2020 Archives

241. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area und

Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

[amp_mcq option1=”Corbett” option2=”Ranthambore” option3=”Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam” option4=”Sunderbans” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2020

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Among the given options, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve has the largest area designated as “Critical Tiger Habitat”.

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH), also known as the core area of a tiger reserve, is defined under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. It is an area of adequate size, duly notified by the state government, required to be kept inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation. The total area and CTH area vary between tiger reserves. As of recent data (around the time this question was likely framed or based on common knowledge about large reserves), Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam consistently ranks as having one of the largest, if not the largest, CTH among major tiger reserves in India.

The approximate CTH areas for the given options are:
Corbett Tiger Reserve: ~821 sq km
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: ~1113 sq km
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve: ~2595 sq km
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (Indian part): ~2125 sq km
Based on these figures, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam has the largest Critical Tiger Habitat area.

242. Consider the following statements: Jet streams occur in the Northern

Consider the following statements:

Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
Only some cyclones develop an eye.
The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”2 only” option4=”1 and 3 only” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020

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Only statement 2 is correct. Jet streams occur in both hemispheres, and the eye of a tropical cyclone is typically warmer than its surroundings.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Jet streams are fast-flowing, narrow, meandering air currents found in the atmospheres of planets, including Earth. On Earth, major jet streams are located in the upper atmosphere (tropopause) of both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
Statement 2 is correct. Only tropical cyclones, which are intense low-pressure systems, can develop a feature known as an ‘eye’. This eye is a relatively calm, clear region at the center of the storm. Not all cyclones, particularly weaker ones or extra-tropical cyclones, develop a clearly defined eye.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The eye of a tropical cyclone is characterized by subsiding air, which leads to warming. The temperature inside the eye is typically warmer than the surrounding eyewall, sometimes by several degrees Celsius, not lesser by 10°C.

Jet streams play a significant role in influencing weather patterns. The eye of a tropical cyclone is a defining feature of mature, intense storms and is surrounded by the eyewall, which is the region of strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.

243. Consider the following statements : 36% of India’s districts are cl

Consider the following statements :

36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”2 only” option4=”1 and 3 only” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act, and India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation globally. Statement 1, regarding 36% of districts being classified as overexploited or critical, is likely an incorrect generalization or based on a misleading interpretation, as CGWA classifies assessment units (blocks, talukas, etc.) rather than entire districts in this manner.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Ground Water Authority assesses groundwater conditions at the level of ‘assessment units’ (blocks, talukas, mandals, watersheds), not typically whole districts. While a significant percentage of assessment units are classified as overexploited or critical (e.g., around 17% overexploited and 5% critical as per 2020 data), it’s inaccurate to state that 36% of *districts* are classified as such.
Statement 2 is correct. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted by the Government of India under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Statement 3 is correct. India is the world’s largest user of groundwater, primarily for agricultural irrigation. It has the largest area irrigated by groundwater sources globally.

CGWA is tasked with the regulation and control of groundwater development and management in the country. The excessive reliance on groundwater for irrigation and other uses has led to significant depletion of water tables in many parts of India. The assessment of groundwater resources and categorization into safe, semi-critical, critical, and over-exploited blocks is done periodically by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and State Groundwater Departments.

244. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

1.	Bhilsa	—	Madhya Pradesh
2.	Dwarasamudra	—	Maharashtra
3.	Girinagar	—	Gujarat
4.	Sthanesvara	—	Uttar Pradesh

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 3 only” option2=”1 and 4 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”2 and 4 only” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020

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The correctly matched pairs are Bhilsa (Vidisha) with Madhya Pradesh and Girinagar (Junagadh) with Gujarat. Dwarasamudra was in Karnataka, and Sthanesvara was in Haryana.

Pair 1: Bhilsa, historically also known as Vidisha, is located in the present-day state of Madhya Pradesh.
Pair 2: Dwarasamudra was the capital of the Hoysala dynasty, located in present-day Karnataka (modern Halebidu).
Pair 3: Girinagar is the ancient name for Junagadh, a city located in Gujarat.
Pair 4: Sthanesvara, also known as Thanesar, was the capital of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, including Harshavardhana’s kingdom before he moved his capital to Kannauj. Thanesar is located in the present-day state of Haryana.

These ancient place names and their locations are important for understanding the historical geography of India during different periods, including the Gupta era and later. Knowing the locations of major cities, capitals, and cultural centres helps in mapping historical events and administrative divisions.

245. Siachen Glacier is situated to the

Siachen Glacier is situated to the

[amp_mcq option1=”East of Aksai Chin” option2=”East of Leh” option3=”North of Gilgit” option4=”North of Nubra Valley” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020

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The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas. Among the given options, it is situated to the north of the Nubra Valley.

The Nubra Valley is a valley formed by the Nubra River, which originates from the Siachen Glacier. Therefore, the glacier is situated upstream and to the north of the valley.

Siachen Glacier is the world’s second largest non-polar glacier. It is located just northeast of the point NJ9842, where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends. The area is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Geographically, it is west of Aksai Chin and northeast of Leh. Gilgit is located significantly to the northwest of the Siachen region.

246. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following

With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct ?

It is spread over two districts.
There is no human habitation inside the Park.
It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020

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The correct option is C, as statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

The Desert National Park (DNP) is a large protected area in Rajasthan, India, known for its desert ecosystem and as a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard. It is spread across multiple districts and, typical of many large parks in India, includes human settlements within its boundaries.

1. **Spread over two districts:** The Desert National Park is indeed spread across two districts of Rajasthan: Jaisalmer and Barmer. This statement is correct.
2. **No human habitation inside the Park:** This statement is incorrect. Like many large national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, DNP has several villages and human settlements within its vast area. The park management works alongside local communities living inside and around the park.
3. **Habitat of Great Indian Bustard:** DNP is widely recognized as one of the primary and last remaining natural habitats for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). Conservation efforts for this species are heavily focused on DNP. This statement is correct.

247. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the followin

With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements :

At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2020

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The correct option is B, as statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

The Indian government provides subsidies on chemical fertilizers to ensure their availability to farmers at affordable prices. The pricing mechanism varies for different fertilizers like urea and P&K fertilizers. Raw materials for fertilizer production often come from natural gas and oil refining processes.

1. **Retail price:** The retail price of Urea is fixed (administered) by the Government of India through the Urea Policy, providing a subsidy to manufacturers. Prices of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers were decontrolled to some extent but are under a Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, where a fixed subsidy is provided per nutrient, allowing manufacturers/importers to determine the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) to some extent, but still influenced by the subsidy. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the retail price of *chemical fertilizers* is purely market-driven and not administered by the government, given the significant government control and subsidy mechanisms, especially for Urea.
2. **Ammonia production:** Ammonia (NH3), the primary input for urea synthesis, is predominantly produced in India and globally from natural gas (methane) through processes like steam reforming. This statement is correct.
3. **Sulphur as raw material:** Sulphur is a key raw material for producing sulphuric acid (H2SO4), which is essential for manufacturing various phosphatic fertilizers (like Single Super Phosphate – SSP, Diammonium Phosphate – DAP). Sulphur is a significant by-product recovered from the desulfurization of crude oil and natural gas in refineries and processing plants. This statement is correct.

248. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following

With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct ?

OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January – March.
OMT collected during January – March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2020

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The correct option is B, as statement 2 is correct regarding the use of OMT in monsoon prediction, while statement 1 contains specific details that may not be universally accurate or precisely phrased.

Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) represents the average temperature of the upper ocean layer, typically down to the depth where the temperature is 26°C. This measure reflects the heat content of the upper ocean and is considered a better predictor of the Indian Summer Monsoon than Sea Surface Temperature (SST) alone.

1. **Depth and Measurement:** OMT is measured up to the depth of the 26°C isotherm. The depth of the 26°C isotherm is not fixed at 129 meters but varies geographically and seasonally. While it might be around 129 meters in the specific region (south-western Indian Ocean) and time (January-March) mentioned, stating it as a fixed depth “which is 129 meters” can be misleading, as the OMT is defined by the varying depth of the isotherm, not a fixed depth. Therefore, this statement is likely inaccurate or too specific/poorly phrased for a general description.
2. **Monsoon Prediction:** Studies have shown a strong correlation between the Ocean Mean Temperature in the southeastern equatorial Indian Ocean and the southwestern Bay of Bengal during the pre-monsoon period (January-March or April-May) and the subsequent Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall. Higher OMT in this region is generally associated with a better monsoon. This statement is correct.

249. Consider the following minerals : Bentonite Chromite Kyanite Sill

Consider the following minerals :

Bentonite
Chromite
Kyanite
Sillimanite

In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”4 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”2, 3 and 4 only” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020

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The correct option is D, as Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite are officially designated as major minerals in India, while Bentonite is typically classified as a minor mineral.

Minerals in India are classified as ‘major’ or ‘minor’ under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This classification impacts their regulation, such as rules for mining leases and royalty rates. The list of major and minor minerals changes based on government notifications.

As per the classification under the MMDR Act, as amended and notified periodically:
1. Bentonite: Generally classified as a Minor Mineral.
2. Chromite: Classified as a Major Mineral.
3. Kyanite: Classified as a Major Mineral.
4. Sillimanite: Classified as a Major Mineral.
Therefore, only Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite among the given options are major minerals.

250. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture ? Controlling

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture ?

Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3 only” option2=”1, 2 and 4 only” option3=”1, 3 and 4 only” option4=”2, 3 and 4 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2020

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The correct option is C, as statements 1, 3, and 4 describe advantages of fertigation, while statement 2 is incorrect regarding the efficient application of all phosphatic fertilizers, especially rock phosphate.

Fertigation is the integrated application of water-soluble fertilizers through an irrigation system. It delivers nutrients directly to the plant’s root zone along with water, offering potential benefits in nutrient use efficiency and management.

1. **Controlling alkalinity/pH:** Yes, certain fertilizers used in fertigation (like acidic fertilizers) can help modify the pH of the irrigation water and soil near the root zone, which can be beneficial in alkaline soils or with alkaline irrigation water.
2. **Efficient application of Phosphatic fertilizers:** While some soluble phosphatic fertilizers (e.g., monoammonium phosphate – MAP, diammonium phosphate – DAP after dissolution, urea phosphate) can be efficiently applied through fertigation, highly insoluble phosphatic fertilizers like rock phosphate are not suitable for fertigation systems as they can clog emitters and are not readily available to the plant in solution. Therefore, efficient application of *all* phosphatic fertilizers, particularly rock phosphate, is *not* possible via fertigation.
3. **Increased availability of nutrients:** Delivering nutrients directly to the active root zone in solution form enhances their availability and uptake by the plants compared to broadcasting or banding.
4. **Reduction in leaching:** Precise application of nutrients based on plant needs and growth stage, along with water management through irrigation, can reduce the amount of nutrients that leach below the root zone, minimizing environmental pollution and nutrient loss.