16 Vision (E) Prelims Test 2022

VISIONIAS
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TEST-16
Geography – I
Physical Geography of the world

Physical Geography of the world
▪ Origin and evolution of Universe, Solar
system
▪ Solar System & the Earth and basics of ▪ Geological History of the Earth
latitude and longitude ▪ Geological Time scale
▪ Geomorphology ▪ Latitude and Longitude including
▪ Climatology important Parallels and Meridians
▪ Oceanography ▪ Motions of the Earth and their effects
▪ Biogeography ▪ Inclination of the Earth’s Axis and its
▪ Natural Hazards and Disasters effects
▪ Continents (Land, Climate, Resources ▪ Local and Standard Time and the–
etc.): Asia, Africa, North America, South International Date Line, Calendar
America, Antarctica, Europe, and ▪ Eclipses - Solar, Lunar
Australia ▪ Geomorphology - Interior structure of the
Physical Geography of India earth, Earth’s crust, Classification of rocks.
▪ Introduction: Location, Area and ▪ Landform Development - First order
Boundaries (continental drift theory, sea floor
▪ Structure and Relief: Physiographic spreading, plate tectonics theory),
Divisions Second order (Mountains, Plateaus,
▪ Drainage System Plains & other landforms)
▪ Weather, Climate and Seasons ▪ Internal forces & their impact -
▪ Soils Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Folding,
▪ Natural Vegetation, Plant and Animal Life Faulting, Isostasy)
+ Current Affairs (Sept. + Oct. 2021) ▪ External forces & their impact -
2022
1
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TEST BOOKLET
GENERAL STUDIES (P) 2022 – Test – 3485

C
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1. Consider the following statements regarding 4. This type of soil is rich in humus and
the interior of the earth: organic content. It is normally heavy and
1. Nickel and iron are the main mineral
black in color. It is found in areas of heavy
constituents of the earth's crust.
2. Asthenosphere is a mechanically weak rainfall and high humidity, where there is a
zone of molten rock in the upper mantle good growth of vegetation.
of Earth. Which of the following types of soil has
3. The core is made up of material mostly
been described in the passage given above?
constituted by silica and alumina.
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) Peaty soil
not correct? (b) Forest soil
(a) 1 and 2 only (c) Black soil
(b) 2 only
(d) Laterite soil
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
5. Which of the following rivers drains into
2. Consider the following statements about the
Black Sea?
weathering:
1. Dnieper river
1. A very little or no motion of materials
takes place in weathering. 2. Don river
2. Carbonation is a common process of 3. Danube river
breaking down feldspars and carbonate
4. Vistula river
minerals.
3. Physical weathering processes are Select the correct answer using the code
caused by thermal expansion and given below.
pressure release. (a) 2 and 4 only
Which of the statements given above are
(b) 4 only
correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
6. Consider the following pairs:
3. Geysers are fountains of hot water and Passes Connecting places

superheated steam that may spout from the 1. Zojila : Srinagar and Leh
earth beneath. In which of the following
2. Sela : Sikkim and Nepal
areas of the world geysers is/are found?
1. Taupo Volcanic Zone 3. Bomdila : Tawang and Guwahati
2. Mount Merapi Which of the pairs given above is/are
3. Yellowstone National Park
correctly matched?
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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7. Consider the following statements with 10. Consider the following statements with
reference to alluvial soils in India:
respect to International Fund for Agricultural
1. Khadar and Bhangar soils contain
kankars. Development (IFAD):
2. Alluvial soils are rich in phosphorous 1. It is a specialized United Nations
but poor in potash.
agency.
3. The alluvial soils are predominantly
sandy in nature. 2. It is a multilateral development
Which of the statements given above is/are institution that focuses on transforming
not correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only rural economies and food systems.
(b) 2 and 3 only 3. It releases the Rural Development
(c) 3 only
Report annually.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. Consider the following biosphere reserves of correct?
India:
(a) 1 and 2 only
1. Manas
2. Sunderbans (b) 2 and 3 only
3. Nilgiri
(c) 1 and 3 only
4. Pachmarhi
5. Achanakmar Amarkantak (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the above-mentioned biosphere
reserves lie below the Tropic of Cancer?
11. Which of the following statements is/are
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only correct with reference to measuring
(c) 2 and 5 only Earthquakes?
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
1. The intensity scale measures the energy
9. India is vulnerable to various kinds of released during the earthquake.
disasters especially earthquakes due to
2. The magnitude scale relates to visible
tectonically active Indian Plate. For better
preparedness and efficient management of damage caused by the earthquake.
earthquake hazards Indian geographical 3. While the Richter scale measures the
region has been divided into various seismic
magnitude of the earthquake, the
zones. In this context which of the following
pairs is/are correctly matched? Mercalli scale measures the intensity of
Region Seismic Zone the event.
1. Guwahati : V
2. Delhi : IV Select the correct answer using the code
3. Goa : III given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 only (c) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
12. Consider the following statements about the 15. Which of the following lies between the
exfoliation: Duncan Passage and the Ten Degree
1. It is a result of weathering.
Channel?
2. Exfoliation domes are generally formed
in dry climate and high elevations areas. (a) Southern Andaman
3. Exfoliation tors are formed due to (b) Little Andaman
continuous unloading and expansion of
(c) Car Nicobar
rocks.
Which of the statements given above (d) Great Nicobar
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only 16. Which of the following statements best
(b) 2 and 3 only
describes the geographical term „wind gap‟?
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 only (a) It is a gap that flowing water has carved
through a mountain range and that still
carries water today.
Place River
(b) It is gap between two atmospheric
1. Srinagar : Chenab
2. Kota : Chambal pressure cells.
3. Silchar : Barak (c) It is a small depression where rain water
4. Hampi : Kaveri sinks into limestone landforms.
Which of the pairs given above is/are not
(d) It is a gap through which a waterway
correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only once flowed that is now dry as a result of
(b) 3 and 4 only stream capture.
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
17. Which of the following explains the rocky
14. With reference to the mechanism of weather nature of terrestrial planets?
in the winter season in India, consider the 1. They were formed in the close vicinity
following statements:
of the parent star.
1. The weather conditions over India are
influenced by the distribution of pressure 2. The solar wind was most intense nearer
in Central and Western Asia. the sun.
2. The western cyclonic disturbances enter
3. They are smaller in size with lower
the Indian subcontinent.
3. The jet stream flowing south of the gravity.
Himalayas merges with the one flowing Select the correct answer using the code
north of the Tibetan highlands. given below.
Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) 1 only
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only (c) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
18. Consider the following statements with 21. The pressure conditions over the Pacific
respect to the rivers recently seen in the Ocean and Indian ocean affect the
news: monsoons. In this context, consider the
1. The Lukha river drains the southern part following statements:
of the Chotanagpur Plateau. 1. If the pressure difference between Tahiti
2. The Athirappally falls are situated on the in the Pacific Ocean and Darwin in the
Chalakudy river. Indian ocean is negative, it would mean
3. Sabarmati river originates in the Aravali a good monsoon season in India.
ranges. 2. The El Nino event is often associated
Which of the statements given above are with delays in the Southwest Monsoon.
correct? Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
19. With reference to local storms of hot

22. Arrange the following reservoirs of water in
weather season, consider the following
decreasing order of the percentage of total
statements regarding Nor Westers:
water holding on the Earth's surface.
1. Locally, they are known as mango
1. Soil Moisture
showers since they help in the early
2. Streams and Rivers
ripening of mangoes.
3. Lakes
2. They are most profound in the states of 4. Ice Caps
Kerala and Karnataka. Select the correct answer from the code
Which of the statements given above is/are given below.
not correct? (a) 3-4-2-1
(a) 1 only (b) 4-3-2-1
(b) 2 only (c) 3-4-1-2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) 4-3-1-2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
23. Which of the following is/are correct with
20. Consider the following pairs: reference to winter monsoons in India?
Erosion type Possible remedy 1. Due to anticyclonic circulation on land,
1. Finger gullies : Terracing the possibility of rainfall from them
2. Big gullies : Check dams reduces.
3. Headward : Gully plugging 2. They have little humidity and thus they
extension of gullies do not cause rainfall in any part of India.
Which of the pairs given above is/are Select the correct answer using the code
correctly matched? given below.
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

24. Consider the following statements regarding 27. Consider the following statements with
Fohn Wind or Chinook Wind:
respect to Liberalised Remittance Scheme
1. These are dry winds experienced on the
windward side of mountains when (LRS):
descending air becomes compressed 1. Under the LRS, all resident individuals,
with increased pressure.
2. They raise temperature which including minors, are allowed to freely
accelerates the growth of crops and remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial
fruits.
year.
correct? 2. Recently, the LRS scheme is made
(a) 1 only
available to Hindu Undivided Family
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (HUF) and partnership firms.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
25. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous correct?

rocks in areas of low rainfall. Their colour is (a) 1 only
characterized by the wide diffusion of iron.
This fine-grained soil is fertile and (b) 2 only
commonly found in which of the following (c) Both 1 and 2
states?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Odisha
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Punjab
28. Moisture laden wind coming from Arabian
4. Karnataka
5. Jharkhand Sea hits at the ranges of Western Ghats
which runs across the western coast. This
given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only moist air is forced to ascend a mountain
(b) 3 and 4 only barrier. On the windward slopes of the
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Western Ghats, the air is compelled to rise
and thereby cooled by expansion in higher

26. With reference to the Indian Monsoons,
altitudes until the air is completely saturated
which one of the following best defines the
term Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM)? and eventually resulting in rainfall.
(a) The northern most city of India that
Identify the type of precipitation mentioned
experience monsoons.
(b) The northernmost country that in the passage given above?
experiences monsoons.
(a) Convectional Rainfall
(c) The northern most limit of monsoon
upto which it has advanced on any given (b) Orographic Rainfall
day. (c) Frontal Rainfall
(d) The northern most limit of the easterly
jet stream. (d) Cyclonic Rainfall
29. Recently, International Energy Agency has 31. In the context of Oceanic floor deposits,
invited India to become its full time member. 'oozes' refer to:
In order to become a full time member, a (a) Pelagic deposits derived from the oceans
country has to fulfill which of the following made of Shelly and skeletal remains.
conditions? (b) Terrigenous deposits derived from land
1. It must be a member country of deposited on the continental shelf.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation (c) Peaks of icebergs underwater.
and Development. (d) Accumulation of volcanic dust blown
2. It must have crude oil reserves out from volcanoes.
equivalent to 90 days of the previous
year‟s net imports. 32. With reference to the characteristics of the
3. It has to demonstrate a demand restraint Ocean Currents, consider the following
programme to reduce national oil statements:
consumption by up to 10%. 1. Cold currents are usually observed on
Select the correct answer using code given the east coast of continents in the low
below. and middle latitudes.
(a) 1 and 2 only 2. The mixing of warm and cold currents
(b) 2 and 3 only amplifies the growth of planktons.
(c) 1 and 3 only 3. Oceanic currents are slow at the surface
(d) 1, 2 and 3 due to friction with the atmospheric air
as compared to depths.
30. In the context of the Northern Hemisphere, Which of the following statements given
consider the following statements regarding above is/are correct?
the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): (a) 2 only
1. It is formed by the convergence of the (b) 1 and 2 only
Westerlies and Easterlies. (c) 1 and 3 only
2. Long-term changes in the ITCZ can (d) 3 only
result in severe droughts or flooding in
nearby areas. 33. Recently, National Tiger Conservation
3. In summers, the ITCZ moves southward Authority (NTCA) approved the proposal to
and in winters, it moves northward. declare the area of Tamor Pingle Wildlife
Which of the statements given above is/are Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve. The Tamor
correct? Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in
(a) 1 only (a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) 2 only (b) Jharkhand
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) Chhattisgarh
(d) None (d) Odisha
34. Recently the Supreme Court held that an 37. The Government of India recently launched
institution‟s right to government aid is not a
the 'BEAMS' programme with the aim of
fundamental right. Consider the following
statements with respect to the Minority (a) encouraging sustainable mining
Educational Institutions: practices
1. Article 15 enables the State to create
(b) conservation of coastal ecosystem
reservations for advancement of
backward classes in minority (c) incentivising renewable energy
educational institutes.
production
2. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009
is not applicable to schools with (d) decreasing pollution from thermal power
minority status. plants
not correct?
(a) 1 only 38. Consider the following pairs:
(b) 2 only
Ocean Currents Characteristic
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Labrador Current : cold
2. Kuroshio Current : warm

35. The Eastern Ghats comprising the
discontinuous and low hills are highly 3. Canaries Current : warm
eroded by the rivers. Which of the following Which of the pairs given above is/are
are the important ranges of Eastern Ghats?
correctly matched?
1. Mahendragiri hills
2. Palconda range (a) 3 only
3. Javadi hills
(b) 1 and 2 only
4. Anaimalai hills
Select the correct answer using the code (c) 1 only
given below. (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 2 and 4 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 39. With reference to the minerals and rocks,
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
which of the following statements is correct?
36. Which of the following statements is correct (a) Basalt is a common plutonic rock.
regarding volcanic eruptions?
(b) Acidic igneous rocks are denser and
(a) Composite Volcanoes are the largest of
all the volcanoes on the earth. darker in colour than basic igneous
(b) Deccan Traps formations in the Indian rocks.
peninsula is an example of caldera
(c) Rock banding is a salient feature of
volcanoes.
(c) Batholiths are a large mass of magmatic metamorphic rocks.
material that cools on the earth surface.
(d) Half of the earth's crust minerals are
(d) Volcanic eruptions do not typically
occur at transform boundaries. amphiboles.
40. In the context of temperature of Ocean 43. With reference to the differences between
waters, consider the following statements: tropical and extra tropical cyclones, consider
1. The Oceans in the Southern hemisphere the following statements:
record relatively higher temperatures 1. Extra tropical cyclone starts with the
than in the Northern hemisphere. front formation, whereas tropical
2. The local prevalent winds blowing from cyclones get their energy from warm air.
land towards the oceans lead to 2. Wind velocity in tropical cyclone is
longitudinal variation in the temperature. much higher and destructive as
3. Approximately 90% of the total volume compared to Extra tropical cyclones.
of water is found below the thermocline Which of the statements given above are
in the deep ocean. correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 1 only
correct? (b) 2 only
(a) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
44. Consider the following statements with
reference to Jet Streams:
41. What is the correct sequence of occurrence
1. Jet streams blow in a direction parallel to
of the following landscapes in Australia as
the pressure gradient force.
one proceeds from north to south?
2. They help in the maintenance of
1. Kimberley Plateau
latitudinal heat balance.
2. Murray River
3. Simpson Desert
correct?
4. Lake Eyre
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
given below.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1-3-4-2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 1-2-3-4
(c) 1-4-3-2
45. Arrange the following soils in the ascending
(d) 3-1-2-4
order of their availability in India:
1. Alluvial Soils
42. In the context of India's frontiers, which of
2. Arid Soils
the following statements is correct?
(a) India's southern boundary extends upto 3. Black Soils
5° N latitude in the Bay of Bengal. 4. Laterite Soils
(b) Only four landlocked states do not have Select the correct answer using the code
an international boundary. given below.
(c) More number of Indian states share (a) 1 - 3 - 4 - 2

border with Myanmar than with Nepal (b) 3 - 1 - 4 - 2
(d) India shares the longest border with (c) 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Bangladesh. (d) 1 - 3 - 2 - 4
46. Which of the following statements is not 48. Which of the following statements is/are
correct with respect to the inversion of correct regarding river meander?
1. Meandering is most pronounced in the
temperature?
regions characterized by even surface
(a) Long winter nights aided by and gentle slopes.
mountainous topography and clear skies 2. Meanders are the result of both erosion
is ideal situation for temperature and deposition.
inversion.
given below.
(b) Inversion of temperature restricts
(a) 1 only
convective clouds to not grow high (b) 2 only
enough for rainfall to take place. (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Polar areas rarely witness temperature
inversion due to lower temperatures.
49. Which of the following statements is correct
(d) The inversion of temperature protects regarding the Peninsular plateau?
plants from frost damages. 1. It is one of the oldest and the most stable
landmass of India.
2. The general elevation of the plateau is
47. Recently, Union Government redesigned the
from the east to the west.
Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) 3. The eastern part of the plateau has an
Mechanism. Which of the following abundant presence of black soil.
statements are correct with respect to the
given below.
redesigned REC mechanism?
(a) 2 and 3 only
1. Prices of Renewable Energy Certificates (b) 1 and 2 only
are determined by market conditions. (c) 1 only
2. Central Electricity Regulatory (d) 1, 2 and 3
Commission (CERC) will be the

50. There are certain conditions required for the
monitoring and the surveillance agency formation and growth of deltas by rivers. In
to ensure that there is no hoarding of this context which of the following are
RECs. favourable conditions for delta formation?
1. Shallow sea at the mouth of the river
3. The floor price limit is to be decided by
2. Long river
the Union Government. 3. High erosion in the catchment area of
Select the correct answer using the code the river
given below. Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
51. Consider the following statements: 54. With reference to soil erosion, consider the
1. The standard meridian of India is 82.5 following statements:
degrees West.
1. Gully erosions are commonly found on
2. Standard Meridian of India passes
through six states. dry and arid-leveled lands.
3. Chai Bagaan time an informal practice 2. Sheet erosion is common on steep

followed in tea gardens in Assam is two slopes.
hours ahead of IST.
3. Ravines in India are found in Madhya
Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the statements given above is/are
(b) 1 and 3 only correct?
(c) 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) None
(b) 2 only
52. Consider the following statements with (c) 2 and 3 only

reference to drought: (d) 3 only
1. A period of below-normal rainfall does
not necessarily result in drought
55. Deepor Beel is in news recently due to the
conditions.
concerns of pollution and concretisation in
2. Hydrological drought is a situation when
the water availability in different the wetland. Consider the following
storages and reservoirs falls below what statements with respect to Deepor Beel
precipitation can replenish.
wetland:
1. It is the only wetland in Assam
correct?
(a) 1 only designated as a site of importance for
(b) 2 only “conservation and sustainable use”
(c) Both 1 and 2 under the Ramsar Convention on
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Wetlands.
53. The sunlight does not penetrate into this area 2. It is a riverine wetland located in
of the ocean. The only light available at Brahmaputra Valley.
these depths is generated by organisms. This 3. Birdlife international declared Deepor
zone of the oceans is further divided into the
Beel as an Important Bird Area (IBA)
midnight zone, abyss zone, and the hadal
site.
zone. About 5% of the primary production
from the surface makes it to this zone. Which of the statements given above are
Identify the Oceanic zone from the passage correct?
given above.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(a) Limnetic
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) Aphotic
(c) Euphotic (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) Dysphotic (d) 1, 2 and 3
56. Recently, Union Government launched PM 58. Two-thirds of the world‟s volcanoes are
Poshan scheme replacing the Mid Day Meals located in the Circum-Pacific region. Which
of the following are the reasons behind it?
scheme. Which of the following provisions
1. Subduction of Pacific Plate beneath the
are part of the 'PM Poshan' programme: North American Plate.
1. Under this scheme, hot cooked meals are 2. Divergent boundary of the Pacific Plate
and the Cocos Plate.
provided to pre-primary students in
3. Subduction of Pacific Plate beneath the
addition to children studying in Classes
Indo-Australian Plate.
I-VIII. Select the correct answer using the code
2. Social Audit of the scheme is made given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
mandatory in all the districts.
(b) 2 and 3 only
3. Farmers Producer Organisations and (c) 1 and 2 only
Women Self Help Groups are allowed to (d) 1, 2 and 3
participate in the implementation of the
59. The 'Kunming Declaration', recently in the
scheme.
news, is related to
Select the correct answer using the code (a) anti-piracy and curbing armed robbery at
given below. sea.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) conservation of biodiversity.
(c) drug trafficking.
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) nuclear disarmament.
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 60. The Tropic of Capricorn does not pass
through which of the following countries?
(a) Chile
(b) Bolivia
Relief features Description (c) Madagascar
1. Guyots : Mountain with pointed (d) Mozambique
summits
61. Consider the following pairs of recently
2. Seamounts : Flat-topped submerged awarded Geographical Indications and their
mountains States:
3. Atoll : Low ring-shaped Geographical Indications State
Tagged product
island found in
1. Judima Rice Wine : Assam
tropical ocean 2. Munsyari Rajma : Rajasthan
Which of the pairs given above is/are 3. Edayur Chilli : Kerala
Which of the pairs given above are correctly
correctly matched?
matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only
62. With reference to the occurrence of Tides on 65. Consider the following statements regarding
Earth's surface, consider the following Monsoon Trough:
statements: 1. It is an elongated low-pressure area that
1. The difference between the force of extends from Pakistan to the Bay of
gravitational attraction of the sun and Bengal.
moon and the centrifugal force leads to 2. Its northward migration results in an
the generation of tides. active monsoon all over India.
2. The intensity of tides is magnified by the Which of the statements given above is/are
shape of bays and estuaries along a correct?
coastline. (a) 1 only
3. The tidal ranges are more than average (b) 2 only
at aphelion. (c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above is/are (d) Neither 1 nor 2
correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 66. Consider the following statements:
(b) 1 and 2 only 1. It is the region of descending air currents
(c) 2 only or wind divergence with anticyclonic
(d) 1 only activities.
2. The air is comparatively dry and winds
63. Consider the following statements with are calm and light.
respect to barchans dunes: 3. It is frequently referred to as the Horse
1. Transverse dunes are transformed into Latitudes.
barchan dunes. Which of the following pressure belts is
2. Leeward side of barchans dunes is being described in the above statements?
concave in plan with a steep slope. (a) Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt
Which of the statements given above is/are (b) Equatorial Low Pressure Belt
correct? (c) Temperate Low Pressure Belt
(a) 1 only (d) Polar High Pressure Belt
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 67. Consider the following statements regarding
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 the climatic regions of India according to
Koeppen‟s Scheme:
64. Consider the following statements regarding 1. Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu has
the mass movement: monsoon with dry winter.
1. Weathering is a pre-requisite for mass 2. The west coast of India south of Goa has
movement. monsoon with a short dry season.
2. Debris avalanche is a characteristic of 3. Extreme western Rajasthan has a semi-
humid regions. arid steppe climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1, 2 and 3
68. Consider the following pairs: 70. With reference to the structure of the
atmosphere, consider the following
Type of Includes
statements:
forestry
1. The column of atmosphere is divided
1. Rural : Growing trees on community into different layers depending upon the
Forestry lands in village areas distance above sea level.
2. Density of the air decreases with
2. Farm : Growing trees in farmlands
increasing altitude.
Forestry for commercial and non- 3. Almost all changes in climate and
commercial purposes weather take place in troposphere.
3. Agro- : Growing trees and
correct?
Forestry agriculture crops on the same (a) 3 only
land (b) 2 and 3 only
Which of the pairs given above is/are (c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3
correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only 71. Which of the following statements describes

(b) 3 only the „East Pacific Rise‟?
(a) It is a garbage patch located in the south-
(c) 2 only
eastern Pacific ocean.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) It is a region of excessive seaweed
growth in the Pacific ocean.
(c) It is a mid oceanic ridge located at the
69. Consider the following statements about
divergent plate boundary between Cocos
various types of vents in the earth‟s crust: and Pacific Plate.
1. In a geyser, water rises to the surface (d) It is a region of extended continental
shelf in the Pacific ocean.
without any explosion.
2. A hot spring spouts continuous hot

72. A cricket match between India and England
water. will start on 21st January at 12:30 PM Indian
3. The fumaroles are the last signs of the Standard Time in Delhi. At what time, the
same match would be seen live in California
activeness of a volcano.
(USA) which is situated at 120° West
Which of the statements given above is/are longitude? (provided that It does not take
correct? into account daylight saving time along with
other seasonal factors).
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 21st January, 11:30 PM
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 20th January, 11:00 PM
(c) 3 only (c) 22nd January, 2:00 AM
(d) 1 and 2 only (d) 21st January, 12:30 AM

73. Consider the following pairs: 76. This river originates at Pulachimalai hill in
Government Purpose the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats
programmes/ and empties into the Vembanad Lake. It is
portals
also known as 'Dakshin Bhagirathi' and the
1. PM : Holistic development of
famous Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord
GatiShakti infrastructure projects
Ayyappa is located on the banks of this
2. SPIN : Providing production
programme linked incentives to river. Western Ghats in the east, Manimala
electronic industry River on the north, Achankovil River on the
3. SACRED : Online employment south form its boundary.
Portal platform for senior Which of the following rivers is described in
citizens the passage given above?
Which of the pairs given above are correctly (a) Periyar
matched?
(b) Pampa
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Bharathappuzha
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) Kallar
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
77. Consider the following statements regarding
74. Arrange the following world climatic types Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers:
encountered in Northern hemisphere as one 1. Peninsular rivers are seasonal whereas,
moves away from Equator: Himalayan rivers are perennial in nature.
1. China Type
2. The Peninsular rivers shift their course
2. Sudan Type
more frequently than the Himalayan
3. British Type
rivers.
4. Arctic Type
Select the correct answer using the code 3. Unlike the Peninsular rivers, Himalayan
given below. rivers are old with graded profile.
(a) 1-2-3-4 Which of the statements given above is/are
(b) 2-1-3-4 correct?
(c) 1-3-2-4 (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2-3-1-4 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
75. Which of the following act as major water
(d) 1 and 3 only
divides of India?
1. Aravallis
2. Satpura 78. The key agent involved in the formation of
3. Western Ghats landforms like inselbergs, yardangs and
Select the correct answer using the code zeugen is:
given below. (a) River
(a) 3 only (b) Wind
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) Ice
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Waves
(d) None
79. Consider the following statements with 82. Which among the following statements is
reference to incoming solar radiation correct about Laterite Soils in India?
received by the earth:
(a) In India, laterite soils are found only in
1. Net energy received per unit area
the northeastern region.
increases with increase in latitude.
2. The degree of transparency of (b) They are not suitable for the cultivation
atmosphere causes variations in of tree crops.
insolation. (c) They swell and become sticky when wet
and shrink when dried.
correct?
(d) They develop in areas with high
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only temperature and high rainfall.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 83. Consider the following pairs:
Places in News Country/Region
80. What would be the consequences if the
1. Kashgar prefecture : China
earth's axis were perpendicular to the plane
of orbit? 2. Nagorno-Karabakh : South East Asia
1. Equal nights and days at all places on 3. Bhashan Char : Myanmar
the earth. Island
2. No occurrence of seasons. Which of the pairs given above is/are
3. Day of 24 hours at Arctic and Antarctic
correctly matched?
circle.
(a) 1 only
given below. (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
84. Consider the following statements about the
81. Consider the following statements regarding Karst topography:

Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO): 1. Highly fractured or folded limestone
1. It moves westward from the Pacific beds is one of the primary requirement
Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
for its development.
2. It is an equatorial traveling pattern of
2. It is also called as badlands topography.
anomalous rainfall.
3. In its active phase, MJO brings frequent 3. Stalactites and stalagmites are its
cyclonic activity and can initiate the erosional landforms.
onset of the monsoon in the tropics. Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only
(d) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only
85. Consider the following pairs: 89. The Oceanic relief feature is regarded as part
National parks River of the continent submerged due to a rise in
sea level. This area of the oceans witnesses
1. Jim Corbett : Ganga river the richest fishing grounds in the world. Due
2. Panna Tiger reserve : Ken river to their shallowness, the penetration of
sunlight makes this area plankton rich and
3. Pin valley : Spiti river
further catalyzes the growth of minute plants
4. Nameri Tiger reserve : Dibru River and microscopic organisms.
Which of the pairs given above are correctly Identify the Oceanic relief feature from the
matched? passage given above:
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) Continental slope
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) Submarine Ridge
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) Continental Shelf
(d) Deep Sea Plain
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

86. Which one of the following is not a tributary
stalagmites:
of River Kaveri?
1. Stalagmites are upward-growing mounds
(a) Hemavathi
of mineral deposits that have
(b) Amaravathi precipitated from water dripping onto
(c) Suvarnavathi the floor of a cave.
(d) Indravathi 2. The dominant mineral in stalagmite
deposits is calcium carbonate.
87. Arrange the following Ramsar sites of Which of the statements given above is/are
international importance from East to West: correct?
1. Sunderbans Wetland (a) 1 only
2. Rudra Sagar lake (b) 2 only
3. Kanwar Taal (c) Both 1 and 2
4. Kolleru lake (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Select the correct order using the code

91. India recently unveiled the Account
below.
Aggregator network. In this context,
(a) 1-2-4-3
consider the following statements:
(b) 2-1-3-4
1. Account Aggregators are RBI regulated
(c) 2-1-4-3 entities sharing digitally signed and
(d) 1-2-3-4 encrypted data.
2. Registering with an Account Aggregator
88. 'The Least Developed Countries Report' is is fully voluntary for consumers.
published annually by: 3. The Account Aggregators can read and
(a) World Bank resell the consumer data.
(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Which of the statements given above is/are
Development correct?
(c) United Nations Development (a) 1 and 2 only
Programme (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) Organisation for Economic Co-operation
(d) 1, 2 and 3
and Development
92. Consider the following statements with 95. Consider the following pairs:
respect to the 'High Ambition Coalition for Valley State
Nature and People':
1. It is an intergovernmental group with the 1. Niti Valley : Himachal Pradesh
central goal of protecting at least 30 2. Dzukou Valley : Uttarakhand
percent of world's land and ocean by 3. Araku Valley : Andhra Pradesh
2030.
2. The Coalition was initiated at the Which of the pairs given above is/are
Rio+20 summit in 2012. correctly matched?
3. India has recently joined the Coalition. (a) 1 only
correct? (b) 3 only
(a) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
93. In the context of an earthquake, consider the
Valley/hills in the news State
following statements regarding body waves
and surface waves: 1. Longtharai Hills : Assam
1. Body waves are generated at the focus 2. Lushai Hills : Mizoram
and move in all directions.
3. Jampui Hills : Meghalaya
2. Surface waves are more destructive than
body waves. Which of the pairs given above is/are
3. The velocity of waves is higher denser correctly matched?
material. (a) 2 only
correct? (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
94. With reference to the propagation of seismic Submarine Canyons:
waves in the interior of the Earth, consider
the following statements: 1. They are absent near the mouth of rivers
1. The direction of propagation of the due to sediment deposition.
waves changes across materials with
2. Absence of submarine canyons is a
different densities.
2. P-waves cannot travel through the core. unique feature of the Bay of Bengal.
3. The shadow zone of S-waves is larger Which of the statements given above is/are
than that of P-waves.
correct?
correct? (a) 1 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
98. With reference to Andaman and Nicobar

Islands, which of the following statements is
not correct?
(a) These Islands are southward extensions
of Arakan Yoma range.
(b) These islands are an elevated portion of
submarine mountains.
(c) These islands contain the only active
volcano in India.
(d) The entire group of islands is broadly
divided by the Eleventh degree channel.
99. Which of the following National Parks is/are

situated in Andaman and Nicobar Island?
1. Campbell National Park
2. Saddle Peak National Park
3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
4. Galathea National Park
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
100. Which of the following factors affect the

salinity of oceans on the Earth?
1. Wind
2. Change in the density of water
3. Influx of water from the river
4. Evaporation and precipitation
Select the correct answer from the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
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ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS
GENERAL STUDIES (P) TEST – 3485 (2022)
Q 1.C
• The earth is made up of several concentric layers. The outer layer is the earth's crust — which comprises
two distinct parts. The upper part consists of granitic rocks and forms the continents. Its main
mineral constituents are silica and alumina so it is collectively referred to as the sial. It has an
average density of 2.7. The lower part is a continuous zone of denser basaltic rocks forming the ocean
floors. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Immediately beneath the crust or lithosphere is the mantle (or mesosphere ) about 1,800 miles thick,
composed mainly of very dense rocks rich in olivine.
• The interior layer is the core, (or barysphere ) 2,160 miles in radius, and is made up mainly of iron ( Fe)
with some nickel and is called nife. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• The asthenosphere is the highly viscous, mechanically weak, and ductile region of the upper mantle
of Earth. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 2.B
• Weathering is defined as mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks through the
actions of various elements of weather and climate.
o As very little or no motion of materials takes place in weathering, it is an in-situ or on-site
process. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• There are three major groups of weathering processes :
o chemical;
o physical or mechanical;
o biological weathering processes.
o Very rarely does any one of these processes ever operate completely by itself, but quite often a
dominance of one process can be seen.
• Physical or mechanical weathering processes depend on some applied forces. The applied forces could be:
o gravitational forces such as overburden pressure, load and shearing stress;
o expansion forces due to temperature changes, crystal growth or animal activity;
o water pressures controlled by wetting and drying cycles.
 Many of these forces are applied both at the surface and within different earth materials leading to
rock fracture. Most of the physical weathering processes are caused by thermal expansion
and pressure release. These processes are small and slow but can cause great damage to the
rocks because of continued fatigue the rocks suffer due to repetition of contraction and
expansion. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Carbonation is the reaction of carbonate and bicarbonate with minerals and is a common process helping
the breaking down of feldspars and carbonate minerals. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and soil air
is absorbed by water, to form carbonic acid that acts as a weak acid. Calcium carbonates and magnesium
carbonates are dissolved in carbonic acid and are removed in a solution without leaving any residue
resulting in cave formation. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 3.C
• What is a Geyser?
o A geyser is a vent on Earth's surface that periodically ejects a column of hot water and steam. Even a
small geyser is an amazing phenomenon; however, some geysers have eruptions that blast thousands
of gallons of boiling-hot water up to a few hundred feet in the air.
o Old Faithful is the world's best-known geyser. It is located in Yellowstone National Park (USA). Old
Faithful erupts every 60 to 90 minutes and blasts a few thousand gallons of boiling-hot water between
100 and 200 feet into the air.
• Conditions Required for a Geyser
o Geysers are extremely rare features. They occur only where there is a coincidence of unusual
conditions. Worldwide there are only about 1000 geysers, and most of those are located in
Yellowstone National Park (USA).
• Countries With Active Geysers
o United States - Yellowstone National Park
o Russia - Dolina Geiserov
o Chile - El Tatio
o New Zealand - Taupo Volcanic Zone
o Iceland - Many locations
• Mount Merapi (“Mountain of Fire”) is the most active of more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia
and has repeatedly erupted with lava and gas clouds recently (August 2021). The mountain has seen
increased volcanic activity in recent weeks, with its lava dome growing rapidly, before it partially
collapsed, sending rocks and ash flowing down the volcano's southwest flank.
• Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 4.A
• Peaty soils are found in areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity, where there is a good growth of
vegetation.
• A large quantity of dead organic matter accumulates in these areas, and this gives rich humus and
organic content to the soil. Organic matter in these soils may go even up to 40-50 percent.
• These soils are normally heavy and black in color. In many places, they are alkaline also.
• It occurs widely in the northern part of Bihar, the southern part of Uttarakhand, and the coastal areas of
West Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
• Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 5.C
• The Danube River flows through the heart of central Europe and it is Europe’s second-longest river.
o It has a length of 2,857 km
o It Passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania,
Moldova, Ukraine
o It merges into the Black Sea through a delta, that is the second-largest wetland area in Europe.
• The Don river originates in Russia and flows through steppe region and finally merge into sea of Azov
which is connected to Black sea through strait of Kerch.
• The Dnieper is one of the major rivers of Europe, rising in the Valdai Hills near Smolensk, Russia,
before flowing through Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea.
o It is the longest river of Ukraine and Belarus and the fourth-longest river in Europe. The total length is
approximately 2,200 km
• Vistula River is the largest river of Poland and finally merge with Baltic sea.
o Total length of Vistula river is 1,047 kilometres
o It has great importance in eastern Europe in navigation and connect Belarus, Ukraine and Russia.
• Hence (c) is the correct answer.
Q 6.C
• Pair 1 is correctly matched: Zoji La is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas in the Indian union
territory of Ladakh. The National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh in the western section of the
Himalayan mountain range traverses the pass. Government is pushing to complete the massive Zojila
tunnel. The Zojila tunnel will allow travel between Srinagar and Ladakh throughout the year.
• Pair 2 is not correctly matched: The Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the border
between the Tawang and West Kameng districts in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It has an
elevation of 4170 m (13,700 ft) and connects the Indian Buddhist town of Tawang to Dirang and
Guwahati. The pass carries the National Highway 13 (previously NH 229), connecting Tawang with the
rest of India. The Sela Tunnel being constructed at an altitude of 13,500 feet on a strategic road in
Arunachal Pradesh will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang and ensure better movement of
troops.
• Pair 3 is not correctly matched: The Bom Di La Pass is located in the Himalayan Range in the state of
Arunachal Pradesh, India at an elevation of 2,217 m. The mountain pass connects the western perimeter of
Arunachal Pradesh with Lhasa, the erstwhile capital of the Tibetan Kingdom in the past. The mountain
pass also has Bomdila town situated by it which serves as the headquarters of West Kameng district of
Arunachal Pradesh. The town is huge Tibetan influence, with Tibetan gates, food and also a monastery.
Near the town is the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q 7.B
• The alluvial soils vary in nature from sandy loam to clay. They are generally rich in potash but poor in
phosphorous. Hence statements 2 and 3 are not correct.
• In the Upper and Middle Ganga plain, two different types of alluvial soils have developed, viz. Khadar
and Bhangar.
• Khadar is the new alluvium and is deposited by floods annually, which enriches the soil by depositing
fine silts. Bhangar represents a system of older alluvium, deposited away from the flood plains.
• Both the Khadar and Bhangar soils contain calcareous concretions (Kankars). These soils are more
loamy and clayey in the lower and middle Ganga plain and the Brahmaputra valley. Hence statement 1 is
correct.
• The sand content decreases from the west to the east.
• Alluvial soils are not very deep in nature. Black soils are very deep in nature.
• The particles that make up soil are categorized into three groups by size – sand, silt, and clay. Sand
particles are the largest and clay particles the smallest. Most soils are a combination of the three. The
relative percentages of sand, silt, and clay are what give soil its texture. A clay loam texture soil, for
example, has nearly equal parts of sand, slit, and clay. This textural separates result from the weathering
process.
Q 8.D
• A Biosphere Reserve is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and coastal areas which are
internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB)
Programme.
• Manas Biosphere reserve contains part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, and
Darang Districts in Assam.
• Sunderban Biosphere reserve contains part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, and
Darang Districts in Assam.
• Pachmarhi Biosphere reserve contains part of Betul, Hoshangabad, and Chhindwara Districts in
Madhya Pradesh.
• Nilgiri - The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a biosphere reserve in the Nilgiri mountains of the
Western Ghats in South India. It is the largest protected forest area in India, spreading across
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere reserve lies in the Anuppur and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

Q 9.D
• Bureau of Indian Standards based on the past seismic history grouped the country into four seismic zones
as Zone-II, III, IV, and V. Of these, Zone V is the most seismically active region, while zone II is the
least active.
• Broadly, Zone-V comprises of entire northeastern India, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttaranchal, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, parts of North Bihar, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Zone-IV covers the remaining parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Union Territory of
Delhi, Sikkim, northern parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, parts of Gujarat, and small
portions of Maharashtra near the west coast and Rajasthan.
• Zone-III comprises Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep islands, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and
West Bengal, parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra,
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, and Karnataka.
• Zone-II covers the remaining parts of the country.
• Guwahati falls in Zone- V.
• Delhi falls in Zone- IV.
• Goa falls in Zone-III
• Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 10.D
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution
and specialized United Nations agency based in Rome, the UN’s food and agriculture hub. Since 1978,
we have provided US$23.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached an
estimated 518 million people. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invests in rural
people, empowering them to increase their food security, improve the nutrition of their families and
increase their incomes. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• IFAD is the only multilateral development institution that focuses exclusively on transforming rural
economies and food systems. It works in remote regions of developing countries and fragile situations,
where few aid agencies or international financial institutions venture. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• IFAD publishes the Rural Development Report annually. Rural Development Report 2021 calls for a
revolutionary transformation of the world’s food systems. The 2021 report is focussed on the
theme 'Transforming Food Systems for Rural Prosperity'. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• In the context of recent food crisis in Sri Lanka, the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD) and Sri Lanka are working together to promote the island’s agriculture-based
economy.
• IFAD recently released report titled 'Transforming Food Systems for Rural Prosperity'. In this
report, IFAD observed Transforming global food systems to become more inclusive, fair and sustainable
may seem an insurmountable challenge, but there are concrete actions policymakers can take.
Q 11.C
• Earthquakes are recorded by a seismographic network. There are many different ways to measure
different aspects of an earthquake:
o The earthquake events are scaled either according to the magnitude or intensity of the shock.
Magnitude is the most common measure of an earthquake's size. The magnitude relates to the
energy released during the earthquake. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
o Intensity is a measure of the shaking and damage caused by the earthquake; this value changes from
location to location. The intensity scale takes into account the visible damage caused by the
event. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
o The magnitude scale is known as the Richter scale. The magnitude is expressed in absolute numbers,
0-10. The intensity scale is named after Mercalli, an Italian seismologist. The range of intensity scale
is from 1-12. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 12.A
• Exfoliation is a result of weathering. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Various minerals in rocks possess their own limits of expansion and contraction. With rise in temperature
every mineral expands and pushes against its neighbour and as temperature falls, a corresponding
contraction takes places because of diurnal changes in the temperature, this internal movement among the
mineral grains of the superficial layers of rocks takes place regularly.
o Exfoliation tors: This process is most effective in dry climates and high elevations where diurnal
temperature changes are drastic. However, these movements are very small, they make the rocks
weak due to continued fatigue. The surface layers of the rocks tend to expand more than the rocks at
depth resulting in heaving and fracturing parallel to the surface and their subsequent exfoliation from
the surface results in smooth rounded surfaces in rocks . In rocks like granites, smooth surfaced and
rounded small to big boulders called tors form due to such exfoliation. Hence, statement 3 is not
correct.
• Exfoliation domes are formed due to unloading and expansion. Removal of overlying rock load
because of continued erosion causes vertical pressure release with the result that the upper layers the rock
expand producing disintegration of rock masses. Fracture will develop roughly parallel to the ground
surface. It can be measured hundred or thousands of metres. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 13.C
• Pair 1 is not correctly matched: Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the
heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level. Spread on both sides of the river
Jhelum the city is famous for its natural beauty, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. Srinagar is called
the city of lakes and the Venice of the East, fascinating tourists from centuries with its beautiful
picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the
majesty of Mughal architecture.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched: Kota formerly known as Kotah, is the 25th largest district in the northern
Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 240 kilometers (149 mi) south of state capital, Jaipur. Situated on
the banks of Chambal River, and has been identified as a counter-magnet city for the National Capital
Region to attract migrants and develop as an alternative centre of growth to Delhi. It is 47th most
populous city of India. Kota is famous for its coaching institutes for engineering and medical entrance
exams. It is also called "Education City of India".
• Pair 3 is correctly matched: Silchar, city, southern Assam state, northeastern India. It is the second-
largest city in the state of Assam and is the headquarters of Cachar district. About 90% of the population
here consist of Bengalis who speak the local Sylhet language. It is situated on the Barak River near the
Bangladesh border.
• Pair 4 is not correctly matched: Set in an awesome boulder-strewn landscape along the banks of
the Tungabhadra River, Hampi was the capital city of the magnificent capital of the mighty
Vijayanagara Empire. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this historic town is also the
“World’s Largest Open-air Museum” and covers an area of nearly 29 sq km.
Q 14.A
• In winter months, the weather conditions over India are generally influenced by the distribution of
pressure in Central and Western Asia. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• A high pressure centre in the region lying to the north of the Himalayas develops during winter.
• This centre of high pressure gives rise to the flow of air at the low level from the north towards the Indian
subcontinent, south of the mountain range.
• The surface winds blowing out of the high pressure centre over Central Asia reach India in the form of a
dry continental air mass.
• These continental winds come in contact with trade winds over northwestern India.
• The western cyclonic disturbances which enter the Indian subcontinent from the west and the northwest
during the winter months, originate over the Mediterranean Sea and are brought into India by
the westerly jet stream. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• All of Western and Central Asia remains under the influence of westerly winds along the altitude of 9-13
km from west to east. These winds blow across the Asian continent at latitudes north of the Himalayas
roughly parallel to the Tibetan highlands. These are known as jet streams.
• Tibetan highlands act as a barrier in the path of these jet streams.
• As a result, jet streams get bifurcated and One of its branches blows to the north of the Tibetan
highlands, while the southern branch blows in an eastward direction, south of the Himalayas. It has its
mean position at 25°N in February at 200-300 mb level. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• It is believed that this southern branch of the jet stream exercises an important influence on the winter
weather in India
Q 15.B
• The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is composed of 265 big and small islands (203 Andaman islands +
62 Nicobar Islands) that extend from 6° 45' N to 13° 45' N and from 92° 10' E to 94° 15' E for a distance
of about 590 km. Port Blair, the capital of Andaman Nicobar Islands, lies in the South Andaman. The
Andaman Islands are divided into three main islands, i.e. North, Middle and South. Duncan passage
separates Little Andaman from South Andaman. The Great Andaman group of islands in the north
is separated by the Ten Degree Channel from the Nicobar group in the south. The Great Nicobar is
the largest island among the Nicobar Islands and it is the southernmost island and is very close to the
Sumatra island of Indonesia. Most of these islands are made of tertiary sandstone, limestone and shale
resting on volcanoes that are similar to Himalayas.
Q 16.D
• River capture is also known as river piracy or river beheading. Its development is dependant on the
different rate of back-cutting (headward erosion) into a divide. For instance, if one side of the divide is of
greater gradient or receives more precipitation than the other, stream A in Fig. will cut back more rapidly
than stream B. Its greater erosive power will succeed in enlarging its basin at the expense of the weaker
stream. Stream A may eventually break through the divide and capture or pirate stream B.
• The bend at which the piracy occurred is termed as the elbow of capture. The beheaded stream (Z) is
called the misfit.
• The valley below the elbow is the wind gap, and may be valuable as a road and rail route. Hence option
(d) is the correct answer.
• Examples of river capture abound, In Burma, the Upper Sittang has been captured by the Irrawaddy; in
Northumberland. England, the Blyth and the Wansbeck are beheaded by the North Tyne.
Q 17.D
• Our solar system consists of the sun (the star), 8 planets, 63 moons, millions of smaller bodies like
asteroids and comets and huge quantity of dust-grains and gases. Out of the eight planets, mercury, venus,
earth and mars are called as the inner planets as they lie between the sun and the belt of asteroids the other
four planets are called the outer planets.
o Alternatively, the first four are called Terrestrial, meaning earth-like as they are made up of rock and
metals, and have relatively high densities.
o The rest four are called Jovian or Gas Giant planets. Jovian means jupiter -like. Most of them are
much larger than the terrestrial planets and have thick atmosphere, mostly of helium and hydrogen.
• The difference between terrestrial and jovian planets can be attributed to the following conditions:
o The terrestrial planets were formed in the close vicinity of the parent star where it was too warm for
gases to condense to solid particles. Jovian planets were formed at quite a distant location. Hence
statement 1 is correct.
o The solar wind was most intense nearer the sun; so, it blew off lots of gas and dust from the terrestrial
planets. The solar winds were not all that intense to cause similar removal of gases from the Jovian
planets. Hence statement 2 is correct.
o The terrestrial planets are smaller and their lower gravity could not hold the escaping gases. Hence
Q 18.B
• The Lukha river is located in the southern part of east Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It receives water
from the Lunar river (Wah Lunar) and small streams draining from the Narpuh Reserve Forest and the
undulating hills of the area while flowing down. The river passes via the Sonapur village and then into the
Surma valley and ultimately ends up in the flood plains of Bangladesh. Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
o The Lukha river is in the East Jaintia Hills district where most of Meghalaya’s rat-hole coal
mines are located. The river was considered toxic beyond redemption due to contamination from acid
mine drainage and run off from the coal mines. Recently, the Meghalaya Government claimed that
the pilot project to rejuvenate the Lukha by using algae to remove toxic contents from the water has
become a success. The detoxification process is called phycoremediation.
• Chalakudy River is the fifth longest river in Kerala. It originates in the Anamalai hills. The riparian
forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of
plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species. The famous waterfalls, Athirappilly Falls
and Vazhachal Falls, are situated on this river. It merges with the Periyar River. Recently, the
Kerala government has called off the proposed 163-megwatt Athirappilly hydroelectric power project
on the Chalakudy river basin. The decision came amid mounting opposition from environmentalists and
tribal organisations against the construction in the biodiverse and state’s only riverine forest. Hence
• The Sabarmati flows from Aravalli hill ranges in Rajasthan and meanders through Rajasthan and
Gujarat. Wakal, Sei, Harnav, Hathmati, and Watrak are small tributaries of Sabarmati in Gujarat.
Recently, a study conducted by a team of researchers from International Water Association concluded
that Water Quality Index of the river remains very poor. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 19.C
• Nor Westers are dreaded evening thunderstorms in Bengal and Assam. Hence statement 2 is not
correct.
• Their notorious nature can be understood from the local nomenclature of ‘Kalbaisakhi’, a calamity of the
month of Baisakh. These showers are useful for tea, jute and rice cultivation.
• In Assam, these storms are known as “Bardoli Chheerha”
• Mango showers are a different local storm that occur towards the end of summer.
• These are pre-monsoon showers which are common phenomena in Kerala and coastal areas of Karnataka
and locally, they are known as mango showers since they help in the early ripening of mangoes.
Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Q 20.D
• Water erosion takes place mainly in the form of sheet and gully erosion. Running water is one of the
main agents, which carries away soil particles.
• Sheet erosion takes place on level lands after a heavy shower and the soil removal is not easily noticeable.
• Gully erosion is common on steep slopes. Gullies deepen with rainfall, cut the agricultural lands into
small fragments, and make them unfit for cultivation.
• Efforts should be made to prevent gully erosion and control their formation. Finger gullies (smaller in
size) can be eliminated by terracing. It is a method of farming consisting of building small stepped
platforms along a slope.
• In bigger gullies, the erosive velocity of water may be reduced by constructing a series of check dams.
Check dams are constructed across the gully bed to stop channel and lateral erosion. By reducing the
original gradient of the gully channel, check dams diminish the velocity of water flow and the erosive
power of run-off.
• When a gully bed is eroded further due to headward erosion, the bed gradually deepens and flattens out,
and a ravine is formed. The depth of a ravine may extend to 30 metres or more. Special attention should
be made to control headward extension of gullies. This can be done by gully plugging, terracing, or by
planting cover vegetation.
Q 21.B
• The changes in the pressure conditions over the southern oceans affect the monsoons. Normally when the
tropical eastern south Pacific Ocean experiences high pressure, the tropical eastern Indian Ocean
experiences low pressure. But in certain years, there is a reversal in the pressure conditions and the eastern
Pacific has lower pressure in comparison to the eastern Indian Ocean. This periodic change in pressure
conditions is known as the Southern Oscillation or SO. The difference in pressure over Tahiti (Pacific
Ocean, 18°S/149°W) and Darwin in northern Australia (Indian Ocean, 12°30’S/131°E) is computed to
predict the intensity of the monsoons. If the pressure differences were negative, it would mean below
average and late monsoons. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• A feature connected with the SO is the El Nino. EI-Nino is a complex weather system that appears once
every three to seven years, bringing drought, floods, and other weather extremes to different parts of the
world. The system involves oceanic and atmospheric phenomena with the appearance of warm currents
off the coast of Peru in the Eastern Pacific and affects weather in many places including India. EI-Nino is
merely an extension of the warm equatorial current which gets replaced temporarily by cold Peruvian
current or Humbolt current.
• This current increases the temperature of the water on the Peruvian coast by 10°C. This results in:
o the distortion of equatorial atmospheric circulation;
o irregularities in the evaporation of seawater;
o reduction in the amount of planktons which further reduces the number of fish in the sea.
• EI-Nino is used in India for forecasting long-range monsoon rainfall. The EI-Nino has been generally
known to suppress monsoon rainfall in India. El Nino years tend to be drier than average. Hence
Q 22.D
• Hence option (d) is the correct answer
Q 23.A
• The Indian Oceans' winter monsoon (Northeast Monsoon), which lasts from October to April, is less well-
known than its rainy summer equivalent. The dry winter monsoon blows from the northeast. These winds
start in the air above Mongolia and northwestern China.
• Winter monsoons do not cause rainfall as they move from land to the sea.
• It is because firstly, they have little humidity; and secondly, due to anticyclonic circulation on
land, the possibility of rainfall from them reduces. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• So, most parts of India do not have rainfall in the winter season. But winter monsoon causes heavy rainfall
in Tamil Nadu. This is because the winds pass over Bay of Bengal, picking up moisture in the process.
Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 24.B
• Both the Fohn wind and Chinook wind are dry winds experienced on the leeward sides of the
mountains when descending air becomes compressed with increased pressure. Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
• The Fohn wind is experienced in the valleys of the northern Alps, particularly in Switzerland in
spring. Chinook winds are experienced in the eastern slopes of the Rockies in the USA and Canada in
winter.
• Fohn wind may raise the temperature by 15 to 30 degree Fahrenheit within an hour. It melts snow and
causes avalanches.
• In North America, it is called Chinook meaning snow eater. It hastens the growth of crops and
fruits and thaws the snow covered pastures. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• In the Rockies, the Chinook has been known to raise temperature by 35 degree Fahrenheit within 15
minutes. The occurrence of frequent Chinooks means winter is mild.
Q 25.C
• Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts
of the Deccan Plateau. Along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats, a long stretch of area is
occupied by red loamy soil. Yellow and red soils are also found in parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and
in the southern parts of the middle Ganga plain.
• The soil develops a reddish color due to a wide diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
• The fine-grained red soils are normally fertile, whereas coarse-grained soils found in dry upland areas are
poor infertility. They are generally poor in nitrogen, phosphorous, and humus. Hence option (c) is the
correct answer.
Q 26.C
• Southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala around 1st June.
• It advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country around 15th July.
• The Northern Most Limit (NLM) is the northern most limit of monsoon upto which it has advanced
on any given day. Hence option (c) is correct answer.
Q 27.A
• Recently, RBI reported that the outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme
(LRS) for individuals rose about 31 per cent year-on-year (yoy) in July 2021 to $1.31 billion, mainly
on the back of increase in expenses towards studies and travel.
• Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, all resident individuals, including minors, are allowed
to freely remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or
capital account transaction or a combination of both. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Scheme was introduced in 2004, with a limit of USD 25,000. The LRS limit has been revised in
stages consistent with prevailing macro and micro economic conditions.
• In case of remitter being a minor, the LRS declaration form must be countersigned by the minor’s natural
guardian. The Scheme is not available to corporates, partnership firms, HUF, Trusts etc. Hence
statement 2 is not correct.
• The remittance facility under the Scheme is not available for the following:
o Remittance for activities like purchase of lottery tickets/sweep stakes, proscribed magazines, etc.
o Remittances for purchase of FCCBs issued by Indian companies in the overseas secondary market.
o Remittance for trading in foreign exchange abroad.
o Capital account remittances, directly or indirectly, to countries identified by the Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) as “non- cooperative countries and territories”, from time to time.
Q 28.B
• The orographic rainfall occurs due to the ascent of air forced by the mountain barrier. The mountain
barrier should be across the wind direction. So that the moist air is forced in obstruction to move upward
and get cooled.
• Orographic rainfall happens when the saturated air mass comes across a mountain, it is forced to rise.
• The rising air expands, eventually, the temperature falls, and the moisture gets condensed. The principal
characteristic of this type of rain is that the windward slopes get more rainfall.
• After giving rain on the windward side, when these winds reach the other slope, they drop away, and their
temperature increases. Then their ability to take in moisture increases and hence, these leeward slopes
remain dry and rainless. The region situated on the leeward side is known as the rain-shadow area.
• As the summer (wet) monsoons approach the West Coast of India, they rise up the western Ghats
(mountains) and the air cools. This cool air is less able to hold moisture and it is released as rainfall.
This is called OROGRAPHIC RAINFALL. Orographic means that it is related to mountains.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 29.D
• International Energy Agency (IEA) has invited India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, to
become its full-time member. India in March 2017 became an associate member of the Paris-based
body which advises industrialised nations on energy policies.
• The IEA was founded in 1974 by industrialised countries - within the framework of the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) - in response to the oil embargo. IEA is made
up of 30 member countries and eight associate nations. Starting in 2015, the IEA has been opening its
doors to major emerging economies that are at the centre of the global conversation on energy.
• Criteria for membership:
o A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the OECD. Hence statement 1 is
correct.
o In addition, it must demonstrate several requirements. These are:
 Crude oil and/or product reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year’s net imports, to
which the government has immediate access and could be used to address disruptions to global oil
supply; Hence statement 2 is correct.
 A demand restraint programme to reduce national oil consumption by up to 10%; Hence
 Legislation and organisation to operate the Co-ordinated Emergency Response Measures (CERM)
on a national basis;
 Legislation and measures to ensure that all oil companies under its jurisdiction report information
upon request;
 Measures in place to ensure the capability of contributing its share of an IEA collective action.
• At present India has oil reserves equal to 74 days and strategic oil reserves equal to 9.5 days of its
requirements.
Q 30.B
• The Intertropical Convergence Zone, or ITCZ, is the region that circles the Earth, near the equator, where
the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together. Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
• It is a low pressure zone.
• The intense sun and warm water of the equator heats the air in the ITCZ, raising its humidity and making
it buoyant. Aided by the convergence of the trade winds, the buoyant air rises. As the air rises it expands
and cools, releasing the accumulated moisture in an almost perpetual series of thunderstorms.
• Seasonal shifts in the location of the ITCZ drastically affects rainfall in many equatorial nations, resulting
in the wet and dry seasons of the tropics rather than the cold and warm seasons of higher latitudes. Longer
term changes in the ITCZ can result in severe droughts or flooding in nearby areas. Hence statement 2
is correct.
• In July, the ITCZ is located around 20°N-25°N latitudes (over the Gangetic plain), sometimes called the
monsoon trough.
• This monsoon trough encourages the development of thermal low over north and northwest India.
• Due to the shift of ITCZ, the trade winds of the southern hemisphere cross the equator between 40° and
60°E longitudes and start blowing from southwest to northeast due to the Coriolis force. It becomes
southwest monsoon.
• In winter, the ITCZ moves southward, and so the reversal of winds from northeast to south and
southwest, takes place. They are called northeast monsoons. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
Q 31.A
• Oceanic Deposits on the Ocean Floor
• Muds: These are terrigenous deposits as they are derived from land. They are mainly deposited on the
continental shelves.
• Oozes: These are pelagic deposits as they are derived from the oceans. They are made of shelly &
skeletal remains of marine microorganisms with calcareous or siliceous parts. Oozes have a very
fine, flour-like texture which either occurs as accumulated deposits or float as suspension.
• Clays: These occur mainly as red clays in the deeper parts of ocean Basins. They are particularly abundant
in the Pacific Ocean. Red clay is believed to be an accumulation of volcanic dust blown out from
volcanoes during volcanic eruptions.
• Hence option (a) is the correct answer
Q 32.A
Ocean currents are the most important ocean movements because of their influence on the climatology of
various regions. Ocean currents are like river flow in oceans. They represent a regular volume of water in a
definite path and direction. Ocean currents can also be classified based on temperature: as cold currents and
warm currents.
• Cold currents bring cold water into warm water areas. These currents are usually found on the west
coast of the continents in the low and middle latitudes (true in both hemispheres) and on the east
coast in the higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Warm currents bring warm water into cold water areas and are usually observed on the east coast of
continents in the low and middle latitudes (true in both hemispheres). In the northern hemisphere, they are
found on the west coasts of continents in high latitudes.
• Currents are referred to by their “drift”. Usually, the currents are strongest near the surface and may
attain speeds over five knots. At depths, currents are generally slow with speeds less than 0.5
knots. We refer to the speed of a current as of its “drift.” Drift is measured in terms of knots. The strength
of a current refers to the speed of the current. A fast current is considered strong. A current is usually
strongest at the surface and decreases in strength (speed) with depth. Most currents have speeds less than
or equal to 5 knots. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• The mixing of warm and cold currents help to replenish the oxygen and favour the growth of
planktons, the primary food for the fish population. The best fishing grounds of the world exist mainly in
these mixing zones. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 33.C
• Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chhattisgarh and derives its name from the most
prominent features of the area - Tamor Hill and Pingla Nalla. It is surrounded by the Moran River in
the northern boundary while the eastern boundary is guarded by BongaNalla and Rihand River flows in
the western boundary. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
• Sal and bamboo forests cover the entire forest making it lush green all over. The fauna of the sanctuary is
wide and varied with animals like Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, bears, Sambar deer
etc.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved the Chhattisgarh government’s proposal
to declare the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife
Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve. The new Reserve is located in the northern part of the state, bordering
Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. This will be the fourth Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, after the Udanti-
Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati Reserves.
Q 34.A
• Recently the supreme court held that an institution’s right to government aid is not a fundamental
right. This has an important impact on the interpretation of Article 30 of the Indian Constitution. The
Supreme Court observed that “Whether it is an institution run by the majority or the minority, all
conditions that have relevance to the proper utilisation of the grant-in-aid by an educational institution can
be imposed. All that Article 30(2) states is that on the ground that an institution is under the management
of a minority, whether based on religion or language, grant of aid to that educational institution cannot be
discriminated against, if other educational institutions are entitled to receive aid'.
• In 2006, the 93rd Constitution Amendment Act inserted Clause (5) in Article 15 which enabled the
State to create special provisions, such as reservations for advancement of any backward classes of
citizens like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, in all aided or unaided educational institutes, except
minority educational institutes. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Article 30 of the Constitution states the right of minorities to establish and administer educational
institutions, with a view to provide opportunities to children from different religious and linguistic
minority communities to have and conserve a distinct culture, script and language. Subsequently, in 2012,
through an amendment, the institutions imparting religious education were exempted from following
the Right To Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Later on, in 2014, while discussing the validity of exemption
under Article 15 (5), the Supreme Court declared the RTE Act inapplicable to schools with minority
status with the view that the Act should not interfere with the right of minorities to establish and
administer institutions of their choice. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 35.D
• The Eastern Ghats also known as Mahendra Parvatam in the south, are a discontinuous range of
mountains along India's eastern coast. They are eroded and cut through by the four major rivers of
peninsular India, known as the Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and Kaveri.
• The geographical extent of the Eastern Ghats is about 75,000 kilometres, spread over the states of Odisha
(25 %), Andhra Pradesh (40%), Telangana (5%), Karnataka (5%) and Tamil Nadu (25%).
• The mountain ranges run parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The Deccan Plateau lies to the west of the range,
between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. The coastal plains, including the Coromandel Coast
region, lie between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. The Eastern Ghats are not as high as the
Western Ghats.
• Some of the important ranges include the Javadi hills, the Palconda range, the Nallamala hills, the
Mahendragiri hills, etc. The Eastern and the Western Ghats meet each other at the Nilgiri hills.
Mahendragiri (1,501 metres) is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats. Shevroy Hills and the Javadi Hills
are located to the southeast of the Eastern Ghats.
• Anaimudi’ (2,695 m), the highest peak of Peninsular plateau is located on the Anaimalai hills of the
Western Ghats followed by Dodabetta (2,637 m) on the Nilgiri hills.
• Hence, option (d) is correct answer.
Q 36.D
• Shield Volcanoes:
o Barring the basalt flows, the shield volcanoes are the largest of all the volcanoes on the earth. The
Hawaiian volcanoes are the most famous examples.
o These volcanoes are mostly made up of basalt, a type of lava that is very fluid when erupted. For this
reason, these volcanoes are not steep.
o They become explosive if somehow water gets into the vent; otherwise, they are characterised by low-
explosivity. The upcoming lava moves in the form of a fountain and throws out the cone at the top of
the vent and develops into cinder cone.
• Composite Volcanoes:
o These volcanoes are characterised by eruptions of cooler and more viscous lavas than basalt.
o These volcanoes often result in explosive eruptions. Along with lava, large quantities of pyroclastic
material and ashes find their way to the ground. This material accumulates in the vicinity of the vent
openings leading to formation of layers, and this makes the mounts appear as composite volcanoes.
• Caldera:
o These are the most explosive of the earth’s volcanoes. They are usually so explosive that when they
erupt they tend to collapse on themselves rather than building any tall structure. The collapsed
depressions are called calderas. Their explosiveness indicates that the magma chamber supplying the
lava is not only huge but is also in close vicinity.
• Flood Basalt Provinces:
o These volcanoes outpour highly fluid lava that flows for long distances. Some parts of the world are
covered by thousands of sq. km of thick basalt lava flows. There can be a series of flows with some
flows attaining thickness of more than 50 m. Individual flows may extend for hundreds of km.
o The Deccan Traps from India, presently covering most of the Maharashtra plateau, are a much
larger flood basalt province. It is believed that initially the trap formations covered a much larger
area than the present.
• Batholiths:
o A large body of magmatic material that cools in the deeper depth of the crust develops in the form
of large domes.
o They appear on the surface only after the denudational processes remove the overlying materials.
o They cover large areas, and at times, assume depth that may be several km.
o These are granitic bodies. Batholiths are the cooled portion of magma chambers.
• Volcanoes do not typically occur at transform boundaries. One of the reasons for this is that there is
little or no magma available at the plate boundary. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 37.B
• The Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) under MoEFCC, in its pursuit of
“Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India embarked upon a highly acclaimed & flagship
program “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its ICZM
(Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project. This was aimed at striving for the coveted International
eco-label "Blue flag”, accorded by The Foundation of Environment Education, FEE Denmark.
• The objective of the BEAMS program is to abate pollution in coastal waters & beaches, promote
sustainable development of beach amenities/ facilities, protect & conserve coastal ecosystems &
natural resources and encourage local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of
cleanliness, hygiene, safety and security for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment norms &
regulations. This program promotes beach tourism and recreation in absolute harmony with nature; and is
unique in that sense.
Q 38.B
• The ocean currents may be classified based on their depth as surface currents and deep water
currents :
o Surface currents constitute about 10 per cent of all the water in the ocean, these waters are the upper
400 m of the ocean.
o Deep water currents make up the other 90 per cent of the ocean water.
 These waters move around the ocean basins due to variations in the density and gravity.
 Deep waters sink into the deep ocean basins at high latitudes, where the temperatures are cold
enough to cause the density to increase.
• Ocean currents can also be classified based on temperature as cold currents and warm currents:
o Cold current:
 It brings cold water into warm water areas.
 These currents are usually found on the west coast of the continents in the low and middle
latitudes (true in both hemispheres) and on the east coast in the higher latitudes in the Northern
Hemisphere.
o Warm currents:
 It brings warm water into cold water areas and are usually observed on the east coast of continents
in the low and middle latitudes (true in both hemispheres).
 In the northern hemisphere they are found on the west coasts of continents in high latitudes.
• Labrador Current:
o This current drifts south-eastwards between West Greenland and Baffin Island of Canada.
o This current meets the warm Gulf Stream off Newfoundland of Canada.
o It is a cold current.
• Canaries Current:
o It flows southwards along the coasts of Europe and Africa, to finally merge with the North Equatorial
Current.
o Since it receives water from the polar regions, it is a cold current.
• Kuroshio Current:
o The North Equatorial Current under the influence of the North-east Tradewinds flows off the coasts of
Philippines and Formosa as the Kuroshio current in the East China Sea.
o This is also known as Kuru Siwo or Japan Current.
o Most of it lies in the subtropical high-pressure belt and is under the influence of the westerlies.
o Since it carries the equatorial waters, it is a Warm current.
Warm Ocean Currents Cold Ocean Currents

• North Equatorial Current
• Humboldt or Peruvian Current
• Kuroshio Current
• Kurile or Oyashio Current
• North Pacific Drift
• California Current
• Equatorial Counter Current
• Antarctic Circumpolar Current or West Wind Drift
• South Equatorial Current
• Labrador Current
• East Australian Current
• Canary Current
• Gulf Stream
• Eastern Greenland Current
• Irminger Current
• Benguela Current
• Brazilian Current
• Falkland Current
• Agulhas Current
• Western Australian Current
• Southwest Monsoon Current
Q 39.C
• Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma) from beneath the
earth's crust. They are normally crystalline in structure. They do not occur in strata layers nor do they
contain fossils. Igneous rocks may be sub-divided on the basis of mineral composition.
o When they contain a high proportion of silica they are said to be acid. Acid igneous rocks, such as
granite, are less dense and are lighter in colour than basic rocks. These contain a greater
proportion of basic oxides, e.g. of iron, aluminium or magnesium, and are thus denser and darker in
colour.
• Plutonic rocks:
o These are igneous rocks formed at some depth in the earth’s crust. They have cooled and solidified
slowly so that large, easily-recognised crystals have been able to form. These intrusive rocks, such as
granite, diorite and gabbro are exposed at the surface by the process of denudation and erosion.
 Basalt is a common volcanic or extrusive rock and forms lava flows, lava sheets and lava
plateau, e.g. those of Antrim in Northern Ireland, the Deccan Plateau in India and the Columbia-
snake Plateau in USA.
• In the process of metamorphism in some rocks grains or minerals get arranged in layers or lines. Such an
arrangement of minerals or grains in metamorphic rocks is called foliation or lineation. Sometimes
minerals or materials of different groups are arranged into alternating thin to thick layers appearing in
light and dark shades. Such a structure in metamorphic rocks is called banding and rocks displaying
banding are called banded rocks. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
• Aluminium, calcium, silica, iron, magnesium are the major elements of amphiboles. They form 7 per
cent of the earth's crust. It is in green or black colour and is used in asbestos industry. Hornblende is
another form of amphiboles.
Q 40.B
• The temperature of surface water decreases from the equator toward the poles because the sun’s rays
become more and more slanting and thus the amount of insolation decreases poleward accordingly. The
temperature of surface water between 40°N and 40°S is lower than air temperature but it becomes higher
than air temperature between 40°Latitude and the poles in both the hemispheres.
• The temperature of ocean water varies in the northern and the southern hemispheres because of the
dominance of land in the northern hemisphere and water in the southern hemisphere. As far as the surface
temperature is concerned, it has the following implications:
o The oceans in the northern hemisphere receive more heat due to their contact with a larger
extent of land than their counterparts in the southern hemisphere and thus the temperature of
surface water is comparatively higher in the northern hemisphere than in the southern
hemisphere. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
o The temperature in the enclosed seas in low latitudes becomes higher because of the influence of
surrounding land areas than the open seas e.g., the average annual temperature of surface water at the
equator is 26.7°C whereas it is 37.8°C in the Red Sea and 34.4°C (94°F) in the Persian Gulf.
• Wind direction largely affects the distribution of temperature of ocean water. The local winds blowing
from the land towards the oceans and seas (i.e. offshore winds) drive warm surface water away from
the coast resulting in the upwelling of cold bottom water from below. Thus, the replacement of warm
water by cold water introduces longitudinal variation in temperature. Contrary to this, the onshore
winds pile up warm water near the coast and thus raise the temperature. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• About 90 percent of the total volume of water is found below the thermocline in the deep ocean. In
this zone, temperatures approach 0° C. A thermocline is the transition layer between warmer mixed water
at the ocean's surface and cooler deep water below. ... In the thermocline, temperature decreases rapidly
from the mixed upper layer of the ocean (called the epipelagic zone) to much colder deep water in the
thermocline (mesopelagic zone). Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 41.A
• Correct sequence from north to south is Kimberley Plateau- Simpson Desert - Lake Eyre-Murray River.
Q 42.D
• The mainland of India, extends from Kashmir in the north to Kanniyakumari in the south and Arunachal
Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west. India’s territorial limit further extends towards the sea upto 12
nautical miles (about 21.9 km) from the coast. Our southern boundary extends upto 6°45' N latitude in
the Bay of Bengal.
• A landlocked state is a state entirely enclosed by land or whose coastlines lie on closed seas. Access to
water bodies accords benefits which is not the case of landlocked states. In India, there are 20 landlocked
states. Of these, five do not have an international boundary. These are Chhattisgarh, Haryana,
Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Four Northeast Indian states share the border with Myanmar: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland,
Mizoram, and Manipur. Whereas, Nepal shares a border of about 1850 km with five Indian States -
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• India's longest border is with Bangladesh while the shortest border is with Afghanistan. Bangladesh and
India share a 4,096-kilometer (2,545-mile) long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the
world. Hence, option (d) is correct.
Q 43.C
• Difference between Extra-tropical and tropical cyclones
• There are a lot of minor details, particularly with extratropical storm formation, which is considerably
more complex than tropical storm formation. Upper level winds fuel a mid-latitude cyclone but can
tear a tropical one apart
• Extratropical storms usually disintegrate after a couple days due to an occlusion, but tropical
storms can exist for a much longer time.
• And the biggest difference, is that tropical cyclones have no fronts. They get their energy from
warm air. Extratropical cyclones start because two air masses come together and form a front.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Extra tropical cyclones cover a larger area and can originate over the land and sea Whereas the tropical
cyclones originate only over the seas and on reaching the land they dissipate.
• The extra tropical cyclone affects a much larger area as compared to the tropical cyclone. The wind
velocity in a tropical cyclone is much higher and it is more destructive. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
• The extra tropical cyclones move from west to east but tropical cyclones, move from east to west.
Q 44.B
• Jet streams are concentrated narrow bands of fast flowing and strong winds in the upper troposphere of
the earth that significantly affect global weather phenomena. There are three types of jet streams:
• Polar jet stream – between Ferrel and Polar cells
• Sub-Tropical jet stream – between Hadley and Ferrel cells
• Temporary jet streams – e.g.- Somali Jet Stream, Tropical Easterly Jet Stream
• Properties- Geostrophic winds – due to Coriolis force, they blow in a direction perpendicular to the
pressure gradient force. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Circumpolar – circle around the earth with poles as their centres
• Westerlies – i.e. blow in west to east direction
• Rossby waves because of meandering path
• High velocity – 150-250 kmph
• Upper atmospheric wind circulation – blow just below the tropopause
• Role of Jet Streams in Weather Phenomenon - Help in maintenance of latitudinal heat balance by
mass exchange of air. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Influence the weather of mid-latitudes by influencing the path of temperate cyclones and the distribution
of precipitation.
• Impact the movement of air masses, which may cause prolonged drought or flood conditions. Eg. polar
vortex cold wave over North America in 2014 winters.
• Role of Jet Streams in Rainfall in India-
• Sub-tropical jet stream and some temporary jet streams together influence Indian Monsoon patterns,
winter rainfall and tropical cyclones.
• Winter rainfall: The Sub-Tropical westerly jet stream transports the western disturbances
(temperate cyclones) originating over the Mediterranean Sea and brings rain to northwestern
regions of India – Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh.
• Southwest monsoon: The sub-tropical jet stream and easterly jet stream play an important role in the
monsoon system of India.
• The withdrawal of sub-tropical jet stream from the south of Himalayas paves the way for the onset of
monsoon in Indian sub-continent.
• The easterly jet stream steers the tropical depressions into India, which play a significant role in the
distribution of rainfall during the SW monsoon period.
• Tropical cyclones – The Easterly jet stream steers tropical depressions and cyclones from the Pacific
ocean towards Indian Ocean region causing rainfall predominantly over the eastern coastal region. Eg.
cyclone Mora in 2017.
Q 45.D
• Alluvial soils are widespread in the northern plains and the river valleys. These soils cover about 40
percent of the total area of the country.
• Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and some parts of Tamil Nadu. They cover around 16 percent of the total area
of the country.
• Arid soils are characteristically developed in western Rajasthan, which exhibits characteristic arid
topography. They cover around 4.42 percent of the total area of the country.
• The laterite soils develop in areas with high temperatures and high rainfall. The laterite soils are
commonly found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and the hilly areas of Odisha and
Assam. They cover around 3.40 percent of the total area of the country.
• Hence the correct sequence is 1 - 3 - 2 - 4
Q 46.C
• Normally, temperature decreases with increase in elevation. It is called normal lapse rate. At times, the
situations is reversed and the normal lapse rate is inverted. It is called Inversion of temperature
• A long winter night with clear skies and still air is ideal situation for inversion. The heat of the day is
radiated off during the night, and by early morning hours, the earth is cooler than the air above.
• Over polar areas, temperature inversion is normal throughout the year. Hence option (c) is the
correct answer.
• Prominent effects of temperature inversion include –
• Increased air pollution and reduced visibility: Inversion prevents movement of smoke, dust particles
and other pollutants and keeps them trapped in the lower layer of the atmosphere. The resulting smog like
conditions cause breathing problems along with reduced visibility.
• Reduced precipitation: Due to stability in the lower atmospheric layers and resultant lack of vertical
movement of moist air, convective clouds do not grow high enough for rainfall to take place.
• The inversion takes place in hills and mountains due to air drainage. Cold air at the hills and mountains,
produced during night, flows under the influence of gravity.
• Being heavy and dense, the cold air acts almost like water and moves down the slope to pile up deeply in
pockets and valley bottoms with warm air above. This is called air drainage. It protects plants from
frost damages.
Q 47.A
• Ministry of Power recently redesigned Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Mechanism. The intent
behind this decision is to align the ‘mechanism’ with the emerging changes in the power scenario and also
to promote new renewable technologies.
• The salient features of changes proposed in revamped REC mechanism are:
o REC prices to be determined by market conditions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o Validity of REC would be perpetual i.e., till it is sold.
o Floor and forbearance price limits removed. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
o Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to have monitoring and the surveillance
mechanism to ensure that there is no hoarding of RECs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
o The RE generator who are eligible for REC, will be eligible for issuance of RECs for the period of
PPA as per the prevailing guidelines. The existing RE projects that are eligible for REC would
continue to get RECs for 25 years.
o RECs can be issued to obligated entities (including DISCOMs and open access
consumers) which purchase RE Power beyond their RPO compliance notified by the Central
Government.
o No REC to be issued to the beneficiary of subsidies/concessions or waiver of any other charges.
o The Forum of Regulators (FOR) to define concessional charges uniformly for denying the RECs.
o Allowing traders and bilateral transactions in REC mechanism.
• The proposed changes will provide some flexibility to the players, additional avenues, rationalization and
also addressing the RECs validity period uncertainty issues.
Q 48.C
• River meander: It refers to the bends of longitudinal courses of the rivers. Each bend of a meander belt
has two types of slopes of valley sides.
o One side is characterized by a concave slope where the channel strikes the valley sides directly, with
the result concave side is subjected to severe erosion resulting in the formation of vertical cliffs.
o The other side of the meander belt is characterized by a convex slope which receives deposition
mostly of sands and gravels but sometimes alluvium is also deposited. This convex side is
characterized by a gentle slope and is called the slip-off slope.
o The shape of the meander is semi-circular but sometimes it is also circular. Meandering is most
pronounced in the regions characterized by even surface and gentle slope, alluvial deposits, and
sufficient stream discharge. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o Meanders are the result of both erosion and deposition both. Meanders are divided into two major
types on the basis of the nature of fluvial erosion e.g.
o meanders developed through lateral erosion and
o meander developed by vertical erosion or valley deepening. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 49.C
• The Peninsular Plateau of India is also named as the Plateau of Peninsular India. Its biggest part is known
as the Deccan Plateau, comprising the most part of southern portion of the nation. The plateau ascends
100 meters in the north, ascending further to over 1,000 meters to the south, creating an elevated triangle
situated in the well-known downhill-moving triangle of the seashore of the Indian subcontinent. This is
one of the oldest and the most stable landmass of India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Delhi ridge in the northwest, (extension of Aravalis), the Rajmahal hills in the east, Gir range in the west
and the Cardamom hills in the south constitute the outer extent of the Peninsular plateau.
• However, an extension of this is also seen in the northeast, in the form of Shillong and Karbi-Anglong
plateau. The Peninsular India is made up of a series of patland plateaus such as the Hazaribagh plateau,
the Palamu plateau, the Ranchi plateau, the Malwa plateau, the Coimbatore plateau and the Karnataka
plateau, etc.
• The general elevation of the plateau is from the west to the east, which is also proved by the pattern of
the flow of rivers. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• This Peninsular plateau has undergone recurrent phases of upliftment and submergence accompanied by
crustal faulting and fractures. The western and northwestern part (not eastern) of the plateau has an
emphatic presence of black soil. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Q 50.D
• Deltas are landforms formed at the mouth of a river, where the river meets a body of water such as sea,
lake, ocean and are roughly triangular in shape. Deltas range from few square kilometers to thousands of
square kilometers. Ganga Delta is the largest delta in the world.
• The ideal conditions for the formation of a delta are:
o Shallow sea
 A deep-sea may result in the sediments getting deposited into the bottom of the sea and
weaken the delta formation.
o Long River
 The longer the river more is the possibility of the river bringing more sediments from its
catchment areas and depositing them near the mouth of the river.
o High erosion in the catchment area of the river
 More erosion brings more sediments into the river stream which helps in delta formation.
o Medium size of the sediments
 If the sediments are small then they would be carried into the sea in suspension and if the
sediments are large they would soon settle at the bottom of the sea resulting in no delta formation.
o Calm sea at the mouth of the river so that ocean currents do not carry away the sediments by the river.
o Stable condition of sea coast with no submergence or emergence due to tectonic activity.
• Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 51.D
• Standard time is referred to as the synchronization of clocks within a certain geographical area to a single
standard time, instead of using solar time or a locally chosen meridian (longitude) to establish a local
mean time standard.
• The standard meridian of India is 82.5 degrees East (not West) of the Greenwich Meridian. It passes
Hence,
• Standard Meridian of India passes through five states- Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh,
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• After India became independent in August 1947, there were three separate time zones in India until 1955.
As of 2014, the whole of India follows the time set on 82.5 degrees east.
• Chai Bagaan time or tea time is a reference to an informal practice followed in tea gardens in Assam
which is an hour ahead of IST. It has not been accepted formally by the Government till time. Hence
Q 52.C
• The term ‘drought’ is applied to an extended period when there is a shortage of water availability due to
inadequate precipitation, excessive rate of evaporation, and over-utilization of water from the
reservoirs and other storages, including the groundwater.
• A period of below-normal rainfall does not necessarily result in drought conditions. Hence statement 1 is
correct.
o Some rain returns to the air as water vapor when water evaporates from water surfaces and from moist
soil.
o Plant roots draw some of the moisture from the soil and return it to the air through a process called
transpiration. The total amount of water returned to the air by these processes is called
evapotranspiration.
 Sunlight, humidity, temperature, and wind affect the rate of evapotranspiration. When
evapotranspiration rates are large, soils can lose moisture and dry conditions can develop. During
cool, cloudy weather, evapotranspiration rates may be small enough to offset periods of
below-normal precipitation, and drought may be less severe or may not develop at all.
• Types of Droughts:
o Meteorological Drought: It is a situation when there is a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall
marked with mal-distribution of the same over time and space.
o Agricultural Drought: It is also known as soil moisture drought, characterized by low soil moisture
that is necessary to support the crops, thereby resulting in crop failures. Moreover, if an area has
more than 30 percent of its gross cropped area under irrigation, the area is excluded from the
drought-prone category.
o Hydrological Drought: It results when the availability of water in different storages and reservoirs
like aquifers, lakes, reservoirs, etc. falls below what the precipitation can replenish. Hence statement
2 is correct.
o Ecological Drought: When the productivity of a natural ecosystem fails due to a shortage of water
and as a consequence of ecological distress, damages are induced in the ecosystem.
Q 53.B
The importance of light in the ocean is reflected by the description of the ocean’s vertical zones of the water
column in terms of how much light these zones receive. The ocean is generally divided into three zones which
are named based on the amount of sunlight they receive: the euphotic, dysphotic, and aphotic zones.
• Euphotic Zone (Sunlight Zone or Epipelagic Zone): The upper 200 meters (656 feet) of the ocean is
called the euphotic zone. Since sunlight penetrates this zone sufficiently to support the growth of
phytoplankton and/or macroalgae (i.e., plants that need sunlight to make food and survive), providing the
bulk of ocean primary production (food), it is also known as the sunlight zone (or epipelagic zone).
Organisms in the zones below are dependent on what food drifts down from above, ranging from tiny
clumps of bacteria and dead algae to occasional bonanzas like a dead whale.
• Dysphotic Zone: The area between 200 and 1,000 meters (656 and 3,280 feet) is the dysphotic zone. Also
known as the twilight zone (or mesopelagic zone), light intensity in this zone is severely reduced with
increasing depth, so light penetration is minimal. About 20 percent of primary production from the surface
falls down to the mesopelagic zone. Consequently, the density or biomass of mesopelagic zone occupants
is lower than at the surface, and mesopelagic organisms have an interesting variety of mechanisms that
help them find food as well as avoid being meals for other species.
• Aphotic Zone: Sunlight does not penetrate the eternal darkness below 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), an
area known as the aphotic zone, which includes the midnight zone (or bathypelagic zone) between
1,000 and 4,000 meters (3,280 and 13,123 feet), the abyss (or abyssopelagic zone) between 4,000 and
6,000 meters (13,123 and 19,685 feet), and the hadal zone (or hadopelagic zone) 6,000 meters (19,685
feet) and deeper. The only light available at these depths is generated by organisms. About five percent of
the primary production from the surface makes it to the bottom of the ocean. Less food means lower
biomass. Occasionally, large items like dead sharks or whales reach the seafloor, but generally, food is
scarce.
• The limnetic zone is the open and well-lit area of a freestanding body of fresh water, such as a lake
or pond. Not included in this area is the littoral zone, which is the shallow, near-shore area of the water
body. Together, these two zones comprise the photic zone.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer
Q 54.D
• Wind and water are powerful agents of soil erosion because of their ability to remove soil and transport
it.
• Wind erosion is significant in arid and semi-arid regions.
• In regions with heavy rainfall and steep slopes, erosion by running water is more significant. Water
erosion which is more serious and occurs extensively in different parts of India, takes place mainly in the
form of sheet and gully erosion.
• Sheet erosion takes place on level lands after a heavy shower and the soil removal is not easily
noticeable. But it is harmful since it removes the finer and more fertile top soil. Hence statement 2 is not
correct.
• Gully erosion is common on steep slopes. Gullies deepen with rainfall, cut the agricultural lands into
small fragments and make them unfit for cultivation. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• A region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines is called a badland topography. Ravines are
widespread, in the Chambal basin (Madhya Pradesh). Besides this, they are also found in Tamil Nadu
and West Bengal. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 55.D
• Deepor Beel is a perennial freshwater lake located 10 km south-west of Guwahati city, is the only
wetland in Assam designated as a site of importance for “conservation and sustainable use” under
the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. (The international treaty is named after Ramsar in Iran, where it
was signed in 1971). Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The landscape of Deepor Beel, a riverine wetland in Kamrup district in the lower Brahmaputra
valley, is dynamic, holding attraction for ornithologists, wildlife biologists and environmentalists. Hence
• Unregulated and increasing fishing activities have come into conflict with the activities of migratory
birds. The winged visitors use the wetland as a staging site for depositing fats by preying on the fish
species. Birdlife international declared Deepor Beel as an Important Bird Area (IBA) site. Some of
the unique migratory bird species that can be spotted here are the white-eyed pochard, the greylag
goose, Greater Adjutant Stork, Baer’s pochard and the gadwall, a dabbling duck. Hence statement
3 is correct.
• The waterbody once attracted exotic birds and tourists and offered livelihood to the fisherfolk. But heavy
encroachment for railway line construction and other development projects as well as proximity to a
waste dumping yard have robbed it of its ecological health. Birds and animals feed on rotten flesh and
waste from the site, littering the waterbody and threatening their lives.
Q 56.D
• The Union Government has rebranded the 26-year old national mid-day meal scheme to give a hot
cooked meal to 11.8 crore government school students from Class 1 to 8, with the Cabinet approving a
proposal to rename it as the PM POSHAN (Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme. From the next financial
year, it will also cover the 24 lakh children studying in balvatikas, the pre-primary section of
government schools. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Highlights of the scheme:
o The scheme is proposed to be extended to students studying in pre-primary or Bal Vatikas of
Government and Government-aided primary schools in addition to all the 11.80 crore children from
elementary classes.
o The concept of community participation programme is encouraged.
o Government is promoting development of School Nutrition Gardens in schools to give children first
hand experience with nature and gardening.
o Social Audit of the scheme is made mandatory in all the districts. Hence statement 2 is correct.
o Special provision is made for providing supplementary nutrition items to children in aspirational
districts and districts with high prevalence of Anemia.
o Cooking competitions will be encouraged at all levels right from village level to national level to
promote ethnic cuisine and innovative menus based on locally available ingredients and vegetables.
o Vocal for Local for Atmanirbhar Bharat: Involvement of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO)
and Women Self Help Groups in implementation of the scheme will be encouraged. Hence
Q 57.B
• Seamounts are mountains with pointed peaks, mounting from the seafloor, and that does not reach
the surface of the ocean. They are volcanic in origin. Seamounts can be 3,000-4,500 m tall. An extension
of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean which is known as The Emperor seamount is an example of
the seamount. Hence pair 2 is not correctly matched
• Guyot is a flat-topped seamount. It is also known as a table mount. They show evidence of slow
subsidence through stages to become flat-topped submerged mountains. It is expected that more than
10,000 guyots and seamounts occur in the Pacific Ocean only. Hence pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef containing a coral rim that encompasses a lagoon incompletely or
completely. These are low islands found in the tropical oceans. It may be a part of the sea (lagoon), or
occasionally form encircling a body of brackish, fresh, or highly saline water. Hence pair 3 is correctly
matched.
• Oceanic Trenches: These areas are the deepest parts of the oceans. The trenches are relatively steep-
sided, narrow basins. They are some 3-5 km deeper than the surrounding ocean floor. They occur at the
bases of continental slopes and along island arcs and are associated with active volcanoes and strong
earthquakes. That is why they are very significant in the study of plate movements. As many as 57 deeps
have been explored so far; of which 32 are in the Pacific Ocean; 19 in the Atlantic Ocean and 6 in the
Indian Ocean.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer
Q 58.D
• The Ring of Fire is a string of volcanoes and sites of seismic activity, or earthquakes, around the edges of
the Pacific Ocean. Roughly 90% of all earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, and the ring is dotted
with 75% of all active volcanoes on Earth.
• The Ring of Fire isn’t quite a circular ring. It is shaped more like a 40,000-kilometer (25,000-mile)
horseshoe. The Ring of Fire is the result of plate tectonics. Most tectonic activity in the Ring of Fire
occurs in these geologically active zones.
• A convergent plate boundary is formed by tectonic plates crashing into each other. Convergent
boundaries are often subduction zones, where the heavier plate slips under the lighter plate, creating a
deep trench. This subduction changes the dense mantle material into buoyant magma, which rises through
the crust to the Earth’s surface.
o Over millions of years, the rising magma creates a series of active volcanoes known as a volcanic arc.
These arcs create both islands and continental mountain ranges. Both geographic features continue to
form as the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate. Hence statement 1 is correct.
o The Andes Mountains include the world’s highest active volcano, Nevados Ojos del Salado, as the
Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate.
o Most of the active volcanoes on The Ring of Fire are found on its western edge, from the Kamchatka
Peninsula in Russia, through the islands of Japan and Southeast Asia, to New Zealand, where the
dense Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the Indo-Australian Plate. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The East Pacific Rise is a site of major seafloor spreading in the Ring of Fire. The East Pacific Rise is
located on the divergent boundary of the Pacific Plate and the Cocos Plate (west of Central America), the
Nazca Plate (west of South America), and the Antarctic Plate. In addition to volcanic activity, the rise also
has a number of hydrothermal vents. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The San Andreas Fault, stretching along the central west coast of North America, is one of the most
active faults on the Ring of Fire. It lies on the transform boundary between the North American Plate,
which is moving south, and the Pacific Plate, which is moving north. Volcanoes do not typically occur
at transform boundaries. One of the reasons for this is that there is little or no magma available at the
plate boundary.
Q 59.B
• The Kunming Declaration was adopted by over 100 countries in October, 2021 at the virtual 15th
meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It
calls upon the parties to “mainstream” biodiversity protection in decision-making and recognise the
importance of conservation in protecting human health.
• By adopting this, the nations have committed themselves to support the development, adoption and
implementation of an effective post-2020 implementation plan, capacity building action plan for the
Cartagena Protocol on biosafety. The theme of the declaration is 'Ecological Civilization: Building a
Shared Future for All Life on Earth.'
Q 60.B
Q 61.C
• The Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai has recently granted GI tags to various products
hailing from the northern state of Uttarakhand. These indigenous products are granted GI tags to maintain
their cultural importance in the fields of art and cuisine.
• They are Kumaon’s Chyura Oil, Munsyari Rajma, Uttarakhand Bhotia Dann, Uttarakhand Aipan,
Uttarakhand Ringal Crafts, Uttarakhand Thulma.
o Munsyari Rajma: Cultivation of Munsyari rajma is predominantly seen in the geographical region of
Munsyari of the Pittoragarh district (Uttarakhand). Traditional farming and production methods
have been practised by the village community for decades. This nutrient-dense native rajma is a
staple of Indian cooking. This small sized kidney bean has a unique and subtle texture. Hence pair 2
is not correctly matched.
• Judima, the wine brewed by the Dimasa community in Assam, has been awarded the geographical
indication (GI) tag. This wine made from rice and a certain herb is the first beverage from the north-east
to earn this label. Judima is intrinsic to the social and cultural life of the Dimasas. Hence pair 1 is
correctly matched.
• Recently Edayur Chilli and Kuttattor Mango from Kerala get the GI Tag. Edayur chilli is a unique
cultivar of this area with very low pungency. The distinctiveness can be attributed to its genetic makeup,
the specific environmental and soil conditions of the area and the traditional methods of
cultivation. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
Q 62.B
• The periodical rise and fall of the sea level, once or twice a day, mainly due to the attraction of the sun
and the moon, is called a tide. The moon’s gravitational pull to a great extent and to a lesser extent the
sun’s gravitational pull, are the major causes for the occurrence of tides. Another factor is a centrifugal
force which acts opposite to the gravitational pull of the earth. Together, the gravitational pull and the
centrifugal force are responsible for creating the two major tidal bulges on the earth. On the side of the
earth facing the moon, a tidal bulge occurs while on the opposite side through the gravitational attraction
of the moon is less as it is farther away, the centrifugal force causes a tidal bulge on the other side. The
‘tide generating force is the difference between these two forces; i.e. the gravitational attraction of
the moon and the centrifugal force. Hence statement 1 is correct
• The shape of bays and estuaries along a coastline can magnify the intensity of tides. Funnel-shaped
bays greatly change tidal magnitudes. When the tide is channeled between islands or into bays and
estuaries they are called tidal currents (tidal bore is one such tidal current). Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Tidal range is the height difference between high tide and low tide.
• When the earth is closest to the sun (perihelion), around 3rd January each year, tidal ranges are also much
greater, with unusually high and unusually low tides. When the earth is farthest from the sun
(aphelion), around 4th July each year, tidal ranges are much less than average. Hence statement 3 is
not correct
Q 63.C
• Barchan dunes:
o Sand dunes of crescentic shapes having two horns are called barchans. In fact, barchans are a special
type of transverse dunes. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o The windward side has a gentle slope that is convex in the plan while the leeward side is concave
in plan with a steep slope. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
o Transverse dunes are transformed into barchans when sand supply becomes more limited downwind.
They are formed in groups when there is an ample supply of sands. Isolated barchans are formed
when the supply of sands is inadequate. The crest of barchans is divided into two horns downwind
due to dominant prevailing winds, wind eddies, and a limited supply of sands.
Q 64.B
• These movements transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the direct influence of gravity.
That means, air, water or These movements transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the
direct influence of gravity. That means, air, water or Gravity exerts its force on all matter, both bedrock
and the products of weathering.
o So, weathering is not a pre-requisite for mass movement though it aids mass movements. Mass
movements are very active over weathered slopes rather than over unweathered materials.
Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
o Mass movements are aided by gravity and no geomorphic agent like running water, glaciers, wind,
waves and currents participate in the process of mass movements.
• Landslides are relatively rapid and perceptible movements. The materials involved are relatively dry.
o The size and shape of the detached mass depends on the nature of discontinuities in the rock, the
degree of weathering and the steepness of the slope. Depending upon the type of movement of
materials several types are identified in this category such as slump, debris slide and rockslide.
• Debris avalanche is a characteristic of humid regions with or without vegetation cover and occurs in
narrow tracks on steep slopes. This debris avalanche can be much faster than the mudflow. Debris
avalanche is similar to snow avalanche. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 65.A
• Monsoon Trough is an elongated low-pressure area that extends from heat low over Pakistan to Head
Bay of Bengal. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• This is one of the semi-permanent feature of monsoon circulation.
• Monsoon trough may be a characteristic of the east-west orientation of Himalayan ranges and the
north-south orientation of Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
• Generally, eastern side of the monsoon trough oscillates, sometimes southwards and sometimes
northwards.
• Southward migration results in active/vigorous monsoon over a major part of India. Hence statement 2
is not correct.
• In contrast, the northward migration of this trough leads to break monsoon conditions over a major part of
India and heavy rains along the foothills of Himalayas and sometimes floods in the Brahmaputra river.
Q 66.A
• The subtropical high pressure, also known as the horse latitudes are located between 30 and 35 degrees
both north and south. It is the region of descending air currents or wind divergence .
• This region receives little precipitation and has variable winds because of high pressure, so the air is dry
and calm.
• Due to this particular reason, most of the deserts are present along this belt in both the hemispheres such
as the Sahara Desert in Africa, northern Mexico, and some parts of the Middle East in the northern
hemisphere; and the Australian Desert, Atacama Desert, the Kalahari Desert in the southern
hemisphere.
• It is also the region of descending air current and is further marked by anticyclones The term Horse
latitude came from the ships that used to carry horses to America as a part of their cargo. These ships
often encountered areas of high pressure and calm winds, making it unable to sail and resupply for days or
even weeks.
• The crews often ran out of drinking water. To conserve water for their own survival, the sailors would
throw the horses into the sea, hence the name horse latitudes.
• Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 67.B
• There are different schemes of classification of climate.
• Koeppen based his scheme of Climatic classification on monthly values of temperature and precipitation.
• He identified five major climatic types, namely:

o Tropical climates, where mean monthly temperature throughout the year is over 18°C.
o Dry climates, where precipitation is very low in comparison to temperature, and hence, dry. If dryness
is less, it is semiarid (S); if it is more, the climate is arid(W).
o Warm temperate climates, where mean temperature of the coldest month is between 18°C and minus
3°C.
o Cool temperate climates, where mean temperature of the warmest month is over 10°C, and mean
temperature of the coldest month is under minus 3°C.
o Ice climates, where mean temperature of the warmest month is under 10°C.
• According to his scheme, the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu has Monsoon with dry summer
(As) climate. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• West coast of India south of Goa has Monsoon with short dry season (Amw). Hence statement 2 is
correct.
• Extreme western Rajasthan has Hot desert climate (Bwhw). Hence statement 3 is not correct
Q 68.D
• The National Commission on Agriculture (1976) has classified social forestry into three categories.
These are Urban forestry, Rural forestry, and Farm forestry.
• Urban forestry pertains to the raising and management of trees on public and privately owned lands in
and around urban centers such as green belts, parks, roadside avenues, industrial and commercial green
belts, etc.
• Rural forestry lays emphasis on the promotion of agro-forestry and community-forestry.
o Agro-forestry is the raising of trees and agriculture crops on the same land inclusive of the waste
patches. It combines forestry with agriculture, thus, altering the simultaneous production of food,
fodder, fuel, timber, and fruit. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
o Community forestry involves the raising of trees on public or community land such as the village
pasture and temple land, roadside, canal bank, strips along railway lines, and schools, etc. Hence pair
2 is correctly matched.
• Farm forestry is a term applied to the process under which farmers grow trees for commercial and
non-commercial purposes on their farmlands. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 69.B
• Geysers are fountains of hot water and superheated steam that may spout up to a height of 150 feet from
the earth beneath. The phenomena are associated with a thermal or volcanic region in which the water
below is being heated beyond boiling-point (100°C). The jet of water is usually emitted with an
explosion, and is often triggered off by gases seeping out of the heated rocks. Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
o Almost all the world's geysers are confined to three major areas: Iceland, the Rotorua district of North
Island, New Zealand and Yellowstone Park U.S.A. The world's best known geyser is perhaps Old
Faithful' in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming which erupts at regular intervals- every 63 minutes
on the average.
• Hot springs or thermal springs are more common, and may be found in any part of the earth where water
sinks deep enough beneath the surface to be heated by the interior forces.
o In hot springs water rises to the surface without any explosion. Such springs contain dissolved
minerals which may be of some medical value.
o A hot spring spouts continuous hot water whereas a geyser spouts intermittent water. Hence
• Fumarole means such a vent through which there is emission of gases and water vapour. It appears from
a distant place that there is emission of enormous volume of smokes from a particular centre.
o In fact, fumaroles are directly linked with volcanic activities. Emission of gases and vapour begins
after the emission of volcanic materials is terminated in an active volcano. Some times the emission of
gases and vapour is continuous but in majority of the cases emission occurs after intervals. It is
believed that gases and vapour are generated due to cooling and contraction of magma after the
termination of the eruption of a volcano. These gases and vapour appear at the earth's surface through
a narrow and constricted pipe (tube). It may be pointed out that fumaroles are the last signs of the
activeness of a volcano. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 70.B
• The atmosphere consists of different layers with varying density and temperature. The column of
atmosphere is divided into five different layers depending upon the temperature condition. Hence
• The main source of heat is heat transfer from the surface directly to the air. As one moves farther from the
source of the heat, the temperature cools, and this region of decreasing temperature gradient, called the
troposphere.
• Weather is confined to this lowest layer of the atmosphere. This layer contains dust particles and
water vapour.
• Almost all changes in climate and weather take place in this layer. Hence statement 3 is correct. The
temperature in this layer decreases at the rate of 1°C for every 165m of height. This is the most important
layer for all biological activity
• The other layers are - stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere
• Density is highest near the surface of the earth and decreases with increasing altitude
• There are two reasons: at higher altitudes, there is less air pushing down from above, andgravity is
weaker farther from Earth's center. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 71.C
• The East Pacific Rise is a site of major seafloor spreading in the Ring of Fire. The East Pacific Rise is
located on the divergent boundary of the Pacific Plate and the Cocos Plate (west of Central America), the
Nazca Plate (west of South America), and the Antarctic Plate. In addition to volcanic activity, the rise also
has a number of hydrothermal vents. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 72.B
• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London
which is measured at midnight. In English speaking nations, GMT is often used synonymously with
Universal Time Coordinate (UTC).
• Indian Standard Time (IST) is the time zone observed throughout India. IST is ahead of GMT by 5:30
Hours.
• As the earth rotates from west to east, those places east of Greenwich will be ahead of Greenwich time
and those to the west will be behind it.
• The rate of difference can be calculated as follows:
o The earth rotates 360° in about 24 hours, which means 15° an hour or 1° in four minutes.
o When it is 12:30 PM in Delhi, the time at Greenwich will be 7:00 AM (12:30 PM - 5:30 Hours).
o California is situated at 120° West longitude. Thus, when it is 7:00 AM at Greenwich, the time at
120° West of Greenwich will be 120 x 4= 480 minutes (8 hours) i.e. 8 hour behind of Greenwich
time, which means 11:00 PM, 20th January.
o Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 73.C
• PM GatiShakti is a digital platform that connects 16 ministries with a view to ensuring holistic
planning and execution of infrastructure projects. PM Gati Shakti aims to institutionalize holistic
planning for major infrastructure projects. The projects will be designed and executed with a common
vision and will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various ministries and state governments such as
the Bharatmala road project, Sagarmala waterways plan, ports and the UDAN scheme. The scheme/portal
is often in news because, on India’s 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced
that the Centre will launch ‘PM Gati Shakti Master Plan’, a Rs. 100 lakh-crore project for developing
‘holistic infrastructure’. The GatiShakti programme marks a paradigm shift in decision making to break
the silos of departmentalism. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in September, 2021, launched a unique Scheme
called SPIN (Strengthening the Potential of India) and set up a pottery cluster under SFURTI
Scheme in Varanasi to empower over 1100 people of the marginalized potters’ community. SPIN is a
specially designed program to make potters self-sustainable. Under the scheme, KVIC will facilitate
potters to get easy loans from banks that will help the potters to diversify their activities and enhance their
income. This will reduce their dependence on government subsidy and thus make our potters self-
reliant. Hence pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Senior Able Citizens for Re Employment in Dignity (SACRED) Portal is an IT portal to be developed
to bring the employment seeker senior citizens and employment providers on one platform. The aim
is to devise ways to ensure Senior Citizens live healthy, happy, empowered, dignified and self-reliant
life. The scheme was launched on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons which is
observed on 1st October each year. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
Q 74.B

Q 75.C
• A drainage basin is a region of land where water from rain or snowmelt drains downhill into a body of
water, such as a river, lake, dam, estuary, wetland, sea or ocean.
• The drainage basin acts like a funnel - collecting all the water within the area covered by the basin and
channelling it into a waterway. Each drainage basin is separated topographically from adjacent basins by a
ridge, hill or mountain, which is known as a water divide or a watershed.
• A water divide is an elevated boundary separating areas that are drained by different river systems. For
this reason, the feature is often called a drainage divide. Water flowing on one side of a divide empties
into one body of water, while the water flowing on the other side empties into another. The major water
divides of India are:
o Aravallis: The Aravali Hills lie on the western and north-western margins of the Peninsular plateau.
The Aravallis act as a water divide between the east-flowing and west-flowing rivers. River Luni
originates along the western slopes of the Aravali range while Banas, a tributary of River Chamba
originates on the eastern slope.
o Vindyas: Vindya ranges divided the Ganga drainage basin and Narmada river valley.
o Satpura range: Satpura range divided the Narmada river valley and Tapi river valley.
o The Western Ghats: The Western Ghats are called a water divide because they act as a divide between
the west-flowing rivers meeting the Arabian sea and the east-flowing rivers meeting the Bay of
Bengal.
Q 76.B
• Pampa or Pamba river originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western
Ghats at an altitude of 1650m. It empties into the Vembanad Lake and joins the Arabian Sea branching
into a number of channels. The entire catchment area of Pamba lies in Kerala state and it is the third-
longest river of Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha. It is also known as 'Dakshin Bhagirathi' and
the famous Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of this river. The
basin of the river is bounded on the east by the Western Ghats and it shares its northern boundary with the
Manimala River basin, while it shares the southern boundary with the Achankovil River basin.
• Periyar is the longest river and the river with the largest discharge potential in the Indian state of Kerala. It
is one of the few perennial rivers in the region. Idukki Dam is built across this river. Twenty five percent
of Kerala's industries are along the banks of river Periyar.
• Bharathappuzha is also known as the Nila, Ponnani River, Kuttippuram River. It is the second longest
river that flows through Kerala after the Periyar. It flows through Palakkad Gap, which is also the largest
opening in the Kerala portion of Western Ghats. It is also referred to as "Peraar" in ancient scripts.
• Kallar is a tributary river of Neyyar river flowing through the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It
originates in Kanyakumari. Lower Meenmutty dam is situated in this river
Q 77.C
• On the basis of the mode of origin, nature and characteristics, the Indian drainage may also be classified
into the Himalayan drainage and the Peninsular drainage. Comparison between the Himalayan and the
Peninsular River:
o Himalayan rivers originate from the lofty Himalayan ranges while Peninsular Rivers originate in the
Peninsular Plateau.
o The Himalayan rivers are perennial in nature, i.e., water flows throughout the year in these rivers.
These rivers receive water both from the monsoons and snow-melt. While the Peninsular rivers
receive water only from rainfall and water flows in these rivers in the rainy season only. Therefore,
these rivers are seasonal or non-perennial. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o Himalayan rivers have large basins and catchment areas while Peninsular rivers have small basins and
catchment areas.
o Himalayan rivers flow through deep V-shaped valleys called gorges. These gorges have been carved
out by down cutting carried on side by side with the uplift of the Himalayas. While the Peninsular
rivers flow in comparatively shallow valleys. These are more or less completely graded valleys. The
rivers have little erosional activity to perform.
o Himalayan rivers flow across the young fold mountains and are still in a youthful stage, while
Peninsular rivers have been flowing in one of the oldest plateaus of the world and are old rivers with
graded profile, and have almost reached their base levels Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
o When Himalayan rivers enter the plains, there is a sudden reduction in the speed of flow of water
which forms meanders and shifts their beds. While, in case of Peninsular rivers, the hard rock
surface and non-alluvial character of the plateau permits little scope for the formation of
meanders. As such, the rivers of the Peninsular Plateau follow in fixed course with well-adjusted
valleys. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Q 78.B
• An inselberg is an isolated hill, ridge, or small mountain that abruptly protrudes out from a
virtually level surrounding plain. The word inselberg translates to “Island Mountain” in German.
o Inselbergs arise from rocks that erode at a slower rate compared to surrounding rocks. The landform
consists of an erosion-resistant rock that protects a softer rock such as limestone. The resistant rock
remains isolated as ongoing erosion erodes the less resistant rock around it.
o Some of the world’s most impressive inselbergs are in Africa and the Middle East.
o
• Yardangs are steep-sided deeply undercut over-hanging rock ridges separated from one another by
long grooves or corridors or passageways cut in desert floors of relatively softer rocks.
o These are formed where alternate bands of hard and soft rocks are vertical or inclined to the horizontal
plane. The intervening beds of softer rocks are abraded and eroded materials are blown away by the
wind.
o The most characteristic feature of yardangs is their parallelism.
o Yardangs occur in various deserts of the world including the Turkistan and the Mojave deserts.
o
• Zeugen is a tablet-shaped area of rock found in arid and semi-arid areas formed when more
resistant rock is reduced at a slower rate than softer rocks around it under the effects of erosion.
o These are formed in those desert areas where the diurnal range of temperature is very high. Repeated
freezing and thawing of rocks causes disintegration of rocks and the disintegrated material is blown
away by the wind.
o
• Thus key agent involved in the formation of the above landforms is wind as explained above.
• Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 79.B
• The earth’s surface receives most of its energy in short wavelengths. The energy received by the earth is
known as incoming solar radiation which in short is termed as insolation
• The amount and the intensity of insolation vary during a day, in a season and in a year. The factors that
cause these variations in insolation are :
o the rotation of earth on its axis;
o the angle of inclination of the sun’s rays;
o the length of the day;
o the transparency of the atmosphere; Hence statement 2 is correct. However, the transparency of
atmosphere is not of great significance but it does affect insolation.
o the configuration of land in terms of its aspect.
• Angle of inclination of the rays depends on the latitude of a place. The higher the latitude the less is the
angle they make with the surface of the earth resulting in slant sun rays.
• The area covered by vertical rays is always less than the slant rays. If more area is covered , as in case
of slant rays, the energy gets distributed and the net energy received per unit area decreases. Hence
Q 80.B
• Let us imagine that the earth had a vertical axis. Then at all places on the earth, the length of day and night
would have been equal as shown in the Fig.1.
o Place L at the Equator would be at position L' after 12 hours. Distance LO = Distance OL' Therefore,
Length of day = Length of night.
o Similarly at all places on the earth, the length of day and night would be equal if the axis of the
earth was not inclined. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The effect of the inclined axis on the duration of day and night is that their duration differs as shown
in the Fig. 2.
o On the Arctic Circle place A will be at position A' after 12 hours. AA' remains in continuous light in
summer for six months. Day of 24 hours near the North Pole in summer.
o Place E on the Antarctic Circle remains in continuous darkness in winter. Night for 24 hours
near the South Pole in winter for six months. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• The path of the earth around the sun is elliptic. It passes through the centre of both the earth and the sun.
The earth's axis is not perpendicular to the plane of the elliptic, but is tilted at an angle of 66½° to it. The
axis is, therefore, inclined at an angle of 23½° from the perpendicular to this plane. As a result of this, in
the course of the earth's movement around the sun, the North Pole remains inclined towards the sun for a
part of the year while the South Pole is tilted away from it. For the remaining part of the year, the situation
is reversed, the North Pole being tilted away from the sun and the South Pole being inclined towards it.
On earth this gives rise to the changing seasons and the varying lengths of day and night. If the earth's
axis were perpendicular to the plane of orbit, there would be equal nights and days at all places on
the earth, at all times of the year and there would also be no seasons. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 81.C
• The Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) is one of the most important atmosphere-ocean coupled
phenomena in the tropics, which has a profound influence on the Indian Summer Monsoon.
• The MJO is the leading mode of tropical intra-seasonal climate variability and is characterized by the
organization on a global spatial scale with a period typically ranging from 30-60 days, which was
discovered by Madden and Julian in 1971 in a published paper.
• MJO is a massive weather event consisting of deep convection coupled with atmospheric
circulation, moving slowly eastward over the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
• MJO is an equatorial traveling pattern of anomalous rainfall that is planetary in scale. Hence
• The MJO consists of two parts, or phases: one is the enhanced rainfall (or convective) phase and the other
is the suppressed rainfall phase.
• As it moves, strong MJO activity often splits the planet in to two — one in which the MJO is in active
phase and brings rainfall, and the other in which it suppresses rainfall.
• In the active phase, MJO results in more than average rainfall for that time of the year, while in the
suppressed phase, the area receives less than average rainfall.
• The effect of the MJO is witnessed mainly in the tropical region, in the band between 30degrees North
and 30 degrees South of the equator, even though the mid-latitude regions in both hemispheres also feel
its impact.
• In the tropics, MJO in its active phase brings frequent cyclonic activity, and can initiate the onset of
the monsoon. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• It causes one or two weeks of intense rainfall, as was witnessed in India in June.
Q 82.D
• Laterite has been derived from the Latin word ‘Later’ which means brick. The laterite soils develop in
areas with high temperatures and high rainfall. Hence option (d) is correct.
• These are the result of intense leaching due to tropical rains. With rain, lime and silica are leached away,
and soils rich in iron oxide and aluminium compounds are left behind.
• Humus content of the soil is removed fast by bacteria that thrive well in high temperatures.
• These soils are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium, while iron oxide and potash
are in excess. Hence, laterites are not suitable for cultivation; however, the application of manures and
fertilizers are required for making the soils fertile for cultivation.
• Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are more suitable for tree crops like
cashew nuts. Hence options (a) and (b) are not correct.
• Laterite soils are widely cut as bricks for use in house construction. These soils have mainly developed in
the higher areas of the Peninsular plateau.
• The black soils are generally clayey, deep and impermeable. They swell and become sticky when wet and
shrink when dried. Hence option (c) is not correct.
• Forest Soils are loamy and silty on valley sides and coarse-grained in the upper slopes.
Q 83.A
• Kashgar Prefecture is located in southwestern located in the Tarim Basin region (roughly the southern
half of Xinjiang) in China. The place is often in news due to the discriminatory treatment by China
against the Uighur muslims in the Xinjiang region. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus covering the southeastern range of the
Lesser Caucasus mountains. The region is mostly mountainous and forested. Nagorno-Karabakh is a
disputed territory, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but most of it is governed by the
ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia. Recently, Azerbaijan applied to the International Court of
Justice (ICJ), also known as World Court, to order neighboring Armenia to hand over maps showing the
location of landmines in the Karabakh territories liberated by Azerbaijani forces from the nearly three-
decade Armenian occupation year. Hence pair 2 is not correctly matched.
• Bhashan Char is an island in Bangladesh located in the Bay of Bengal. It is in news as the Government
of Bangladesh planned to relocate Rohingya refugees from the mainland camps of Cox's Bazar to the
Island. Hence pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Q 84.A
• A region with a large stretch of limestone possesses a very distinct type of topography. It is termed a karst
region, a name derived from the Karst district of Yugoslavia where such topography is particularly well
developed.
• The following conditions alone favour the development of true karst topography :
o The limestones must be massive, thickly bedded, hard and tenaceous, well cemented and well jointed
(high density of joints).
o Limestones should not be porous wherein permeability is largely controlled by joints and not by the
mass of rocks because if limestones are porous, the water may pass through the rock mass and thus
whole rock mass will become weak and will collapse. On the other hand, if limestones are non-porous
and thickly bedded, water will infiltrate through joints resulting into effective corrosion of limestones
along the joints and solution holes would be formed.
o The position of limestones should be above the groundwater table so that surface drainage may
disappear through sinks, blind valleys and sinking creeks to have subterranean (subsurface) drainage
so that cave, passages and galleries and associated features may be formed.
o The limestones should be widely distributed in both areal and vertical dimensions.
o The carbonate rocks should be very close to the ground surface so that rainwater may easily and
quickly infiltrate into the beds of limestones and may corrode the rocks to form solutional landforms.
o The limestones should be highly folded, fractured or faulted. Hence statement 1 is correct.
o There should be enough rainfall so that required amount of water is available to dissolve carbonate
rocks.
• The most spectacular underground features that adorn the limestone caves are stalactites, stalagmites and
pillars. These are depositional landforms. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
o Stalactites are the sharp, slender, downward-growing pinnacles that hang from the cave-roofs. The
water carries calcium in solution and when this lime-charged water evaporates, it leaves behind the
solidified crystalline calcium carbonate. As moisture drips from the roof it trickles down the stalactite
and drops to the floor where calcium is deposited to form stalagmites.
o They are shorter, fatter and more rounded. Over a long period, the stalactite hanging from the roof is
eventually joined to the stalagmite growing from the floor to form a pillar.
• Badlands topography is a major feature of the Chambal valley is characterized by an undulating
floodplain, gullies and ravines. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 85.B
• Jim Corbett National Park situated in Uttarakhand is the oldest national park in India. It was established
to protect the Bengal tiger. It is situated on the banks of Ramganga Reservoir. Vegetation is a dense
moist deciduous forest that mainly consists of sal, peepal, and mango trees and major Fauna is Bengal
tigers, elephants, leopards, barking deer, sambar deer, etc. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Panna National Park located in Madhya Pradesh forms a significant part of the catchment area of
the Ken River (a tributary of Yamuna). Vegetation is fragmented deciduous forests and major Fauna
includes tiger, leopard, chital, chinkara, nilgai, sambhar and sloth bear. A tiger each from Bandhavgarh
NP and Kanha NP were translocated to Panna Tiger Reserve in 2012 as there were no tigers left in the
reserve. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Pin Valley National Park is located in the desert habitat of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on Spiti
river as Pin river drains into Spiti river.. The elevation of the park ranges from about 3,500 metres to
more than 6,000 metres. Vegetation density consists of alpine trees and groves of Himalayan cedar and
Fauna includes Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex (also referred to as Siberian Ibex). Hence, pair 3 is
correctly matched.
• Nameri Tiger Reserve, National park is situated in Arunachal Pradesh. it shares its northern boundary
with the Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal. The river Kameng flows along the park. Major Fauna
includes tiger, leopard, hog deer, sambar, dhole (the Asiatic wild dog), gaur, clouded leopard (VU),
barking deer, etc. Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.
Q 86.D
• The Kaveri rises in Brahmagiri hills (1,341m) of Kogadu district in Karnataka. Its length is 800 km and it
drains an area of 81,155 sq. km.
• Since the upper catchment area receives rainfall during the southwest monsoon season (summer) and the
lower part during the northeast monsoon season (winter), the river carries water throughout the year with
comparatively less fluctuation than the other Peninsular rivers.
• About 3 per cent of the Kaveri basin falls in Kerala, 41 per cent in Karnataka and 56 per cent in Tamil
Nadu.
• Its important tributaries joining from left are the Harangi, the Hemavati, the Shimsha and the Arkavati
whereas the Lakshmantirtha, the Kabbani, the Suvarnavati, the Bhavani, the Noyil and the Amaravati
joins from the right. The river drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• Indravati is an important river of Chhattisgarh. It originates in the state of Odisha- flows through
various parts of Chhattisgarh before it joins the river Godavari on the borders of Maharashtra and
Telangana. Hence, option (d) is correct.
Q 87.B
• At present, there are 46 Ramsar Sites in India. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an
international treaty for “the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands”. It is named after the city
of Ramsar in Iran where it was signed on the 2nd of February 1971. At the center of the Ramsar
philosophy is the “wise use” of wetlands within the context of sustainable development.
• Rudra Sagar lake is located in the eastern state of Tripura. It is a reservoir fed by three perennial
streams discharging to the River Gomti. It is an ideal habitat for IUCN Red-listed Three-striped Roof
Turtle.
• Sundarban Wetland is located within the largest mangrove forest in the world in West Bengal. It is the
largest Ramsar Site in India and covers the south-westernmost part of the delta that constitutes over 60%
of the country’s total mangrove forest area and includes 90% of Indian mangrove species.
• Kanwar Lake or Kabartal Wetland, also known as Kanwar Jheel is located in the Indo-Gangetic plains
in the northern Bihar State. It is an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, with 58
migratory waterbirds using it to rest and refuel. It is also a valuable site for fish biodiversity with over 50
species documented. Five critically endangered species inhabit the site, including three vultures – the red-
headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Indian vulture (Gyps
indicus) – and two waterbirds, the sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and Baer’s pochard (Aythya
baeri). Major threats to the Site include water management activities such as drainage, water abstraction,
damming, and canalization.
• Kolleru Lake is located in Andhra Pradesh that is a naturally eutrophic lake situated between the river
basins of the Godavari and the Krishna. It was previously a lagoon, but now it is several kilometers inland
due to the coastline of emergence and delta formation.
Q 88.B
• 'The Least Developed Countries Report' is published annually by United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development. It provides a comprehensive and authoritative source of socio-economic
analysis and data on the world´s most impoverished countries. It is intended for a broad readership of
governments, policy makers, researchers and all those involved with LDCs´ development policies. Each
report contains a statistical annex, which provides basic data on the LDCs. Hence option (b) is the
correct answer.
• The 2021 report highlights that the Least Developed Countries (LDC) need support from the international
community to develop productivity to recover from the economic impact of the novel coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) pandemic.
Q 89.C
Major Ocean Relief Features
• Continental Shelf: Continental Shelf is the gently sloping seaward extension of the continental plate.
The Continental Shelf of all oceans together covers 7.5% of the total area of the oceans. The gradient
of the continental shelf is 1° or even less. The shelf typically ends at a very steep slope, called the
shelf break. The continental shelves are covered with variable thicknesses of sediments brought down
by rivers, glaciers, etc.. They are potential sites for economic minerals [20% of the world's production
of petroleum and gas comes from shelves. Polymetallic nodules (manganese nodules; concentric
layers of iron and manganese hydroxides) etc. are good sources of various mineral ores like
manganese, iron copper, gold, etc.]. They provide the richest fishing grounds in the world.
• Continental Slope: The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins. It
begins where the bottom of the continental shelf sharply drops off into a steep slope. The gradient of
the slope region varies between 2-5°. The seaward edge of the continental slope loses gradient at this
depth and gives rise to continental rise. The continental slope boundary indicates the end of the
continents.
• Deep-Sea Plain: Deep-sea plains are gently sloping areas of the ocean basins. These are the flattest
and smoothest regions of the world because of terrigenous [denoting marine sediment eroded from the
land] and shallow water sediments that bury the irregular topography. It covers nearly 40% of the
ocean floor. The depths vary between 3,000 and 6,000 m. These plains are covered with fine-grained
sediments like clay and silt.
• Submarine Ridges: These ridges are either broad, like a plateau, gently sloping or in the form of
steep-sided narrow mountains. These oceanic ridge systems are of tectonic origin and provide
evidence in support of the theory of Plate Tectonics.
• Hence option (c) is the correct answer
Q 90.C
• Stalactite: It is an icicle-shaped formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave and is produced by the
precipitation of minerals from water dripping through the cave ceiling. Most stalactites have pointed tips.
• Stalagmite: Stalagmites rise up from the floor of the caves. In fact, stalagmites form due to dripping
water from the surface or through the thin pipe, of the stalactite, immediately below it. It is an upward-
growing mound of mineral deposits that have precipitated from water dripping onto the floor of a cave.
Most stalagmites have rounded or flattened tips. Stalagmites may take the shape of a column, a disc, with
either a smooth, rounded bulging end or a miniature crater-like depression. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The dominant mineral in such deposits is calcite (calcium carbonate), and the largest displays are
formed in caves of limestone and dolomite. Other minerals that may be deposited include other
carbonates, opal, chalcedony, limonite, and some sulfides. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The stalagmite and stalactites eventually fuse to give rise to columns and pillars of different diameters.
Q 91.A
• Recently India unveiled the Account Aggregator (AA) network, a financial data-sharing system that
could revolutionize investing and credit.
• An Account Aggregator (AA) is a type of RBI regulated entity (with an NBFC-AA license) that helps
an individual securely and digitally access and share information from one financial institution they have
an account with to any other regulated financial institution in the AA network. Data cannot be shared
without the consent of the individual. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The AA is an interoperable data blind consent manager. AAs cannot read consumer data. They
cannot resell consumer data. AAs enable consumers to selectively share and even revoke data once
shared. AAs have a fiduciary duty to consumers and are RBI regulated entities, sharing digitally signed
and encrypted data. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• The Account Aggregator network allows sharing of transaction data or bank statements from savings/
deposit/current accounts. Account Aggregators cannot see the data; they merely take it from one financial
institution to another based on an individual's direction and consent. Contrary to the name, they cannot
'aggregate' your data. AAs are not like technology companies which aggregate your data and create
detailed profiles of you.
• Registering with an AA is fully voluntary for consumers. If the bank the consumer is using has joined
the network, a person can choose to register on an AA, choose which accounts they want to link, and
share their data from one of their accounts for some specific purpose to a new lender or financial
institution at the stage of giving ‘consent’ via one of the Account Aggregators. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
• Account Aggregator empowers the individual with control over their personal financial data, which
otherwise remains in silos. The Account Aggregator system can make lending and wealth
management a lot faster and cheaper.
Q 92.D
• The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People is an intergovernmental group of 70
countries co-chaired by Costa Rica and France and by the United Kingdom as Ocean co-chair,
championing a global deal for nature and people with the central goal of protecting at least 30 percent of
world’s land and ocean by 2030. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The 30x30 target is a global target which aims to halt the accelerating loss of species, and protect vital
ecosystems that are the source of our economic security. The Coalition was officially launched at the
One Planet Summit in 2021. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• The aim of the coalition is to gather as many governments as possible, targeting in priority those that can
influence current negotiations on the adoption of the target.
• In October, 2021, India has officially joined the HAC Coalition. HAC members currently include a mix
of countries in the global north and south; European, Latin American, Africa and Asia countries are
among the members. India is the first of the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa) to join the HAC. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 93.D
• Earthquake waves are basically of two types - body waves and surface waves. Body waves are generated
due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions traveling through the body of the
earth. Hence, the name body waves. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate a new set of waves called surface waves.
These waves move along the surface.
• The velocity of waves changes as they travel through materials with different densities. The denser the
material, the higher is the velocity. Their direction also changes as they reflect or refract when coming
across materials with different densities. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The Surface waves are the last to report on a seismograph. These waves are more destructive as
compared to body waves. They cause displacement of rocks, and hence, the collapse of structures
occurs. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 94.C
• The science of earthquakes is known as seismology and the pieces of evidence based on earthquake waves
are known as seismological evidence. This evidence provides information about the interior of the Earth.
• Earthquake waves are basically of two types - body waves and surface waves.
o Body waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions
traveling through the body of the earth. The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate a
new set of waves called surface waves. These waves move along the surface.
o The velocity of waves changes as they travel through materials with different densities. The denser
the material, the higher is the velocity. Their direction also changes as they reflect or refract when
coming across materials with different densities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• There are two types of body waves. They are called P and S-waves.
o P-waves are also called ‘primary waves’. They travel through gaseous, liquid, and solid materials.
o S- waves are called secondary waves. S-waves can travel only through solid materials. S-waves do not
travel through liquids (they are attenuated). The entire zone beyond 103° does not receive S-waves,
and hence this zone is identified as the shadow zone of S-waves. This observation led to the discovery
of the liquid outer core. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
o The shadow zone of the S-wave is much larger than that of the P-waves. The shadow zone of P-
waves appears as a band around the earth between 105° and 145° away from the epicenter. The
shadow zone of S-waves is not only larger in extent but it is also a little over 40 percent of the earth's
surface. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 95.B
• Niti Valley is a remote valley located in the northernmost region of Uttarakhand at a height of 3600
meters. It is close to the Chinese border and Niti is the last village in the valley before the border with
south Tibet. This region receives heavy snowfall.
o Recent Chamoli glacier burst has occurred in the Sumna area of Niti Valley.
• The Dzukou Valley is a valley located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur in
Northeast India. This valley is well known for its natural environment, seasonal flowers, and flora &
fauna. It is situated at an altitude of 2452 metres above sea level.
o In early 2021 this valley experienced huge forest fires for weeks.
• Araku valley is located in the Eastern Ghats about 120 kilometers from Visakhapatnam in Andhra
Pradesh. The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest, which are part of Araku Valley, are rich in
biodiversity and are mined for bauxite.
o Araku valley is also famous for its coffee plantations.
Q 96.A
• Longtharai (or, Longtarai) is a hill range in the Indian state of Tripura. In Tripura five mountain ranges—
Boromura, Atharamura, Longtharai, Shakhan and Jampui Hills—run north to south, with intervening
valleys; Agartala, the capital, is located on a plain to the west. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Lushai Hills: The Lushai is a mountain range in Mizoram and Tripura, India. The range is part of the
Patkai range system and its highest point is 2,157 m high Phawngpui, also known as 'Blue
Mountain'. These hills are inhabited by the Lushais and other Mizo tribes. Hence pair 2 is correctly
matched.
o Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute over the 165-km Assam-Mizoram boundary i.e. Cachar plains –
the Barak Valley that now comprises the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj.
• Jampui Hills: Jampui Hills is the highest hill range in the Tripura bordering Mizoram. During
November every year, the unique Orange & Tourism festival is celebrated in Jampui hill. The orange
plantation is the primary occupation of the people here. The predominant tribes inhabiting the hills are
Lushais and Reangs. The highest peak of Tripura Betlingchhip - falls in this hill range. Hence pair 3
is not correctly matched.
o In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Tripura, a paragliding site will come up at Jampui Hills.
Q 97.D
• Long, narrow, and very deep valleys or trenches located on the continental shelves and slopes with
vertical walls resembling continental canyons are called submarine canyons because of their location
under oceanic water.
• Submarine canyons frequently occur at the mouth of rivers, as the continuation of streams. Some of
the world’s largest submarine canyons are located near the river mouths. Congo canyon is one of
the largest submarine canyons.
• Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Submarine canyons act as a major conduit for sediment transport from land and the continental shelf to
the deep-sea environment.
• The Bay of Bengal has numerous submarine canyons such as Cuddalore canyon, Pondicherry
canyon, Pulicat canyon, Godavari canyon, etc.
• Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Q 98.D
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands were formed due to the collision between the Indian Plate and Burma
Minor Plate (part of the Eurasian Plate). Andaman and Nicobar Islands are southward extensions of
the Arakan Yoma range.
• This archipelago is composed of 265 big and small islands. The Andaman and Nicobar islands extend
from 6° 45′ N to 13° 45′ N and from 92° 10′ E to 94° 15′ E for a distance of about 590 km.
• Most of these islands are made of tertiary sandstone, limestone and shale resting on basic and ultrabasic
volcanoes. It is believed that these islands are an elevated portion of submarine mountains.
• However, some smaller islands are volcanic in origin. Barren island, the only active volcano in India is
also situated in the Nicobar islands.
• The entire group of island is divided into two broad categories – the Andaman in the north and the
Nicobar in the south. They are separated by a waterbody which is called the Ten-degree channel. Hence,
option (d) is not correct.
Q 99.D
• Saddle Peak National Park- Saddle peak is the highest point (732 metres) of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands and it is located in North Andaman Island. Its major Fauna includes Andaman wild pig, Andaman
imperial pigeon, dolphins, whales and saltwater crocodiles.
• Mahatama Gandhi Marine National Park is located in the South Andaman district. It was declared a
national park to protect corals and nesting sea turtles prevalent in the area. Mangroves are the major
vegetation.
• Campbell Bay & Galathea National Parks are part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Both the
parks are separated by a 12-km wide forest buffer zone. Galathea National Park is the southernmost
National Park of India. Their Vegetation includes tropical moist broadleaf forests, evergreen & semi-
evergreen deciduous tree species and fauna Comprises giant robber crab, megapode and Nicobar pigeon.
Both these National parks lie below the Duncan Passage.
Q 100.B
• Salinity determines compressibility, thermal expansion, temperature, density, absorption of insolation,
evaporation, and humidity. It also influences the composition and movement of the sea: water and the
distribution of fish and other marine resources.
• Factors Affecting Ocean Salinity
o The salinity of water in the surface layer of oceans depends mainly on evaporation and
precipitation.
o Surface salinity is greatly influenced in coastal regions by the freshwater flow from rivers, and in
polar regions by the processes of freezing and thawing of ice.
o Wind also influences the salinity of an area by transferring water to other areas.
o The ocean currents contribute to the salinity variations.
• Salinity, temperature, and density of water are interrelated. Hence, any change in the temperature or
density influences the salinity of an area.
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VISIONIAS

Physical Geography of the world

Test Booklet Series

GENERAL STUDIES (P) 2022 – Test – 3485

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

3. Geysers are fountains of hot water and Passes Connecting places

correct? Which of the statements given above is/are

19. With reference to local storms of hot

(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

25. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous correct?

and thereby cooled by expansion in higher

2. Kuroshio Current : warm

5° N latitude in the Bay of Bengal. 4. Laterite Soils

an international boundary. given below.

(c) More number of Indian states share (a) 1 - 3 - 4 - 2

2. Central Electricity Regulatory (d) 1, 2 and 3

Commission (CERC) will be the

3. Chai Bagaan time an informal practice 2. Sheet erosion is common on steep

52. Consider the following statements with (c) 2 and 3 only

Which of the pairs given above is/are (c) 1 and 2 only

(a) 1 and 3 only 71. Which of the following statements describes

2. A hot spring spouts continuous hot

(d) 1 and 2 only (d) 21st January, 12:30 AM

81. Consider the following statements regarding Karst topography:

90. Consider the following statements regarding

Select the correct order using the code

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98. With reference to Andaman and Nicobar

99. Which of the following National Parks is/are

100. Which of the following factors affect the

Copyright © by Vision IAS

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• Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

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• Hence option (d) is the correct answer

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Warm Ocean Currents Cold Ocean Currents

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• He identified five major climatic types, namely:

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• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

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