18 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Geography in the UPSC 1999 Prelims. Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 11–18 of 18 questions
Browse Geography chapters
UPSC 1999Geography · Places and Locations: Indian Geography
Q11. If it is 10.00 am. I.S.T., then what would be the local time at Shillong on 92°E longitude?
Explanation
Indian Standard Time (IST) is calculated based on the 82.5°E longitude, which passes through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. IST is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5:30). Since the Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, it covers 15° of longitude per hour which means that for every degree of longitude, there is a 4-minute difference in local time. Shillong is located at 92°E longitude, which is 9.5° east of the IST reference meridian. By multiplying this difference with 4 minutes per degree, we get a time difference of 9.5 × 4 = 38 minutes. Since local time increases towards the east, Shillong will be 38 minutes ahead of IST. Therefore, if it is 10:00 AM IST then the local time in Shillong will be 10:38 AM.
UPSC 1999Geography · Places and Locations: Indian Geography
Q12. The Ravva offshore block, with great potential for oil, is located in:
Explanation
The Krishna-Godavari basin is a large sedimentary basin on the east coast of India, formed by the Krishna and Godavari rivers. It extends into the Bay of Bengal and is known for its significant hydrocarbon reserves, including both oil and natural gas. The Ravva offshore block, a prolific oil and gas producing area, is located within this basin. The basin’s geological history and structure have created favorable conditions for the accumulation of hydrocarbons, making it a crucial region for India’s energy sector.
UPSC 1999Geography · Places and Locations: World Geography
Q13. Which one of the following port cities in Venezuela has been developed as an oil port?
Explanation
Maracaibo is a major city in northwestern Venezuela, situated on the western side of Lake Maracaibo, connected to the Gulf of Venezuela and the Caribbean Sea. Its strategic location and the discovery of vast oil reserves in the Maracaibo Basin have led to its development as a crucial port for the petroleum industry. Maracaibo serves as a primary hub for the export of crude oil and refined petroleum products, contributing significantly to Venezuela’s economy.
Additional insight:
Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, located in the northern part of the country. While Caracas is an important economic and political center, its primary function is not that of an oil port. The city is situated inland and, while it has access to the coast, it is not a major point of export for crude oil. Caracas functions as the center of government and administration, as well as a hub for various industries and services. Maracay is a city in north-central Venezuela, located inland, southwest of Caracas. It is primarily known as an industrial and agricultural center. Maracay does not have a significant role as an oil port. Its economic activities are more focused on manufacturing, agriculture, and trade within the country. Carupano is a coastal city located in northeastern Venezuela. While Carupano has a port, it is not primarily developed for the large-scale export of oil. Its port serves more for regional trade, fishing, and potentially some agricultural exports. Carupano’s economic activities are more diversified than those of a dedicated oil port like Maracaibo.
UPSC 1999Geography · Places and Locations: World Geography
Q14. Assertion (A): Chile continues to be an important producer of copper in the world. Reason (R): Chile is endowed with the world’s largest deposit of porphyry copper.
Explanation
Assertion (A) is true: Chile holds a prominent position in the global copper market, consistently ranking among the top producers worldwide. Its copper mining industry is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy and plays a crucial role in supplying copper to meet global demand. This sustained high level of production underscores Chile’s importance in the international copper trade. Reason (R) is true: Chile possesses exceptionally large deposits of porphyry copper, a type of ore deposit that is a primary source of copper globally. These deposits are characterized by their large size and relatively low-grade ore, but their sheer scale makes them economically viable for large-scale mining operations. The abundance of porphyry copper deposits in Chile is the fundamental reason for its substantial copper production and its leading role in the world market. The geological endowment of this resource directly explains Chile’s capacity to produce such significant quantities of copper. Thus, both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
UPSC 1999Geography · Places and Locations: World Geography
Q15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Volcanic Mountain)
List-II (Country)
A. Mt. Rainier
1. Italy
B. Etna
2. Mexico
C. Paricutin
3. Philippines
D. Taal
4. U.S.A.
Explanation
A is correctly matched with 4: Mount Rainier, a prominent stratovolcano in the Cascade Range, is located in the state of Washington within the United States. It is the high-est mountain in the state and a significant landmark in the Pacific Northwest. B is correctly matched with 1: Mount Etna, situated in Sicily, Italy, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the largest in Europe. C is correctly matched with 2: Paricutin, a cinder cone volcano located in the Mexican state of Michoacán, is notable for its relatively recent and well-documented formation. It emerged from a cornfield in 1943 and continued to erupt for nine years, eventually reaching a height of 424 meters. D is correctly matched with 3: Taal Volcano, a complex volcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, is characterized by its unique setting within a lake-filled caldera. The volcano has a history of explosive eruptions, and it is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.
UPSC 1999Geography · Places and Locations: World Geography
Q16. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Timber)
List-II (Country)
A. Cedar
1. Myanmar
B. Douglas Fir
2. Canada
C. Mahogany
3. Mexico
D. Teak
4. Honduras
Explanation
A is matched with 3: Cedar wood, known for its aromatic scent, durability, and reddish hue, is a valuable timber resource. While various species of cedar exist across the globe, Mexico is a notable source of cedar lumber, particularly from species found in its diverse forest ecosystems. B is matched with 2: Douglas Fir, a conifer native to western North America, is a commercially important timber species, particularly abundant in Canada. Known for its strength, straight grain, and relatively low cost, Douglas Fir is widely used in construction, including framing, flooring, and plywood production. C is matched with 4: Mahogany, a prized hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown color, fine grain, and durability, is a highly sought-after timber. Honduras, historically a major source of mahogany, has been associated with this valuable wood for centuries. Honduran mahogany has been used in fine furniture making, boatbuilding, and other high-end applications. D is matched with 1: Teak wood, renowned for its exceptional durability, water resistance, and golden-brown color, is a highly valued timber. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has long been a significant source of teak.
UPSC 1999Geography · Miscellaneous
Q17. Which one of the following types of coal contains a higher percentage of carbon than the rest?
Explanation
Anthracite is a hard, brittle coal characterized by its high carbon content, typically ranging from 86% to 98%. It is considered the most metamorphosed type of coal, meaning it has undergone the most intense heat and pressure during its formation. This high carbon content makes anthracite the clean-est-burning type of coal, producing very little smoke or volatile matter. It is often referred to as "hard coal" and burns with a short, blue flame. Due to its cleaner-burning properties, anthracite is a preferred fuel source where minimizing air pollution is a priority. However, its relative scarcity and higher cost compared to other coal types limit its widespread use.
UPSC 1999Geography · Miscellaneous
Q18. Which one of the following scholars suggested the earth’s origin from gases and dust particles?
Explanation
Otto Schmidt, a Soviet geophysicist and astronomer, proposed a theory for the origin of the Earth and other planets in the solar system based on a cloud of gas and dust particles. His hypothesis, known as the "dust cloud hypothesis", suggested that the Sun, while already formed, captured or interacted with a surrounding cloud of interstellar material. This cloud, composed of gas, dust, and ice particles, began to rotate and flat-ten under the influence of the Sun’s gravity. Within this rotating disk, particles collided and clumped together, gradually forming larger and larger bodies. v v v
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
1999
(b) 10.38 a.m.
12
1999
(a) Krishna-Godavari basin
13
1999
(b) Maracaibo
14
1999
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
15
1999
(b) A-4; B-1; C-2; D-3
16
1999
(b) A - 3; B-2; C-4; D-1
17
1999
(d) Anthracite
18
1999
(d) O. Schmidt
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Geography?
This page covers 18 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Geography in the UPSC 1999 Prelims, asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Geography?
Questions on Geography in the UPSC 1999 Prelims are available for 30 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
