Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Option (d) is correct:

Assertion (A) is false: Kali River (Kalinadi) flows westward, not eastward. It originates from Diggi village in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and drains into the Arabian Sea near Karwar, Karnataka. The river’s course is influenced by the Western Ghats, which cause many rivers in peninsular India to flow westward. Kali River is an important source of hydroelectric power, with several dams like Supa Dam built on it. Reason (R) is true: The Deccan Plateau is a vast elevated landform in peninsular India. It has a gradual eastward slope which makes most rivers in peninsular India (like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri) flow eastward towards the Bay of Bengal. The Western Ghats form a natural barrier that causes some rivers, like the Kali, Sharavathi, and Netravati, to flow westward into the Arabian Sea.

Explanation

National Highway 53, formerly known as NH 6, is a major east-west artery in India’s National Highway network. It originates in Hazira, Gujarat, on the western coast and ter-minates in Kolkata, West Bengal, on the eastern coast. This extensive route traverses a significant swathe of central India, connecting diverse regions and facilitating the movement of people and goods across the country. The highway runs through six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This broad coverage underscores its importance as a vital link between different parts of the nation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) is not known for diamond mines. It is famous for its copper deposits and manganese reserves. The largest copper mines in India, operated by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), are located here. Balaghat is famous for its manganese deposits.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

Majhgawan (Panna, Madhya Pradesh) is not known for manganese. It is famous for its diamond mines. It is operated by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).

Explanation

The Damodar River originates in the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It flows eastward through Jharkhand and West Bengal before joining the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. It is known as the "Sorrow of Bengal" due to its frequent flooding in the past. The Damodar River basin is heavily industrialized and densely populated, making it a crucial river for the region, though it also faces significant environmental challenges.

Option (b) is incorrect: Mahanadi originates in the highlands of the Sihawa district in the state of Chhattisgarh. It flows generally eastward through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Hirakud Dam is India’s longest earthen dam which is built on this river.

Option (c) is correct: The Narmada River’s source is in the Amarkantak hills in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. Amarkantak is a significant pilgrimage site and a biodiversity hotspot. The Narmada flows westward through Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Tapi River originates in the Multai Reserve Forest in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before also emptying into the Arabian Sea. Like the Narmada, the Tapi is a west-flowing river and is an important river for the regions it traverses, supporting agriculture, industry, and domestic needs. It is known for its relatively rapid flow and its significance in the local economies.

Explanation

The approximate location coordinates for each city:

Hyderabad: 17.4065°N, 78.4772°E Bhopal: 23.2599°N, 77.4126°E Lucknow: 26.8467°N, 80.9462°E Bengaluru (Bangalore): 12.9716°N, 77.5946°E As Lucknow has the highest longitude value, making it the most eastwardly located city among the four.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Karnataka shares its boundaries with the maximum number of other Indian states. Karnataka’s borders touch six different states: Maharashtra and Goa to the north, Kerala to the southwest, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the east.

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

Andhra Pradesh shares boundaries with 5 states: Tamil Nadu (south), Karnataka (west), Telangana (northwest), Odisha (northeast) and Chhattisgarh (north). Kerala shares boundaries with 2 states: Tamil Nadu (east) and Karnataka (north). Tamil Nadu shares borders with 3 states: Andhra Pradesh (north), Karnataka (north-west) and Kerala (west)

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 2: BALCO’s primary operations are centered in Korba, Chhattisgarh. BALCO operates a large aluminum smelter and alumina refinery in Korba. The availability of coal in the region is a key factor in BALCO’s operations, as it provides the energy needed for aluminum production. B is correctly matched with 4: HINDALCO (Hindalco Industries Limited) ahas a significant presence in Renukoot, Uttar Pradesh. Renukoot is known for its aluminum industry, and HINDALCO’s operations are a major employer in the area. HIN-DALCO’s Renukoot facility includes an aluminum smelter and a captive power plant. C is correctly matched with 1: Indian Aluminium Company (INDAL) had operations in Hirakud, Odisha. Hirakud is known for the Hirakud Dam, a major dam on the Mahanadi River. The availability of hydroelectric power from the dam was a key factor in the establishment of INDAL’s aluminum smelter in Hirakud. D is correctly matched with 3: NALCO (National Aluminium Company) has operations in Koraput, Odisha. Koraput is rich in bauxite deposits, the primary raw material for aluminum production. NALCO operates an alumina refinery and an aluminum smelter in Koraput, utilizing the locally available bauxite.

Explanation

Indravati National Park is located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. It was declared a national park in 1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under India’s Project Tiger initiative. The park features undulating hilly terrain with altitudes ranging from 177 to 599 meters above sea level. The park is named after the Indravati River, which flows through its boundaries. The vegetation includes tropical moist and dry deciduous forests dominated by teak, sal, bamboo, and other species. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh, It is renowned for its high density of tiger population. n. Dandeli Sanctuary is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The Dandeli Sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot within the Western Ghats. The sanctuary’s landscape is characterized by semi-deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and riverine ecosystems. The Kali River flows through the sanctuary, supporting a rich aquatic life. Rajaji National Park is spread across the Shivalik Hills in Uttarakhand. The park’s strategic location at the confluence of the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains contributes to its rich biodiversity. It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent freedom fighter and statesman.

Explanation

Guru Shikhar, literally translated as the ‘peak of the guru’’ stands as the highest point of the Aravalli Range in the state of Rajasthan, India. Guru Shikhar, at 1,722 meters is the highest peak in Rajasthan. It is a sacred site with a temple dedicated to the Dattatreya Temple believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). It houses the Mount Abu Infrared Observatory (MIRO), one of India’s most important astronomical observatories which is managed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.

Explanation

India’s rivers have profoundly shaped its cities, influencing their growth, culture, and identity. A is correctly matched with 4: Betul is located in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh near the Tapti River. The Tapti originates from the Satpura range in Multai (Betul district), Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the few rivers in peninsular India that follows a westward course. B is correctly matched with 1: Jagdalpur in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh lies on the Indravati River. The Indravati River originates in Odisha and is a tributary of the Godavari River. It flows through Chhattisgarh, carving deep gorges and supporting the famous Chitrakote Waterfalls, often referred to as the "Ni-agara of India." The river is crucial for the region’s biodiversity, especially for wildlife in the Indravati National Park. C is correctly matched with 2: Jabalpur is situated on the banks of the Narmada River. The Narmada is one of India’s most sacred rivers and is often called the "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh." It originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. The river forms the famous Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, where it carves through white limestone, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The Dhuandhar Falls is located near Jabalpur on the Narmada. D is correctly matched with 3: Ujjain is located on the banks of the Shipra River. The Shipra is a tributary of the Chambal River and holds immense religious significance. Every 12 years it hosts the Kumbh Mela (Simhastha Kumbh), one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The river’s connection to Lord Shiva and Ujjain’s importance as one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities) in Hinduism make it highly revered.