Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the "Orchid Paradise of India,". It boasts over 600 orchid species, accounting for approximately 40% of the country’s orchid diversity. The state’s sub-alpine and sub-tropical climates provide ideal conditions for orchid cultivation which makes it highly suitable for developing an export-oriented industry with minimal production costs.

Explanation

Brahmaputra makes a "U" turn in its course to flow into India due to the Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas. The Himalayan mountains’ gently arching ranges on their western and eastern extremities are abruptly bent southward in deep knee bends known as syntaxial bends. The massive mountains seem to bend around a pivotal point on both the ends. The westernmost point is located where the Hindu Kush joins the Karakoram south of the Pamir. Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern border features a similarly abrupt, almost hairpin curve when the mountain’s strike abruptly shifts from an easterly to a southerly tendency.

Explanation

The above characteristics clearly define Gujarat.

The northern region of Gujarat comprises the Kutch and Banaskantha districts, which are characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions due to low annual rainfall (less than 500 mm). The Thar Desert extends into parts of Gujarat, contributing to the dry climate. Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton in India (~30% of national production). The central districts, such as Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, have ideal black soil (Regur soil) that supports cotton cultivation. Gujarat is highly commercialized in agriculture, focusing on cotton, groundnut, tobacco, and castor rather than food crops. The Saurashtra and Kutch regions specialize in cash crops due to their soil type and climatic conditions.