UPSC 2008 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Coal mining plays a crucial role in India’s energy sector, and the Namchik-Namphuk coalfields are an important part of India’s northeastern coal reserves.

Option (a) is correct: Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh’s primary coal resource is concentrated in the Namchik-Namphuk coalfields located in the Changlang district. These are the most significant coal-bearing areas in the state, though they are relatively small compared to major coalfields elsewhere in India. The coal found here is generally of tertiary age.

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

Meghalaya possesses coal deposits, primarily in the Garo Hills region, which includes areas like Nangalbibra, Siju, and others. The coal here is typically sub-bituminous. It’s important to note that much of the coal mining in Meghalaya is done through small-scale, often unregulated operations (rat-hole mining) which has raised environmental concerns. Manipur has limited coal resources, and no significant, named coalfields are widely recognized. Coal occurrences are scattered and generally not considered commercially viable. Exploration has been carried out in areas like the Ukhrul district, but large-scale mining operations are not a feature of the state. Mizoram has no significant coalfields within the state. Coal occurrences are scattered and not considered economically significant. The geological formations in Mizoram are not conducive to the formation of large, commercially viable coal deposits.

Explanation

Chhattisgarh has significant deposits of bauxite, particularly in the Maikal Hills and the Surguja district. The mineral is found in is associated with lateritic formations. These bauxite deposits contribute to India’s aluminum industry. Dolomite is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium magnesium carbonate, is another mineral resource found in Chhattisgarh. It is found in the Bastar and Durg districts of Chhattisgarh. Dolomite is used in the steel industry, cement manufacturing, and as a source of magnesium. Dolomite is used in a range of industrial applications, including cement manufacturing, steelmaking, and as a fluxing agent. Chhattisgarh is endowed with substantial deposits of iron ore, a crucial raw material for the steel industry. The state’s iron ore reserves are known for their quality and contribute significantly to India’s steel production capacity. Major deposits are found in the Bailadila range in the Dantewada district which is known for its high-grade hematite iron ore.. Chhattisgarh is one of the few states in India where tin ore is found in commercially viable quantities. The state has tin deposits, particularly in the Bastar region. Tin is a relatively rare metal and is used in various applications, including alloys, solder, and plating.

Explanation

The Tehri Hydropower Complex is located on the Bhagirathi river. This complex features a towering earth and rock-fill dam, one of the world’s tallest. The project has also spurred regional development in Garhwal including a new town and improved infrastructure. Bhagirathi River is considered the primary source stream of the Ganges. It emerges from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Kapildhara Falls is l situated on the Narmada River located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is named after sage Kapila who is believed to have meditated here.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Jog Falls on Sharavathi River is located in Shivamogga district, Karnataka.. This impressive waterfall is formed by the Sharavathi River plunging down a deep gorge. It is also called "Gerusoppa Falls" or "Jogada Gundi".

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Shivasamudram Falls is another well-known waterfall in Karnataka, is correctly associated with the Cauvery River. This waterfall is not only a natural spectacle but also a source of hydroelectric power.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Daman Ganga Irrigation Project is located in Gujarat. This project utilizes the waters of the Damanganga River which flows through both Gujarat and Maharashtra, to provide irrigation to agricultural lands in the region. This project is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial water supply in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: The Girna Irrigation Project is situated in Maharashtra. This project harnesses the waters of the Girna River, a tributary of the Tapi River.The key component of the project is the Girna Dam, an earthfill dam constructed across the Girna River. The primary purpose of the Girna Irrigation Project is to provide irrigation to agricultural lands in the Nashik and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra. The project helps to stabilize and increase agricultural production in this region.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Pamba River originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Pathanamthitta district, Kerala before emptying into the Vembanad Lake. The Pamba Irrigation Project was built for agriculture and drinking water supply, mainly benefiting Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts. This river is also spiritually significant as it flows near the Sabarimala Temple.

Explanation

The Tapovan and Vishnugarh hydroelectric projects are located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. These projects utilize the waters of the Dhauliganga River. The Tapovan-Vishnugarh project is a run-of-river scheme, meaning it harnesses the natural flow of the river without creating a large storage reservoir. Developed by NTPC Limited, a major power generation company in India, the Tapovan-Vishnugarh project has a planned installed capacity of 520 MW. This capacity represents a substantial contribution to the power generation capabilities of Uttarakhand and the nation. Run-of-river projects like this generally have a smaller environmental footprint compared to large dam projects with vast reservoirs.

Explanation

Nagender Singh served as India’s Chief Election Commissioner (1986-1990). A.N. Ray was appointed Chief Justice of India in 1973, superseding three senior judges. R.K. Trivedi was a judge who served as President of the International Court of Justice. Ashok Desai was India’s Attorney General (1996-1998).

Explanation

The policy aims to provide electricity access to all households by 2009, ensure quality and reliable power at reasonable rates, and guarantee a minimum lifeline consumption of one unit per household per day as a merit good by 2012.

Explanation

In a rare honour, 30 Rig Veda manuscripts dating from 1800 to 1500 BC have been included in Unesco’s Memory of the World Register, a compendium of documentary heritage of exceptional value, this year. However, India’s second entry, the Sharada script, could not make it to the register.

Explanation

A-4, K. P. Singh, Chairman of DLF Ltd., is a key figure in India’s real estate sector. B-1, Vikram Pandit, former CEO of Citigroup, is a prominent name in banking. C-2, Roopa Farooki is an acclaimed contemporary fiction author known for novels like The Way Things Look to Me. D-3, Kishore Biyani, Founder and CEO of Future Group, is recognized as the "King of Indian Retail."