UPSC 2015 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands uniquely house a combination of mangrove, evergreen, and deciduous forests, making them one of India’s most ecologically diverse regions. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical rainforest canopy. The Middle Andamans harbours mostly moist deciduous forests. North Andamans is characterised by the wet ever-green type, with plenty of woody climbers. The coastal regions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have mangrove forests.

Explanation

Extremities of India:

Guhar Moti is the westernmost point of India. It is a small village located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The northernmost point of India is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, near Indira Col. The easternmost point is Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh. Indira Point in Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost point.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Srisailam is a famous pilgrimage site located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. It is home to the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. They are a significant range in southern India, located along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Srisailam Sanctuary is also located in this region which is known for its rich biodiversity and the Srisailam Dam on the Krishna River.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Omkareshwar is situated on the Mandhata hills in Madhya Pradesh (ancient name: Shivpuri). The name "Omkareshwar" comes from the way the River Narmada flows here as it circles the Mandhata hill in the shape of a "Om." Omkareshwar is one of Shiva’s 12 cherished Jyotirlinga shrines.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Pushkar is known for the Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple. It is located in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, not the Mahadeo Hills. Pushkar is a major pilgrimage site associated with the worship of Lord Brahma. The Mahadeo Hills which are part of the Satpura Range are located in the central Indian region.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Jordan is a landlocked coun-try on the eastern edge of the Dead Sea, which borders Israel and Palestine. While it has access to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aqaba, it does not have any coastline along the Mediterranean.

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

Syria has a strategic coastline along the Mediterranean Sea to its west. The coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus serve as vital trade and military hubs, with Tartus hosting a Russian naval facility. Syria’s Mediterranean coast provides it significant access to this international waterway. Lebanon boasts a stunning coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Cities like Beirut and Tripoli are vital Mediterranean ports, with Beirut being a historical hub for trade and culture since ancient times. Lebanon’s position on the Mediterranean has made it a cultural crossroads between East and West with influences from the Phoenician, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Israel has a coast along the Mediterranean Sea with important cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa located there.