Geography of India (Part -III) (UPSC)

Total Questions: 50

11. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of Indian cities in the decreasing order, of their normal annual rainfall? [2005]

Correct Answer: (c) Kochi-Kolkata-Patna-Delhi
Solution:The correct sequence of the given Indian cities in the decreasing order of their normal annual rainfall is Kochi (3228.3 mm) Kolkata (1,582 mm) Patna (1000-1237 mm) Delhi (707 mm).
  • Rainfall is a form of precipitation where water droplets fall from clouds to the Earth's surface. It occurs when moist air rises, cools, and condenses into water vapor, forming droplets that combine to create larger drops.
  • When these drops become heavy enough, they fall due to gravity. Rainfall is essential for replenishing freshwater supplies, supporting agriculture, and maintaining ecosystems. It plays a critical role in the water cycle, helping to distribute moisture across the globe.
  • The amount, Intensity, and frequency of rainfall vary based on geographic location, climate, and seasonal variations.
  • For example, tropical regions experience heavy, consistent rainfall, while arid regions receive minimal rainfall.
  • Rainfall patterns are influenced by factors like temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind patterns, affecting weather systems and climate change.

12. Which of the following states border Uttar Pradesh? [2005]

1. Punjab

2. Rajasthan

3. Chhattisgarh

4. Jharkhand

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Correct Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4
Solution:
  • Uttar Pradesh is situated between 23°52′N and 31°28′N latitudes and 77°3' and 84°39'E longitudes.
  • It shares its national boundaries with 9 other states ie., Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana on the north west, Uttarakhand in the north, Rajasthan touches U.P. from the west, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on the south;
    Jharkhand to the south-east & Bihar lies in its east.
  • Internationally U.P. is landlocked by Nepal on the north. With an area of 29.4 m ha it is the fourth largest state in Indian subcontinent
  • It is also the most populous State
    Geomorphologically Uttar Pradesh can be divided into 3 major topographical regions.
    1. Siwalik foothills of Himalayas and the Teral region border U.P. on the north.
    2. Gangetic plains constitute the major central portion of the state.
    3. Vindhya Range and plateau lie in a relatively smaller part of southern U.P.

13. Match items in the List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. [2005]

List-I (Power Station)List-II (State)
A. Kothagudem1. Andhra Pradesh
B. Raichur2. Gujarat
C. Mettur3. Karnataka
D. Wanakbori4. Tamil Nadu

Codes:

ABCD
(a)4213
(c)4312
(b)1342
(d)1243
Correct Answer: (b)
Solution:
Power StationState
A. KothagudemAndhra Pradesh
B. RaichurKarnataka
C. MetturTamil Nadu
D. WanakboriGujarat

14. Consider the following statements: [2005]

1. Silent Valley National Park in the Nallamalai range.

2. Pathrakkadavu Hydroelectric project is proposed to be built near the Silent Valley National Park.

3. The Kunthi river originates in Silent Valley's rainforests.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) 2 & 3
Solution:About Silent Valley National Park
  • It is a stretch of pristine wet evergreen forest located along the southwest corner of the Nilgiris in South India, in the State of Kerala.
  • It is one of the last undisturbed tracts of tropical rainforest in India.
  • It constitutes the centerpiece of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, sanctified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012.
  • It covers an area of approximately 237.52 sq.km.
  • The altitude of the park varies between 658 to 2383 meters.
  • It is nourished by the Kunthipuzha River, which meanders through the dense forest.
  • The valley is said to be "silent" because of the absence of the cicadas, a type of insect that produces a loud buzzing sound in many forests..

15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2005]

List-I (National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary)List-II (State)
A. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary1. Orissa
B. Kangerghat National Park2. Assam
C. Orang Sanctuary3. Chhattisgarh
D. Ushkothi Wildlife Sanctuary4. Goa
5. Tripura

A B C D 
(a)2531
(b)4321
(c)2351
(d)4123
Correct Answer: (b)
Solution:
National Park / Wildlife SanctuaryState
Bondla Wildlife SanctuaryGoa
Kangerghat National ParkChhattisgarh
Orang SanctuaryAssam
Ushkothi Wildlife SanctuaryOrissa

16. Consider the following sites/monuments: [2005]

1. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station, Mumbai

3. Mahabalipuram

4. Sun Temple (Konark Temple)

Which of the above are included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO?

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:All the monuments / sites are included in World Heritage list of UNESCO. Sun Temple of Orissa, group of monuments at Mahabalipuram were included in 1985. Champaner -Pavagadh Archeological Park of Gujrat and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Maharastra are included in year 2004 in UNESCO list.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognised for their outstanding cultural, historical, or natural significance and are protected under an international treaty administered by UNESCO. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring only the most outstanding sites are included.
  • These sites can include ancient ruins, monuments, buildings, cities, forests, mountains, or wilderness areas that represent the shared heritage of humanity.
  • As of May 2025, there are 1,223 World Heritage Sites across 168 countries, selected for their universal value and preserved for future generations.
    Famous examples include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
  • India, with its rich history, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and Sundarbans National Park.

17. Consider the following statements concerning the Indian Railways. [2006]

1. The Head Quarters of the North Western Railway are located at Jodhpur.

2. "Indrail Pass"-a travel as you please ticket has been created especially for freedom fighters and sportspersons who have represented India in any games/sport.

3. Fairy Queen is a train using the world's oldest working engine and the Indian Railways conducts a journey of wildlife and heritage sites on it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 3 only
Solution: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.
Key Facts about Indian Railways
1. Extensive Network: With over 68,000 km of track, Indian Railways is the 4th largest railway network globally, after the US, Russia, and China, making it a crucial backbone for national transport.
2. Massive Passenger Traffic: Serving approximately 23 million passengers daily, Indian Railways is vital in connecting remote regions and urban centers, contributing to economic and social mobility
3. Efficient Freight Movement: So far in this financial year (FY25), freight volumes reached 906.9 MT, marking a 2.2% increase, with significant growth in container (7.7%) and miscellaneous goods and clinker traffic (7%).
4. High Electrification: 97% of broad gauge lines are electrified, reflecting Indian Railways' commitment to sustainability and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
5. Targeted Freight Share: The government aims to increase the freight share from 35% to 45% by 2030, in line with India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
6. Rail Safety: Consequential rail accidents have dropped by 80% from 2016-21, a testament to ongoing safety measures. However, over 95% of accidents are still attributed to driver errors, indicating the need for more focused driver training and technological interventions.

18. Consider the following statements: [2006]

1. Sikkim has the minimum area among the 28 Indian States (Delhi and Pondicherry not included).

2. Chandigarh has the highest literacy rate among Pondicherry, National Capital Territory of Delhi and other Union Territories.

3. Maharashtra has the highest population after Uttar Pradesh among the 28 Indian States (Delhi and Pondicherry not included).

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

19. Match List-I (Centre of Handicrafts) with List-II (State) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2006]

List-I (Centre of Handicrafts)List-II (State)
A. Mon1. Arunachal Pradesh
B. Nalbari2. Assam
C. Naighat3. Meghalaya
D. Tura4. Nagaland

 

OptionABCD
(a)4213
(b)1342
(c)4312
(d)1243

Correct Answer: (a)
Solution:
Centre of HandicraftsState
MonNagaland
NalbariAssam
NaisghatArunachal Pradesh
TuraMeghalaya

20. Consider the following statements: [2006]

1. Petronet LNG Ltd. is setting up another LNG terminal at Mangalore.

2. The Head Office of the Dredging Corporation of India is at Vishakhapatnam.

3. The Narwapahar Mine is operated by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) 2 & 3 only
Solution: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.
Uranium Corporation of India Limited was incorporated on 4th October 1967, It is a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy with a special standing at the forefront of Nuclear Power cycle. Fulfilling the requirement of uranium for the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, UCIL plays a very significant role in nuclear power generation of the country. The Company operates six underground mines (Bagjata, Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih and Mohuldih) and one open pit mine (Banduhurang) in the State of Jharkhand.
Ore produced from these mines are processed in two process plants located at Jaduguda and Turamdih. UCIL is also operating one underground mine and process plant at Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh. The Company has taken up expansion of some of its operations in Jharkhand and started pre-project activities to set up new mines and plants in different parts of the country namely Jaduguda Mine Expansion, Narwapahar mine Deeper expansion, Banduhurang (west) opencast mine expansion & Garadih project in Jharkhand, Rohil project in Rajasthan, Jajawal Project in Chhattisgarh and Kannampalle & Tummalapalle Deeper expansion Project in Andhra Pradesh.