Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal exhibit contrasting agricultural land use patterns. Andhra Pradesh has a net sown area of approximately 40%, while West Bengal utilizes about 60% of its land for cultivation. This difference in land utilization makes the initial assertion about their respective net sown areas correct. Reason (R) is false: Most of Andhra Pradesh has red sandy soils, black cotton soils, and alluvial soils, not predominantly laterite soils. Laterite soils are found in parts of the Eastern Ghats and some upland areas, but they do not dominate the state’s agricultural landscape.

Explanation

India with its diverse topography and varied climatic conditions is home to a plethora of valleys, each possessing its unique charm and ecological significance. A is correctly matched with 3: Markha Valley is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir (now a Union Territory). It is one of the most famous trekking routes in Hemis National Park and is surrounded by the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. The valley is known for its stunning landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and remote villages, offering breathtaking views of the Kang Yatse Peak. B is correctly matched with 4: Dzukou Valley is a pristine and picturesque valley located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. It is often called the "Valley of Flowers of the Northeast" due to its seasonal blooms of rare Dzukou lilies and other vibrant flowers. C is correctly matched with 2: Sangla Valley is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its lush green landscapes, apple orchards, and the Baspa River that flows through it. It is surrounded by the Greater Himalayas offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks D is correctly matched with 1: The Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is also known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of Sikkim’. It is renowned for its breathtaking floral diversity particularly the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. During spring and summer (April to June), the valley blooms with vibrant flowers like primulas, poppies, and cobra lilies, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Explanation

Cauvery River does not rise in Andhra Pradesh. It originates from the Talakaveri hills in the Western Ghats of Karnataka in Kodagu (Coorg) district. It flows southeast through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Major dams on the river include Krishnarajasagar Dam in Karnataka and Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu. Options (a), (b) and (d) are correct:

The Mahanadi River originates from the Sihawa Hills in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh at an altitude of about 442 meters above sea level. It is one of the major rivers in eastern India, flowing through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river has an approximate length of 858 km. Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world is located on it. The Godavari River, also known as Dakshina Ganga (Ganga of the South), originates from Trimbak Plateau near Nashik in Maharashtra. It is the second-longest river in India after the Ganga. The river flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Tapti River originates in the Multai Reserve Forest in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward through Maharashtra and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

Explanation

As of 2025, India has 573 wildlife sanctuaries, covering a total area of 123,762.56 km2, which constitutes 3.76% of the country’s land area. They were created under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Wildlife sanctuaries are an integral part of India’s conservation strategy. A is correctly matched with 4: Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh, about 70 km from Varanasi. It was established in 1957 and covers around 78 sq km and is home to species like leopards, nilgai, and wild boars. The sanctuary is famous for its scenic waterfalls like Raja and Devdari Falls. B is correctly matched with 2: The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. This sanctuary is known for its avian diversity and provides a vital habitat for various bird species. It is home to blackbucks and over 245 species of migratory birds, including pintails and spoonbills. C is correctly matched with 5: Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Udaipur, Rajasthan is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, and migratory birds. It is Asia’s second-largest artificial lake. D is correctly matched with 1: Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Aravalli hills near Jaipur. It covers 7.2 sq km. It was originally established as a hunting reserve by the Jaipur royal family and later converted into a protected area. It is home to species like no tigers here, leopards, hyenas, and jungle cats. Nahargarh Fort, a popular tourist attraction is located within the sanctuary.

Explanation

The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus River. It originates from the Rimo Glacier, part of the Karakoram Range in Ladakh, India. The river flows through the Shyok Valley and passes through northern Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan (POK) before merging with the Indus River near Skardu. It is the northernmost river in the given list. The Zaskar River is a tributary of the Indus River.It originates from the Zaskar Range in Ladakh and flows southeast before joining the Indus near Leh. The famous Chadar Trek takes place on its frozen waters during winters. It is located south of the Shyok River. The Spiti River originates from the Kunzum Range in Himachal Pradesh. It flows through the cold desert valley of Spiti. It eventually merges with the Sutlej River at Khab, near the India-Tibet border. It is south of both Shyok and Zaskar Rivers. The Sutlej River is the largest tributary of the Indus River. It originates from Rakshastal Lake near Mount Kailash in Tibet and enters India through Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh. It then flows through Punjab before entering Pakistan. It is the southernmost river among the four. Therefore, the correct sequence of these rivers from north to south is Shyok, followed by Zaskar, then Spiti, and finally, Sutlej.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The headquarters of the North Western Railway (NWR) is located in Jaipur, not Jodhpur. The NWR is one of the 18 zones of Indian Railways and covers parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indrail Pass is a travel-as-you-please ticket offered by Indian Railways to foreign tourists, not specifically for freedom fighters or sportspersons. It allows unlimited travel on the Indian Railways network for a specified period.

Statement 3 is correct: The Fairy Queen, a steam locomotive built in 1855 is recognized by Guinness as the world’s oldest steam engine still in regular (though limited) operation. It operates as a luxury tourist train between Delhi and Alwar, offering a journey that includes visits to heritage sites and wildlife destinations like the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 1: Kothagudem, a city in Telangana (earlier part of Andhra Pradesh), India, is the administrative center of the Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The city is a crucial hub for coal reserves and houses the Singareni Collieries Company and thermal power station. B is correctly with Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) is a coal-based power plant located in Shaktinagar, Raichur district, Karnataka. The power station is operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and significantly contributes to Karnataka’s electricity supply. Raichur boasts the historic Raichur Fort. Its economy is primarily agricultural, earning it the nickname "Rice Bowl of Karnataka". C is correctly with Mettur town in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, is renowned for the massive Mettur Dam. The Mettur Thermal Power Station is a major coal-fired power plant. With a total installed capacity of 1,440 MW across multiple units commissioned since 1987, it plays a vital role in meeting Tamil Nadu’s energy needs. D is correctly with Wanakbori in Gujarat is primarily known for its major coal-fired Wanakbori Thermal Power Station. The plant boasts a capacity exceeding 2,000 MW and is crucial electricity source for Gujarat, significantly contributing to the state’s industrial and economic growth.

Explanation

India’s diverse handicrafts, expressions of rich cultural heritage, thrive in specialized centers across the country. These centers preserve traditions, empower artisans, and produce globally recognized artistic treasures. A is correctly matched with 4: Mon is a district in Nagaland and is home to the Konyak Naga tribe. It is known for their rich handicraft traditions such as wood carvings, traditional headgear, beadwork, and handwoven textiles. The Konyak warriors now create beautiful handicrafts that represent their tribal heritage. B is correctly matched with 2: Nalbari district of Assam is well known for its bamboo and cane handicrafts, including mats, baskets, and decorative items. It is also famous for the traditional Assamese handloom industry, particularly the production of Mekhela Chador (Assamese women’s attire). C is correctly matched with 1: Naisghat located in Arunachal Pradesh is known for its tribal handicrafts such as woodwork, cane and bamboo products, and handmade textiles. Arunachal Pradesh has a strong tradition of weaving, with tribes like the Adi, Apatani, and Monpa creating intricate patterns using natural dyes. D is correctly matched with 3: Tura located in Meghalaya is known for its handwoven textiles, bamboo handicrafts, and traditional ornaments. The Garo tribe in Tura is famous for making traditional bamboo baskets (Kokcheng) and wood carvings. Meghalaya is renowned for its Eri silk production, often referred to as "Ahimsa Silk" due to its non-violent method of silk extraction.

Explanation

Options 1 and 2 are correct: The Bermuda Triangle extends between Southern Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda, forming a triangular region in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil’s Triangle, is a loosely defined region where several ships and aircraft are said to have mysteriously disappeared. Option 3 is incorrect: Hawaiian Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, far from the Bermuda Triangle, and are not part of it.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: The historical Macedonian territory refers to the region of Macedonia, which was part of ancient Greece and later divided into several modern-day countries. The territorial disputes, especially over the use of the name Macedonia, have been a source of tension primarily between Greece and Bulgaria. Greece claims the cultural and historical heritage of ancient Macedonia and has been particularly sensitive to the use of the name Macedonia, especially when used by the neighboring North Macedonia. Bulgaria has also made historical claims to parts of this region due to the presence of Bulgarian-speaking populations in the area historically known as Eastern Macedonia. This dispute over the Macedonian region and its historical claims has been a point of contention for many years, especially surrounding issues of identity, heritage, and territorial integrity.