12 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Geography in the UPSC 2011 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 11–12 of 12 questions
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UPSC 2011Geography · Places and Locations: Indian Geography
Q11. Two important rivers- one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha- merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
Explanation
The river originating in Jharkhand referred to here is the Brahmani River. It originates as the Koel River in Jharkhand and is later called the Brahmani in Odisha. River originating in Odishas is the Baitarani River which originates in the Ke-onjhar district of Odisha. The Brahmani and Baitarani rivers merge at a place called Dhamra, near the Bay of Bengal forming a large delta before flowing into the sea. Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the estuarine region formed by the merging of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. It is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is a unique ecosystem of mangroves, wetlands, and tidal rivers. It is one of India’s most important wildlife sanctuaries and a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance). It is home to saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.
UPSC 2011Geography · Places and Locations: World Geography
Q12. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? 1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia. 2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The broadening (not Deepening) of the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia will reduce the navigation time and distance. The Malacca Strait is situated between Malaysia and Indonesia and is one of the main shipping lanes. The narrow waterway creates a chokepoint between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and the Andaman Sea can reduce the navigation time and distance. Kra isthmus is the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula. It is bordered to the west by the Andaman Sea and to the east by the Gulf of Thailand.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2011
(a) Bhitarkanika
12
2011
(b) 2 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Geography?
This page covers 12 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Geography in the UPSC 2011 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 2011 Prelims are available for 30 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
