Indian Geography

121. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India ar

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?

  • They are generally red in colour.
  • They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
  • They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
  • Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

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The correct answer is C) 1 and 4. Statements 1 and 4 regarding laterite soils are correct, while statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
Laterite soils are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to intense leaching. This process removes silica but leaves behind iron and aluminium oxides, which give the soil its characteristic red colour (Statement 1). These soils are generally poor in nutrients like nitrogen, potash, lime, and organic matter (Statement 2 incorrect). They are found in specific regions experiencing such climate, primarily in the Western and Eastern Ghats, parts of southern Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, etc., not typically Rajasthan and UP (Statement 3 incorrect). Despite being infertile, certain crops like tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on them with appropriate fertilization (Statement 4).
Laterite soil is derived from laterite rock, which is rich in iron and aluminium. The term “laterite” is derived from the Latin word ‘later’ meaning brick, as these soils can harden significantly when dried and are often used for building purposes. Tea and coffee are also important crops grown in regions with laterite soils.

122. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of In

Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?

  • High ash content
  • Low sulphur content
  • Low ash fusion temperature

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

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The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 accurately describe characteristics of Indian coal, while statement 3 is incorrect.
Indian coal is known for its high ash content and relatively low sulphur content compared to coal found in many other parts of the world. The ash fusion temperature of Indian coal is generally high, which can lead to operational issues like slagging in boilers if not properly managed.
High ash content reduces the energy output per unit weight and increases transportation costs and environmental challenges related to ash disposal. Low sulphur content is an advantage from an environmental perspective as it results in lower sulphur dioxide emissions. The high ash fusion temperature means that the ash melts at a higher temperature, but if furnace temperatures exceed this point, it can form slag, which sticks to boiler tubes.

123. Consider the following pairs : National Park : River flowing th

Consider the following pairs :

National Park:River flowing through the Park
1.Corbett:Ganga
2.Kaziranga National Park:Manas
3.Silent Valley National Park:Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2″ option2=”3 only” option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”None” correct=”option4″]

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None of the given pairs are correctly matched.
1. Jim Corbett National Park is primarily known for the Ramganga river flowing through it, not the Ganga. The Ramganga is a tributary of the Ganga.
2. Kaziranga National Park is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. The Manas river flows through Manas National Park, another park in Assam.
3. Silent Valley National Park is located in the Western Ghats in Kerala. The major river flowing through it is the Kunthi River, a tributary of the Bharathappuzha river. The Kaveri River flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Correct identification of major rivers flowing through national parks is important for environmental geography. These rivers often form crucial habitats and influence the park’s ecosystem.

124. Consider the following pairs: 1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo

Consider the following pairs:

1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve: Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake: Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park: Dafla Hills

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”None” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct option is A, meaning that only pair 1 is correctly matched.
– Pair 1: Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, India. This pair is correctly matched.
– Pair 2: Loktak Lake is a large freshwater lake located in Manipur, India. The Barail Range lies to the south of the Manipur Valley, forming a border region primarily with Assam and Nagaland. While geographically near, stating Loktak Lake is in the “Barail Range” is not accurate; it’s in the Manipur Valley, surrounded by hills which include spurs of various ranges, but not specifically *in* the Barail Range itself.
– Pair 3: Namdapha National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh, in the Changlang district, near the border with Myanmar. It is situated between the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai Range. The Dafla Hills (also known as Nishi Hills) are located much further to the west in Arunachal Pradesh, north of the Brahmaputra plains, inhabited by the Nishi people. Namdapha is not in the Dafla Hills.
Geographical features like mountain ranges, lakes, and national parks have specific locations. Accuracy is key in matching them. Nokrek is intrinsically linked to the Garo Hills. Loktak Lake is a valley feature in Manipur, not a range feature. Namdapha is located in the Eastern Himalayas, geographically distinct from the Dafla Hills area.

125. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular

The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?

  • It occupies a linear rift valley.
  • It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
  • The land slopes to the west from Central India.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”None” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct option is C, indicating that statements 1 and 3 explain why the Narmada river flows to the west.
– Statement 1 is correct. The Narmada river flows through a rift valley (a graben), which is a linear depression formed by faulting. This valley was created due to the subsidence of the landmass between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges. Rivers flowing through rift valleys often follow the slope of the valley floor.
– Statement 2 is correct that it flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, but this describes its location relative to mountain ranges which border the rift valley, rather than being the primary *reason* for its westward flow. The reason it flows *between* them is because that’s where the rift valley formed.
– Statement 3 is correct. The floor of the Narmada rift valley slopes towards the west. This westward slope dictates the direction of the river flow.
– The general slope of the Deccan Plateau is towards the east, which is why most major peninsular rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. However, the Narmada and Tapti rivers are exceptions because they flow through these distinct westward-sloping rift valleys.
Rift valleys are typically characterized by normal faulting and down-dropped blocks of land. The Narmada rift valley is a significant geological feature of peninsular India.

126. Consider the following statements: 1. Black soil is considered suita

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Black soil is considered suitable for growing rain-fed crops
  • 2. Black soil can retain moisture for a prolonged period, aiding crops to survive even in dry seasons

With regard to the statements given above which of the following is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1″ option2=”Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is NOT the correct explanation of statement 1″ option3=”Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is false” option4=”Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is correct” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
Black soil, also known as Regur soil or Vertisol, is characterized by its high clay content and resulting high moisture retention capacity. This property is particularly beneficial for agriculture in areas that rely on rainfall (rain-fed crops), as the soil can store water and provide it to crops during dry periods. Statement 1 correctly identifies black soil as suitable for rain-fed crops, and statement 2 correctly states its ability to retain moisture for prolonged periods, which directly explains its suitability for rain-fed agriculture by mitigating the effects of dry spells.
Black soil is formed from the weathering of basaltic rocks and is common in the Deccan Trap region of India. It is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and lime but deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. Crops like cotton, sugarcane, jowar, bajra, and groundnut are widely grown in black soils under rain-fed conditions. The high clay content causes black soil to swell when wet and shrink when dry, leading to the formation of cracks, which helps in aeration.

127. Which of the following soil formation process takes place in Phumdis (

Which of the following soil formation process takes place in Phumdis (floating fields) in Loktak Lake of Manipur ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Laterization” option2=”Podzolization” option3=”Gleization” option4=”Calcification” correct=”option3″]

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Phumdis in Loktak Lake are unique floating islands composed of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. They exist in a waterlogged, anaerobic environment. Gleization is a soil formation process that occurs under prolonged waterlogged (anaerobic) conditions. It involves the reduction of iron compounds, often resulting in characteristic grayish or bluish-gray colors in the soil profile. This process is typical in wetlands and swamps, fitting the environment of the Phumdis. Laterization occurs in hot, humid climates with intense leaching. Podzolization occurs in cool, humid climates under coniferous forests. Calcification occurs in arid/semi-arid climates with calcium carbonate accumulation. Therefore, gleization is the most relevant soil formation process associated with the waterlogged conditions where Phumdis develop.
Gleization is a soil-forming process characteristic of poorly drained or waterlogged environments like wetlands, involving the reduction and segregation of iron and manganese under anaerobic conditions.
Phumdis cover a significant portion of Loktak Lake and are crucial to the ecosystem. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, home to the endangered Sangai (Brow-antlered deer), is situated on the largest phumdi.

128. Which of the following statements about Ragi crop grown in India is co

Which of the following statements about Ragi crop grown in India is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is a millet crop grown in drier parts of south India.” option2=”It is a Rabi crop sown between November and March.” option3=”It is a rainfed crop grown on red, light black and sandy loam soil.” option4=”It is grown between 20 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius of temperature and 50 – 100 cm rainfall.” correct=”option3″]

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Statement C is correct: Ragi is a rainfed crop, especially in areas with moderate rainfall, and it can grow well on a variety of soils including red, light black, sandy loams, and even poor stony soils. Statement A is generally correct that Ragi is a millet crop grown in drier parts of south India (like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh), but statement C provides a more detailed description of its growing conditions and soil suitability, which are key characteristics of the crop enabling its cultivation in such areas. Statement B is incorrect: Ragi is primarily a Kharif crop, sown during the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested in October-November. While it can be grown as a Rabi or summer crop in certain regions with irrigation, it is predominantly Kharif. Statement D provides temperature and rainfall requirements. While 50-100 cm rainfall is accurate, the optimal temperature range is often cited as 25-35°C, making 20-30°C slightly restrictive, although it might fall within the acceptable range. Comparing A, C, and D, statement C most accurately describes the typical cultivation practices and soil requirements that make Ragi suitable for the regions mentioned in A and the climate mentioned in D.
Ragi (Finger Millet) is a hardy millet known for its ability to grow in rainfed conditions on poor soils, making it suitable for drought-prone areas.
Ragi is highly nutritious, rich in calcium, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids. It is considered a valuable crop for food security in arid and semi-arid regions and is part of the broader group of ‘Nutri-Cereals’ promoted by the government.

129. Consider the following statements about Laterite soil found in India :

Consider the following statements about Laterite soil found in India :

  • 1. Laterite soil is found in high altitudes of Himalaya.
  • 2. It is a very fertile soil.
  • 3. It is a red colour soil due to presence of iron oxide.
  • 4. It is poor in Nitrogen, Potash and organic matter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

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UPSC CAPF – 2023
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Statement 3 is correct: Laterite soil is indeed red in colour due to the high content of iron oxides, particularly hydrated iron oxides. Statement 4 is correct: Laterite soils are generally poor in essential plant nutrients like Nitrogen, Potash, Lime, and organic matter because of intense leaching in heavy rainfall areas. Statement 1 is incorrect: Laterite soils are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry spells, leading to intense leaching (laterization). These conditions are typically found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, North-Eastern India, and parts of Odisha and other states, but not generally in the high altitudes of the Himalayas which have different climatic and soil formation processes. Statement 2 is incorrect: Laterite soil is generally infertile for agriculture due to the removal of most nutrients by leaching. It can support crops like cashew, tea, coffee, and tapioca with the application of manures and fertilizers.
Laterite soils are characterized by intense leaching under hot and humid tropical climates, resulting in iron and aluminium rich composition, redness from iron oxides, and poor fertility due to lack of essential nutrients and organic matter. They are not typically found in high altitudes of the Himalayas.
Laterite soil is derived from the laterite rock, which gets its name from the Latin word ‘later’, meaning brick. These soils are suitable for brick making due to their hardening when exposed to air. Specific crops like cashew nuts, tea, coffee, and tapioca are grown in laterite soils with proper management.

130. Consider the following statements: 1. The Great Northern Plains are

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Great Northern Plains are formed by basins of three distinct river systems – the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
  • 2. They are one of the most densely populated areas on Earth.
  • 3. Between the Yamuna at Delhi and the Bay of Bengal, nearly 1600 km away, there is a drop of only 200 metres in elevation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

This question was previously asked in
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Statements 1, 2 and 3 are all correct.
Statement 1: The Great Northern Plains of India are indeed formed by the depositional action of the three major river systems, namely the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra, along with their numerous tributaries. This statement is correct.
Statement 2: These plains are characterized by fertile alluvial soils deposited by the rivers, a favourable climate, and abundant water resources. These factors support agriculture and have historically led to high population densities, making them one of the most densely populated areas on Earth. This statement is correct.
Statement 3: The Northern Plains have a very gentle slope, especially noticeable over large distances. The stretch between Delhi and the Bay of Bengal along the Ganga basin is about 1600 km long, and the total drop in elevation is only about 200 metres. This gentle gradient contributes to slow-moving rivers and the formation of depositional features. This statement is correct.
The Northern Plains are one of the most important physical divisions of India, covering a vast area. They are the “food basket” of India due to their high agricultural productivity. The plains are generally flat, with the land rising slightly towards the north (towards the foothills of the Himalayas) and west.
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