Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

India’s National Population Policy, 2000, sets a long-term objective to achieve a stable population by the year 2045. This goal aligns with sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. The policy emphasizes addressing unmet needs for contraception, healthcare infrastructure, and personnel, aiming to bring the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement levels by 2010. The medium-term objective is to achieve a TFR of 2.1 by 2010, and the long-term objective is to stabilize the population by 2045.

Explanation

In 2008, the percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India’s population was approximately in the range of 5-6%. According to the World Bank, approximately 7.07% of India’s population was aged 65 and above in 2023. This means that approximately 7.07% of India’s total population is currently aged 65 and above.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2001, the percentage of rural population in various states was as follows:

Himachal Pradesh: 90.2% Bihar: 89.5% Orissa (now Odisha): 85.0% Uttar Pradesh: 79.2% Therefore, among the given options, Himachal Pradesh had the highest percentage of rural population to its total population in 2001.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2001, the populations of the given regions were as follows:

Sikkim: 540,851 Mizoram: 888,573 Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry): 974,345 Chandigarh: 900,635 Therefore, among the options provided, Sikkim had the smallest population as per the 2001 Census. According to the Census of India 2011, the populations of the specified regions are Sikkim: 610,577, Mizoram: 1,097,206, Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry): 1,247,953 & Chandigarh: 1,055,450

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: India holds the largest livestock population in the world, with about 192.5 million cattle and a total bovine population of 307.5 million. India holds around 14-15% of the world’s cattle and leads globally in buffalo population. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Brazil has the second-largest cattle population globally, with approximately 194.4 million cattle. However, while Brazil excels in beef production and exports, its total livestock population (including cattle, poultry, goats, etc.) is less than India’s. China has a large livestock population, particularly in poultry and pigs. It is the world’s largest producer of pork and has a significant poultry industry. However, when considering total livestock (including cattle, buffaloes, goats, etc.), China still lags behind India. The United States has a significant cattle population (~94 million), focusing on beef production and exports. The USA also leads in poultry and pig farming, but its total livestock population is lower than India’s.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Chikmagalur, located in Karnataka, is renowned for its coffee production rather than sugar. The region’s elevation, rainfall, and temperature create ideal conditions for cultivating some of the finest coffee beans in the world. Today, Chikmagalur is one of India’s highest coffee-pro-ducing areas, with its culture and lifestyle deeply intertwined with coffee cultivation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Mandya, also situated in Karnataka, is primarily known for its sugarcane cultivation and sugar production, not coffee. The district is home to several sugar factories and numerous jaggery-making units, underscoring its prominence in sugar production.

Explanation

The term "million-plus cities" refers to urban agglomerations with a population exceeding one million. Based on the Census of India data below, the populations of the selected cities in 2001 and 2011 are as follows:

City Population in 2001 Population in 2011 Ludhiana 1,398,467 1,618,879 Kochi Urban Agglomeration 1,355,406 2,117,990 Surat 2,433,835 4,467,797 Nagpur 2,052,066 2,405,421 Hence, cities--Ludhiana, Surat, Kochi and Nagpur--were classified as million-plus cities in India based on the 2001 census data.

Explanation

With reference to the year in which this has been asked, Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the maximum number of National Parks among the given states/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 9 National Parks Assam: 7 National Parks Arunachal Pradesh: 2 National Parks Meghalaya: 2 National Parks Currently, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number (12) of National Parks.

Explanation

The Omkareshwar Project, a multi-purpose dam project, is located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, India. This project utilizes the Narmada River, a major river system in central India, to achieve several key objectives such as:

A primary function is the generation of hydroelectric power, with a station capacity of 520 MW, contributing substantially to the regional energy supply. The project is intended to provide irrigation to extensive agricultural lands, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and supporting local economies. The Omkareshwar Project also plays a role in supplying water for domestic and industrial use, ensuring access to this vital resource. The dam itself is situated on the Narmada River, proximate to the town of Omkareshwar, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. The town’s religious importance derives from the presence of the Omkareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Explanation

India’s extensive coastline, stretching approximately 7,516 kilometers, is shared by nine diverse states, each contributing unique characteristics to the nation’s maritime heritage. Starting from the west: Gujarat boasts the longest coastline in India which dotted with numerous ports and playing a crucial role in maritime trade. Maharashtra’s coastline is home to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, a major commercial and entertainment hub. Goa is renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant tourism industry. Karnataka’s coastline is significant for its port cities and coastal cuisine. Kerala is famed for its backwaters, lush greenery, and historical spice trade connections. On the eastern coast: Tamil Nadu possesses a long coastline with important ports and cultural significance, including the historic city of Chennai. Andhra Pradesh which is located north of Tamil Nadu has a substantial coastline crucial for fishing and maritime activities. Odisha, known for its rich cultural heritage, also has a significant coastline vulnerable to cyclones. West Bengal features a coastline that includes the Sundarbans, a unique mangrove ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the nine states, India’s coastline is also shared by four Union Territories:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago in the Bay of Bengal boasts the longest coastline among all the Union Territories. These islands are known for their pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and lush tropical forests. They hold strategic importance for India and are a hub for tourism and biodiversity. Lakshadweep located in the Arabian Sea is a group of coral islands. These islands are known for their beautiful lagoons, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. They are a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and water sports activities. Puducherry on the southeastern coast of India has a relatively short coastline. Puducherry is known for its French colonial heritage, serene atmosphere, and the Sri Aurobindo Ash-ram. Its coastline features beaches and promenades. Daman and Diu is situated on the western coast, Daman and Diu is a Union Territory with a coastline along the Arabian Sea. Daman is on the mainland, while Diu is a small island. They are known for their beaches, historical sites, and relaxed atmosphere.