UPSC 2009 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

India’s port system comprises two distinct categories: major ports and non-major (minor) ports. As of 2024, the nation has 13 major ports and 217 non-major ports, forming a crucial network for maritime trade. Major ports, strategically administered by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Government of India, play a pivotal role in the coun-try’s maritime trade. In contrast, non-major ports come under the jurisdiction of the respective State Maritime Boards, with some also operating under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Among the given options, Dahej is classified as a non-major port in India. In contrast, Kochi (Cochin), Paradip, and New Mangalore are all designated as major ports.

Explanation

The Shompen tribe is an indigenous and particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) found in the Nicobar Islands, specifically in the Great Nicobar Island. They are semi-no-madic hunter-gatherers who live in the dense forests of Great Nicobar. Their population is very small, and they have minimal contact with outsiders. The Government of India recognizes them as a PVTG under the Andaman and Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.

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

Nilgiri Hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka): Home to Toda, Kota, Irula, and Kurumba tribes, but not the Shompen Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh): Inhabited by Bhotia and Spitians (Tibetan origin people), not the Shompen Lakshadweep Islands: No indigenous tribal communities; the majority population follows Islam.

Explanation

Located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, the Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Power Plant, a 390 MW project, was constructed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). This power plant utilizes the run-of-the-river principle, harnessing the flow of the Chenab River to generate electricity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Tropical deserts indeed form along the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt due to several factors. Trade winds, blowing from east to west, lose moisture on eastern coasts and arrive dry on the western side. These regions lie under subtropical high-pressure belts (15°-30° latitude), where descending air suppresses cloud formation and rainfall. Additionally, cold ocean currents, such as the Humboldt Current, cool the air, reducing its moisture-holding capacity and creating stable, dry conditions. In some cases, mountains block moist winds, causing a rain shadow effect. Together, these factors create arid environments like the Sahara, Atacama, and Namib deserts.

Statement 2 is incorrect: In India, the Eastern Himalayas experience significantly higher rainfall compared to the Western Himalayas. This precipitation is primarily attributed to the South-west monsoon, rather than the Northeast monsoon. The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon carries moisture-laden winds that are funneled toward the Eastern Himalayas. When these winds encounter the steep terrain, they rise, cool, and condense, resulting in heavy orographic rainfall. This effect is particularly pronounced in regions like Meghalaya, which receive some of the highest rainfall globally.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct:

The Sutlej River has its origins far beyond the borders of India, tracing its source back to the sacred Mansarovar-Rakas Lakes in western Tibet(now China). The Sutlej River flows 1,450 km through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Pakistan before joining the Indus. It enters India via the Shipki La Pass. Major dams on the river include Bhakra-Nangal and Nathpa Jhakri supporting irrigation and hydropower. Its tributaries include Spiti and Baspa. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

The Ravi River emerges from the Himalayan heights in the Multhan tehsil of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Beas River, similarly originating in the Himalayas, finds its source near the Rohtang Pass, a prominent mountain pass at an elevation of 4,062 meters above sea level. This pass marks the southern extremity of the Pir Panjal Range, a significant mountain chain in the region. Interestingly, the source of the Ravi lies in close proximity to the Beas’s origin. The Chenab River, a major tributary of the Indus, is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, an event that occurs within the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.

Explanation

The Tropic of Capricorn is situated at approximately 23°27 south of the Equator. It marks the southernmost latitude where the Sun can be directly overhead during the December solstice. This significant line traverses ten countries across three continents: South America, Africa, and Australia. South America: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile. Africa: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar. Australia

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Berlin is located in Germany, and it is situated on the Spree River, not the Rhine. The Rhine River flows through several European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: London - Thames The River Thames flows through London, the capital of the United Kingdom. It has historically played a crucial role in the city’s devel-opment.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: New York City is located on the Hudson River. The Hudson flows primarily through the state of New York, including New York City and it is an essential river for the region.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Vienna, the capital of Austria is situated along the Danube River. The Danube flows through many countries in Europe, including Austria, and passes through Vienna.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 1: The Great Victoria Desert is a large desert in Australia located in the southern part of the country. It is primarily located in Western Australia and South Australia. It is characterized by sand dunes, gibber plains, and salt lakes. The desert is home to Indigenous groups such as the Kogara, Mirning, and Pitjantjatjara peoples. The region supports diverse flora like Eucalyptus species and Acacia shrubs, and fauna including emus, red kangaroos, and various lizard species. B is correctly matched with 4: The Grand Canyon is a massive, iconic canyon carved by the Colorado River in the USA. It is located in the state of Arizona. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. C is correctly matched with 2: Lake Winnipeg is a large lake in the province of Manitoba in Canada. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It is a vital water source for the surrounding areas and is historically significant for Indigenous communities. D is correctly matched with 3: The Southern Alps are a major mountain range in New Zealand, stretching along the South Island. The highest peak in the Southern Alps is Mount Cook (Aoraki), making it the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

Explanation

Cape Canaveral, also called Cape Kennedy, is a major spaceport on Florida’s east coast. It serves as the primary launch site for U.S. space missions. It was established in 1949 as a missile testing site, Cape Canaveral has played a crucial role in space exploration, evolving into a key launch site. Being positioned on a barrier island along Florida’s east coast, its coastal setting offers ideal conditions for launching spacecraft into orbit. While Virginia has NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, it is not used for space shuttle launches. North Carolina and South Carolina also lack any major spaceport like Cape Canaveral.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Australia holds the world’s largest reserves of uranium, with over 30% of the planet’s identified uranium reserves. According to the World Nuclear Association, Australia’s reserves are estimated to be over 1.7 million tonnes of uranium which makes it the leader in global uranium reserves. Major uranium mining regions in Australia include the Olympic Dam (the world’s largest single deposit of uranium) and the Ranger Mine.

Option (b) is incorrect: Canada has significant uranium re-serves but they are not the largest globally. Canada ranks second in terms of the world’s uranium reserves, with an estimated about 560,000 tonnes. Canada’s most notable uranium deposits are located in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, which is home to some of the world’s highest-grade uranium deposits.

Option (c) is incorrect: Russia’s uranium reserves are substantial but fall behind those of Australia and Canada. Russia ranks fourth in terms of uranium reserves globally. The primary deposits in Russia are located in the Trans-Ural region and parts of Siberia.

Option (d) is incorrect: The United States has notable uranium reserves but they are not the largest. The USA ranks third globally in terms of uranium reserves. The primary uranium deposits in the United States are located in states like Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas. The USA is not a major producer of uranium compared to other countries like Kazakhstan, Australia, and Canada. It relies on uranium imports to meet its needs for nuclear energy production.