UPSC 1996 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

During summer, high temperatures over the Indian sub-continent cause low pressure to develop, leading to a northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), especially in the northern regions. This low-pressure system draws moist air from the Indian Ocean, resulting in the arrival of southwest monsoon winds that bring rainfall to the subcontinent.

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

The south-east monsoon originates in the Southern Hemisphere and moves from the high-pressure areas in the south-east towards the low-pressure regions in the subcontinent. However, this is not the primary wind pattern responsible for bringing the summer rains, as it is the south-west monsoon that is more prominent. Trade winds blow from the east and are associated with the tropical regions, but they don’t bring the monsoon rains to India. They primarily affect the equatorial regions. The westerlies are winds that blow from the west and generally affect the higher latitudes of the mid-latitudes. They are not responsible for the monsoon system in India.

Explanation

The Western Ghats of India are considered an ecological hotspot due to their exceptional biodiversity and the large number of species that are found nowhere else in the world (endemism). The region is home to several unique ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands, and supports an array of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered.

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

The Himalayas, both Western and Eastern, are vital for biodiversity; however, they are not as prominently recognized as biodiversity hotspots compared to regions like the Western Ghats. The Eastern Ghats are ecologically important but do not meet the criteria of an "ecological hotspot" when compared to regions like the Western Ghats or the Eastern Himalayas. While they host a diverse set of species, they lack the same degree of endemism and are not as internationally recognized for biodiversity.

Explanation

The term ‘De-notified Tribes’ (DNTs) refers to communities that were previously classified as ‘Criminal Tribes’ under the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871 during British rule in India. The British labeled certain nomadic and semi-no-madic tribes as ‘criminal’ by birth based on their traditional livelihoods, often involving hunting, trading, or performing arts. After India’s independence, the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1952, and these communities were ‘denotified’, meaning they were no longer considered criminal by default. However, despite this legal change, many Denotified Tribes (DNTs) and Nomadic Tribes (NTs) continue to face social stigma, discrimination, and lack of formal recognition.

Explanation

Kishenganga: This river flows through the Kashmir Valley, which is located in the northernmost region of India. Therefore, it should be placed first. Ganga: The Ganga originates in the Himalayas, in Uttarakhand, flowing through the northern plains. It is the second river in the north-south direction. Wainganga: The Wainganga originates in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh and flows through the central region of India. So it comes next. Penganga: The Penganga flows through Maharashtra and Telangana, which places it in the southernmost position of these rivers.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct:

Palk Bay is a shallow sea area situated between the southeastern coast of India (Tamil Nadu) and the northern coast of Sri Lanka. It connects the Gulf of Mannar (to the south) with the Bay of Bengal (to the north). The Palk Strait, which lies within Palk Bay, separates India from Sri Lanka. The Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), a chain of limestone shoals, partially separates Palk Bay from the Gulf of Mannar. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat are located in Gujarat, unrelated to Palk Bay. Lakshadweep and Maldive Islands are island groups in the Arabian Sea, not related to Palk Bay. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, but not relevant to Palk Bay.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Idukki is not a thermal power station; it is a hydroelectric project in Kerala. The Idukki Dam, built on the Periyar River, is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sabarigiri Hydroelectric Project is a hydropower project in Kerala, located on the Pamba River. It is one of the major hydropower projects in the state.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ghatprabha Project is an irrigation project in Karnataka. The Ghatprabha River, a tributary of the Krishna River, is dammed to provide water for irrigation.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Ramganga Multipurpose Project is located in Uttarakhand, constructed on the Ramganga River. It serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

Explanation

The river described above that thrice forks into two streams and reunites is the Cauvery River. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery River is known for splitting into multiple streams and forming islands:

Srirangapatna (Karnataka): The river splits and encircles the island town, famous for the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Shivanasamudra (Karnataka): The river divides into two branches, forming the Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki and Barachukki). Srirangam (Tamil Nadu): The river bifurcates and surrounds Srirangam Island, home to the renowned Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple complex. These phenomena occur due to the unique geography and mean-ders of the Cauvery River.

Explanation

The place referred to in the quotation is Tranquebar (Tharangam-badi), located on the Tamil Nadu coast. It was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845, when it was sold to the British. Tranquebar is known for its rich colonial heritage, including the Danish Fort (Fort Dansborg), built by the Danish East India Company, which stands as a reminder of Denmark’s presence in India. The New Jerusalem Church, constructed by Danish missionaries, adds to the town’s historical charm. The quaint streets and peaceful beachfront, often deserted, give the town a serene and timeless appeal. No other Indian coast shares a similar Danish colonial history, making the Tamil Nadu coast (Tranquebar) the correct answer.