5 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Indian Geography (Geography). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–5 of 5 questions
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is a regional initiative aimed at enhancing cultural, economic, and tourism ties among member countries. It was launched in 2000 and includes six countries: India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The project focuses on areas such as tourism, education, culture, and transportation, rather than irrigation, hydroelectric power, or defense.
Assertion (A) is true: Anticyclonic conditions are characterized by high atmospheric pressure and sinking air, which leads to clear skies and low temperatures. These conditions are com-mon in winter, especially in northern India after a cyclonic rain from western disturbances. Reason (R) is true: Winter rainfall in northern India, such as the Western Disturbances, is the result of cyclonic (low-pressure) conditions. However, this rain also creates conditions of anticyclonic activity. R correctly explains A: Cyclonic activities beyond the Indian border bring rain to India in winter. This creates a high Pressure area with light winds radiating outwards. This wind creates anticyclonic activity in northern India. Thus, Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Anticyclone Formation: Anticyclones are centers of high pressure. They are surrounded by closed isobars having decreasing pressure outward. The circulation is from central high pressure towards the periphery in such a way that air blows outwards in a clockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and anticlockwise direction in the southern hemisphere (due to the Coriolis effect). Anticyclones are characterized by stable conditions, warm and dry weather, and gentle winds. Under an anticyclone air is descending, forming an area of higher pressure at the surface. Because of these stable conditions, cloud formation is inhibited, so the weather is usually settled with only small amounts of cloud cover. Summer Anticyclone: In summer the clear settled conditions associated with anticyclones can bring long sunny days and warm temperatures. The weather is normally dry, although occasionally, very hot temperatures can trigger thunderstorms. Winter Anticyclone: In winter the clear, settled conditions and light winds associated with anticyclones can lead to frost and fog.
Statement 1 is correct: As of 2001, India’s total installed power generation capacity was approximately 95,000 MW, according to reports from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This included contributions from thermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, and renewable energy sources. As of June 2023-24, the installed capacity has risen to around 146,190 MW.
Statement 2 is incorrect: As of 2001 and even today, nuclear power contributes only around 1-3% (not 15%) of the total electricity generation. The installed nuclear capacity is approximately 7,480 MW, which is a minor fraction of the total energy mix. India’s nuclear expansion has been slow due to regulatory challenges, safety concerns, and the high cost of nuclear plants.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Hydroelectricity accounted for about 25-30% of India’s electricity generation in 2001, not 40%. While hydroelectricity was once a dominant source of power in India, its share has been gradually declining as thermal and renewable energy sources expanded. Currently, hydroelectricity accounts for only about 10-15% of India’s total power generation.
Statement 4 is incorrect: In 2001, thermal power plants (coal, oil, and natural gas) contributed about 65-70% of India’s total power generation, not 80%. Thermal power remains the back-bone of India’s energy sector but has never accounted for such a high percentage. Currently, thermal power contributes around 70-75% of total power generation. While close to 80%, the exact figure fluc-tuates due to the increasing contribution of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
India’s energy mix is led by thermal power (70-75%), with coal contributing 50-55%. Renewables have grown to 25-30%, with solar (70+ GW) and wind (45+ GW) playing key roles. Hydroelectricity (10-15%) and nuclear power (2-3%, 7,480 MW) add to the mix. The government targets 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, focusing on renewables, nuclear expansion, and energy storage for a cleaner future.
The Aravalli Range, one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, is estimated to be around 670 million years old based on geological studies and radiometric dating techniques. Some researchers even suggest its origins could date back further, making it as old as 2-4 billion years, but its prominent development and erosion cycles place its approximate age at 670 million years.
The Aravalli Range, formed during the Proterozoic Era through tectonic collisions that created the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, has been eroded over millions of years into its present low-lying form. Stretching approximately 700 km across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat, the range is geologically rich, with metamorphic and igneous rocks containing valuable minerals like lead, zinc, marble, and mica. Ecologically, it serves as a biodiversity hotspot and acts as a natural barrier against the spread of the Thar Desert. Culturally, the Aravallis house ancient forts, temples, and landmarks such as Mount Abu and the Dilwara Temples, making them historically and environmentally significant.
Statement 1 is correct: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, located between India and Sri Lanka, is one of India’s 18 biosphere reserves. Established in 1989, it is the first marine biosphere reserve in South and Southeast Asia. Known for its rich marine biodiversity, especially coral reefs, it supports over 1,10,000 families from 268 fishing villages. It also lies along the Central Asian bird migratory flyway.
Statement 2 is correct: The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase II, launched in 1993, aimed to expand pollution control efforts to the Ganga’s tributaries. In 1995, it was merged with the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) to include other polluted rivers across India. The NRCP focused on sewage treatment, riverfront development, afforestation, and pollution control in 190 towns across 16 states. Later, in 2014, the Namami Gange Programme was launched to further strengthen Ganga rejuvenation efforts.
Statement 3 is correct: The National Museum of Natural History, opened in 1978, in New Delhi plays a significant role in promoting environmental education and awareness. It offers various programs, exhibitions, and activities to impart non-for-mal education on environment and conservation.
Statement 4 is correct: ENVIS (Environmental Information System) was launched in 1982 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as a decentralized system for collecting and disseminating environmental information across various thematic areas.
| Q | UPSC year | Correct answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001 | (b) a joint tourism initiative of some Asian countries |
| 2 | 2001 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A |
| 3 | 2001 | (a) 1 only |
| 4 | 2001 | (d) 670 million year |
| 5 | 2001 | (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
This page covers 5 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Indian Geography (Geography), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Questions on Indian Geography (Geography) are available for 28 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
