UPSC 2007 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

Indravati National Park is located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. It was declared a national park in 1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under India’s Project Tiger initiative. The park features undulating hilly terrain with altitudes ranging from 177 to 599 meters above sea level. The park is named after the Indravati River, which flows through its boundaries. The vegetation includes tropical moist and dry deciduous forests dominated by teak, sal, bamboo, and other species. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh, It is renowned for its high density of tiger population. n. Dandeli Sanctuary is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The Dandeli Sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot within the Western Ghats. The sanctuary’s landscape is characterized by semi-deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and riverine ecosystems. The Kali River flows through the sanctuary, supporting a rich aquatic life. Rajaji National Park is spread across the Shivalik Hills in Uttarakhand. The park’s strategic location at the confluence of the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains contributes to its rich biodiversity. It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent freedom fighter and statesman.

Explanation

Guru Shikhar, literally translated as the ‘peak of the guru’’ stands as the highest point of the Aravalli Range in the state of Rajasthan, India. Guru Shikhar, at 1,722 meters is the highest peak in Rajasthan. It is a sacred site with a temple dedicated to the Dattatreya Temple believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). It houses the Mount Abu Infrared Observatory (MIRO), one of India’s most important astronomical observatories which is managed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.

Explanation

India’s rivers have profoundly shaped its cities, influencing their growth, culture, and identity. A is correctly matched with 4: Betul is located in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh near the Tapti River. The Tapti originates from the Satpura range in Multai (Betul district), Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the few rivers in peninsular India that follows a westward course. B is correctly matched with 1: Jagdalpur in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh lies on the Indravati River. The Indravati River originates in Odisha and is a tributary of the Godavari River. It flows through Chhattisgarh, carving deep gorges and supporting the famous Chitrakote Waterfalls, often referred to as the "Ni-agara of India." The river is crucial for the region’s biodiversity, especially for wildlife in the Indravati National Park. C is correctly matched with 2: Jabalpur is situated on the banks of the Narmada River. The Narmada is one of India’s most sacred rivers and is often called the "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh." It originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. The river forms the famous Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, where it carves through white limestone, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The Dhuandhar Falls is located near Jabalpur on the Narmada. D is correctly matched with 3: Ujjain is located on the banks of the Shipra River. The Shipra is a tributary of the Chambal River and holds immense religious significance. Every 12 years it hosts the Kumbh Mela (Simhastha Kumbh), one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The river’s connection to Lord Shiva and Ujjain’s importance as one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities) in Hinduism make it highly revered.

Explanation

Copacabana Beach is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city renowned for landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and its famous beach. With its lively Carnival festival, samba music, and beautiful beaches, Rio is a key cultural and tourist hub in South America.

Explanation

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) does not have the same clock time as the other three cities at any given instant. Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) follows East Africa Time (EAT), which is GMT+3, meaning it is always ahead by 3 hours compared to the other three cities.

Explanation

The Strait of Dover is the strait through which the Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel) connects the United Kingdom and France. The Channel Tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, is an underwater rail tunnel that connects Folkestone (UK) with Cal-ais (France) beneath the Strait of Dover in the English Channel. The tunnel is about 50.45 km (31.35 miles) long, with a 37.9 km (23.5 miles) underwater section, making it one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Davis Strait: Located between Greenland and Canada’s Baffin Island, it connects the Labrador Sea to Baffin Bay. Known as the world’s broadest strait, it has depths of 1,000-2,000 meters and fierce tides. It is significant for Arctic navigation and holds potential oil and gas reserves. Denmark Strait: Separating Greenland and Iceland, it connects the Arctic Ocean to the Atlantic. It features the Denmark Strait Cataract, the world’s largest underwater waterfall, formed by cold Arctic water plunging beneath warmer Atlantic water. Strait of Gibraltar: This narrow strait connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, separating Spain and Morocco. At its narrowest, it is 8 miles wide. It is vital for global trade and features unique water flow dynamics due to differing salinity levels.

Explanation

The Amazon River is the longest river among the given options. The Amazon River flows through South America, mainly in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It has the largest discharge volume of any river in the world. Some sources debate whether the Amazon or the Nile is the longest river, but in this set of options, Amazon is the longest. Comparison of the approximate lengths of the given rivers:

Amazon River: 6,992 km (4,345 miles)(approximately) Amur River: 4,444 km (2,763 miles) Congo River: 4,700 km (2,922 miles) Lena River: 4,400 km (2,736 miles)

Explanation

The largest coral reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef, which is located off the coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km (1,400 miles) along the north-east coast of Australia in the Coral Sea. It consists of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is visible from space and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial ecosystem, home to diverse marine life.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL), also known as Vizag Steel, is a prominent integrated steel producer located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. By the year 2007, RINL had been granted "Mini Ratna" status by the Indian government. This designation recognizes the company’s strong performance and gives it greater autonomy in financial and operational decision-making.

Statement 2 is correct: In 2006, The Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), formerly an independent entity, was successfully merged with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). SAIL, a major public sector steel producer in India, undertook this merger to consolidate its operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline its production processes. The merger of IISCO with SAIL has integrated the resources and expertise of both organizations, creating a larger and more robust entity within the Indian steel sector.