Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

Pair (d) is correctly matched: Sundari is a type of mangrove tree that is found in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal. It is well known for its role in the coastal ecosystem of the Sundarbans and is the dominant species in the mangrove forest. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are incorrectly matched:

Teak is predominantly found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, not in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is known for coniferous trees like Chir Pine and Fir. Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is primarily found in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, not in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has a variety of other trees like Sal and Saja. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is native to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Kerala is not popularly known for sandalwood cultivation, although the tree may grow there in some areas.

Explanation

During summer, high temperatures over the Indian sub-continent cause low pressure to develop, leading to a northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), especially in the northern regions. This low-pressure system draws moist air from the Indian Ocean, resulting in the arrival of southwest monsoon winds that bring rainfall to the subcontinent.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

The south-east monsoon originates in the Southern Hemisphere and moves from the high-pressure areas in the south-east towards the low-pressure regions in the subcontinent. However, this is not the primary wind pattern responsible for bringing the summer rains, as it is the south-west monsoon that is more prominent. Trade winds blow from the east and are associated with the tropical regions, but they don’t bring the monsoon rains to India. They primarily affect the equatorial regions. The westerlies are winds that blow from the west and generally affect the higher latitudes of the mid-latitudes. They are not responsible for the monsoon system in India.

Explanation

The Western Ghats of India are considered an ecological hotspot due to their exceptional biodiversity and the large number of species that are found nowhere else in the world (endemism). The region is home to several unique ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands, and supports an array of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

The Himalayas, both Western and Eastern, are vital for biodiversity; however, they are not as prominently recognized as biodiversity hotspots compared to regions like the Western Ghats. The Eastern Ghats are ecologically important but do not meet the criteria of an "ecological hotspot" when compared to regions like the Western Ghats or the Eastern Himalayas. While they host a diverse set of species, they lack the same degree of endemism and are not as internationally recognized for biodiversity.

Explanation

The term ‘De-notified Tribes’ (DNTs) refers to communities that were previously classified as ‘Criminal Tribes’ under the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871 during British rule in India. The British labeled certain nomadic and semi-no-madic tribes as ‘criminal’ by birth based on their traditional livelihoods, often involving hunting, trading, or performing arts. After India’s independence, the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1952, and these communities were ‘denotified’, meaning they were no longer considered criminal by default. However, despite this legal change, many Denotified Tribes (DNTs) and Nomadic Tribes (NTs) continue to face social stigma, discrimination, and lack of formal recognition.

Explanation

Kishenganga: This river flows through the Kashmir Valley, which is located in the northernmost region of India. Therefore, it should be placed first. Ganga: The Ganga originates in the Himalayas, in Uttarakhand, flowing through the northern plains. It is the second river in the north-south direction. Wainganga: The Wainganga originates in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh and flows through the central region of India. So it comes next. Penganga: The Penganga flows through Maharashtra and Telangana, which places it in the southernmost position of these rivers.