Indian Geography

181. Which of the following islands are made of small coral atolls and reef

Which of the following islands are made of small coral atolls and reefs in the Arabian Sea ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Maldives” option2=”Andaman” option3=”Sri Lanka” option4=”Lakshadweep” correct=”option4″]

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The question asks for islands made of small coral atolls and reefs located in the Arabian Sea.
– Maldives: An island nation consisting of numerous coral atolls. Geographically, it is located south of the Lakshadweep islands in the Indian Ocean, bordering the Arabian Sea to the north. While a coral archipelago, its primary location is often described as the North Central Indian Ocean or Laccadive Sea.
– Andaman: The Andaman Islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago, located in the Bay of Bengal. They are primarily volcanic in origin.
– Sri Lanka: A large island located southeast of India in the Indian Ocean. It is a continental island.
– Lakshadweep: An archipelago located in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. Lakshadweep is composed of 36 islands, islets, and submerged reefs, most of which are coral atolls.
Lakshadweep perfectly fits the description of islands made of small coral atolls and reefs in the Arabian Sea.
Identify the location and geological formation type of major island groups in and around India. Lakshadweep is a coral archipelago in the Arabian Sea, while Andaman and Nicobar are primarily volcanic in the Bay of Bengal.
Coral atolls are ring-shaped coral reefs that enclose a lagoon, often formed around a submerged volcanic island. They are found in warm tropical and subtropical waters. Lakshadweep is an excellent example of an Indian coral archipelago.

182. Three important rivers of the Indian subcontinent have their source ne

Three important rivers of the Indian subcontinent have their source near the Manasarovar Lake in the Great Himalayas. Which among the following are the rivers ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Indus, Jhelum and Sutlej” option2=”Sutlej, Yamuna and Brahmaputra” option3=”Brahmaputra, Indus and Sutlej” option4=”Sutlej, Jhelum and Yamuna” correct=”option3″]

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The Manasarovar Lake and the nearby Kailash range in Tibet are the source regions for several major rivers of the Indian subcontinent.
– The Indus River originates near Bokhar Chu Glacier, north of the Kailash Range and relatively close to Lake Manasarovar. It flows west and then south into Pakistan.
– The Sutlej River originates from Rakas Lake (or Rakshastal), which is connected to Lake Manasarovar by a channel. It flows west and southwest into India and Pakistan.
– The Brahmaputra River, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier, south-east of Lake Manasarovar. It flows east through Tibet before turning south into Arunachal Pradesh, India.
– The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, India, far to the west of Manasarovar.
– The Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Kashmir Valley, India, also far to the west of Manasarovar.
The three important rivers sourcing near Manasarovar Lake are Brahmaputra, Indus, and Sutlej.
Identify the major rivers originating from the Trans-Himalayan region, particularly near the Manasarovar Lake and Kailash Range.
Manasarovar Lake is a highly revered site in Hinduism and Buddhism. The region is a hydrological knot giving rise to some of Asia’s longest rivers. Other rivers like the Karnali (a tributary of the Ghaghara, which joins the Ganga) also originate in the vicinity.

183. Which of the following statements with regard to the Indian Peninsular

Which of the following statements with regard to the Indian Peninsular Plateau is/are correct ?

  • 1. The Southern plateau block is formed mainly of granite and gneiss
  • 2. The Deccan lava plateau is an elevated tableland consisting of horizontally arranged lava sheets
  • 3. The Malwa plateau dominates the Vindhyan scraps, forming the Eastern flank of the plateau
  • 4. The trough of the Narmada and Tapti is interposed between the Vindhyan and the Satpura ranges

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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1. The Southern plateau block is formed mainly of granite and gneiss: This statement is correct. The Peninsular Plateau, particularly the southern part, is composed of ancient crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks like granite and gneiss, which are part of the stable continental shield.
2. The Deccan lava plateau is an elevated tableland consisting of horizontally arranged lava sheets: This statement is correct. The Deccan Traps region, covering a large part of the Peninsular Plateau, was formed by massive volcanic eruptions, resulting in layers of basaltic lava flows that solidified to form a high, flat plateau.
3. The Malwa plateau dominates the Vindhyan scraps, forming the Eastern flank of the plateau: This statement is incorrect. The Malwa Plateau is located to the north of the Vindhyan Range, with the Vindhyan scarp forming its southern boundary. It does not dominate the Vindhyan scraps, and the Vindhyan scarp forms the southern boundary of the plateau, not the eastern flank. The eastern part of the Malwa plateau slopes towards the Chambal river system.
4. The trough of the Narmada and Tapti is interposed between the Vindhyan and the Satpura ranges: This statement is correct. The Narmada River flows through a rift valley (trough) situated between the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south. The Tapti River flows through another rift valley south of the Satpura Range. The combined river valleys are located between the two prominent hill ranges.
Based on the analysis, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
Understand the geological composition and structure of the Peninsular Plateau, including the location of major physiographic divisions like the Deccan Plateau, Malwa Plateau, Vindhya Range, Satpura Range, and major river valleys like Narmada and Tapti.
The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses on Earth. It is a stable block composed of crystalline rocks. It is broadly divided into two parts by the Narmada valley: the Central Highlands (including Malwa Plateau) and the Deccan Plateau. The Western and Eastern Ghats form the western and eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau, respectively.

184. Which one among the following is the most plausible explanation for th

Which one among the following is the most plausible explanation for the location of the Thar Desert in Western India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Prevalence of sand dunes” option2=”The evaporation of moisture by heat” option3=”The absence of mountains to the North of Rajasthan to cause orographic rainfall in it” option4=”The moisture carried by the South-West Monsoon is driven away by the dry upper air current” correct=”option4″]

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The most plausible explanation for the location of the Thar Desert in Western India is the influence of dry upper air currents that prevent rainfall despite the presence of moisture-laden monsoon winds.
The South-West Monsoon winds carry significant moisture from the Arabian Sea. However, over Western Rajasthan, there is a subsidence of dry air associated with the subtropical high-pressure belt. This descending dry air is stable and inhibits the formation of convective clouds necessary for rainfall. Furthermore, the Aravalli Range runs parallel to the direction of the monsoon winds, failing to act as an effective barrier to cause significant orographic rainfall on the windward side in this region, unlike the Western Ghats or the Himalayas. The combined effect of atmospheric circulation (descending dry air) and the topography contributes to the aridity. Option D directly addresses the primary meteorological cause.
Other factors like the sandy soil’s low water retention capacity and high temperatures leading to evaporation contribute to the desert environment, but the *location* is primarily determined by the large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern and topographical features relative to rain-bearing winds.

185. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I
(Wildlife Sanctuary)		List II
(State)
A. Mahananda1. Madhya Pradesh
B. Lakhari Valley2. Uttar Pradesh
C. Pachmarhi3. West Bengal
D. Chandra Prabha4. Odisha

Code :
A B C D

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

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The correct matching of Wildlife Sanctuaries to their States is: Mahananda – West Bengal, Lakhari Valley – Odisha, Pachmarhi – Madhya Pradesh, Chandra Prabha – Uttar Pradesh.
– Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
– Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Gajapati district of Odisha.
– Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the larger Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
– Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh.
Knowledge of the geographical locations of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves in India is important for the UPSC exam. These areas are crucial for biodiversity conservation and often feature in environment and geography questions.

186. With reference to the various multipurpose projects in India, which on

With reference to the various multipurpose projects in India, which one among the following statements is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Machkund project is a joint venture of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha” option2=”Parambikulam Aliyar project is a joint venture of Kerala and Tamil Nadu” option3=”Mayurakshi project is a joint venture of Odisha and West Bengal” option4=”Chambal Valley project is a joint venture of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is Mayurakshi project is a joint venture of Odisha and West Bengal.
Let’s examine each statement:
A) Machkund project: This is a hydroelectric project on the Machkund River, a tributary of the Godavari. It is a joint venture between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (formerly Orissa). This statement is correct.
B) Parambikulam Aliyar project: This is a complex multipurpose project involving inter-basin transfer of water from rivers in the Parambikulam and Aliyar basins (in Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively) to serve irrigation and power needs in Tamil Nadu. It is a joint venture between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This statement is correct.
C) Mayurakshi project: This project is based on the Mayurakshi River, which flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal. The Massanjore Dam (also known as Canada Dam) on this river is located in Jharkhand, but built for the benefit of West Bengal. The benefits of the project primarily accrue to West Bengal (irrigation and power). Odisha is not a beneficiary or partner in this project. This statement is incorrect.
D) Chambal Valley project: This is a series of dams on the Chambal River. Key dams include Gandhi Sagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh), Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage (all in Rajasthan). It is a joint venture benefiting Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. This statement is correct.
The Mayurakshi project primarily involves West Bengal and benefits from the Massanjore dam located in Jharkhand.

187. The place located at the confluence of Alakananda and Pindar rivers is

The place located at the confluence of Alakananda and Pindar rivers is

[amp_mcq option1=”Rudraprayag” option2=”Karnaprayag” option3=”Devaprayag” option4=”Vishnupravag” correct=”option2″]

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The place located at the confluence of Alakananda and Pindar rivers is Karnaprayag.
The Alakananda river is one of the two main headstreams of the Ganga river. It originates from the Satopanth and Bhagirathi Kharak glaciers. Various rivers join the Alakananda at specific locations called ‘Prayags’ (confluences), which are considered sacred in Hinduism.
– Vishnuprayag: Alakananda + Dhauliganga
– Nandaprayag: Alakananda + Nandakini
– Karnaprayag: Alakananda + Pindar
– Rudraprayag: Alakananda + Mandakini
– Devaprayag: Alakananda + Bhagirathi (This confluence forms the main Ganga river)
These five confluences along the Alakananda are collectively known as the ‘Panch Prayag’ and are important pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. The Pindar river originates from the Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon region.

188. The State of Sikkim is surrounded by

The State of Sikkim is surrounded by

[amp_mcq option1=”China, Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal” option2=”Bhutan, Nepal, West Bengal and Assam” option3=”China, Nepal, West Bengal and Assam” option4=”China, Bhutan, West Bengal and Assam” correct=”option1″]

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The State of Sikkim is surrounded by China, Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal.
Sikkim is a landlocked state in the Eastern Himalayas. Its geographical location dictates its neighbours:
– North and Northeast: China (Tibet Autonomous Region)
– East: Bhutan
– West: Nepal
– South: West Bengal (India)
Sikkim is strategically important due to its location bordering three different countries. Assam does not share a border with Sikkim; there is a geographical gap filled by North Bengal (West Bengal).

189. Which one among the following States shares common boundaries with max

Which one among the following States shares common boundaries with maximum number of other States?

[amp_mcq option1=”Madhya Pradesh” option2=”West Bengal” option3=”Chhattisgarh” option4=”Andhra Pradesh” correct=”option3″]

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Chhattisgarh shares common boundaries with the maximum number of other States among the given options.
Let’s list the bordering states for each option:
A) Madhya Pradesh: Shares borders with Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan (5 states).
B) West Bengal: Shares borders with Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam (5 states within India). It also shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. The question asks for *other States*, implying Indian states.
C) Chhattisgarh: Shares borders with Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh (7 states).
D) Andhra Pradesh: Shares borders with Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu (5 states).
Comparing the numbers, Chhattisgarh shares borders with 7 states, which is the maximum among the options.
Other states known for sharing borders with a large number of states include Uttar Pradesh (9 states + 1 UT + 1 international border) and Assam (7 states + 2 international borders). However, among the options provided, Chhattisgarh has the highest count (7).

190. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? 1. Idukki : The

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

  • 1. Idukki : Thermal Power Station
  • 2. Sabarigiri : Hydroelectric Project
  • 3. Ghatprabha : Irrigation Project
  • 4. Ramganga : Multipurpose Project

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Pairs 2, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.
1. Idukki is famous for its large arch dam and Hydroelectric Project on the Periyar River in Kerala, not a thermal power station.
2. Sabarigiri is a major Hydroelectric Project in Kerala, located near the famous Sabarimala temple, utilizing the Pamba and Kakki rivers.
3. Ghatprabha Project in Karnataka is primarily an irrigation project built on the Ghataprabha River, a tributary of the Krishna. It includes the Hidkal dam.
4. The Ramganga Dam project at Kalagarh, Uttarakhand, on the Ramganga River, is a multipurpose project providing irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Understanding the purpose of major dams and projects is important for Indian geography. Hydroelectric projects generate electricity from water, thermal power stations use fossil fuels (coal, gas, etc.), irrigation projects supply water for agriculture, and multipurpose projects serve multiple aims like power generation, irrigation, flood control, navigation, etc.
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