UPSC IAS Archives

11. Consider the following information : Region Name of the mount

Consider the following information :

Region	Name of the mountain range	Type of mountain
1. Central Asia	Vosges	Fold mountain
2. Europe	Alps	Block mountain
3. North America	Appalachians	Fold mountain
4. South America	Andes	Fold mountain

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?

Only one

Only two

Only three

All four

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Let’s examine each row:
1. Central Asia, Vosges, Fold mountain: The Vosges Mountains are located in Western Europe (France/Germany), not Central Asia. They are primarily block mountains formed by faulting, not fold mountains, although they have experienced complex geological history. This row is incorrectly matched.
2. Europe, Alps, Block mountain: The Alps are located in Europe. They are classic examples of young fold mountains formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. They are not block mountains. This row is incorrectly matched.
3. North America, Appalachians, Fold mountain: The Appalachian Mountains are located in eastern North America. They are ancient fold mountains formed by past continental collisions. This row is correctly matched.
4. South America, Andes, Fold mountain: The Andes Mountains are located along the western coast of South America. They are young fold mountains formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate. This row is correctly matched.
Therefore, two rows (3 and 4) are correctly matched.

– Fold mountains are formed by compressional forces leading to folding of crustal rocks (e.g., Himalayas, Alps, Andes, Rockies, Appalachians).
– Block mountains are formed by faulting and uplifting or down-dropping of blocks of crust (e.g., Vosges, Black Forest, Sierra Nevada).

Mountain types are determined by the geological processes that formed them. Fold mountains are associated with convergent plate boundaries, while block mountains are associated with faulting, often in areas of tension or rifting.

12. Consider the following information : Waterfall Region River

Consider the following information :

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Waterfall	Region	River
1. Dhuandhar	Malwa	Narmada
2. Hundru	Chota Nagpur	Subarnarekha
3. Gersoppa	Western Ghats	Netravati

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

Download PDF Attempt Online

Let’s examine each row:
1. Dhuandhar Waterfall, Malwa Region, Narmada River: Dhuandhar Falls are on the Narmada River near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. While on the Narmada, Jabalpur is generally considered part of the Mahakoshal region or the Satpura range foothills, not the Malwa Plateau which is further west. So, the region match is incorrect.
2. Hundru Waterfall, Chota Nagpur Region, Subarnarekha River: Hundru Falls are on the Subarnarekha River near Ranchi in Jharkhand, which is part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. This row is correctly matched.
3. Gersoppa Waterfall, Western Ghats Region, Netravati River: Gersoppa Falls, now commonly known as Jog Falls, are located on the Sharavathi River in Shivamogga district of Karnataka, which is part of the Western Ghats. The region is correct, but the river is incorrect. Jog Falls is on the Sharavathi, not the Netravati River.
Therefore, only the second row is correctly matched.

– Dhuandhar Falls are on the Narmada River.
– Hundru Falls are on the Subarnarekha River in Chota Nagpur.
– Gersoppa/Jog Falls are on the Sharavathi River in the Western Ghats.

Jog Falls (Gersoppa Falls) is one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India. The Netravati River flows through Karnataka and is a major river of the Dakshina Kannada district, flowing westwards into the Arabian Sea.

13. Consider the following countries : 1. Finland 2. Germany 3. Norway 4.

Consider the following countries :
1. Finland
2. Germany
3. Norway
4. Russia
How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea ?

Only one

Only two

Only three

All four

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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The countries that border the North Sea are the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. From the given list:
1. Finland borders the Baltic Sea, not the North Sea.
2. Germany borders the North Sea.
3. Norway borders the North Sea.
4. Russia has extensive coastlines on various seas (Baltic, Arctic, Pacific, Black, Caspian), but not the North Sea.
Therefore, only Germany and Norway from the list border the North Sea. This is a count of two countries.

– The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
– Key bordering countries are UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France.

Understanding the geography of Europe, particularly the bordering seas of different countries, is important for geographical questions. Finland is primarily associated with the Baltic Sea, and Russia’s European coastlines are on the Baltic, Barents, White, and Black Seas.

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14. Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Rainfall is one of

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks.
Statement-II : Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution.
Statement-III : Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I

Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I

Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I

Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Statement-I is correct. Rainfall is a major agent of weathering. This includes physical weathering (e.g., the impact of raindrops, wetting and drying cycles) and chemical weathering. Statement-II is correct. Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, forming weak carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) in solution. Statement-III is correct. Rainwater also absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere. Both carbon dioxide (as carbonic acid) and oxygen dissolved in rainwater contribute significantly to chemical weathering processes. Carbonic acid reacts with minerals like calcium carbonate (carbonation), and dissolved oxygen causes oxidation of iron-bearing minerals (oxidation). Therefore, both Statement-II and Statement-III describe components of rainwater that are responsible for chemical weathering, which is a type of weathering caused by rainfall. Thus, both statements are correct and both explain Statement-I by describing mechanisms through which rainfall causes weathering.

– Rainfall causes both physical and chemical weathering.
– Chemical weathering involves reactions between rock minerals and substances in rainwater.
– Carbon dioxide in rainwater forms carbonic acid, causing carbonation.
– Oxygen in rainwater causes oxidation.

Chemical weathering is particularly effective in warm and humid climates where rainfall is abundant. The presence of dissolved substances like CO2 and O2 in rainwater significantly enhances its chemical reactivity with rocks.

15. With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of

With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct ?

Ghaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi

Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi

Ghaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak

Gomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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To determine the correct sequence of Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, we need to consider the geographical locations of their confluences with the Ganga.
Prayagraj is the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. Moving downstream (eastwards) from Prayagraj:
1. The Gomati River joins the Ganga near Saidpur, Uttar Pradesh.
2. The Ghaghara River joins the Ganga near Chhapra, Bihar, which is downstream (east) of the Gomati’s confluence.
3. The Gandak River joins the Ganga near Patna, Bihar, which is downstream (east) of the Ghaghara’s confluence.
4. The Kosi River joins the Ganga near Kursela in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, which is downstream (east) of the Gandak’s confluence.
Therefore, the correct sequence from West to East is Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi.

Major tributaries of the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from west to east include the Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. Knowing the relative positions of their confluences is key to determining the order.

These rivers originate in the Himalayas and are major contributors of water and sediment to the Ganga river system. The Kosi is particularly known for its frequent changes in course, often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar”.

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16. Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest coc

Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world ?

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Algeria and Morocco

Botswana and Namibia

Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana

Madagascar and Mozambique

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana are consistently the two largest cocoa-producing countries in the world, accounting for a significant majority of global cocoa bean production. They are both located in West Africa, which is the dominant region for cocoa cultivation.

Côte d’Ivoire is the largest producer, followed by Ghana. West Africa produces about two-thirds of the world’s cocoa.

Cocoa is the primary ingredient in chocolate. The economies of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are heavily reliant on cocoa exports.

17. Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothe

Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January ?

The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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In the Northern Hemisphere winter (January), land surfaces cool down much faster and to lower temperatures than ocean surfaces at similar latitudes.
Statement 1 is correct. Over continents, the cold air causes isotherms to bend southwards (equatorwards). Over oceans, the relatively warmer water causes isotherms to bend northwards (polewards). This describes the typical pattern observed on isothermal maps in January over the Northern Hemisphere.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents that transport warm water to higher latitudes in the North Atlantic. This makes the North Atlantic Ocean significantly *warmer* than surrounding land masses or areas influenced by cold currents. This warmth causes the isotherms to bend *north* over the North Atlantic, indicating higher temperatures extending polewards. The statement incorrectly claims these currents make the ocean colder.
Therefore, only Statement 1 is a correct inference.

Isotherms reflect temperature distribution. In winter, continents are typically colder than oceans at the same latitude due to differences in specific heat capacity and heat transfer mechanisms. Warm ocean currents cause isotherms to bend poleward.

The bending of isotherms over land and sea in winter is a clear manifestation of the differential heating and cooling properties of land and water and the influence of ocean currents.

18. Consider the following: Pyroclastic debris Ash and dust Nitrogen c

Consider the following:

Pyroclastic debris
Ash and dust
Nitrogen compounds
Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions ?

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Only one

Only two

Only three

All four

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

Download PDF Attempt Online

All four listed items are products of volcanic eruptions. Volcanic eruptions release a variety of materials into the atmosphere and onto the Earth’s surface.
1. Pyroclastic debris: This refers to fragmented solid material ejected during an eruption, ranging from fine ash and dust to larger bombs and blocks.
2. Ash and dust: These are fine particles of pulverized rock and glass ejected from the volcano. They can travel long distances and pose significant hazards.
3. Nitrogen compounds: Volcanic gases typically contain significant amounts of nitrogen (often as N2), along with smaller amounts of nitrogen compounds like ammonia (NH3). So, nitrogen compounds are among the gaseous products.
4. Sulphur compounds: Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) are common and often abundant volcanic gases. These compounds can have significant environmental impacts, including contributing to acid rain and atmospheric aerosols.
Therefore, all four are products of volcanic eruptions.

Volcanic products include solid ejecta (lava, pyroclastics) and gases. Common volcanic gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and halogens.

The composition and quantity of volcanic products vary greatly depending on the type of volcano and the nature of the eruption. Volcanic ash plumes can disrupt air travel and affect climate.

19. Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Thickness of the t

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I :
Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.
Statement-II :
At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

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Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Statement-I is correct. The thickness of the troposphere varies with latitude and season, being greatest at the equator (around 16-18 km) and thinnest at the poles (around 8-10 km).
Statement-II is correct. At the equator, high solar insolation leads to intense heating of the surface and lower atmosphere, resulting in strong convectional currents. These rising air currents transport heat and moisture upwards to great heights, pushing the boundary of the troposphere (tropopause) higher. At the poles, there is less heating and weaker convection, resulting in a lower tropopause.
Statement-II provides the physical mechanism (strong convection due to heat transport) that explains why the troposphere is thicker at the equator compared to the poles. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

The thickness of the troposphere is primarily controlled by temperature and convection. Warmer temperatures and stronger convection lead to a higher tropopause.

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere where most weather occurs. The tropopause is the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere.

20. Consider the following statements: Statement-I : The atmosphere is h

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I :
The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.
Statement-II :
Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Statement-I is incorrect. The atmosphere is largely transparent to incoming shortwave solar radiation, which primarily reaches and heats the Earth’s surface. The heated surface then emits longwave terrestrial radiation. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, are effective absorbers of this longwave radiation. The absorption of terrestrial radiation by greenhouse gases is the primary mechanism by which the atmosphere is heated. Therefore, the atmosphere is heated more by terrestrial radiation than by incoming solar radiation directly.
Statement-II is correct. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (like water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide) are indeed good absorbers of longwave (infrared) radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface. This absorption and subsequent re-emission of longwave radiation is the fundamental process of the greenhouse effect, which warms the lower atmosphere.
Since Statement-I is incorrect and Statement-II is correct, option D is the correct choice.

The greenhouse effect describes the process where atmospheric gases trap heat (longwave radiation) radiated by the Earth’s surface, warming the atmosphere. The atmosphere receives energy directly from the sun (shortwave) and indirectly from the Earth’s surface (longwave).

While the atmosphere does absorb some incoming solar radiation (e.g., ozone absorbs UV), the bulk of the atmospheric heating, particularly in the troposphere, comes from the absorption of terrestrial longwave radiation.

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