Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Korba (or Korwa) tribe is not associated with Kodagu. Instead, this tribe primarily inhabits regions in central and eastern India, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Kodagu, on the other hand, is located in Karnataka and is well known as the homeland of the Kodava community, which is distinct from the Korba tribe. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are correctly matched:

The Buksa, also known as Bhoksa, are indigenous people primarily residing in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, they are concentrated in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal. The Kol tribe is native to central India, with areas like Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh being among their regions of habitation. The Munda tribe is predominantly located on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. They form a major tribal community in this region.

Explanation

The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, to collect demographic, social, and economic data about the population. Below are tables summarizing key census data for the states involved, for the years 1991, 2001, and 2011. Table 1. Population Density (persons per sq km) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census West Bengal 767 903 1,029 Uttar Pradesh ~600 698 829 Table 2. Adult Literacy Rate (% of people aged 15 and above) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Bihar 38.48% 903 ~47% ~58.44% Table 3. Sex Ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Kerala 1,036 ~1,040 ~1,045 Himachal Pradesh ~976 ~980 ~990

Option (d) is correct: Bihar had the lowest literacy rate in India in the 1991 Census at around 38.48%.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: The Ganga Plain, a part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain supports one of the highest population densities in India. This is primarily due to its fertile alluvial soil, which makes the land highly productive for agriculture. The region benefits from abundant water resources, a favorable climate, and flat terrain, all of which have historically encouraged dense human settlements. Reason (R) is True: The Ganga is the most harnessed river in India, with its waters extensively used for irrigation, drinking, industrial purposes, and hydroelectric projects. This extensive harnessing has been pivotal for the region’s agricultural productivity and development. R is not the correct explanation of A: The reason alone does not directly explain the high population density in the Ganga Plain. Population density is influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical, historical, economic, and cultural factors. The availability of fertile land for agriculture, historical settlement patterns, economic opportunities, and cultural factors play significant roles in determining population density.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of beef and has a significant cattle industry focused on meat production. The country’s vast grazing lands and favorable climate make it ideal for raising cattle for beef. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), beef production is a major agricultural activity, and Australia exports a significant portion of its beef to international markets. In contrast, dairy farming, while still important, is smaller in scale compared to the beef industry. Reason (R) is True: It is true that meat, particularly beef and lamb, forms a significant part of the Australian diet. This dietary habit reflects the cultural preferences in Australia, where a majority of the population consumes meat. Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion(A):

The reason provided does not directly explain why cattle rearing in Australia is predominantly for meat production. The primary factors influencing this include:

Geographical and Climatic Conditions: Australia’s expansive rangelands and favorable climate support large-scale grazing, making beef cattle rearing more efficient and economically viable than dairy farming. Agricultural Practices: The country’s agricultural infrastructure and export orientation have historically promoted beef production, irrespective of the local dietary habits.

Explanation

The first sunrise of the new millennium (1 January 2000) in India was observed at the 92°30’ E meridian in Arunachal Pradesh, the country’s easternmost region. Located near the Myanmar border, this was the first point in India to receive sun-light as the millennium began. While countries like New Zealand saw it earlier due to their proximity to the International Date Line, within India, 92°30’ E, the nation’s easternmost meridian amongst the given options, marked the dawn of the new era, highlighting its significance as the first place in the country to witness sunrise.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Tides play a significant role in both navigation and fishing activities. Tides help ships navigate shallow waters by increasing water depth during high tide. They also influence fishing, as certain fish species move with tidal currents, making them easier to catch.

Statement 2 is correct: High tides increase the water level in harbors, which is essential for larger ships to enter or leave safely. Without the rise in water levels brought about by tides, large ships might find it difficult to dock or leave the harbor, as they need sufficient water depth to avoid grounding.

Statement 3 is correct: The ebb and flow of tidal waters help to flush out silt, sand, and other debris from the harbor area. This natural process reduces the risk of siltation, ensuring that ports and harbors remain navigable by preventing the accumulation of sediments that could otherwise block ships.

Statement 4 is correct: Both Kandla Port (in Gujarat) and Diamond Harbour (near Kolkata) are tidal ports, meaning they are influenced by tidal movements. The activities at these ports depend on the high and low tide cycles for ships to dock and undock, as well as to ensure proper water levels for smooth navigation.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: The frequency of floods in the north Indian plains has indeed risen in recent decades. This can be attributed to a combination of factors:

Climate Change: With global warming, the frequency and intensity of rainfall events have increased. In many parts of India, especially in the north, monsoon rains have become more unpredictable, leading to sudden heavy downpours that overwhelm the drainage systems and flood the plains. Urbanization and Poor Drainage Systems: As more urban areas are developed, the natural landscape changes. Cities with poor drainage systems cannot handle heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and flooding. Deforestation: Deforestation, particularly in the catchment areas of rivers, reduces the land’s ability to absorb rainfall. The lack of tree cover and vegetation increases surface runoff, which can rapidly flow into rivers and cause them to overflow. River Management Issues: Rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra are heavily managed with embankments, dams, and other infrastructure. However, many of these structures have not been properly maintained, or they have been poorly designed, leading to insufficient control of water flow. This poor management has exacerbated the flood situation. Reason (R) is true: Over time, rivers in flood-prone regions like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries have experienced significant sediment deposition, which raises the riverbed and reduces the river’s depth. Several factors contribute to this:

Sediment Transport: Rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra carry a large amount of sediment, the continuous accumulation of sand, silt, and clay sediment raises the riverbed, gradually reducing the depth of the river valleys. This process is particularly noticeable in the north Indian plains, where large rivers meander and deposit substantial amounts of sediment. Shallow Riverbeds: As the riverbed rises due to sedimentation, the rivers become shallower and have less capacity to hold and carry water. When heavy rainfall occurs, rivers with reduced capacity cannot contain the additional water, causing them to overflow and flood the surrounding areas. Floodplains and Siltation: Floodplains are areas adjacent to rivers that are prone to flooding during high-water events. These floodplains naturally receive silt deposits from the river during floods, but when silt deposition becomes excessive, the height of the floodplain increases, reducing the storage capacity of the river. The increased frequency of floods (Assertion A) is directly related to the siltation or sediment buildup in the river valleys (Reason R).

Explanation

Yugoslavia: The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as it existed circa 2000, was a federation comprising Serbia and Montenegro. Geographically, it occupied the easternmost portion of the area in question, bordering the other listed entities. It is important to note that this federation was in the process of dissolution during this period i.e 2000. Bosnia: Bosnia and Herzegovina, often referred to simply as Bosnia, is located west of the former Yugoslavia. It is a country situated in Southeastern Europe, occupying a significant portion of the Balkan Peninsula. Its geography is characterized by mountainous terrain and diverse cultural influences. Croatia: The Republic of Croatia is situated further west than Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bordering the Adriatic Sea, it is also located in Southeastern Europe. Croatia is known for its extensive coastline, numerous islands, and historic cities, reflecting its complex history. Slovenia: The Republic of Slovenia is the westernmost of the four entities listed. Located in Central Europe, it is known for its mountainous landscape, which includes portions of the Alps, as well as its ski resorts and glacial lakes. Slovenia borders Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Therefore, the correct sequence of these provinces from the east to west is: 4, 1, 2, 3.

Explanation

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the largest tropical lake in the world. It is shared by three countries:

Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The lake’s boundaries serve as international borders, most notably between Tanzania and Uganda. Its significance extends beyond political boundaries, as it plays a crucial role in the regional ecosystem and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding populations.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: The Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In this climate type, the rainfall is concentrated in the winter months (typically from November to March), while the summer months experience little to no rainfall. The temperatures remain mild throughout the year, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. The temperature in the data is warmer than typical St. Lawrence climates, and the rainfall pattern (with dry summers) doesn’t match the consistent rainfall this type usually has. The data doesn’t show the monsoon pattern with heavy summer rains and dry winters typical of the China type. The rainfall distribution in the data is more seasonal, with a distinct wet winter, unlike the West European climate, which usually has year-round moderate rainfall. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

St. Lawrence Type: This climate has colder winters and more consistent rainfall throughout the year, unlike the distinct seasonal rainfall in the data. China Type: This climate features significant summer monsoon rainfall and drier winters, which is the opposite of the given data. West European Type: The West European climate has moderate rainfall distributed fairly evenly across the year, unlike the dry summer and wet winter pattern shown here.