Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Population density is defined as the number of persons per square kilometer. It is calculated by dividing the total population of a state by its total area. The Census of India is conducted every ten years, providing comprehensive data on population distribution and density. The following table presents the population density (persons per square kilometer) of Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim as per the Census data of 2001 and 2011:

Option (c) is correct:

State 2011 Census Density 2001 Census Density Himachal Pradesh 123 109 Meghalaya 132 103 Arunachal Pradesh 17 13 Sikkim 86 76 As per the Census of India 2001, Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density among the states of India, primarily due to its large geographical area and relatively low population, coupled with its hilly terrain and low urbanization.

Explanation

In 2007, Foodgrains output touched 230.67 million tonnes (MT) mark, comprising record output of wheat (78.4 MT), rice (96.43 MT) and pulses (15.11 MT). Coarse cereals production was an all-time-high of 40.73 MT, along with oilseeds at 28.82 MT. Thus the sequence in option (d) is correct.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is false: It is incorrect to assert that there are no tea plantations in any African country. Several African countries, such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Rwanda, are major tea producers. Kenya is the third-largest tea producer globally after China and India. Malawi was the first African country to grow tea (in the 19th century) and remains a key exporter. Reason (R) is true: Tea plants do need fertile soil with high humus. Tea plants thrive in fertile, well-drained soils with high humus content, which improves water retention and nutrient availability.

Explanation

Dalbergia species is a genus of trees and shrubs known for their high-quality timber, especially varieties used in furniture and musical instruments. Dalbergia includes species such as Dalbergia sissoo (Indian Rosewood) and Dalbergia latifolia (East Indian Rosewood), which are primarily used for rosewood timber. These trees are valued for their durability, aesthetic grain patterns, and strength, making them popular for crafting luxury furniture and decorative items. Dalbergia species are not associated with crops like cashew, coffee, or tea.

Explanation

"Top Slip" serves as the primary tourist hub within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. This national park, located in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, lies within the southern expanse of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, nestled amidst the Annamalai mountain range. The name "Top Slip" has its roots in a historical logging practice during British rule. Timber extracted from the forest was transported downhill to the plains using a canal system. This method of timber transport, known locally as "slipping," was carried out at this particular location, giving rise to its distinctive name. Today, Top Slip is renowned for its sightings of elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and a variety of bird species. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Simlipal National Park (Odisha): A tiger reserve and biosphere reserve, home to Bengal tigers, elephants, and orchids, located in the Eastern Ghats. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Famous for Periyar Lake and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, known for its elephant population and boat safaris. Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary (Telangana): A wetland sanctuary along the Manjira River, known for migratory birds, marsh crocodiles, and freshwater turtles.

Explanation

Reserves of diamond-bearing Kimberlite rocks have been discovered in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh in the recent past. Kimberlite is an igneous rock that often contains diamonds, and its presence indicates the possibility of diamond deposits. These discoveries are part of the Mainpur Kimberlite Field, which has been extensively explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Explanation

The Servarayan Hills, also known as the anglicised ‘Shevaroy Hills’, are a prominent mountain range in Tamil Nadu. Located near the city of Salem, these hills form a significant part of the southern section of the Eastern Ghats. The name ‘Servarayan’ is derived from a local deity worshipped in the region, reflecting the cultural significance of these mountains. Spanning 400 sq. km, they feature lush forests, coffee plantations, and diverse flora and fauna. The hills are home to Yercaud, a popular hill station, and the Shevaroy Temple, situated at the highest peak (1,620 m). The region is known for its panoramic views, trekking trails, and unique biodiversity, including endemic species like Neelakurinji and shield-tail snakes. The hills also host bauxite deposits and fruit orchards.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Red Panda is naturally found in the Eastern Himalayas and not in the Western Himalayas. The red panda, a small arboreal mammal, is native to the temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas, spanning from Nepal, Bhutan, and India to southwestern China. Its distribution includes parts of southern Tibet, Sikkim, Assam, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, and the Hengduan and Gongshan Mountains of south-western China. The species thrives in temperate forests with dense bamboo undergrowth at elevations of 2,000-4,300 meters. Fig: Red Panda

Statement 2 is correct: The slow loris, a primate, inhabits South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Northeast In-dia across Indochina, eastward to Southeast Asia, and southward to Java, encompassing Borneo, Sumatra, and numerous smaller islands. While both species share a portion of their geographical range in Northeast India, their overall distributions differ significantly, with the red panda primarily confined to the Himalayas and the slow loris widespread across Southeast Asia. Fig: Slow Loris

Explanation

The Bhoodan Movement (Land Gift Movement) was initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 1951. The movement began in Pochampalli, a village in the Nalgonda district of present-day Telangana (then part of Hyderabad State). The movement was inspired when landless farmers in Pochampalli requested land and local landlord Vedire Ramachandra Reddy donated 100 acres of land. This event sparked a nationwide movement, where landowners voluntarily donated land to landless peasants. Acharya Vinoba Bhave was a prominent Indian social re-former and spiritual leader, who played a pivotal role in the country’s post-independence era. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and social justice and dedicated his life to working for the upliftment of the marginalized and the establishment of a more equitable society. He is particularly renowned for initiating the Bhoodan Movement was a unique land reform initiative that aimed to redistribute land from wealthy landowners to landless peasants through voluntary donations.

Explanation

The Stilwell Road, also known as the Ledo Road, was constructed during World War II. It was a crucial supply route for the Allied forces, connecting Ledo in Assam, India to Kunming in Yunnan province of China, via northern Myanmar. It was built to transport supplies to China after the Burma Road was cut off by the Japanese. Ledo was a railhead, a natural and logical starting point for the arduous overland route. The route traversed the formidable Patkai Range, with peaks reaching over 9,000 feet, and dense, often impenetrable jungles. The construction was primarily undertaken by American engineers and laborers with support from local workers. General Joseph Warren Stilwell, the namesake of the road. The Stilwell Road remains a powerful symbol of wartime cooperation and a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics of the era.