UPSC 1998 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 2: Jamnagar, located in Gujarat, is historically known for its textile industry, including woollen and silk textiles. The city is known for its production of Bandhani (tie-dye) fabrics and other woollen textiles. B is correctly matched with 5: Hospet, in Karnataka, is part of the Bellary-Hospet region, which is rich in iron ore deposits. It is a major center for iron and steel production, with industries like Jindal Steel and Vijayanagar Steel Plant operating in the region. C is correctly matched with 1: Korba, in Chhattisgarh, is known as the "Power Capital of India" and is a major center for aluminium production. The Bharat Aluminium Company (BAL-CO) operates a major plant in Korba, contributing significantly to the aluminium industry. D is correctly matched with 3: Haldia, in West Bengal is an industrial city with a major fertilizer plant. The Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) and other chemical industries are prominent here.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 2: Alibag is renowned for its beautiful beaches(Alibag Beach and Kihim Beach) and coastal scenery, making it a popular holiday destination. Its proximity to Mumbai has led to its development as a resort town, attracting tourists seeking leisure and relaxation. B is correctly matched with 1: Balapur, located near the coast, has a community primarily engaged in fishing activities. The town’s economy is significantly supported by its fishing industry, supplying seafood to nearby regions. C is correctly matched with 4: Nhava Sheva, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), is India’s largest container port located near Mumbai. D is correctly matched with 3: Ratnagiri is known for its petrochemical industries, including oil refineries and other related facilities.

Explanation

Surface road density is calculated as the total length of surface roads (in km) divided by the area of the state (in 100 km² units). States with higher road density have better road connectivity and infrastructure. The correct descending order by state number is: Tamil Nadu (4) > Punjab (3) > Maharashtra (2) > Haryana (1) Tamil Nadu (State 4): 158.78 km per 100 km2 Punjab (State 3): 127.78 km per 100 km2 Maharashtra (State 2): 117.61 km per 100 km2 Haryana (State 1): 63.70 km per 100 km2

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The Konkan Railway runs along the Konkan region of India, covering the western coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala. The railway was inaugurated in 1998 and significantly improved connectivity and economic development in these states. The Konkan Railway runs from Roha in Maharashtra to Thokur in Karnataka, covering a distance of approximately 760 km. It benefits towns and cities in Kerala situated nearby karnataka borders.

Option (b) is incorrect: Option includes Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which are not part of the Konkan region. These states do not benefit directly from the Konkan Railway.

Option (c) is incorrect: Option lists Tamil Nadu, a southern state not served by the Konkan Railway, which runs along the western coast.

Option (d) is incorrect: Option contains Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, both of which lie outside the typical route of the Konkan Railway. Gujarat is in the north-west and Tamil Nadu in the south-east, making this option unsuitable.

Explanation

The Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway is a 6-lane expressway that connects the cities of Ahmedabad and Vadodara in Gujarat. It was one of India’s first expressways and significantly reduced travel time between the two cities. The expressway became operational in the late 1990s. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is also a 6-lane expressway but was officially opened to traffic in 2002.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: The floating islands in Manipur, known as Phoomdis, are composed of weeds, decaying vegetation, and suspended silt. These islands provide a unique habitat for the people living in the region and have been a part of the local culture and ecology for centuries. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Tipis are traditional conical tents used by some Indigenous tribes of North America, especially the Plains Indians. They are made from wooden poles and animal skins, and they are not related to the floating islands in Manipur. Barkhans are crescent-shaped sand dunes typically found in deserts like the Sahara Desert. They are not related to floating vegetation islands and do not exist in Manipur. Izba is a term used for traditional wooden houses or cabins, typically in Russia or Slavic regions, and it does not relate to floating islands or structures in Manipur.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Damodar River is the east-flow-ing river that has a rift valley due to down warping. The river flows through the Damodar Valley, which is one of the most important industrial regions in India, situated between the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the Bengal Basin. The valley formed due to geological processes like down warping and faulting, which allowed the river to cut through the region.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Mahanadi is an east-flowing river that does not flow through a rift valley. It originates from the Chhattisgarh Plateau and flows towards the east into the Bay of Bengal.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Sone River is a tributary of the Ganga and flows in the region of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, but it does not have a rift valley.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Yamuna River is another major river in India, but it does not have a rift valley. It flows through the Himalayan foothills and North India before joining the Ganga.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Indian Standard Time (I.S.T.) is based on the meridian 82°30’ E, which is the reference for I.S.T. If it is noon (12:00 PM) at I.S.T., and people at another place are having 6:00 AM morning tea, that means the time difference between the two places is 6 hours. To calculate the longitude difference:

A time difference of 1 hour corresponds to a 15° difference in longitude. Therefore, a 6-hour difference corresponds to a 90° difference in longitude (6 × 15°). Since the other place is 6 hours behind I.S.T., it must be 90° to the west of the I.S.T. meridian. I.S.T. The meridian is at 82°30’ E, so moving 90° to the west brings us to 7°30’ W. Thus, the place is at a longitude of 7°30’ W.