Indian Geography

201. The retreating monsoons occur during the months of

The retreating monsoons occur during the months of

[amp_mcq option1=”January – February” option2=”March – April” option3=”June – July” option4=”October – November” correct=”option4″]

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The retreating monsoons occur during the months of October – November.
The retreating monsoon season in India follows the peak of the Southwest monsoon (June-September). As the low-pressure trough over the North Indian plains weakens and shifts southwards, the monsoonal winds retreat from the subcontinent.
This period is also associated with clear skies and anticyclonic conditions over large parts of India. However, the retreating monsoon picks up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and causes significant rainfall in some parts of the country, particularly the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala (often referred to as the Northeast Monsoon in these areas).

202. Which one among the following is *not* a plantation crop ?

Which one among the following is *not* a plantation crop ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Coffee” option2=”Sugarcane” option3=”Wheat” option4=”Rubber” correct=”option3″]

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Among the given options, Wheat is not a plantation crop.
Plantation crops are typically grown on large estates with the primary purpose of export or large-scale processing. They are usually perennial crops or annual crops cultivated using methods similar to perennials on large farms.
– Coffee: Perennial crop, grown on plantations.
– Sugarcane: Often grown on large farms, historically associated with plantations in many regions.
– Wheat: A staple food grain, typically grown as a field crop in extensive or intensive farming systems, not considered a plantation crop.
– Rubber: Perennial tree crop, widely grown on plantations.
Other examples of plantation crops include tea, cocoa, cotton, oil palm, and specific spices like cardamom. Wheat is a field crop usually cultivated on small to large farms, but not typically categorised under the ‘plantation’ model which implies specific economic and organisational structures often linked to colonial history or large-scale commercial export.

203. Which one among the following places is not covered by the Golden Char

Which one among the following places is not covered by the Golden Chariot, the luxury train designed to visit the historical places of South India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Hyderabad” option2=”Bangalore” option3=”Goa” option4=”Mysore” correct=”option1″]

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The Golden Chariot luxury train operates on routes covering prominent tourist destinations in South India, primarily focusing on Karnataka and nearby states like Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. Common destinations include Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Goa, Badami, etc. Hyderabad, located in Telangana, is not typically included in the standard routes of the Golden Chariot.
– The Golden Chariot primarily covers tourist destinations in Karnataka and surrounding South Indian states.
– Bangalore, Mysore, and Goa are regular stops on different itineraries of the Golden Chariot.
– Hyderabad is not part of the common routes operated by this luxury train.
The Golden Chariot offers several itineraries like “Pride of Karnataka,” “Southern Splendour,” “Glimpses of Karnataka,” etc., which vary in duration and covered places. These itineraries showcase a mix of historical sites, cultural landmarks, wildlife, and natural beauty of the region.

204. Arrange the following hills of southern India from north to south : 1.

Arrange the following hills of southern India from north to south :
1. Nilgiri
2. Cardamom
3. Nallamala
4. Anaimalai
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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Let’s determine the relative locations of these hill ranges in southern India:
3. Nallamala Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats and are located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, making them the northernmost range among the options.
1. Nilgiri Hills are located at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, south of the Nallamalas.
4. Anaimalai Hills are part of the Western Ghats, located south of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They contain Anai Mudi, the highest peak in South India.
2. Cardamom Hills are the southernmost extension of the Western Ghats, located south of the Anaimalai hills in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Arranging them from north to south gives the order: Nallamala, Nilgiri, Anaimalai, Cardamom (3-1-4-2).
The correct arrangement requires knowledge of the geographical location of prominent hill ranges in South India relative to each other along a north-south axis. Nallamala is in the Eastern Ghats further north, while Nilgiri, Anaimalai, and Cardamom are sequential ranges in the Western Ghats moving southwards.
The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats converge at the Nilgiri Hills. The Anaimalai Hills are known for their rich biodiversity and include several protected areas. The Cardamom Hills are famous for the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and coffee.

205. If India adopts two time zones based on 75° E meridian for western Ind

If India adopts two time zones based on 75° E meridian for western India and 90° E meridian for eastern India, which one among the following states of eastern India will be benefited most ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Manipur” option2=”West Bengal” option3=”Assam” option4=”Bihar” correct=”option1″]

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India currently uses a single time zone based on 82.5° E longitude (IST). States located further east experience sunrise and sunset significantly earlier than the clock time suggests, leading to practical issues like late starts to the day according to solar time. Adopting a second time zone based on 90° E would align clock time better with solar time for eastern states. The benefit would be most pronounced for states located furthest to the east, as the difference between their solar time and the current IST is largest. Among the given options of eastern Indian states, Manipur is geographically located furthest to the east. Therefore, it would experience the greatest positive impact from a separate eastern time zone based on 90° E.
The need for separate time zones in India is primarily felt in the extreme eastern states due to the large longitudinal extent of the country, causing a significant difference between local solar time and the standard time based on 82.5° E.
The difference in solar time between the easternmost and westernmost points of India is approximately two hours. States like Arunachal Pradesh in the extreme east see sunrise as early as 4 AM IST in summer. A separate time zone for the northeast region, based on a more easterly meridian like 90° E or 97.5° E, has been proposed multiple times to address this issue, which impacts productivity and energy consumption.

206. 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
(River)		List II
(Tributary)
A. Godavari1. Son
B. Krishna2. Chambal
C. Yamuna3. Bhima
D. Ganga4. Manjira

Code :

[amp_mcq option1=”A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1″ option2=”A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1″ option3=”A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4″ option4=”A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4″ correct=”option1″]

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The correct matches are:
A. Godavari – 4. Manjira (Manjira is a major tributary of the Godavari)
B. Krishna – 3. Bhima (Bhima is a major tributary of the Krishna)
C. Yamuna – 2. Chambal (Chambal is a major tributary of the Yamuna)
D. Ganga – 1. Son (Son is a major southern tributary of the Ganga)
Therefore, the correct code is A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1.
Identifying major tributaries of India’s principal rivers is crucial for understanding the country’s drainage system and geography.
Other important tributaries: Godavari: Pravara, Purna, Pranhita (Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga), Indravati, Sabari. Krishna: Tungabhadra, Koyna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Musi. Yamuna: Sindh, Betwa, Ken. Ganga: Yamuna, Ghagra, Gandak, Kosi, Ramganga, Gomti, Damodar.

207. Which one of the following statements relating to time is not correct

Which one of the following statements relating to time is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The local time difference between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh is around two hours” option2=”Gujarat saves about one hour time over the IST” option3=”Arunachal Pradesh loses about two hours time over the IST” option4=”The IST is advanced by five hours 30 minutes against the GMT” correct=”option3″]

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The correct option is C) Arunachal Pradesh loses about two hours time over the IST.
Let’s analyze each statement:
A) The longitudinal extent of India is approximately from 68.5°E (Gujarat) to 97.5°E (Arunachal Pradesh). The time difference between these longitudes is (97.5 – 68.5) * 4 minutes/degree = 29 * 4 = 116 minutes, which is close to two hours. Statement A is correct.
B) The Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on 82.5°E. Gujarat is to the west of IST. The time difference between Gujarat (approx 68.5°E) and IST (82.5°E) is (82.5 – 68.5) * 4 = 14 * 4 = 56 minutes. Gujarat’s local time is about 1 hour *behind* IST. The phrasing “saves about one hour time over the IST” is ambiguous but could be interpreted in terms of utilizing morning daylight, where sunrise happens earlier by local time than by IST clock. With this interpretation, it can be considered broadly correct in magnitude (~1 hour).
C) Arunachal Pradesh is to the east of IST. The time difference between Arunachal Pradesh (approx 97.5°E) and IST (82.5°E) is (97.5 – 82.5) * 4 = 15 * 4 = 60 minutes. Arunachal Pradesh’s local time is about 1 hour *ahead* of IST. Statement C claims it “loses about two hours time over the IST” and the magnitude is incorrect (it’s about 1 hour ahead, not 2 hours behind/losing). This statement is factually incorrect regarding both magnitude and relation to IST.
D) IST (82.5°E) is east of GMT (0°). The time difference is 82.5 * 4 minutes/degree = 330 minutes = 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT. Statement D is correct.
Comparing B and C, statement C is clearly incorrect regarding the magnitude (2 hours) and the implied direction (loses time suggests behind, while it’s ahead of IST). Statement B’s phrasing is awkward but the magnitude is approximately correct (1 hour) and a possible interpretation makes it arguably correct. Therefore, C is the most definitively incorrect statement.
The significant time difference between the eastern and western extremities of India has led to discussions about the need for multiple time zones or adjusting working hours in the northeast to better align with local solar time.

208. Which one of the following is not an important reason behind the preva

Which one of the following is not an important reason behind the prevailing variation in cropping patterns in the country ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Variation in rainfall” option2=”Variation in soil type” option3=”Variation in irrigation facilities” option4=”Variation in altitude” correct=”option4″]

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The correct option is D) Variation in altitude.
While variation in altitude certainly affects local cropping patterns (e.g., tea, coffee, specific fruits/vegetables grown in hills), it is generally considered less significant as a primary driver of the overall *country-wide* variation in cropping patterns compared to the other three factors. Rainfall, soil type, and irrigation facilities fundamentally determine what crops can be grown, where, and at what intensity across the vast agricultural areas of India (plains, plateaus), which constitute the majority of cultivated land.
Variation in rainfall dictates the choice between rain-fed and irrigated crops, and which crops are suitable for different precipitation levels. Variation in soil type determines the nutrient availability and water-holding capacity, suitability for different crops. Variation in irrigation facilities enables cultivation in areas with low or erratic rainfall, allowing for different cropping intensities and crop types than would otherwise be possible. Altitude plays a role regionally but is not the *most important* or as pervasive a reason for variation across the entire country compared to the others listed.

209. Which one among the following is the most important reason behind the

Which one among the following is the most important reason behind the prevalence of extreme type of climate in different parts of India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The long latitudinal extent” option2=”The east-west alignment of the Himalayas” option3=”The peninsular location of the country” option4=”The significant variation in altitude” correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B) The east-west alignment of the Himalayas.
The Himalayas, acting as a formidable barrier, prevent the extremely cold winds from Central Asia from entering the Indian subcontinent during winter. This leads to milder winters in North India compared to similar latitudes elsewhere. In summer, they trap the monsoon winds, causing widespread rainfall. However, the *east-west* alignment across the north means that the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain to the south is largely open to influences from the interior of the continent, leading to a significant variation between summer and winter temperatures (continentality), which is a key characteristic of an “extreme type of climate” in parts of India. The absence of a high mountain range running north-south across the northern plains allows these continental air masses to penetrate.
Factors like the long latitudinal extent cause variation in temperature received from the sun, but don’t necessarily cause *extremes* across the country in the same way as continentality. The peninsular location has a moderating influence on climate due to the proximity of the sea, preventing extremes. Variation in altitude causes local climatic variations (e.g., cooler in mountains, hotter in plains) rather than being the primary reason for extreme climate across different regions.

210. Although the extents of latitude and longitude are same, i.e., 30° why

Although the extents of latitude and longitude are same, i.e., 30° why is India’s north-south length longer than the east-west length by 300 km ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The alignment of the country is such that the north-south length is longer than its east-west length” option2=”The north-south length, which is measured along the meridian (great circle) is longer than the east-west length which is measured along the parallel close to the tropic of cancer (small circle)” option3=”The north-south and east-west lengths can not be compared, as the former is measured along the meridian and the latter along the parallel” option4=”The difference in length is due to variation in scale error along the meridian and parallel” correct=”option2″]

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India’s approximate north-south extent is from about 8°N to 37°N (a difference of 29°), and the east-west extent is from about 68°E to 97°E (a difference of 29°). While the degrees of latitude and longitude are similar, the actual ground distance differs. The north-south distance is measured along meridians, which are effectively great circles, where 1 degree of latitude is approximately constant at 111 km. So, 29° latitude is about 29 * 111 km = ~3200 km. The east-west distance is measured along parallels of latitude. The length of a degree of longitude decreases with increasing latitude. At the Equator, 1 degree of longitude is about 111 km. At the Tropic of Cancer (around 23.5°N), which is close to the center of India’s east-west extent, 1 degree of longitude is significantly less than 111 km (~102 km). Further north, it is even less. Thus, 29 degrees of longitude across India’s width (which is primarily above the equator and around the Tropic of Cancer) covers a shorter distance than 29 degrees of latitude along its length. Option B correctly explains this by stating that the north-south length is measured along meridians (great circles) while the east-west length is measured along parallels (small circles) where the distance per degree of longitude is smaller than per degree of latitude.
The distance covered by a degree of latitude along a meridian is approximately constant, while the distance covered by a degree of longitude along a parallel decreases as latitude increases. India’s east-west extent is across latitudes where the distance per degree longitude is less than at the equator.
The approximate north-south distance of India is about 3214 km, and the east-west distance is about 2933 km, showing a difference of nearly 300 km. This difference is a direct consequence of the Earth’s spherical shape and how latitude and longitude lines relate to it.
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