Geography of India (Part -II) (UPSC)

Total Questions: 50

11. Assertion (A): Ganga plain is the most densely populated part of India. [2000]

Reason (R): Ganga is the most harnessed river of India.

Correct Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Solution:The Ganga plains are world's most densely populated area. Ganga is most harnessed river as these plains have fertile soil, the pressence of many river, a favourable climate, and the availability of flat terrain have made this region one of the most densely populated areas of the world.
  • The Ganga River System is one of the three major river basins that comprise the Himalayan Drainage System.
  • The Ganga River and its numerous tributaries flow through the northern and eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent, shaping the landscape and sustaining diverse ecosystems along its course.
  • With a total length of over 2,500 kilometres, the Ganga is the most important river in India and one of the longest in Asia.

12. Match the different ports of Union Territory of Pondicherry labelled as A, B, C and D in the given map with their respective names and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists of ports: [2000]

1. Karaikal
2. Mahe
3. Pondicherry
4. Yanam
Codes:

ABCD
(a)2134
(b)1234
(c)2134
(d)1234

 

Correct Answer: (a)
Solution:A-Mahe

B - Karaikal

C-Podicherry

D-Yanam

13. In the above map, the black marks show distribution of: [2001]

Correct Answer: (d) mica
Solution: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.
Mica
  • Mica is a naturally occurring non-metallic mineral that is based on a collection of silicates.
  • Mica is a very good insulator that has a wide range of applications in electrical and electronics industry.
  • It can withstand high voltage and has low power loss factor.
  • It is used in toothpaste and cosmetics because of its glittery appearance. It also acts as a mild abrasive in toothpaste.
  • India is one of the foremost suppliers of mica to the world. Mica-bearing igneous rocks occur in AP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan.

14. In the shaded area of the above map, the mean temperature for the month of July varies between: [2001]

Correct Answer: (c) 27.5 deg C - 30 deg C
Solution: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 27.5°C -30°C.
Tropical wet and dry climate is typically observed within the tropics. The tropics are two lines of latitude at 23.5" north and 23.5" south of the Equator. Land within this area obtains direct sunlight throughout most of the year. The tropical climate is observed between the tropical wet climate and the tropical dry climates in both the northern and the southern hemispheres. It varies in latitude from between 5" and 10' to between 15 and 20. Most people realize the tropical savanna to be in Africa, though this climate is also recognized in Brazil, Venezuela, the Caribbean, Central America, and Indo-China, parts of India and even areas of Florida.

15. Mekong Ganga Co-operation Project is: [2001]

Correct Answer: (b) a joint tourism initiative of some Asian countries
Solution:The Mekong Ganga cooperation is a regional organization comprising India and 5 ASEAN countries Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
It was launched at Vientiane (Laos) in 2000.
It aims are facilitating closer contacts inhabiting these two major river basins.
It also enhances cooperation in tourism, culture, transport, communication, and education.
The 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation Senior Officials' Meeting was held via Video Conference on 3 September 2020.
It is an integral part of India's 'Act East Policy'
It also aims in narrowing the development gap through digital connectivity and capacity building.

16. Assertion (A): Anticyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low. [2001]

Reason (R): Winter rainfall in northern India causes development of anticyclonic conditions with low temperatures.

Correct Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Solution:Both assertion and reasons are true and reason is correct explanation of 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 north west, which forms an anticyclonic condition in northern part of India.
Anticy systems characterized by a central area of high pressure surrounded by closed boblari, with pressure docreasing outward. Air Rows outward because winds are deflected by the Coriolu forte to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left the Southern Hemichere. centre, rotating clockwise uthern Hem rmation occurs
pressure the centre and periphery of an anticyclone is usually 10-20 mh, though it can be higher. Anticyciones are larger than tamperate cyclones, often about 75% wider, covering a ach larger area.
Temperate anticyciones are particularly expensive, sometimes covering nearly half of the United States. They can shit direction frequently and may remen in one location for up to four days, moving at an average speed of 30-50 km/h
Anticycranes form when either cold polar ar or warm tropical ar sinks from the upper atmosphere to the lower atmosphere. These systems are mast commonly found in sutitropical and polar regions and are almost never present near the equator.

17. Consider the following statements regarding power sector in India: [2001]

1. The installed capacity of power generation is around 95000 MW

2. Nuclear plants contribute nearly 15% of total power generation

3. Hydroelectricity plants contribute nearly 40% of total power generation

4. Thermal plants at present account for nearly 80% of total power generation

Which of the statements is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution: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 lants.

  1. Electricity Generation for Apr-2024 (BU)

TypeAchievement (Apr-23)Targets (Apr-24)Achievement* (Apr-24)% Change of Achievement w.r.t. Apr-2023
Thermal111.40129.40123.5010.87
Nuclear3.474.314.2121.09
Hydro (Large)8.669.137.99-7.71
RES including SHP16.5318.3017.998.83
Bhutan Import0.120.570.08-39.68
All India140.19161.71153.2779.69

Note: *Provisional data.

18. The approximate age of the Aravallis range is : [2001]

Correct Answer: (a) 370 million years
Solution:

The Aravallis range are the oldest mountain in India. The approximate age of the Aravallis is 370 million years.
About Aravalli Range:

  • It is one of the oldest fold mountains of the world.
  • It runs approximately 670 km (430 mi) in a south-west direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat.
  • The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 metres (5,650 ft). Guru is a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan.
  • Rivers: Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch.
    Formation:
  • It is part of the Aravalli-Delhi orogenic belt, which is a large and complex geological structure formed due to the collision of tectonic plates during the Proterozoic era.
  • It is part of the Indian Shield that was formed from a series of cratonic collisions.
  • In ancient times, Aravalli were extremely high but since have worn down almost completely by millions of years of weathering.
  • The range is rich in mineral resources like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
  • It is divided into two sections: the Sambhar-Sirohi ranges, taller and including Guru Shikhar; and the Sambhar-Khetri ranges, consisting of three ridges that are discontinuous.

19. The correct sequence of the eastward following rivers of the peninsular India from north to south is : [2002]

Correct Answer: (a) Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery and Vagai
Solution:The correct sequence of eastward flowing river of the peninsular India from north to south is Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery and Vagai.
  • Subarnarekha: Originates in the Ranchi Plateau, Jharkhand.
  • Mahanadi: Originates in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha.
  • Godavari: Originates in Maharashtra and is the largest peninsular river system.
  • Krishna: Originates in Maharashtra and flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Pennar: Originates in Karnataka and flows through Andhra Pradesh.
  • Cauvery: Originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu.
  • Vagai: Flows entirely within Tamil Nadu.

20. India's population growth during the 20th century can be classified into four distinct phases. Match List-I (Period) with List-II (Phase) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2002]

List-I (Period) List-II (Phase)
A. 1901-19211. Steady growth
Β. 1921-19512. Rapid high growth
C. 1951-19813. Stagnant growth
D. 1981-20014. High growth with definite signs of slowdown

 

ABCD
(a)3142
(b)1324
(c)3124
(d)1342

 

Correct Answer: (c)
Solution:
PeriodPhase
A. 1901-1921Stagnant Growth Phase
B. 1921-1951Steady Growth Phase
C. 1951-1981Rapid High Growth Phase
D. 1981-2001High Growth with definite signs of slowdown