah.

Answer 199

10,(b) According to the physiography map of India the mountains ranges found in Jammu and Kashmir is Karakoram which is marked as ‘1’ in figure. Ladakh range which is marked as ‘2’, Zanskar range which is marked as ‘3’, and Pir Panjal which is marked as ‘4’.

Answer 200

11,(b) Due to intensive low pressure belt developed in the north-western plains, the south-west monsoon enters the Indian subcontinent. It blows from Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea.

Answer 201

12,(c) The state which produce maximum amount of metal ores are : Ores State A. Manganese 1. Madhya Pradesh B. Nickel 2. Orissa C. Lead-Zinc 3. Rajasthan D. Asbestos 4. Andhra Pradesh

Answer 202

13,(a) Ranking of States and Union territories by density in 1991 : Sikkim 57 Nagaland 73 Meghalaya 79 Manipur 82

Answer 203

Certainly! Here are the locations along with the states: 1. Idukki: Idukki is a district located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its hilly terrain, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Idukki Dam, which is one of the largest arch dams in Asia. 2. Ramganga: The Ramganga River is a tributary of the Ganges River. It flows through the northern Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3. Subarnagiri: Subarnagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its lush greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic beauty. 4. Ghatprabha: The Ghataprabha River is a tributary of the Krishna River. It flows through the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. These locations showcase the geographical diversity and significance of various regions within India.14,(a) Idukki is a hydro-electric project of Kerala. So, the ‘1’ option is not correct.

Answer 204

15,(d) Denotified tribe in India refers to the tribes who where originally listed under the originally trible act of 1871. They are also known as Vimukta Jati.

Answer 205

16,(a) River Cauvery has formed three big islands on her journey from Talacauvery to join the Bay of Bengal Sea. The islands are Srirangapattnam, Shivasamudram in Karnataka and Srirangam in Tamil Nadu. All the three islands are pilgrimage centers with temples dedicated to Lord Ranganatha.

Answer 206

17,(a) The New Jerusalem Church was built by Royal Danish missionary Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg in a coastal town of Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu in 1718.

Answer 207

18,(a) Kishenganga river is called Neelam river in Jammu & Kashmir. Ganga river originates from Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand. Wainganga originates about 12 km from Mundara village of Seoni district in southern slopes of Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh. Penganga is river found in Yavatmal District of Maharashtra.

Answer 208

19,(c) Madras is warmer than Calcutta. Madras lies 13°08'17" N latitude which is much near to equator than Calcutta, which is 22°56'67" N. Snowfall occurs in Himalayas due to its higher altitude. Rainfall decreases from West Bengal to Punjab due to distance from sea. West Bengal is nearer to sea than Punjab. Sutluj-Ganga plain gets some rain in winter due to western disturbance.

Answer 209

20,(b) Major Geological Eras Peninsular and Periods A. Deccan Traps – Cretaceous era B. Western Ghats – Late cenozoic era C. Aravalli – Pre-cambrian era D. Narmada-Tapti – Pleistocene period alluvial deposits

Answer 210

21,(d) The January isotherm taken as a basis for dividing India into tropical and subtropical zones is 15°C.

Answer 211

22,(b) Coal is found in Karanpura of Jharkhand. Gold is found in mines of Hutti in Karnataka. Mica is found in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Manganese is found in Bhandara of Maharashtra.

Answer 212

23,(c) The Alamatti dam is built on the river Krishna in Karnataka. It is a multi-purpose project. The water is used in canal irrigation and hydroelectric production.

Answer 213

24,(c) According to the given map the area marked ‘A’ is Mathura area of Uttar Pradesh, where Brajbhasha is spoken. ‘B’ is marked by Faizabad of U.P., and the language spoken is ‘Awadhi’. ‘C’ area is ‘Arah’ area of Bihar where ‘Bhojpuri’ is spoken. ‘D’ refers to north Bihar where ‘Maithili’ is predominantly spoken.

Answer 214

25,(c) The canal carrying capacity of Farakka barrage is 40,000 cusec. Farakka barrage is a 2245 metre long barrage across the river Ganga.

Answer 215

26,(d) Sundari tree is found in Sundarban area of West Bengal. Sundarban is the largest wetland area in the world. Sundarban got its name itself due to abundance of ‘Sundari’ tree in this area.

Answer 216

27,(c) The place marked in the given map are: Marked Region Place where found Option ‘A’ Rift valley region Narmada and Tapti ‘B’ Chhattisgarh plain Mahandi river ‘C’ Chhota Nagpur Jharkhand plateau ‘D’ Rain shadow area Eastern part of western ghat

Answer 217

28,(d) In the 1981 Census, the sex ratio in India was 934. By 1991 it had declined to 927 per 1000 men. In 2001 Census it rose to 933. This shows that it keeps on fluctuating depending upon various factors.

Answer 218

29,(d) The tribal population of Andaman and Nicobar belong to Negroid race. A small population of Shompen and Nicobars are of Mongoloid descent.

Answer 219

30,(c) Gandak, Ganga, Gomati and Ghaghara.

Answer 220

31,(a) Damodar is an east flowing river with rift valley due to down warping. Down warp denotes a segment of the earth’s crust that is broadly bent downward.

Answer 221

32,(c) Sal forest of Madhya Pradesh indicates ‘3’ in the given India map. In 1997, Sal forests were badly affected by the insects which caused destruction of Sal forest by turning the trees dry.

Answer 222

33,(c) During the question period, the Cauvery basin has started commercial production of mineral oil.

Answer 223

34,(b) Minerals Mining area Graphite ® Bellary Lead ® Zawar Salt ® Didwana Silver ® Rampa

Answer 224

35,(a) The Oak Tasar silk is produced in Assam, which is used in Sericulture. The Oak flora was discovered in 1966 in Assam.

Answer 225

36,(b) Places Industries State A. Jamnagar Woollen textiles Gujarat B. Hospet Iron and Steel Industry C. Korba Aluminium Industry Chhattisgarh D. Haldia Fertilizers Industry Assam

Answer 226

37,(d) A libag – Holiday Resort Balapur – Fishing Centre Nhave Sheva – Port Ratnagiri – Petrochemical complex

Answer 227

38,(a) Arrangement of descending order of the surface roads per 100 sq. km of their area. Tamil Nadu has 158.78 km, Punjab has 127.78 km, Maharashtra has 117.61 km, Haryana has 63.70 km.

Answer 228

39,(b) 1 shows- Mahesana, 2 shows- Surendranagar, 3 shows-Rajkot and 4 shows- Junagarh Certainly! Here are the locations of the places you provided: 1. Mahesana (also known as Mehsana): Mahesana is a city located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated in the northern part of Gujarat, approximately 70 kilometers north of the city of Ahmedabad. 2. Surendranagar: Surendranagar is a city located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated in the western part of Gujarat, approximately 130 kilometers northwest of the city of Ahmedabad. 3. Rajkot: Rajkot is a city located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated in the western part of Gujarat, approximately 245 kilometers west of the city of Ahmedabad. Rajkot is one of the major cities in Gujarat and serves as an important economic and industrial center. 4. Junagadh: Junagadh is a city located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated in the southwestern part of Gujarat, approximately 315 kilometers southwest of the city of Ahmedabad. Junagadh is known for its historical significance, including the ancient Junagadh Fort and the Girnar hills. These cities are significant urban centers in the state of Gujarat, contributing to the state's economy, culture, and development.

Answer 229

40,(c) Some people in Manipur live in houses built on floating Islands of weeds and decaying vegetation held together by suspended silt. These islands are called “Phoomdis”.

Answer 230

41,(d) Uttar Pradesh is the state where 9,384,000 hectares are covered by ground water irrigation. Maharashtra covers 1,912,000 hectares, West Bengal covers 1,397,000 hectares, Assam covers hectares for ground water irrigation.

Answer 231

42,(b) According to Census of India 2001, scheduled tribe population in Mizoram is 94.75%, Arunachal Pradesh has 63.66% as scheduled tribe, Manipur with 34.4% and Orissa with 22.21% of tribal population.

Answer 232

43,(a) Konkan Railway route connects Roha in Maharashtra with Mangalore in Karnataka. Konkan Railway established with partnership of three states Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. The states of Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala benefit most from Konkan railway.

Answer 233

44,(d) Mumbai and Pune had been connected through a 6-lane expressway.

Answer 234

45,(b) In the question 'X' represents the Elephant population.

Answer 235

46,(c) Assertion is correct, but the reason is wrong. In India, the sex ratio of female is lower than male because female foeticide is common across India.

Answer 236

47,(b) For proper ecological balance, 33% of forest land is recommended, but in India we have only 20.14% of forest coverage.

Answer 237

48,(d) In the given map, copper deposits discovered by Atomic Minerals Division of Department Atomic energy, is at Hasson in Karnataka and is marked as ‘4’.

Answer 238

49,(c) In the given map, the site of Tehri Dam is “C” which lies in Uttarakhand. It is an earth and rock-fill dam on the Bhagirathi rivers in Tehri district.

Answer 239

50,(b) Koodankulam is the site for 1000 MW nuclear power plants under construction in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. In the given figure, Koodankulam plant is labeled as ‘B’.

Answer 240

51,(c) Gulf of Kutch in 1980, 270 km from Obha to Sadiya.

Answer 241

52,(d) Lambada tribes are found in Rajasthan and not in Madhya Pradesh.

Answer 242

53,(c) In the given figure ‘A’ is Baramula, ‘B’ is Srinagar, ‘C’ is Anantnag and ‘D’ is Kargil Certainly! Here are the locations of the places you provided: 1. Baramulla: Baramulla is a city located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley. 2. Srinagar: Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Kashmir Valley and is famous for its scenic beauty, including Dal Lake and Mughal gardens. 3. Anantnag: Anantnag is a city located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the southern part of the Kashmir Valley and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Anantnag district. 4. Kargil: Kargil is a town located in the Kargil district of the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It is situated in the eastern part of the region, near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Kargil is known for its strategic importance and its role in the Kargil War of 1999 between India and Pakistan..

Answer 243

54,(b) Indian Government has accepted 82.5° E for the standard time which is (82.5° X 4 minutes = 5 hrs 30 minutes ahead of GMT). Shillong is situated on 92° E longitude. So, the difference is 92° - 82.5° = 9.5°. Since the earth makes one complete revolution of 360° in one day or 24 hours, it passes through 15° in one hour or 1° in 4 minutes. So the difference will between IST and Shillong 9.5° x 4=32 minute. Hence local time at Shillong on 92° E longitude is 10:38 am.

Answer 244

55,(a) The Ravva offshore block is in Krishna–Godavari basin of Andhra Pradesh. It is the area of a great reserve of petroleum and natural gas.

Answer 245

56,(a) Indira Gandhi Canal originated from Harike barrage at Sultanpur on Sutlej but Ghaggar is a tributary of river Saraswati, which ends in the Thar desert.

Answer 246

57,(b) In the given map ‘A’ marked ports is Veraval of Gujarat, ‘B’ marked port is Karwar of Karnataka, ‘C’ marked port is Tuticorin of Tamil Nadu and ‘D’ marked port is Kakinada of Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 247

58,(d) Korba tribe is found in Chhotanagpur of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, whereas Kodagu is a district in Karnataka.

Answer 248

59,(a) Siltation is the process of deposition of silt on the river bed through rainwater, by which the depth of the river reduces. The floodwater crosses the river embankment, by which floods occur in most parts of north India.

Answer 249

60,(d) According to 1991 census data, Bihar had the lowest rate of literacy at 47.53%.

Answer 250

61,(b) The Ganga plain is the most important plain of India. The Gangetic plain covers more than a fourth of the country’s total surface. The alluvial fertile soil is very suitable for cultivation of different cereals, pulses, and nuts. So, the bulk of the population resides in this plain area.

Answer 251

62,(a) A – Mahe B – Karaikal C – Pondicherry D – Yanam

Answer 252

63,(d) In the given figure of India, Mica is found in all the states of India like Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan, Bombay, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 253

64,(c) In the given map, the shaded area indicates the tropical wet and dry region, where the mean temperature for the month of July varies between 27.5ºC – 30ºC.

Answer 254

65,(b) Mekong – Ganga Cooperation (MGC) was established on November 10, 2000, at Vientiane in the First MGC Ministerial Meeting. It comprises six Member countries namely, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. They emphasized four areas of cooperation, which are tourism, culture, education, and transportation linkage in order to be a solid foundation for future trade and investment cooperation in the region.

Answer 255

66,(a) Both assertion and reasons are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. In north India, a feeble high-pressure region develops, with light winds moving outwards from this area. Influenced by the relief, these winds blow through the Ganga valley from west and northwest, which forms an anticyclonic condition in the northern part of India.

Answer 256

67,(a) According to the data of 2000, the power generation is 95000 MW. Nuclear plants contribute 2% of total power generation. Hydroelectricity plants contribute 25% of total production and 73% is contributed by thermal power plants.

Answer 257

68,(a) The Aravallis range is the oldest mountain in India. The approximate age of the Aravallis is 670 million years.

Answer 258

69,(a) The correct sequence of eastward flowing river of the peninsular India from north to south is Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, and Vagai.

Answer 259

70,(c) Stagnant Growth Phase, Steady Growth Phase, Rapid High Growth Phase, [High Growth with definite signs of slow down.] A. 1901-1921 B. 1921-1951 C. 1951-1981 D. 1981-2001 Period Phase

Answer 260

71,(d) Indian railway is the fourth largest railway in the world after the USA, Russia, and China. National Highways are nearly 2% (1.96%) of total roads, but it carries nearly 40 – 45% of road traffic of India. Maharashtra has the highest density of the surface roads, not Kerala, National Highway No. 7 is the longest in the country which joins Varanasi to Kanyakumari.

Answer 261

72,(b) The climatic condition of Chennai is tropical savanna type where the average annual temperature of the meteorological station is 26ºC and the average rainfall is 63 cm, and the annual range temperature is 9ºC.

Answer 262

73,(c) The sea coast of Orissa is famous as a nesting place for giant olive Ridley turtles from South America.

Answer 263

74,(b) As per data of 2010–11. The source of irrigation in India is Tube wells – 45% Canals – 26% Wells – 19% Others – 7%

Answer 264

75,(d) Open stunted forests with bushes and small trees having long roots and sharp thorns or spines are commonly found in the area where the rainfall is less than 80 cm. Such areas are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and western Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 265

76,(d) Achra Ratnagiri Mangrove is in Maharashtra, Coondapur Mangrove is in Karnataka, Pichavaram Mangrove is in Tamil Nadu, and Vembanad Mangrove is in Kerala.

Answer 266

77,(b) The correct sequence of the river in descending order of their lengths is Godavari (1465 km), Narmada (1312 km), Mahanadi (858 km), and Tapti (724 km).

Answer 267

78,(d) As per the census 2001, West Bengal has the highest population density of 904, Kerala has 819, Madhya Pradesh has 196, and Uttar Pradesh has 689.

Answer 268

79,(b) Nanda Devi peak is a part of Kumaon Himalayas located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Answer 269

80,(a) Bangalore is the city which is 937 meters above sea level, Delhi is 218 meters sea level, Jodhpur is 230 meters, and Nagpur is 247.5 meters above sea level.

Answer 270

81,(c) The longitude of Jabalpur's location is to the east of Bhopal

Answer 271

82,(d) The area of Andhra Pradesh is 160,205 sq km, the area of Gujarat is 196,024 sq km, the area of Karnataka is 191, 791 sq km, and Tamil Nadu is 130, 058 sq km.

Answer 272

83,(b) The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5° north. The location of Kolkata is 22°33' N. So, Kolkata is nearer to the Tropic of Cancer. Delhi is 28.38°N.

Answer 273

84,(a) Onge is the major tribe of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar. They were fully dependent on hunting and gathering. They belong to the Negrito race.

Answer 274

85,(a) Statement '1' is correct because National Thermal Power Corporation has diversified into hydro projects. Presently, it has undertaken the Koldem project in Himachal Pradesh.

Answer 275

86,c) Damodar Valley Corporation's (DVC) is the first multipurpose river valley project of independent India, established in 1954. The joint venture projects are Maithon Power Limited, Panchet, and Tilaiya, which are hydroelectric power stations. The DVC has under its operation four coal-based thermal power stations, three hydel power stations, and one gas turbine station, so both statements are correct.

Answer 276

87,(b) Gujarat has the longest coastline (1214.7 km) followed by Andhra Pradesh (973.7 km). Gujarat, with 10 airports, tops the list of states with the most number of operational airports.

Answer 277

88,(c) Minerals Location A. Coal - Giridih B. Copper - Alwar C. Manganese - Dharwar D. Lignite - Jayamkondam

Answer 278

89,(c) Length of Agra-Mumbai NH – 1161 km Length of Chennai-Thane NH – 1235 km Length of Kolkata-Hajira NH – 1946 km Length of Pune-Machilipatnam NH – 841 km.

Answer 279

90,(c) The sequence of hills from north to south is Mahadeo Hills, Satpura Range, and Sahyadri Parvat.

Answer 280

91,(b) Sambhar is India's largest salt lake, located 96 km southwest of the city of Jaipur.

Answer 281

92,(b) National Park/ Sanctuary A. Kanger Ghati National Park - Chhattisgarh B. Nagarhole National Park - Karnataka C. Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary - Himachal Pradesh D. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary - Haryana

Answer 282

93,(a) Gulfs with narrow fronts and wider rears would expect the highest tides among all the four configurations. One example is the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico has high tides because all the water must get in and out of the Gulf through the narrow Florida Straits.

Answer 283

94,(d) Bangalore receives lesser rainfall than Mangalore. Mangalore is located on the windward slope and receives 2000 mm of rainfall, whereas Bangalore, present in the rain shadow area, receives less than 500 mm of water.

Answer 284

95,(a) West flowing rivers Narmada and Tapti do not form a delta because the topography of western peninsular India is rocky without loose sediments, and no alluvial sediments are carried by the rivers.

Answer 285

96,(a) All the statements are correct according to Atomic developments in India.

Answer 286

97,(b) Beach in India States A. Gopinath Beach - Gujarat B. Lawsons Bay Beach - Andhra Pradesh C. Devbagh Beach - Karnataka D. Sinquerim Beach - Goa

Answer 287

98,(d) Similipal biosphere reserve is in Orissa. Dehong Deband biosphere reserve is in Arunachal Pradesh, Nokrek biosphere reserve is in Meghalaya, and Kanchenjunga biosphere reserve is situated in Sikkim.

Answer 288

99,(c) Haryana has 6.83% of the area as forest cover of the total land coverage, whereas Sikkim has 36%, 38.5% in Goa, and 28.9% of Kerala has forest area of their total land mass.

Answer 289

100,(b) Out of the total forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 2.54%; very dense forest and 8.77% are moderately dense forest. The National Forestry Action Programme aims at a long-term plan to achieve the target of 33% forest cover.

Answer 290

101,(c) The area of Chhattisgarh is 1,36,03489 km² and the area of West Bengal is 88,572 km², but the population density in Chhattisgarh is 154, whereas the population density in West Bengal is 904.

Answer 291

102,(d) Atomic Power Plant State A. Thal - Maharashtra B. Manuguru - Andhra Pradesh C. Kakrapar - Gujarat D. Kaiga - Karnataka

Answer 292

103,(b) Bulk of the tribal population is found in 5 states, i.e., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Gujarat, and Bihar.

Answer 293

104,(c) The Family Planning programme was started in 1952 by the Government of India. Kerala is the first state in India to achieve replacement level fertility.

Answer 294

105,(d) Pondicherry, a Union Territory, has a sex ratio of 1001. Chandigarh has 777, Delhi has 861, Daman and Diu has 710, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli has 812.

Answer 295

106,(b) According to the 2001 census, Maharashtra had the maximum population in India after Uttar Pradesh. The total population in Maharashtra is 193,977,000.

Answer 296

107,(a) Western Ghats are relatively higher in the southern region.

Answer 297

108,(a) Gandhi Sagar Dam is situated on the river Chambal in 1960, near Bhanpura of Madhya Pradesh.

Answer 298

109,(c) The correct sequence of the given hills starting from north and going towards to south is Nallamalai Hills, Javadi Hills, Nilgiri Hills, Anamalai Hills.

Answer 299

110,(b) Nallamalai is not a biosphere reserve. It is a hill of the Eastern Ghats which stretches over Kurnool, Mahabubnagar, Guntur, and Kadapa districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 300

111,(c) The correct sequence of the given Indian cities in decreasing order of their normal annual rainfall is Kochi (3228.3 mm), Kolkata (1,582 mm), Patna (1000 – 1237 mm), Delhi (707 mm).

Answer 301

112,(b) Uttar Pradesh is bounded by Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan in the west; Madhya Pradesh in the south and Bihar in the east. The northern boundary is with Nepal.

Answer 302

113,(b) Power Station State A. Kothagudem - Andhra Pradesh B. Raichur - Karnataka C. Mettur - Tamil Nadu D. Wanakbori - Gujarat

Answer 303

114,(c) Silent Valley National Park is situated in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The park is bound by Attappadi reserved forest to the east and vested forests of Palaghat division and Nilamber division to the southwest, respectively.

Answer 304

115,(b) National Park/ Wildlife Sanctuary Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa Kangerghat National Park - Chhattisgarh Orang Sanctuary - Assam Ushkothi Wildlife Sanctuary - Orissa.

Answer 305

116,(d) All the monuments/sites are included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO. The Sun Temple of Orissa and the group of monuments at Mahabalipuram were included in 1985. Champaner – Pavagadh Archeological Park of Gujarat and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Maharashtra are included in the year 2004 in the UNESCO list.

Answer 306

117,(b) The Fairy Queen locomotive used by the Steam Express dates back to 1854 when it was commissioned by the East Indian Railway Company and labeled EIR-22 (East Indian Railway 22 class). The Fairy Queen was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the "world's oldest steam locomotive in regular operation" in 1998. The Indian government formally recognized the locomotive's heritage status in 1972.

Answer 307

118,(d) Maharashtra is ranked 2nd after Uttar Pradesh among 28 Indian states. So, option '3' is correct. But options '1' and '2' are incorrect because Goa is the smallest state based on area (i.e., 3702 sq km), not Sikkim. The highest literacy rate of a Union territory is in Lakshadweep, i.e., 86.7%.

Answer 308

119,(a) Correct Matching isList- I Lis t-II (Centre of Handicrafts) (S tate) Mon Nagaland Nalbari Assam Nais ghat Arunachal Pradesh Tura Meghalaya

Answer 309

120,(c) Petronet LNG Limited, one of the fastest-growing world-class companies in the Indian energy sector, has set up the country's first LNG receiving and regasification terminal at Dahej, Gujarat, and another terminal at Kochi, Kerala.

Answer 310

121,(b) By virtue of section 110 of the Electricity Act 2003, an Appellate Tribunal for Electricity having jurisdiction throughout India has been set up to hear appeals or original petitions against the order of the Adjudicating officer. But in states like Delhi and Orissa, electricity has been privatized. So, statement '1' is wrong. It is not present in Jammu and Kashmir.

Answer 311

122,(d) Correct Matching isList- I Lis t-II (Valley) (S tate) Markha Valley Jammu & Kashmir Dzukou Valley Nagaland Sangla Valley Himachal Pradesh Yumthang Valley Sikkim

Answer 312

123,(c) The Cauvery is a river of southern India that rises on Brahmagiri Hill in the Western Ghats in Coorg district of Karnataka.

Answer 313

124,(c) Correct Matching isList- I List-II (National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary) (Nearby Town) Chandra Prabha Varanasi Karera Jhansi Jaisamand Udaipur Nahargarh Jaipur

Answer 314

125,(b) The correct sequence of the rivers in India from north towards south is Shyok – Zaskar – Spiti – Satluj. Shyok flows through northern Ladakh in India. Zaskar river flows in the northeastern part of Ladakh. Spiti river is situated at Kaza in Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 12500 feet. Satluj river rises from the slopes of Kailash and flows in a southwesterly direction through Himachal Pradesh & Punjab.

Answer 315

126,(b) Payali and Behradein in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, have large reserves of diamond-bearing kimberlite. They account for 28% of the total diamond reserves of India.

Answer 316

127,(c) Vizag Steel Plant was declared a Mini Ratna company on 11th Feb 2006. The merger of IISCO with SAIL was completed on 29th September 2004.

Answer 317

128,(b) The Stilwell Road, built in the 1940s by Americans, connects Ledo in India and Kunming in China via Myanmar during the Second World War.

Answer 318

129,(d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, known as Top Slip, is a part of the Western Ghats located above 300 meters from sea level on the Anamalai mountain ranges.

Answer 319

130,(d) The Shevaroy hill is situated near Salem in Tamil Nadu. This hill range covers an area of fifty square kilometers.

Answer 320

131,(d) River Kalinadi is a west-flowing river in the southern part of India. So, the assertion is wrong. The Deccan Plateau has elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet and gently slopes towards the Bay of Bengal in the east. So, the reason is correct.

Answer 321

132,(c) The National Highways pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This road is 1,949 km long.

Answer 322

133,(d) Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh is known for its manganese mines, while Majhgawan is famous for diamonds.

Answer 323

134,(c) The Narmada river originates from a tank 1057 meters high west of the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh. The Damodar river originates from the Chhota Nagpur plateau, the Mahanadi originates from the Bastar plateau, and the Tapti originates from the Satpura hills.

Answer 324

135,(c) Lucknow is the easternmost city in the list.

Answer 325

136,(c) Both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka share boundaries with the maximum number of Indian states eachsahre border with 5 states .

Answer 326

137,(b) Correct Matching isList- I List-II (Aluminium Company) (Location) BALCO Korba HINDALCO Renukoot Indian aluminium Company Hirakud NALCO Koraput

Answer 327

138,(aIndravati National Park is located in the Bastar region. The park is situated at a distance of 97.4 km from Bastar.

Answer 328

139,(a) Guru Shikhar Peak is the highest point in Rajasthan. The altitude of the peak is 5676 feet (1722 meters).

Answer 329

140,(b) Correct Matching isList- I List-II (Town) (River Nearer to it) Betul Tapti Jagdalpur Indravati Jabalpur Narmada Ujjain Shipra

Answer 330

141,(b) Red Panda is found in the mountains of Nepal, northeastern India, China, Bhutan, and Slow Loris lives in dense forests of northeast Assam. Red Panda is found in the Eastern Himalayas, China, Bhutan, and Slow Loris in the dense forests of northeast Assam.

Answer 331

142,(c) Population density of Arunachal Pradesh is 13, Himachal Pradesh is 109, Meghalaya is 103, and Sikkim is 76.

Answer 332

143,(c) As per India’s National Population Policy - 2000, by 2045 India will achieve population stability, which means that the size of the population will not increase.

Answer 333

144,(c) According to the census 2001, the approximate percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India is 8-9%.

Answer 334

145,(a) Based on the 2001 census, 9.8% of the population of Himachal Pradesh, 10.5% of the population of Bihar, 15% of the population of Orissa, and 20.8% of the population of Uttar Pradesh live in rural areas.

Answer 335

146,(d) Population of Sikkim is 540,851. The population of Chandigarh is 901,000, the population of Pondicherry is 974,000, and the population of Mizoram is 889,000.

Answer 336

147,(b) Mahogany is a species of tree found throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America but not in the Himalayas.

Answer 337

148,(b) Kanchenjunga has been listed in 2018. Biosphere Reserves: Nilgiri, 2000; Gulf of Mannar, 2001; Sunderban, 2001; Nanda Devi, 2004; Nokrek, 2009; Pachmarhi, 2009; Similipal, 2009; Achanakmar-Amarkantak, 2012; Great Nicobar, 2013; Agasthyamala, 2016; Khangchendzonga, 2018.

Answer 338

149,(b) Omkareshwar Project is associated with the Narmada river.

Answer 339

150,(c) 9 states of India have a coastline: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal.

Answer 340

151,(c) Nilgiri hills are at the junction of the eastern and western ghats of the Sahyadri hills. The heights of the hills range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 meters.

Answer 341

152,(d) Tributaries of Brahmaputra in India include the Manas, Pagladiya, Puthimari, Dhanisri, Jia Bhariti, and Subansiri. Manas is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, Chambal is the chief tributary of the Yamuna, and Sone is a tributary of the Ganga.

Answer 342

153,(c) Saltwater crocodiles are common and found throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, living in the mangrove habitats. Shrew and Tapir are found in the Western Ghats of the Malabar region.

Answer 343

154,(a) Namchik-Namphuk coalfields are located in Arunachal Pradesh.

Answer 344

155,(d) The mineral deposits in Chhattisgarh include Bauxite (96 million tons), Dolomite (606 million tons), and iron ore (2336 million tons). Tin is not found in Chhattisgarh.

Answer 345

156,(b) The Tehri Hydropower complex is located on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand.

Answer 346

157,(b) Shivasamudram Falls is located on the river Cauvery. Jog Falls is the highest waterfall in India, at 253 meters, located on the Sharavathi river.

Answer 347

158,(d) The Damanganga water project is in Gujarat. The Girna irrigation project is in the Jalgaon area of Maharashtra. The Pamba river is located in Kerala.

Answer 348

159,(c) Tapovan and Vishnugarh hydroelectric projects are located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Answer 349

160,(d) According to the Census of 2001 in India, the population of Ludhiana is 1,398,467, Surat is 2,433,835, and Nagpur is 2,052,066.

Answer 350

161,(a) Andaman and Nicobar has 9 national parks; Assam has 6; Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya both have 2 each.

Answer 351

162,(b) Eastern Himalayas and Eastern Mediterranean region are biodiversity hotspots. The southwest part of Australia also has hotspots.

Answer 352

163,(d) Rajasthan has the largest inland saline wetland, the area of the Sambhar Salt Lake.

Answer 353

164,(b) Dahej is not a major port of India.

Answer 354

165,(b) The Shompen tribe is one of two Mongoloid tribes found in the Nicobar Islands.

Answer 355

166,(b) The Dul Hasti Power Station is on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir.

Answer 356

167,(a) In India, the southwest monsoon causes high rainfall in the east Himalayan region.

Answer 357

168,(d) Infant mortality rate indicates the number of infant deaths under one year of age per 1000 live births under one year of age.

Answer 358

169,(d) The rate of population density increase in India: Density 1951 – 117 per sq km, 2001 – 324 per sq km; Annual growth rate in population density: 1951 – 1.25%, 2001 – 1.93%.

Answer 359

170,(d) The Sutlej river originates from the central Sulaiman range in Pakistan.

Answer 360

171,(a) Amarkantak is the origin of the River Narmada and Sone.

Answer 361

172,(d) India has 12% of thorium deposits of the world.

Answer 362

173,(d) The east-flowing rivers found in Kerala are Kabani, Bhavani, and Pambar. The west-flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh are Narmada, Tapti, and Mahi.

Answer 363

174,(c) The fixed boundary of a National Park is described in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The legislation states the actual area of the National Park, which is notified by the state government. A biosphere reserve conserves an ecosystem and not just a few specific species of plants and animals.

Answer 364

175,(c) The climate conditions described are found in India in the Western coastal area from Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka including the Western Ghats, and hilly areas of the northeast except some parts of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Virginia tobacco is cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and can be grown in dry weather, so Pepper should be the correct option.

Answer 365

176,(b) Odisha has 90% of the natural resources of Nickel.

Answer 366

177,(b) Hoolock Gibbons are found in the northeastern region of India, covering 38% of the forest area.

Answer 367

178,(c) In India, tropical moist deciduous forest occupies the largest area, covering regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Kerala, among others. It covers 38% of the total forest area.

Answer 368

179,(d) The Luni river originates from the Aravalli range and flows in a southwest direction through the hills, finally ending up in the marshy land of the Rann of Kutch.

Answer 369

180,(d) Rivers like Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Yamuna pass through Himachal Pradesh.

Answer 370

181,(c) Red soil in India is largely found in the Deccan plateau region. It is less clayey and sandier in nature, with a rich content of iron and a small amount of humus. The redness in the soil is due to ferric oxide. It is the 2nd largest soil found in India from south of Bundelkhand to the north of the Rajmahal Hills.

Answer 371

182,(b) More than 90% of India's coal reserves are found in the Gondwana rock system.

Answer 372

183,(b) Kolleru Lake, one of the largest shallow freshwater lakes in Asia, is located between the Krishna delta and the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 373

184,(d) All the statements given in the question are correct.

Answer 374

185,(a) The latitude that passes through Sikkim also passes through Rajasthan.

Answer 375

186,(d) The approximate representation of land use is classified as net area sown 46%, forests 23%, other areas 30%.

Answer 376

187,(b) Opening a new canal in the Kra Isthmus can reduce navigation time and distance. The Malacca Strait is the main shipping channel between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, linking India, China, Japan, and South Korea. The deepening of the Malacca Strait is linked to its economic importance, allowing ships of larger sizes, including Malaccamax, to pass through and increase the volume of business. There is no significance of distance and navigation.

Answer 377

188,(c) The low and deltaic plains of the Ganges are characterized by swamps and the Sundarbans. People in this area grow paddy and jute.

Answer 378

189,(a) The Ten Degree Channel is a channel that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

Answer 379

190,(b) The Brahmaputra River originates near Mt. Kailash and is known to take a U-turn near Mount Namcha Barwa, also known as the Great Bend, due to the 180° bend of the Himalayan structural trends.

Answer 380

191,(b) Gujarat has the following characteristics:1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid. 2. Its central parts produce cotton. 3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.

Answer 381

192,(a) Arunachal Pradesh.

Answer 382

193,(a) Gujarat has the largest total geographical area under the category of wetlands compared to other states in India. India has 60% of inland wetlands out of the total wetland area.

Answer 383

194,(d) When traveling in the Himalayas, one will see deep gorges, U-turn river courses, parallel mountain ranges, and steep gradients causing landslides.

Answer 384

195,(c) Both statements are correct. The amount of rainfall decreases from east to west owing to the progressive decrease in humidity of the winds. The southern part of India, being nearer to the sea, receives rainfall early and for a longer duration than the northern part.

Answer 385

196,(d) Through Corbett National Park, Ramganga flows, which is a tributary of the Ganges. Through Silent Valley National Park, river Bhavani flows, which is a tributary of the Kaveri. Both Kaziranga and Manas are national parks.

Answer 386

197,(a) Narmada is the largest west-flowing river of peninsular India. It flows westwards through a rift valley between the Vindhyan Range on the north and the Satpura Range on the south. The river slopes down near Jabalpur, where it cascades 15 m into a gorge to form the Dhuandhar fall.

Answer 387

198,(a) Indian coal has high ash content and low calorific value. It has low sulfur and low phosphorous content but high ash fusion temperature.

Answer 388

199,(c) Laterite soil is rusty red in color due to the iron oxide present in it. Cashews and tapiocas can be grown in lateritic soil.

Answer 389

200,(b) Dharwar rocks are non-fossiliferous but metalliferous. They contain gold, iron ore, manganese, mica, cobalt, chromium, copper, tungsten, lead, nickel, precious stones, and building stones. Kodarma is a storehouse of mica, and Gondwana beds contain coal but not natural gas.

Answer 390

201,(b) Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu are famous for silk sarees.

Answer 391

202,(d) NH 4 is a major National Highway in Western and Southern India, connecting Mumbai with Chennai. NH 6 connects Surat with Kolkata, passing through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. NH 15 connects Samakhiali in Gujarat with Pathankot in Punjab.

Answer 392

203,(c) Monsoon is the only climate that experiences a reversal of wind between seasons.

Answer 393

204,(b) Rivers Lohit and Subansiri flow through Arunachal Pradesh, while River Barak flows in South Assam and Manipur.

Answer 394

205,(a) Harike Wetlands is at the confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej. Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is at the confluence of Gambhir and Banganga rivers. Kolleru Lake is located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 395

206,(c) The Cardamom Hills are located in southeast Kerala and southwest Tamil Nadu, not on the Coromandel Coast. Kaimur Range extends from Madhya Pradesh to Bihar, not on the Konkan Coast. Mahadeo Hills are in Madhya Pradesh, not on the Konkan Coast. Mikir Hills are in Assam, not on the Coromandel Coast.

Answer 396

207,(a) Oak and Rhododendron are found in the Himalayan region, while sandalwood is found in South India.

Answer 397

208,(b) The Changpa are a semi-nomadic Tibetan ethnic group found mainly in the Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir. They rear Pashmina goats that yield fine wool and are classified as Scheduled Tribes.

Answer 398

209,(a) In Meghalaya, living root bridges are a form of tree shaping, using the aerial roots of living banyan fig trees to create suspension bridges.

Answer 399

210,(c) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and on the eastern and western slopes of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

Answer 400

211,(d) Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state, while Gujarat is the westernmost state of India.

Answer 401

212,(d) Major tributaries of the Godavari River include the Purna (South), Pravara, Indravati, Manjira, Bindusara, Sabari, Wainganga, and Wardha rivers. Pranahita is the name given to the combined flow of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.

Answer 402

213,(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands are rich in biodiversity, featuring different types of forests such as Tropical Evergreen forests, Moist Deciduous forests, Mangrove forests, and Littoral forests.

Answer 403

214,(c) Banaras Brocades and Sarees have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status, while Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma is not in the list of Geographical Indications in India.

Answer 404

215,(d) Research is underway for the presence of shale gas in the Cambay basin at Mehsana, Ahmedabad, and Bharuch districts of Gujarat; Cauvery basin at Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu; and in the KG Basin at East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Answer 405

216,(c) Odisha state government's tourism website mentions that Chandipur beach in Odisha has a unique distinction where the sea water recedes away from the shoreline about five km twice a day, which is an unusual phenomenon rarely found anywhere else.

Answer 406

217,(a) Kodaikanal has a 154-year-old artificially-built lake. Kolleru Lake, situated in Andhra Pradesh, is the largest freshwater lake in India, located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers. Nainital, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, has the pear-shaped Naini lake at its center. Renuka Lake, situated in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, is named after the goddess Renuka and is a site for the annual fair in November.

Answer 407

218,(a) Delhi is at 28°40'N latitude and 77°20'E longitude, while Bangalore is closest to Delhi in terms of latitude, being at 12°58'N.

Answer 408

219,(d) Valley of Flowers is completely in the temperate zone.

Answer 409

220,(a) Chandrabhaga (Bhima) river flows through Pandharpur, Tiruchirappalli is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, and Hampi lies in the state of Karnataka, protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra. Therefore, option (a) is correct.

Answer 410

221,(c) Madhya Pradesh has 25% forest cover, Odisha has 31%, Chhattisgarh has 42%, and Maharashtra has 15%. Therefore, Maharashtra has the lowest forest cover, and Chhattisgarh has the highest. Hence, the correct pattern is 3-_-_-1, which matches option (c).

Answer 411

222,d Aliyar (Tamilnadu), Isapur (Maharashtra) and Kangsabati (W.Bengal) are water Reservoirs.,

Answer 412

223,b Indian Forest Act was amended to omit the word "bamboos" from the definition of tree, to exempt bamboos grown on non-forest area from the requirement of permit for felling or transit under the said Act, and would encourage bamboo plantation by farmers resulting in the enhancement of their income from agricultural fields.,#1 is wrong. In both b and c, statement #3 is common, so we've to accept it as true without verifying. Forest rights Act: Section 2(i) Minor forest produce includes bamboo, brushwood, honey, wax etc. So, #2 is right.

Answer 413

224,a By and large non-metallic non-energy minerals fall under 'Minor' category. So #1 is true. Section 15 of MMDR Act, 1957 empowers state governments to frame rules for regulating the grant of quarry leases, mining leases or other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals; accordingly all state governments and some union territories have framed their own rules in this regard.,That means #2 is false, and #3 is correct. Accordingly, (a): 1 and 3 only.

Answer 414

225,d Chromite(#2) is a metallic mineral and metallic mineral are mostly in the major mineral category according to official sites of the ministry of mines 2,3 and 4 are listed as major minerals. So correct answer is (d),

Answer 415

226,d Excessive burning of coal, wood, kerosene, petrol etc. release toxic gases such as SO2 (sulphur dioxide), NOx (oxide of nitrogen), CO (carbon monoxide) and hydrocarbons in the air. These gases are also emitted by industries, power plants, automobiles and aircrafts. Says NIOS Environment Book Page 33. So, #2 is correct. Coal ash contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium and arsenic. So, #1 is correct, So Answer (d)