1.

Consider the following pairs:

Region: Important reason for being in the
news recently
1. Hans Island: Denmark and Canada
have struck a deal to settle an almost
50-year-old row over these islands
2. Zmiinyi Island: Ukraine has caused
significant losses to the Russian
________________________________________
military in airstrikes on this island.
2. Arrange from North to South:
3. Kollam: India’s first Constitution literate
district 1. First Smoke free state in India

How many pairs given above are correctly 2. India’s 1st Solar Powered village
matched? 3. India’s first Constitution literate
A. Only one pair district

B. Only two pairs A. 3-1-2

C. Only three pairs B. 1-2 -3

D. None of the above C. 2-1-3

Answer: C D. 3-2-1
Hans Island: Denmark and Canada have Answer: B
struck a deal to settle an almost 50-year-old • First Smoke free state in India - Himachal
row over these islands
Pradesh
• India’s 1st Solar Powered village -
Modhera (Gujarat)
• India’s 1st Solar Powered village- Kollam
(Kerala)
________________________________________
3. Which of the following is/are matched
correctly?
1. Oromia: Ethiopia
2. Port Odessa: Ukraine
3. Koilastila Gas Field: Bangladesh
Zmiinyi Island: Ukraine has caused
A. Only 1
significant losses to the Russian military in
airstrikes on this island. B. Only 2 and 3
C. Only 1 and 3
 D. 1,2 and 3
Answer: D
Oromia - Ethiopia - Recently, More than 200
ethnic Amharas have been killed in an
ethnic attack in the country’s Oromia region

Port Odessa – Ukraine - largest Ukrainian

seaport and one of the largest ports in the ________________________________________
Black Sea basin 4. Spring tides are caused :
A. As result of the moon and the sun pulling
the earth gravitationally in the same
direction.
B. As result of the moon and the sun pulling
the earth gravitationally in the opposite
direction.
C. Indention in the coast line.
D. None of the above.

Koilastila Gas Field - discovered recently in

Bangladesh and has the capacity to produce
20 million cubic feet of gas per day
(MMCFD)
Answer: A Androth / Andrott Island = Andrott Island,
also known as Androth Island, is a small
inhabited island in the Union Territory of
Lakshadweep

Munroe Thuruthu Island - Island is in

confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada
River in Kerala - 39% of its land area has
been lost in past 2 decades due to sinking

________________________________________
5. Which of the following are matched
____________________________________________
correctly?
6. Which of the following are matched
1. Andrott Island: Lakshadweep
correctly?
2. Munroe Thuruthu Island: Kerala
1. Lithium Triangle: Argentina, Bolivia,
A. Only 1 Chile
B. Only 2 2. Pantanal Wetlands: Brazil, Bolivia,
C. Both 1 and 2 Paraguay

D. Neither 1 nor 2 3. Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and

Lithuania
Answer: C
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 2 and 3
C. Only 1 and 3
 D. 1,2 and 3
Answer: D

________________________________________
7. Arrange these from North to South:
1. Diego Garcia Islands
2. Reunion Islands
3. Agalega Islands
A. 1-2-3
B. 1-3-2
C. 3-2-1
D. 2-1-3
Answer: B
________________________________________ 10. Sea : Bordering country
8. Recently ‘X’ country was in news as the 1. Adriatic Sea : Albania
country adopted bitcoin as legal tender.
2. Black Sea : Croatia
A. Venezuela
3. Caspian Sea : Kazakhstan
B. El Salvador
4. Mediterranean Sea : Morocco
C. Finland
5. Red Sea : Syria
D. Spain
Which of the pairs given above are correctly
Answer: B matched?
Explanation A. 1, 2 and 4 only
• El Salvador became the first country B. 1, 3 and 4 only
to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
C. 2 and 5 only
________________________________________
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
9. Which of the following is matched incorrectly?
Answer: B
A. Avdiivka City : Russia Ukraine War
Countries surrounding Black Sea
B. Karen People : Thailand
C. Grindavik : Iceland
D. Afar Triple Junction
Answer: B

• Avdiivka City : Russia Ukraine War

• Karen People : Myanmar
• Grindavik : Iceland
• Afar Triple Junction
____________________________________________
11. Polar fleeing force mentioned by Alfred
Wegner in Continental Drift Theory relates
to:
A. Revolution of the Earth
B. Gravitation
C. Rotation of the earth
D. Tides
Answer : C
________________________________________ Explanation
 2. Citrus fruits such as oranges, figs,
olives and grapes are commonly
cultivated here because people have
removed the natural vegetation in
order to cultivate what they want to.
3. Mediterranean regions are known as
‘Orchards of the world’ for their fruit
cultivation.
A. Only 1 statement is correct .
B. Only 2 statements are correct.
C. All 3 statements are correct .
D. None
Answer : C
Explanation

________________________________________
12. Which of the following is/are correct
about Mediterranean Vegetation?
1. They are generally found in west and
south west margins of the continents.
 1. Seawaves continuously strike at the
rocks & cracks develop. Over time they
become larger and wider and hollow
like caves are formed on the rocks.
They are called sea caves.
2. As these cavities become bigger and
bigger only the roof of the caves
remain, thus forming sea arches.
3. Further, erosion breaks the roof and
only walls are left. These wall like
features are called stacks.
A. Only 1 statement is correct.
B. Only 2 statements are correct.

________________________________________ C. All three are correct.

13. The erosion and deposition of the sea D. None

waves gives rise to coastal landforms. Answer : C
Identify the correct statements in context
Explanation
with the same:
________________________________________
14. Find incorrect statements:
1. Culturable Wasteland :Any land
which is left fallow (uncultivated) for
more than five years is included in this
category.
2. Current Fallow This is the land which
is left without cultivation for one or
less than one agricultural year
3. Fallow other than Current Fallow :
This is also a cultivable land which is
left uncultivated for more than a year
but less than five years.
A. 1 statement is incorrect.
B. 2 statements are incorrect.
C. 3 statements are incorrect.
D. None of the statements are incorrect.
Answer : D
________________________________________
Explanation
15. Find correct statements:
1. In India, tea plantation started in 1840s
in Brahmaputra valley of Assam which
still is a major tea growing area in the
country.
2. Later on, its plantation was
introduced in the sub-Himalayan
region of West Bengal (Darjeeling,
Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts).
 3. Tea is also cultivated on the lower A. Only 1
slopes of Nilgiri and Cardamom hills B. 2 only
in Western Ghats.
C. Both 1 and 2
A. Only 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
B. Only 2 and 3
Answer: C
C. Only 1 and 2
Explanation
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer : D
Explanation

• The Isotherms are lines joining places

having an equal temperature.
Statement 1 is correct: Isotherms of the southern
hemisphere are more regular and straight as
compared to that of the northern hemisphere
because the southern hemisphere has very little
land in proportion to the ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: In January, the isotherms
bend towards the north over the oceans in the
northern hemisphere as the temperature of oceans
is higher than that of land. Also, temperatures
________________________________________
reduce greatly over the landmass resulting in
16. Consider the following statements regarding Isotherms deviating southwards over the
Isotherms: continents.
1. Isotherms of the southern hemisphere are ________________________________________
more regular and straight as compared to
17. Consider the following statements with
that of the northern hemisphere.
reference to Pangong Lake:
2. In January the isotherms deviate to the
1. It is an endorheic lake.
north over the ocean and to the south over
the continent in the Northern Hemisphere. 2. It is the world’s highest saltwater lake.

Which of the statements given above is/are 3. Pangong lake lies south of Tso Moriri lake.
correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are India. In fact, it is the largest high altitude lake in
correct? India that is entirely in Indian Territory.
A. 1 and 2 only ________________________________________
B. 1 only 18. Consider the following statements :
C. 2 and 3 only • High clouds primarily reflect solar
radiation and cool the surface of the
D. 1, 2 and 3
Earth.
Answer: A
• Low clouds have a high absorption of
Explanation infrared radiation emanating from the
Earth’s surface and thus cause
warming effect.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
Explanation: Pangong Tso is a long narrow, deep,
Explanation
endorheic lake situated in the Ladakh Himalayas.
The brackish water lake freezes over in winter and • The study of clouds, where they occur, and
due to this freezing; it becomes ideal for ice skating their characteristics, play a key role in the
as well as polo. understanding of climate change.
Statement 1 is correct: Pangong Tso lake is an • Low, thick clouds primarily reflect solar
endorheic lake which means that it has a drainage radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
basin that normally retains the water and allows no • High, thin clouds primarily transmit
outflow to other external bodies of water incoming solar radiation; at the same time,
Statement 2 is correct: Pangong Lake is situated at they trap some of the outgoing infrared
a height of almost 4,350m and is the world’s radiation emitted by the Earth and radiate
highest saltwater lake. The water of this lake, it back downward, thereby warming the
which seems to be dyed in blue, stands in stark surface of the Earth.
contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. ________________________________________
Statement 3 is incorrect: Pangong lake lies North 19. In the context of which of the following do
of Tso Moriri lake. Tso Moriri lake in Changthang some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud
region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful, calm thinning technique and the injection of sulphate
and sacred (for ladakhis) high altitude lakes in aerosol into stratosphere?
A. Creating the artificial rains in some
 regions Which of the above-given statements is/are
correct?
B. Reducing the frequency and intensity
of tropical cyclones A. 1 only

C. Reducing the adverse effects of solar B. 1 and 2 only

wind on the Earth C. 2 and 3 only
D. Reducing the global warming D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D Answer: D
Explanation Explanation
• The wispy, elongated cirrus clouds that are
found at high altitudes can be thinned
using a process called cirrus cloud
thinning.
• Cirrus clouds trap long-wave radiation and
influence climate similarly to greenhouse
gases even though they do not reflect much
solar radiation back into space. Instead,
they have a similar effect since they
originate at high altitudes and frigid
temperatures.
• Injecting ice nuclei (such as dust) into areas
with cirrus clouds would thin the cirrus
optical depth by enlarging the ice crystals
and increasing the size of the cirrus clouds.
It would be possible to chill the earth by
thinning the clouds by allowing more heat
to escape into space. • Statement 1 is incorrect: Dry summers
and Wet Winters are the characteristic
________________________________________
features of this region.
20. Consider the following statements about the
• Statement 2 is correct: The absence of
Mediterranean Climatic region:
shade is a distinct feature of the
1. Wet Summers and Dry Winters are the Mediterranean lands. Trees with small
characteristic features of this Region. broad leaves are widely spaced and
2. Absence of shade is a distinct feature of the never very tall. Plants are in a
Mediterranean lands. continuous struggle against heat, dry
air, excessive evaporation and
3. Chaparral vegetation is associated with this
prolonged droughts. They are, in short
climatic region.
xerophytic [drought tolerant], a word
used to describe the drought-resistant
 plants in an environment deficient in • Precipitation occurs all-round the year
moisture. due to the influence of Atlantic ocean
• Statement 3 is correct: Vegetation is (summer) and the Great Lakes
known with different names in (winter).
different parts of the Mediterranean • Westerlies carry moisture from Great
lands. It is known as chaparral in the Lakes causing wet conditions in winter
California region.
• Warm Gulf Stream increases the
moisture of easterly winds
• Convergence of the warm Gulf Stream
and the cold Labrador Current near
________________________________________ Newfoundland rise to much
21. Which of the following statements are precipitation.
associated rainfall in Laurentian Climate ? Rainfall - The Asiatic region – Case of Japan
1. North American Region – The • The warm Kuroshio makes the climate
prevailing Westerlies carry of Japan less extreme.
depressions over the Great Lakes
• The climate of Japan is modified by the
towards eastern regions causing wet
meeting of warm and cold ocean
conditions in winter.
currents.
2. Japan - West Coast of Japan receives
• It receives adequate rainfall from both
adequate rainfall from both the
the South-East Monsoon in summer
SouthEast Monsoon in summer and
and the North- West Monsoon(Sea of
the North- West Monsoon in winter .
Japan) in winter
A. Only 1
________________________________________
B. Only 2
22. India is endowed with fairly abundant
C. Both 1 and 2 resources of iron ore. Identify the regions
D. Neither 1 nor 2 associated with Iron Ore Mines in India :

Answer : B 1. Mayurbhanj

Explanation 2. Ballari
3. Durg
4. Bailadila
5. Chandrapur
A. Only 1 is correct
B. Only 3 are correct
C. Only 4 are correct
Rainfall - The North American region
D. All 5 are correct
Answer : D
Explanation

________________________________________
________________________________________
24. Identify the members of Amazon Cooperation
23. Copper is an indispensable metal in the
Treaty Organisation ?
electrical industry for making wires, electric
motors, transformers and generators. 1. Bolivia
Identify the regions associated with Copper 2. Brazil
Deposits in India :
3. Peru
1. Hazaribagh
4. Venezuela
2. Singhbhum
5. Chile
3. Khetri
Select the correct option:
4. Alwar
A. All Except 5
5. Udaipur
B. All except 4
A. Only 2 are correct
C. All except 3
B. Only 3 are correct
D. All except 1
C. Only 4 are correct
Answer: A
D. All 5 are correct
Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
Answer : D (ACTO)
Explanation • The Amazon Cooperation Treaty
Organization (ACTO)is an international
organization aimed at the promotion of
sustainable development of the Amazon
Basin.
Its member states are: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia,
Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and
Venezuela.
• The Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT)
was signed on 3 July 1978 and amended in
1998.
• ACTO was created in 1995 to strengthen
the implementation of the Treaty.
• Note- The 2023 Amazon Cooperation
Treaty Organization Summit,, was a
multilateral event which took place from
8 to 9, August, 2023 in the Brazilian city of
Belém.

____________________________________________
25. Consider the following statements with
reference to World Distribution of Rainfall:
1. The rainfall is more over the oceans
than on the landmasses of the world.
2. Between the latitudes 0° and 30° N and
S of the equator, the rainfall is first
received on the western margins of the
continents.
3. Rainfall is distributed evenly
throughout the year in the western
Belem Declaration parts of cool temperate regions.

• Statement released during the Amazon Which of the statements given above is/are
Summit correct?

• The Belem Declaration released during the A. 1 and 2 only

Amazon Summit recognises Indigenous B. 2 and 3 only
knowledge as a condition for biodiversity
C. 1 and 3 only
conservation and calls for ensuring full
and effective participation of Indigenous D. 1, 2 and 3
Peoples in decision-making and public Answer: C
policy formulation processes.
Explanation
 D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.
• The rainfall is more over the oceans
than on the landmasses of the world as
oceans are great sources of water.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Between the latitudes 0° and 30° N and
S of the equator, the rain is heavier on
the eastern coasts and goes on
decreasing towards the west.
Statement 3 is correct.
In some regions rainfall is distributed evenly
throughout the year such as in the equatorial
belt and in the western parts of cool temperate
regions.
________________________________________
26. Consider the following statements about
Western Coastal Plains. Which of the following
are correct?
1. The western coastal plains are narrow
in the middle and get broader towards
north and south.
2. The rivers flowing through this coastal
plain do not form any delta.
3. The continental shelf extends up to 500
km into the sea, which makes it
difficult for the development of good
ports and harbors.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
 • The western coastal plains are an example 2. left uncultivated for more than a year
of submerged coastal plain. Because of this but less than five years.
submergence it is a narrow belt and 3. Current Fallow : land which is left
provides natural conditions for the without cultivation for one or less than
development of ports and harbours. The one agricultural year
western coastal plains are narrow in the
middle and get broader towards north and 4. Culturable Waste-Land : Any land
south. The rivers flowing through this which is left fallow (uncultivated) for
coastal plain do not form any delta. more than five years is included in this
category.
• As compared to the western coastal plain,
the eastern coastal plain is broader and is 5. Net Area Sown : The physical extent of
an example of an emergent coast. It is wider land on which crops are sown and
than Western Coastal Plain because the harvested
rivers like Godavari, the Krishna and the A. Only 1 option is correct
Kaveri formed the delta over there. There
B. Only 2 options are correct
are well developed deltas here. The
continental shelf extends up to 500 km into C. Only 3 options are correct
the sea, which makes it difficult for the D. All the options are correct
development of good ports and harbours.
Answer: D
________________________________________
27. Consider the following statements :
1. Fallow other than Current Fallow:
Cultivable land which is
Explanation
NCERT – Class 12th

________________________________________
29. Consider the following pre-Monsoon showers
and their locations to which they are associated.
1. Mango Shower- Kerala
2. Loo– Northern Plains
________________________________________ 3. Nor Westers- Assam
28. Semeru volcano is located in which of the 4. Blossom shower- Orissa
following countries?
Which of the above pairs are correct?
A. Indonesia
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. Malaysia
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. Singapore
C. 1, 2 and 4
D. Maldives
D. All of the above.
Answer : A
Answer : A
Explanation
Explanation
• Some Famous Local Storms of India in Hot
Weather Season:
• Mango Shower: Towards the end of
summer, there are pre-monsoon showers
which are a common phenomenon in
Kerala and coastal areas of Karnataka.
Locally, they are known as mango showers
since they help in the early ripening of
mangoes.
• Blossom Shower: With this shower, coffee
flowers blossom in Kerala and nearby
areas.
 • Nor Westers: These are dreaded evening • Low-pressure systems are usually
thunderstorms in Bengal and Assam. associated with an abundance of cloud and
Their notorious nature can be understood precipitation.
from the local nomenclature of If the temperature of the surrounding air does not
‘Kalbaisakhi’, a calamity of the month of fall as quickly with increasing altitude, the air
Baisakhi. These showers are useful for tea, packet will quickly become colder than the
jute and rice cultivation. In Assam, these surrounding air, lose its buoyancy, and sink back
storms are known as “Bardoli Chheerha”. to its original position. In this case the atmosphere
• Loo: Hot, dry and oppressing winds is said to be stable.
blowing in the Northern plains from ________________________________________
Punjab to Bihar with higher intensity
between Delhi and Patna. 31. Choose the correct statements about
Advancing Monsoon in India :
________________________________________
1. By early June , low pressure conditions over
30. Choose the correct statements: the Northern Plains intensifies and attracts
1. Low-pressure systems are usually Trade Winds of the Southern Hemisphere .
associated with an abundance of cloud 2. These South East Trade winds originate
and precipitation. over the warm subtropical areas of
2. The atmosphere in this circumstance is Southern Oceans.
said to be unstable. 3. They cross the equator and blow in south-
A. Only 1 westerly direction entering the Indian
Peninsula as South West Monsoon.
B. Only 2
4. As these winds blow over warm oceans ,
C. Both 1 and 2
they bring abundant moisture to the
D. Neither 1 nor 2 subcontinent.
Answer : C A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation B. 2, 3 and 4 only
• The stability of air in the atmosphere C. 1, 3 and 4 only
depends on the temperature of rising air
relative to the temperature of the stationary D. All of the above.
surrounding air that it passes through, Answer : D
which varies from place to place and with Explanation
changing atmospheric conditions.
• If the temperature of the surrounding air
falls more quickly with increasing altitude,
the packet of air will continue to rise. The
atmosphere in this circumstance is said to
be unstable.
________________________________________
32. Choose the correct statements:
1. The folds of Great Himalayas are
asymmetrical in nature .
2. The core of this part of Himalayas is
composed of granite. ________________________________________
3. It is perennially snow bound and a number 33. The easternmost longitude of India is
of Glaciers descend from this range.
A. 97 25’ E
A. Only 1 and 2
B. 68 7’ E
B. Only 2 and 3
C. 77 6’ E
C. Only 1 and 3
D. 82 32’ E
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer : A
Answer : D
Explanation
Explanation
 35. Choose the correct statements about
Purvanchal or Eastern Hills in India :
1. These hills running through North Eastern
states are mostly composed of strong
sandstones which are composed of
Sedimentary Rocks .
2. The Purvanchal comprises the Patkai Hills,
the Naga hills , Manipur hills and Mizo
hills.
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : C
Explanation

________________________________________
34. Port Said is located in which of the following?
A. Red Sea
B. Gulf of Aqaba
C. Mediterranean Sea
D. Indian Ocean
Answer : C
Explanation

________________________________________
 absence of deep clayey soil and lack of
year-round precipitation led to the
failure of tea plantations there beyond
Darjeeling.

________________________________________
36. Which of the following factors contributed to
the British planters' lack of success in
establishing tea gardens beyond the Darjeeling
area?
1. The absence of deep clayey soil and lack of
year-round precipitation
2. The presence of relatively low • One of the more reasons for the failure of
temperatures in the Kangra valley, tea plantations in Kangra valley was the
adversely affecting tea cultivation. occurrence of an Earthquake, which
ruined the tea plantations. This caused
3. The 1905 earthquake that devastated the
panic among the British planters and they
tea plantations.
sold their estates to locals and moved
Select the correct option(s) from the following: away. The local people could not maintain
A. Only 1 and 2 the plantations because of technical
know-how.
B. Only 2 and 3
• Tea needs a relatively low temperature for
C. Only 1 and 3
its growth, but not very low, which can
D. 1, 2 and 3 adversely affect the cultivation of tea. For
Answer: - D example, the Kangra valley lies in the
foothills of the Himalayas and the climate
• The geographical factors such as cool here is too cold.
climate, deep clayey soil permitting
terrace farming, year-round rains, and • The rainfall, temperature and humidity
low gradient favored tea cultivation in needed by tea were not available in
Himachal Pradesh and Dehradun
Darjeeling.
although soil in Dehradun is equivalent to
• While factors like cool climate and low that of Assam
gradient were also present in some
areas of western Shivaliks , the
 • The Ranchi gardens have poor soil not • Regulating the Indian tea industry and
suitable for tea cultivation. protecting the interests of tea producers in
• The presence of cheap labor through India.
bonded laborers permitted by the • Ministry of Commerce.
Plantation Act which brought laborers to
• Kolkata
work on plantations from Bihar and
Bengal facilitated the spread of tea • Overseas offices in Moscow, Dubai,
cultivation in Darjeeling. Hamburg, London and New York.

• Moreover better transport facilities ____________________________________________

and proximity to ports in Bengal also 38. Identify the reasons for differential heating of
favored tea plantations in Darjeeling land and water
• Cultural Factors: In the areas beyond 1. Specific heat capacity of water is much
Darjeeling, the issues like presence of large greater than land.
indigenous and tribal populations limited 2. Rays penetrate to a depth of only 3 feet in
the scope of commercial activities in those land but they can penetrate to several
areas. meters in water with the heat getting
____________________________________________ spread to larger areas.
37. With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, 3. The albedo of incoming solar radiation
consider the following statements: from the land is far more than from the
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. Ocean Water.

2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Select the correct option:

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers A. 1 and 2 only
Welfare.
B. 2 and 3 only
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in
C. 1 and 3 only
Bengaluru.
D. 1, 2 and 3
4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai
and Moscow. Answer: - D

Which of the statements given above are correct? Nature of Land and Water

A. 1 and 3 • Land becomes warm and cold quickly

than water body
B. 2 and 4
• Rays penetrate to a depth of only 3 feet in
C. 3 and 4 land but they can penetrate to several
D. 1 and 4 meters in water with the heat getting
spread to larger areas.
Answer: - D
• The reflection (albedo) of incoming solar
The Tea Board of India is a statutory body created
radiation from the land is far more than
under the Tea Act, 1953 .
from the Ocean Water.
 • Land is static but water is mobile. Hence C. 2 and 3 only
there is slow redistribution of heat in the D. 1, 2 and 3
land.
Answer: - D
• Specific heat capacity of water is much
greater than land.
• There is more evaporation from the seas
and hence more heat is spent in the
process.
• Oceanic areas are generally more clouded
than the land areas and hence they receive
less insolation than land surface. ____________________________________________
40. Consider the following statements:
1. The time between the high tide and low
tide, when the water level is falling is called
the flow.
2. The time between the low tide and high
tide, when the tide is rising, is called the
ebb.
Which of the above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: - D

____________________________________________ • Statement 1 is incorrect: The time between

the high tide and low tide, when the water
39. In which of the following regions of India are
level is falling, is called the ebb.
shale gas resources found?
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The time between
1. Cambay Basin
the low tide and high tide, when the tide is
2. Cauvery Basin rising, is called the flow or flood
3. Krishna-Godavari Basin ____________________________________________
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
41. With reference to antecedent rivers, which of Answer: - D
the following is true?
A. They change their course according to the
landforms.
B. They maintain their original course and cut
through the mountains
C. Godavari is an antecedent river
D. All of the above
Answer: - A
Examples of antecedent rivers or drainage –
Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and other Himalayan
rivers. • Statement 1 is incorrect: The horse
latitudes are located at about 30 degrees
north and at about 30degrees south of the
equator. Hence, it is not the area between
30 degrees north and south of the equator.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is the region
where the winds diverge and either flow
toward the poles (known as the prevailing
westerlies) or toward the equator (known
____________________________________________
as the trade winds). It is a region of high
42. Regarding horse latitudes, consider the pressure, and is characterized by calm
following statements: winds, sunny skies, and little or no
1. It is the area located between the 30 degrees precipitation
north and south of the equator. ____________________________________________
2. It is a region of low pressure and high 43. Which of the statements given below is/are
precipitation. correct with respect to the ‘Hydrosphere’?
Which of the statements given above is/are 1. Hydrosphere is the total mass of water
correct? present on a planet which exists in only
A. 1 only solid and liquid states.
B. 2 only 2. The frozen part of the hydrosphere which
exists in the form of ice caps, ice sheets and
C. Both 1 and 2
ice bergs is called the ‘Cryosphere’.
D. Neither 1 nor 2
3. The existence of the Hydrosphere within
the solar system is unique only to Earth.
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
 A. 1 and 2 only D. 1,2 and 3
B. 2 only Answer: - D
C. 1 and 3 only Madhya Pradesh
D. 1, 2 and 3 • Malanjkhand copper mines of Balaghat
district are the most important ones.
Answer: - B
Rajasthan
• Statement 1 is incorrect: A planet's
hydrosphere can be liquid, vapor, or ice. • Khetri-Singhana belt in Jhunjhunu district
On Earth, liquid water exists on the surface is the most important copper producing
in the form of oceans, lakesand rivers. It area.
also exists below ground—as groundwater, Jharkhand
in wells and aquifers. Water vapor is most
• Singhbhum is the most important copper
visible as clouds and fog. The frozen part of
producing district.
Earth's hydrosphere is made of ice .
____________________________________________
• Statement 2 is correct: The frozen part of
Earth's hydrosphere is made of ice: glaciers, 45. “These rocks are generally formed from other
ice caps and icebergs. The frozen part of the rocks by a process called lithification. Unlike
hydrosphere has its own name, the some other rocks which are generally fossil less,
cryosphere. these contain fossils in its layers and thus become
important for archaeologists as well as for natural
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Hydrosphere in
resources like geyserite, chalk, limestone, shale
Space - Some scientists believe a
and coal”.
hydrosphere exists on Europa, a moon of
Jupiter, that consists of a frozen outer layer Which one of the following rock types is
and a giant, liquid ocean underneath it. described in the passage given above?
Also, water has been discovered on the A. Metamorphic
moon.
B. Sedimentary
____________________________________________
C. Igneous
44. Identify the regions associated with Copper
D. Extraterrestrial rocks
Distribution in India :
Answer: - B
1. Malanjkhand mines of Balaghat district
2. Khetri-Singhana belt in Jhunjhunu district
3. Singhbhum in Jharkhand
Select the correct option:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
 • Sedimentary rocks are formed when other Answer: - D
rocks disintegrate and their particles
deposit at a place and get transformed into
rocks by a process called lithification. Due
to deposition they sometimes contain
fossils and resources like coal and
petroleum.
____________________________________________
46. Choose the correct statement as per Koeppen’s
Scheme of Classification:
1. The tundra climate (ET) is so called after
the types of vegetation, like low growing
mosses, lichens and flowering plants.
2. This is the region of permafrost where the
sub soil is permanently frozen.
3. The short growing season and water
logging support only low growing plants.
4. During summer, the tundra regions have
very long duration of day light.
Choose the correct statement: Special Series – World Climate
A. Only 1 statement is correct
B. Only 2 statements are correct
C. Only 2 statements are correct ____________________________________________
D. All 4 statements are correct 47. Which one of the following statements best
describes the ‘Polar Code’?
A. It is the international code of safety for
ships operating in polar waters.
B. It is the agreement of the countries around
the North Pole regarding the demarcation
of their territories in the polar region.
C. It is a set of norms to be followed by the
countries whose scientists undertake
research studies in the North Pole and
South Pole.
D. It is a trade and security agreement of the
member countries of the Arctic Council
Answer: - A
• The International Code for Ships Operating
in Polar Waters or Polar Code is an
international regime adopted by the
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
in 2014. The Code sets out regulations for
shipping in the polar regions, principally
relating to ice navigation and ship design.
• The international framework aims to
protect the two polar regions — the Arctic
(north pole region) and Antarctic (south
• Hotspot volcanism is a type of volcanism
pole region), from maritime risks.
that typically occurs at the interior parts of
• The Code entered into force on 1 January the lithospheric plates rather than at the
2017 zones of convergence and divergence.
____________________________________________ • Hotspot volcanism occurs due to
48. Choose the correct statements : abnormally hot centres in the mantle
known as mantle plumes.
1. Hotspot volcanism is a type of volcanism
that typically occurs at the interior parts of • The Iceland Hotspot and Afar Hotspot
the lithospheric plates rather than at the which are situated at the divergent
zones of convergence and divergence. boundary are exceptions.

2. Hotspot volcanism occurs due to Special Video- Mantle Plumes

abnormally hot centres in the mantle
known as mantle plumes.
3. The Iceland Hotspot and Afar Hotspot
____________________________________________
which are situated at the divergent
boundary are exceptions. 49. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes
appears in the news in the context of the events
Select the correct statement
related to
A. 1 and 3 only
A. Central Asia
B. 2 and 3 only
B. Middle East
C. 1 and 2 only
C. South-East Asia
D. All of the above
D. Central Africa
Answer: - D
Answer: - B winds, sunny skies, and little or no
precipitation
____________________________________________
50. With reference to the Earth's atmosphere,
which one of the following statements is correct?
A. The total amount of insolation received at
the equator is roughly about 10 times of
that received at the poles.
B. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds
of insolation.
C. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The horse latitudes water vapour that is concentrated in the
are located at about 30 degrees north and at lower atmosphere.
about 30degrees south of the equator.
D. Infrared waves are a part of the visible
Hence, it is not the area between 30 degrees
spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar
north and south of the equator.
radiation.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is the region
Answer: - C
where the winds diverge and either flow
toward the poles (known as the prevailing
westerlies) or toward the equator (known
as the trade winds). It is a region of high
pressure, and is characterized by calm
 Kola Peninsula on the shores of the Barents Sea +
near rich natural resources, including minerals,
oil, and gas in the Arctic region.
India accounts for 35% of cargo handled by
Murmansk this year.
• India’s engagement with Russia’s Arctic
region has been strengthening with India-
____________________________________________ bound goods constituting the maximum
51. Recently ‘X’ country made a historic decision share of cargo handled this year by
by rejecting oil drilling by a referendum in Murmansk, located about 2,000 km
Yasuni National Park, a biodiverse Amazonian northwest of Moscow.
region. Identify X:
Note - India was also getting involved in the
A. Brazil Northern Sea Route (NSR), which is the shortest
B. Bolivia shipping route connecting the western part of
Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region.
C. Praguay
But there are challenges in navigating the 5,600-
D. Ecuador
km-long NSR. The route includes the seas of the
Answer: - D Arctic Ocean [Kara, Laptev, East Siberian and
Chukchi] which remain icebound during most
parts of the year. It is in this context that
icebreaking assumes importance.
• Ecuadorians made a historic decision by
rejecting oil drilling by a referendum in
Yasuni National Park, a biodiverse
Amazonian region.
Note - Yasuni National Park is inhabited by the
Tagaeri and Taromenani, who live in voluntary
isolation, and other Indigenous groups. In 1989, it
____________________________________________
was designated, along with neighboring areas, a
52. Murmansk Port is located in : world biosphere reserve by the United Nations
A. Russia Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,
also known as UNESCO. Encompassing a surface
B. China
area of around 1 million hectares (2.5 million
C. Japan acres), the area boasts 610 species of birds, 139
D. United States species of amphibians and 121 species of reptiles.
At least three species are endemic.
Answer: - A
____________________________________________
53. Which of the following has/have shrunk C. All three
immensely/dried up in the recent past due to
D. None
human activities ?
Answer: - D
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given
below :
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 2 only
D. 1 and 3
Answer: - A
Lakes that are drying up - Theme Covered
• Lake Poopó
• Lake Eyre
• Lake Mead
• Lake Chad
• Lake Urmia
• Dead Sea
____________________________________________
54. Consider the following pairs:

Area of conflict Country where it is

mentioned in news located

Donbas Syria

Kachin Ethiopia

Tigray North Yemen

_____________________________________________
How many of the above pairs are correctly 55. Iriomote Island is associated with :
matched? A. Japan
A. Only one B. Kenya
B. Only two C. Tanzania
 D. Russia 6. According to their age alluvial soils can be
Answer: - A classified as old alluvial (Bangar) and new
alluvial (Khadar).
A notable example of colony resilience during a
bleaching event is found near Japan’s Iriomote 7. The bangar soil has higher concentration of
Island, where a colony bleached in 2016 exhibited kanker.
signs of recovery by 2020. 8. It has more fine particles and is more fertile
than the bangar.
Select the correct statements:
A. Only 5 options are correct
B. Only 6 options are correct
C. Only 7 options are correct
D. All 8 options are correct
Answer: - D

____________________________________________
56. Consider the following statements for
Alluvial Soil in India :
1. These have been deposited by three
important Himalayan river systems – the
Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
2. These soils also extend in Rajasthan and
Gujarat through a narrow corridor.
3. Alluvial soil is also found in the eastern
coastal plains particularly in the deltas of
the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna
and the Kaveri rivers.
4. In the upper reaches of the river valley i.e.
near the place of the break of slope, the soils
are coarse.
5. Such soils are more common in piedmont
plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai.
____________________________________________
57. Consider the following statements for
Alluvial Soil in India :
1. Arid soils range from red to brown in
colour.
2. They are generally sandy in texture and
saline in nature.
3. Due to the dry climate, high temperature,
evaporation is faster and the soil lacks
humus and moisture.
4. The lower horizons of the soil are occupied
by Kankar because of the increasing
calcium content downwards.
5. The Kankar layer formations in the bottom
horizons restrict the infiltration of water.
6. After proper irrigation these soils become
cultivable as has been in the case of western
Rajasthan.
Select the correct option:
A. Only 3 options are correct
B. Only 4 options are correct
C. Only 5 options are correct
D. All 6 options are correct
Answer: - D
____________________________________________
58. Consider the following statements for Black
Soil in India :
1. These soils are black in colour and are also
known as regur soils.
2. The black soils are made up of extremely
fine i.e. clayey material.
3. They are well-known for their capacity to
hold moisture.
4. In addition, they are rich in phosphoric
contents.
5. These soils are generally poor in soil
nutrients calcium carbonate, magnesium,
potash and lime.
6. They develop deep cracks during hot
weather, which helps in the proper aeration
of the soil.
7. These soils are sticky when wet and
difficult to work on unless tilled
immediately after the first shower or
during the pre-monsoon period.
Select the correct option:
A. Only 3 options are correct
B. Only 4 options are correct
C. Only 5 options are correct
D. All 6 options are correct
Answer: - C
____________________________________________
59. Consider the following statements for Forest
Soil in India :
1. These soils are found in the hilly and
mountainous areas where sufficient rain
forests are available.
2. The soils texture varies according to the
mountain environment where they are
formed.
3. They are loamy and silty in valley sides and
coarse grained in the upper slopes.
4. In the snow covered areas of Himalayas,
these soils experience denudation and are
acidic with low humus content.
5. The soils found in the lower parts of the
valleys particularly on the river terraces
and alluvial fans are fertile.
Select the correct option:
A. Only 2 options are correct .
B. Only 3 options are correct
C. Only 4 options are correct
D. All 5 options are correct
Answer: - D ____________________________________________
60. Consider the following statements for Red
and Yellow Soil in India :
1. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous
rocks in areas of low rainfall in the eastern
and southern parts of the Deccan plateau.
2. These soils develop a reddish colour due to
diffusion of iron in crystalline and
metamorphic rocks.
3. It looks yellow when it occurs in a
hydrated form.
Select the correct option: 3. Significant amount of rainfall occurs in
A. Only 1 and 3 every month of the year as thunder
showers in the afternoon.
B. Only 2 and 3
4. The temperature is uniformly high and the
C. 1 and 3 only annual range of temperature is negligible.
D. 1,2 and 3 5. The maximum temperature on any day is
Answer: - D around 30°C while the minimum
temperature is around 20°C.
Select the correct option:
A. 1,4 and 5 only
B. 3,4 and 5 only
C. 1,2 and 3 only
D. 1,2,3,4 and 5
Answer: - D

____________________________________________
61. The most widely used classification of climate
is the empirical climate classification scheme
developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppn
Classification identify the correct features
associated with Tropical Wet Climate (Af) :
1. Tropical wet climate is found near the
equator. s
2. The major areas are the Amazon Basin in
South America, western equatorial Africa
and the islands of East Indies.
____________________________________________
62. The most widely used classification of climate
is the empirical climate classification scheme
developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppn ____________________________________________
Classification identify the correct features 63. The most widely used classification of climate
associated with Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am) is the empirical climate classification scheme
: developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppn
1. Tropical monsoon climate (Am) is found Classification identify the correct features
over the Indian sub-continent, North associated with Tropical Wet and Dry Climate
Eastern part of South America and (Aw)
Northern Australia. 1. Tropical wet and dry climate occurs north
2. Heavy rainfall occurs mostly in summer. and south of Af type climate regions.

3. Winter is dry. 2. It borders with dry climate on the western

part of the continent and Cf or Cw on the
Select the correct option:
eastern part.
A. 1 and 2 only
3. The annual rainfall in this climate is
B. 2 and 3 only considerably less than that in Af and Am
C. 1 and 3 only climate types and is variable also.

D. 1,2 and 3 4. The wet season is shorter and the dry

season is longer with the drought being
Answer: - D
more severe.
Select the correct option:
A. 1,2 and 3 only
B. 2,3 and 4 only
C. 1,3 and 5 only
D. 1,2 3 and 4 only
Answer: - D

____________________________________________
65. The most widely used classification of climate
is the empirical climate classification scheme
developed by V. Koeppen. Highland Climates
(H) :
1. Highland climates are governed by
topography.
2. In high mountains, large changes in mean
temperature occur over short distances.
3. Precipitation types and intensity also vary
spatially across high lands.
4. There is vertical zonation of layering of
climatic types with elevation in the
____________________________________________
mountain environment.
64. Lachin Corridor has been in news recently. It
is associated with : Select the correct option:

A. Nagorno-Karabakh region A. 1,2 and 3

B. Agean Sea Dispute B. 1,3 and 4

C. Kuril Islands C. 2,3 and 4 only

D. Senkaku Islands D. 1,2,3 and 4

Answer: - A Answer: - D
 A. 1 ,2 and 3 only
B. 1.3 and 4 only
C. 2,3 and 4 only
D. 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: - D

____________________________________________
66. The most widely used classification of climate
is the empirical climate classification scheme
developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppn
Classification identify the correct features
associated with Dry Climates: B
1. These climates cover a very large area of the
planet extending over large latitudes from
15° - 60° north and south of the equator.
2. At low latitudes, from 15° - 30°, they occur
in the area of subtropical high where
subsidence and inversion of temperature
do not produce rainfall.
3. On the western margin of the continents,
adjoining the cold current, particularly
over the west coast of South America, they
extend more equatorward and occur on the
coast land.
4. In middle latitudes, from 35° - 60° north
and south of equator , they are confined to
the interior of continents where maritime-
humid winds do not reach and to areas
often surrounded by mountains.
Select the correct option:
 Select the correct option:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1,2 and 3
Answer: - A

____________________________________________
67. The most widely used classification of climate
is the empirical climate classification scheme
developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppen
Classification identify the correct features
associated with Mediterranean Climate (Cs):
1. As the name suggests, Mediterranean
climate occurs around Mediterranean sea,
along the west coast of continents in
subtropical latitudes between 30° - 40°
latitudes e.g. — Central California, Central
Chile, along the coast in south eastern and
south western Australia.
2. These areas come under the influence of
sub tropical high in summer and westerly
wind in winter.
3. Hence, the climate is characterized by hot,
dry winter and mild, rainy summer. ____________________________________________
68. The most widely used classification of climate ____________________________________________
is the empirical climate classification scheme
69. The most widely used classification of climate
developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppn
is the empirical climate classification scheme
Classification identify the correct features
developed by V. Koeppen. As per the Koeppen
associated with Humid Subtropical (Cfa) Climate
Classification identify the correct features
:
associated with Cold Climate with Humid
1. Humid subtropical climate lies on the Winters (Df) :
eastern parts of the continent in subtropical 1. Cold climate with humid winter occurs
latitudes. poleward of marine west coast climate and
2. In this region the air masses are generally mid latitude steppe.
unstable and cause rainfall throughout the 2. The winters are cold and snowy.
year.
3. The frost free season is short.
3. Thunderstorms in summer and frontal
precipitation in winter are common. 4. The annual ranges of temperature are
small.
Select the correct option:
5. The weather changes are abrupt and short.
A. 1 and 3 only
6. Poleward, the winters are more severe.
B. 2 and 3 only
Select the correct option:
C. 1 and 3 only
A. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6
D. 1,2 and 3
B. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: - D
C. 2, 3, 5 and 6
D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: - A
____________________________________________ commonly accepted idea is that they are
70. Which one of the following is a tributary of caused by plumes of super-heated rock that
Barak River in Manipur ? originate at the transition between Earth’s
metallic core and rocky mantle.
A. Dhaleswari
Select the correct options:
B. Subansiri
A. 1 and 2 only
C. Dhansiri
B. 3 and 4 only
D. Manas
C. 1 and 3 only
Answer: A
D. 1,2, and 4
• The principal tributaries of Barak are the
Jiri, the Dhaleswari, the Singla, the Longai, Answer: - D
the Sonai and the Katakhal.

____________________________________________
71. The nature of eruptions in Iceland is diverse,
from small effusive eruptions significant
explosive eruptions. Identify the options
associated with the same:
1. The volcanic activity is directly related
plate tectonic motion.
2. The mid-Atlantic ridge between the
Eurasian and North American plates cuts
right through that part of the island.
3. In Iceland, the large volcanoes in the ____________________________________________
interior also appear to be over a mantle
72. Recently the term Medicanes has been in
plume, similar to Hawaii.
news in context with Libya Floods. Identify the
4. Exactly what causes hot material to rise at correct statements associated with the same :
hotspots is still debated, but the most
 1. Medicanes can develop when cold air
intrusions move far southward over the
Mediterranean Sea.
2. Although the lower atmosphere warms
over the warm water, the upper
atmosphere remains cold, thus increasing
the lapse rate - essentially the rate at which
the temperature changes with changes in ____________________________________________
altitude - and instability.
73. Identify the incorrect statements associated
3. Convection can develop near the center of with Global Coal Plant Tracker (GCPT)
a pre-existent, cold core, low pressure area.
1. The Global Coal Plant Tracker (GCPT)
4. In time, latent heat released aloft by the provides information on coal-fired power
convection can convert the cyclone to units from around the world generating 30
warm core with associated tropical megawatts and above.
characteristics.
2. The GCPT catalogues every operating coal-
Select the correct Options: fired generating unit, every new unit
A. Only 1,2 and 3 proposed since 2010, and every unit retired
since 2000.
B. Only 2,3 and 4
3. The map and underlying data is updated
C. Only 1,3 and 4
bi-annually, around January and July.
D. 1,2,3 and 4
Select the statement which is not correct:
Answer: - D
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. None of the above
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: - C
Global Energy Monitor (GEM) - a not-for-profit
cataloging coal projects worldwide, - released its
quarterly update of Global Coal Plant Tracker.
____________________________________________
74. Which of the following is/are matched
incorrectly?
1. Mount Etna : Italy
2. Kilauea : Hawaii
3. Dukono : Guatemala
 4. Santa Maria : Indonesia
Select the following option which is/are matched
incorrectly:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. Only 3
D. Only 4
Answer: - B
Mount Etna : Italy

Santa Maria, Guatemala

____________________________________________
75. River Lukha has been in news recently. It is
associated with :
A. Odisha
B. Meghalaya
C. Karnataka
D. Japan
Answer: - B
____________________________________________
76. Recently a ‘seed bank for native plant species
found in the Aravallis region is being established
in :
A. Ranthambore National Park
B. Keoladeo National Park
C. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
D. Bandhavgarh National Park
Answer: - C
Points to remember :
• The project, being implemented jointly by
the Forest Department and the Bombay
Natural History Society (BNHS), began in
_____________________________________________
2015 with the purpose of providing
saplings that are native to the city and 77. Recently Indian Swimmer equalled the
bringing back species that are now difficult existing world record of the fastest male
to find in the city with some having lost out swimmer to swim the water body X , braving
to invasive species like the vilayati kikar extreme weather conditions.
which have taken over the Ridge. X here refers to
A. Sea of Galilee
B. English Channel
C. North Sea
D. Caribbean Sea
Answer: - A
____________________________________________
78. Recently Russia successfully fired the under-
sea missile from an undisclosed location in the X
sea on its northwest coast, to a target thousands of
kilometres away on the far eastern Kamchatka
peninsula :
A. Laptev Sea
B. White Sea ____________________________________________

C. Kara Sea
D. Sea of Okhotsk
Answer: - B
79. Recently Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) ____________________________________________
has been in news . It is associated with which
81. Bauxite is the ore which is used in
state :
manufacturing of aluminum. Identify the zones
A. Chhattisgarh associated with Bauxite production in India :
B. Madhya Pradesh 1. Kalahandi
C. Goa 2. Sambalpur
D. Jharkhand 3. Raipur
Answer: - C 4. Koraput
Select the correct option:
A. 1,2 and 3
B. 2,3 and 4
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1,2 3 and 4
Answer: - D

____________________________________________
80. Which of the following are referred to as
Laundromat countries ?
A. China , Japan, Singapore, the U.A.E. and
Turkey
B. India, China, Singapore, the U.A.E. and
Turkey
C. Australia, China, Singapore, the U.A.E. and
Turkey
• Odisha happens to be the largest producer
D. India, China, Singapore, Iran and Turkey of Bauxite.
Answer: - B • Kalahandi and Sambalpur are the leading
India leads “Laundromat” countries buying producers.
Russian crude and selling oil products to Europe:
report.
 • The other two areas which have been 1. Deepening the Malacca straits between
increasing their production are Bolangir Malaysia and Indonesia.
and Koraput.
2. Opening a new canal across the Kra
____________________________________________ isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and
82. Copper is an indispensable metal in the Andaman Sea.
electrical industry for making wires, electric Which of the statements given above is/are
motors, transformers and generators. correct?
In India Copper deposits mainly occur in : A. 1 only
1. Singhbhum district in Jharkhand, B. 2 only
2. Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh C. Both 1 and 2
3. Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts in D. Neither 1 nor 2
Rajasthan
Answer: B
Select the correct option:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 3 only
D. 1,2 and 3
Answer: - D
• Copper is an indispensable metal in the
electrical industry for making wires, ____________________________________________
electric motors, transformers and 84. Identify the incorrect statements about Mica
generators. belts in India
• It is alloyable, malleable and ductile. A. Koderma Gaya – Hazaribagh belt of
• It is also mixed with gold to provide Jharkhand is the leading producer.
strength to jewellery. B. In Rajasthan, the major mica producing
• The Copper deposits mainly occur in area is around Ajmer.
Singhbhum district in Jharkhand, C. Nellore mica belt of Andhra Pradesh is also
Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh and an important producer in the country.
Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts in
D. None of the above
Rajasthan.
Answer: - D
____________________________________________
83. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-
time and distance can be greatly reduced by
which of the following? (2011)
 ____________________________________________
86. Consider the following statements about Red
and Yellow soil in India:
1. They are primarily found in regions with
high rainfall and dense vegetation.
2. Red soil is characterized by its rich humus
content and excellent fertility.
3. Red and Yellow soils are suitable for the
cultivation of crops like cotton, millets, and
oilseeds.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
A. Only 3
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. Only 2
Answer: - C
____________________________________________
85. In the Hadley cell thermal circulation, air rises
up and finally descends at
A. Intertropical Convergence Zone
B. Doldrums
C. Subtropical High-pressure Cells
D. Equatorial Troughs
Answer: - C
Foehn or Fohn
• Foehn is a hot wind of local importance in
the Alps. It is a strong, gusty, dry and warm
wind which develops on the leeward side
of a mountain range.
• As the windward side takes away
whatever moisture there is in the incoming
wind in the form of orographic
precipitation, the air that descends on the
leeward side is dry and warm (Katabatic
Wind).
 • The temperature of the wind varies • Dykes are wall like structure perpendicular
between 15°C and 20°C. The wind helps to the ground.
animal grazing by melting snow and aids
the ripening of grapes.
____________________________________________
87. Which of the following statements is/are
correct in the context of intrusive rock formation?
1. Batholiths are large dome-shaped intrusive
bodies with a level base and connected by
a pipe-like conduit from below.
2. Lacoliths are large body of magmatic
material that cools in the deeper depth of
the crust develops in the form of large
____________________________________________
domes.
88. Which of the following statements is
3. Dykes are wall like structure perpendicular
incorrect?
to the ground.
A. The North Sea records higher salinity due
Choose the correct code from below:
to more saline water brought by the North
A. 1 only Atlantic Drift.
B. 1, 2 only B. Baltic Sea records low salinity due to influx
C. 3 only of river waters in large quantity.

D. 1, 2, 3 C. The Mediterranean Sea records higher

salinity due to high evaporation.
Answer: - C
D. None of the above.
• Batholiths are large body of magmatic
material that cools in the deeper depth of Answer: - D
the crust develops in the form of large
domes.
• Lacolith are large dome-shaped intrusive
bodies with a level base and connected by
a pipe-like conduit from below.
 A. 1,3 and 4 only
B. 2 ,3 and 4 Only
C. 1,2 and 4 only
D. All of the above
Answer: - B
• The polar vortex is a large area of low
pressure and cold air surrounding both of
All the statements are correct.
the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near
• The North Sea, in spite of its location in the poles, but weakens in summer and
higher latitudes, records higher salinity strengthens in winter. The term "vortex"
due to more saline water brought by the refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air
North Atlantic Drift. that helps keep the colder air near the Poles.
• Baltic Sea records low salinity due to influx Many times during winter in the northern
of river waters in large quantity. hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand,
sending cold air southward with the jet
• The Mediterranean Sea records higher
stream (see graphic above). This occurs
salinity due to high evaporation.
fairly regularly during wintertime and is
• Salinity is, however, very low in Black Sea often associated with large outbreaks of
due to enormous fresh water influx by Arctic air in the United States.
rivers.
____________________________________________
89. Consider the following statements with
reference to Polar Vortex:
1. The polar vortex is a large area of high
pressure and cold air surrounding both
Earth’s poles.
2. The term "vortex" refers to the counter-
clockwise flow of air that helps keep the
colder air near the Poles.
3. Many times during winter in the northern
hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand,
sending cold air southward with the jet ____________________________________________
stream.
90. Which of the following statements about the
4. This occurs regularly during wintertime decomposition of organic matter in the soil is
and is often associated with large outbreaks inaccurate?
of Arctic air in the United States.
A. Oxygen expedites the decomposition
Which of the above are correct? process.
 B. Decomposition is quicker when the responsible for decomposing soil organic
detritus is nitrogen-rich. matter.
C. Soil pH influences the decomposition ____________________________________________
process. 91. Which of the following statements most
D. Low temperatures accelerate the accurately characterizes a 'hydrological drought’?
decomposition process. A. An extended duration of insufficient
Answer: - D rainfall combined with uneven distribution
of rainfall over time and space.
Numerous factors influence the decomposition
of organic matter. B. A significant decline in the quantity of
• Moisture: Optimal decomposition occurs water accessible in storages and reservoirs.
when soil moisture is at an intermediate C. Crop failure resulting from soil moisture
level. High moisture restricts soil gas stress.
exchange, leading to low oxygen levels and
D. Diminished productivity of the ecosystem
potential anaerobic conditions. Conversely,
due to a deficiency in water supply.
low moisture limits microbial metabolism
due to water scarcity, inhibiting the Answer: - B
decomposition process. • Hydrological Drought: Occurs when the
• Oxygen: It expedites decomposition, as water availability in various storage
major organisms rely on oxygen for facilities such as aquifers, lakes, and
respiration and reproduction. In hypoxic reservoirs drops below the level that
conditions (insufficient oxygen levels), precipitation can replenish. Therefore,
these organisms struggle to multiply. option (b) is the accurate response.

• Composition: Decomposition is faster • Meteorological Drought: Arises during an

when detritus is rich in nitrogen and water- extended period of insufficient rainfall
soluble substances like sugars, while it characterized by uneven distribution over
slows down if detritus is rich in lignin and time and space.
chitin. • Agricultural Drought: Also referred to as
• Temperature: Cool temperatures hinder soil moisture drought, this type is
decomposition, causing the accumulation identified by insufficient soil moisture
of organic content in the soil. Warmer crucial for sustaining crops, leading to crop
temperatures activate microorganisms, failures. Additionally, areas with more
accelerating decomposition. Hence d is the than 30 percent of their gross cropped area
answer. under irrigation are excluded from the
drought-prone category.
• Soil pH also affects plant growth by
influencing the activity of beneficial • Ecological Drought: Results from a scarcity
microorganisms. Strongly acidic soils can of water, causing the productivity of a
impede bacteria, such as Rhizobia, natural ecosystem to decline and inducing
 damage to the ecosystem due to ecological 4. Houses are scattered randomly across the
distress. landscape, often found in agricultural areas
- Nucleated Settlemen
____________________________________________
Select how many of the above is/are the correctly
92. Consider the following features of
matched
agriculture:
A. 1 only
1. Viticulture
B. 2 only
2. Production of Wine
C. 3 only
3. Orchard farming especially citrus fruits
These features are indicative of which type of D. None
world agriculture? Answer: D
A. Mediterranean farming Explanation:
B. Mixed Farming • Nucleated Settlement describes a pattern
where houses are spaced far apart from
C. Plantation agriculture
each other. This is common in rural areas
D. Shifting cultivation where each house has its own parcel of land
Answer: - A for farming or other purposes.
• Option a is correct: Mediterranean farming • Dispersed Settlement means that houses
is practiced in the areas surrounding are scattered randomly across the
Mediterranean Sea, Central Chile, Southern landscape, often found in rural areas where
California, Western Australia. Viticulture agricultural land is distributed.
or cultivation of grapes is a speciality of • Linear Settlement is typically located
Mediterranean agriculture. Citrus fruits are along transportation routes like roads or
a major export from this region and it is rivers, offering easy access and trade
also famous for its wine making culture like opportunities.
Italy.
• Clustered Settlement is where houses are
____________________________________________ grouped closely together, forming a central
93. Consider the following Settlement Patterns core. This pattern often reflects a
and their Descriptions: community or village where houses are
1. This type of settlement is often found along clustered for social and practical reasons.
transportation routes like roads or rivers- ____________________________________________
Dispersed Settlement
94. Recently the only Ramsar site in Bihar was in
2. It is characterized by houses being spaced news . Identify the same among the following :
far apart from each other, often found in A. Kawar Lake in Begusarai
rural areas - Linear Settlement
B. Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga
3. Houses are grouped closely together in this
type of settlement, often forming a central C. Tal Baraila in Vaishali
core - Clustered Settlement D. Gogabil in Katihar
Answer: - A 96. Peru recently announced a state of emergency
in Moquegua region due to the ongoing activity
of the ‘X’ volcano:
A. Yucamane Volcano
• Bihar’s only wetland of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention B. Casiri Volcano
lies neglected and is on the brink of drying C. Ubinas Volcano
up, even as the state is pitching other
D. Machu Pichu Volcano
waterbodies for the classification.
• While the state has many wetlands, only Answer: - C
one is recognized — Kawar Lake in
Begusarai was declared a Ramsar site in
August 2020.
• Note - five wetlands, whose proposals have
been finalised for sending to the union
ministry of environment, forest and climate
change (MoEFCC) for further processes,
are Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga, Tal
Baraila in Vaishali, Gogabil in Katihar,
Nagi and Nakati dams in Jamui.
____________________________________________
95. Which of the following is/are matched ____________________________________________
correctly? 97. Choose the correct statements :
1. Sultanpur National Park : Goa 1. The general orientation of Himalayan
2. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary : Uttar Pradesh ranges is from northwest to the southeast
direction in the northwestern part of India.
3. Dhanauri Wetlands : Haryana
2. Himalayas in the Darjiling and Sikkim
Select the correct option:
regions lie in southwest direction.
A. Only 3
3. In Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, they
B. Only 1 and 2 are in the northsouth direction.
C. All of the above A. Only 1
D. None of the above B. 1 and 2 only
Answer: - D C. 1 and 3 only
• Sultanpur National Park : Haryana D. 1,2 and 3
• Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary : Goa
• Dhanauri Wetlands : Uttar Pradesh
____________________________________________
Answer: - C Answer: - B

____________________________________________
99. Choose the correct statements about The
Himalayan Mountains :
1. Their width varies from 400 Km in
____________________________________________
Arunachal Pradesh to 150 Km in Kashmir.
98. Choose the correct statements in context of
The Eastern Hills and Mountains in India : 2. The altitudinal variations are greater in the
eastern half than those in the western half.
1. In the north, they are known as Patkai Bum,
Naga hills, the Manipur hills and in the 3. The core of Great Himalayas is composed
south as Mizo or Lushai hills. of granite.

2. These are low hills, inhabited by numerous 4. The lesser Himalayas are mainly composed
tribal groups practicing Jhum cultivation. of highly compressed and altered rocks.

3. The physiography of Manipur is unique by A. 1,2 and 3 only

the presence of a large lake known as B. 2,3 and 4 only
‘Loktak’ lake at the centre, surrounded by
C. 1,3 and 4 only
mountains from all sides.
D. 1,2 and 4 only
4. Manipur is also known as the ‘Molassis
basin’ which is made up of soft Answer: - B
unconsolidated deposits.
A. 2,3 and 4 only
B. 1,2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1 and 2 only
 5. The longitudinal valley lying between
lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are
known as Duns.
A. 2,3,4 and 5 only
B. 2,4 and 5 only
C. 1,2 ,4 and 5 only
D. 1,2,3,4 and 5 only
Answer: - B

____________________________________________
101. Choose the correct statements :
____________________________________________ 1. In the Great Himalayan range, the valleys
100. Choose the correct statements: are mostly inhabited by the Bhotia’s.

1. The inner-most range of the Himalayas is 2. These are nomadic groups who migrate to
called the Shiwaliks. ‘Bugyals’ (the summer glasslands in the
higher reaches) during summer months
2. They extend over a width of 10-50 Km and
and return to the valleys during winters.
have an altitude varying between 900 and
1100 metres. 3. The famous ‘Valley of flowers’ is also
situated in this region.
3. These ranges are composed of consolidated
sediments brought down by rivers from the 4. The places of pilgrimage such as the
main Himalayan ranges located farther Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath,
north. Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib are also
situated in this part.
4. These valleys are covered with thick gravel
and alluvium. A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
 C. 1,2 and 3 only around very small particles termed as
hygroscopic condensation nuclei. Particles
D. 1,2,3 and 4
of dust, smoke and salt from the ocean are
Answer: - D particularly good nuclei because they
absorb water. Condensation also takes
place when the moist air comes in contact
with some colder object and it may also
take place when the temperature is close to
the dew point. Condensation, therefore,
depends upon the amount of cooling and
the relative humidity of the air.
Condensation is influenced by the volume
of air, temperature, pressure and humidity.
Condensation takes place: (i) when the
temperature of the air is reduced to dew
____________________________________________
point with its volume remaining constant;
102. Choose the incorrect statement among the (ii) when both the volume and the
following statements: temperature are reduced; (iv) when
A. In free air, condensation results from moisture is added to the air through
cooling around very small particles termed evaporation. However, the most
as hygroscopic condensation nuclei. favourable condition for condensation is
the decrease in air temperature. After
B. Condensation also takes place when the
condensation the water vapour or the
moist air comes in contact with some colder
moisture in the atmosphere takes one of the
object and it may also take place when the
following forms — dew, frost, fog and
temperature is close to the dew point.
clouds. Forms of condensation can be
C. Condensation takes place when the dew classified on the basis of temperature and
point is lower than the freezing point as location. Condensation takes place when
well as higher than the freezing point. the dew point is lower than the freezing
D. None of the above. point as well as higher than the freezing
point.
Answer: D
____________________________________________
• The transformation of water vapour into
water is called condensation. Condensation 103. Read the description carefully:
is caused by the loss of heat. When moist air It is the main food crop, in north and north-
is cooled, it may reach a level when its western part of the country. This rabi crop
capacity to hold water vapour ceases. Then, requires a cool growing season and a bright
the excess water vapour condenses into sunshine at the time of ripening. It requires 50 to
liquid form. If it directly condenses into 75 cm of annual rainfall evenly distributed over
solid form, it is known as sublimation. In the growing season. There are two important
free air, condensation results from cooling growing zones in the country – the Ganga-Satluj
plains in the northwest and black soil region of the Great Basin to the north and the Sonoran
the Deccan. Desert to the south.
The above passage best describes - Which desert is described in the passage above?
A. Wheat A. Patagonian desert
B. Cotton B. Mojave desert
C. Jute C. Gibson desert
D. Rice D. Great Victoria Desert
Answer: A Answer: B
BMWLPG
• Barley • The Mojave Desert, recognized as an arid
• Mustard rain-shadow desert and the driest in North
America, is situated in the Southwestern
• Wheat United States, primarily within
• Linseed southeastern California and southern
Nevada. Extending from the Sierra Nevada
• Peas
range to the Colorado Plateau, it converges
• Gram with the Great Basin to the north and the
Wheat: Sonoran Desert to the south. Therefore,
• This is the second most important cereal
crop in India . It is the main food crop, in
north and north-western part of the
country. This rabi crop requires a cool
growing season and a bright sunshine at
the time of ripening. It requires 50 to 75 cm
of annual rainfall evenly distributed over
the growing season. There are two
important wheat-growing zones in the
country – the Ganga-Satluj plains in the option (b) is the accurate response.
northwest and black soil region of the
____________________________________________
Deccan. The major wheat-producing states
are Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, 105. Consider the following statements:
Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh 1. Lake Baikal – Russia
____________________________________________ 2. Lake Victoria- Africa
104. It is a dry rain-shadow desert and holds the 3. Lake Ladoga - North America
distinction of being the driest desert in North
America. Stretching from the Sierra Nevada 4. Lake Titicaca - South America
range to the Colorado Plateau, it converges with
Which of the above statements is/are marked D. Neither 1 nor 2
incorrectly?
Answer: A
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Only 3
D. Only 4
Answer: C
• Lake Baikal – Russia
• Lake Ladoga - Europe (Russia)
• Lake Victoria- Africa
• Lake Titicaca - South America

• The Southern Hemisphere has a horizontal

air circulation cell called as Walker Cell
responsible for upwelling along the South
____________________________________________
American Coast and bringing rains in
106. Consider the following statements Australia. The Walker circulation (walker
1. The Southern Hemisphere has a horizontal cell) is caused by the pressure gradient
air circulation cell called as Walker Cell force that results from a high pressure
responsible for upwelling along the South system over the eastern Pacific ocean, and
American Coast and bringing rains in a low pressure system over Indonesia.
Australia. ____________________________________________
2. The Walker circulation is caused by the 107. Choose the correct statement among the
pressure gradient force that results from a following statements :
high-pressure system over Indonesia, and a
A. The insolation received by the earth is in
low-pressure system over eastern Pacific
long waves forms and heats up its surface.
Ocean.
B. The earth after being heated itself becomes
Which of the above statements is true for Walker
a radiating body and it radiates energy to
Cell?
the atmosphere in short wave form.
A. Only 1
C. The energy radiated by earth heats up the
B. Only 2 atmosphere from below and this process is
C. Both 1 and 2 known as terrestrial radiation
 D. The short wave radiation radiated by earth
is absorbed by the atmospheric gases
particularly by carbon dioxide and the
other green house gases and the
atmosphere is indirectly heated by the
earth’s radiation.
Answer: C

____________________________________________
109. Arrange ‘The Great Lakes’ from West to East:
1. Huron.
2. Ontario.
3. Michigan.
4. Erie.
5. Superior
___________________________________________
A. 5-3-1-4-2
108. Choose the incorrect statement in context
B. 5-1-3-2-4
with ‘Spatial Distribution of Insolation at the
Earth’s Surface, C. 5-3-1-2-4
A. Maximum insolation is received over the D. 3-1-2-5-4
subtropical deserts, where the cloudiness is
Answer: A
the least.
B. Equator receives comparatively less
insolation than the tropics.
C. Generally, at the same latitude the
insolation is more over the continent than
over the oceans.
D. In winter, the middle and higher latitudes
receive more radiation than in summer.
Answer: D ____________________________________________
110. Which of the following is marked
incorrectly?
1. Lake Eyre – Australia
2. Lake Tanganyika Africa
 3. Great Bear Lake - Canada Answer: D
4. Great Slave Lake- Russia
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Only 3
D. Only 4
Answer: D

• Lake Eyre – Australia ____________________________________________

• Lake Tanganyika Africa 112. Choose the incorrect statements:
• Great Bear Lake - Canada A. The proportion of gases changes in the
higher layers of the atmosphere in such a
• Great Slave Lake- Canada
way that oxygen will be almost in
____________________________________________ negligible quantity at the height of 120 km.
111. Choose the incorrect statement among the B. Carbon dioxide and water vapour are
following statements found only up to 90 km from the surface of
A. The air with distinctive characteristics in the earth.
terms of temperature and humidity is C. Water vapour , a variable gas , in the warm
called an airmass. and wet tropics, may account for four per
B. It is defined as a large body of air having cent of the air by volume, while in the dry
little horizontal variation in temperature and cold areas of desert and polar regions,
and moisture. it may be less than one per cent of the air.
C. The homogenous surfaces, over which air D. Water vapour also decreases from the poles
masses form, are called the source regions. towards the equator.
D. The main source regions are the low Answer: D
pressure belts in the sub tropics and • The proportion of gases changes in the
around the poles. higher layers of the atmosphere in such a
way that oxygen will be almost in
negligible quantity at the height of 120 km.
Similarly, carbon dioxide and water
 vapour are found only up to 90 km from the which are a common phenomena in Kerala
surface of the earth. and coastal areas of Karnataka.
• Water vapour is also a variable gas in the 2. Blossom Shower: These are dreaded
atmosphere, which decreases with altitude. evening thunderstorms in Bengal and
In the warm and wet tropics, it may Assam and are useful for tea, jute and rice
account for four per cent of the air by cultivation.
volume, while in the dry and cold areas of 3. Nor Westers: With this shower, coffee
desert and polar regions, it may be less than flowers blossom in Kerala and nearby
one per cent of the air. Water vapour also areas.
decreases from the equator towards the
poles 4. Loo: Hot, dry and oppressing winds
blowing in the Northern plains from
____________________________________________ Punjab to Bihar with higher intensity
113. Choose the incorrect statements : between Delhi and Patna.
A. West coasts of the continents in tropical A. 1 and 4 only
and subtropical latitudes (except close to
B. 1,2 and 4
the equator) are bordered by cool waters.
C. 2 and 3 only
B. West coasts of the continents in the middle
and higher latitudes are bordered by warm D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
waters which cause a distinct marine Answer: A
climate.
C. Warm currents flow parallel to the east
coasts of the continents in tropical and
subtropical latitudes.
D. None of these
Answer: D

____________________________________________
114. Choose the correct statements:
1. Mango Shower: Towards the end of
summer, there are pre-monsoon showers ____________________________________________
115. Arrange the following from East to West Sequence
1. Gulf of Lion • Aegean Sea
2. Tyrrhenian Sea • Adriatic Sea
3. Adriatic Sea • Tyrrhenian Sea
4. Aegean Sea • Gulf of Lion
Select the correct answer using the code given
below
A. 1-2-3-4
B. 1-3-2-4
C. 4-3-2-1
D. 4-2-3-1
Answer: C

____________________________________________
116. With reference to the "Toda Tribe" of India,
consider the following statements:
1. The Toda Tribe primarily resides in the
state of Kerala in southern India.
2. They are known for their unique Toda huts,
which are built with bamboo and thatch.
3. Toda society is matrilineal, where descent
and inheritance are traced through the
mother's line.
4. They traditionally practice buffalo herding
and are famous for the Toda buffalo.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
 • The Toda Tribe is primarily found in the A. Gangetic plains
Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, not Kerala. B. North-East India
• The Toda Tribe is indeed known for their C. Islands
unique Toda huts, which are built with
bamboo and thatch. D. Western Ghats

• Toda society is matrilineal, where descent Answer: D

and inheritance are traced through the
mother's line.
• Among Indian breeds of buffaloes, the
Toda buffalo is a unique breed and a
genetically isolated population, confined to
the Nilgiri hills of Tamilnadu.

____________________________________________
118. Concerning economic activities, the term
'Homeshoring' primarily denotes a
A. process that involves internal training and
capacity development of new hires by Fin-
Techs.
B. method of assigning monetary worth to
unpaid tasks such as child care.
____________________________________________
C. strategy of moving industries close to
117. This region is a biogeographic zone in India, coastal towns.
with tropical evergreen forests covering
D. approach of employing workers who
approximately one-third of its total area. About
perform their duties remotely from an
two-thirds of India's endemic plants are found
external office.
exclusively in this zone. The Grizzled Squirrel is
limited to a few forests within this region. Answer: D
Which of the following biogeographic zones of
India is referred to in the passage above?
 • Homeshoring is a operational model A. India's aquifers will be in a critical position
within organizations where employees in the next 20 years and that will impact the
carry out all official tasks either from their flow of water in rivers.
homes or an external office. B. Geological event during which the
• This approach involves the hiring, Mediterranean Sea went into a cycle of
management, and tasking of employees partial or nearly complete drying up.
remotely, typically utilizing the Internet or C. The Government has announced diversion
other digital communication methods. of Chenab river water through diversion
• It signifies a recent trend in quinary tunnels to expedite Ratle Hydro Electric
services. Project in Jammu & Kashmir.
____________________________________________ D. The Colorado River is drying up at its
119. Which of the following statements most banks and thinning out, as a historic
correctly defines the term 'bioprospecting’? drought.

A. It is the investigation of plant and animal Answer: B

species to harness their genetic resources
for the development of commercial
products.
B. It pertains to the unauthorized acquisition
of biological materials.
C. It is an ex situ treatment technology that
utilizes biological processes to transform
contaminants into low-toxicity byproducts.
D. It is a remediation technique employing
indigenous microorganisms to stimulate
in-situ aerobic biological activity. ____________________________________________

Answer: A 121. Choose the incorrect statements in context

with the concept - October heat :
• Bioprospecting involves exploring plant
and animal species to harness their genetic A. During October and November, with the
resources for applications in apparent movement of the sun towards the
pharmaceuticals, biochemical industries, north, the monsoon trough over the
and the development of various northern plains becomes weaker.
commercially valuable products. B. This is gradually replaced by a high-
____________________________________________ pressure system.

120. Recently the term “Messinian Event” has C. The south-west monsoon winds weaken
been in news . Identify the same : and start withdrawing gradually.
D. By the beginning of October, the monsoon
withdraws from the northern plains.
Answer: A 2. The fishing industry along the Aral Sea was
thus virtually destroyed.
3. The contraction of the Aral Sea also made
the local climate noticeably harsher, with
more-extreme winter and summer
temperatures.
4. Winds blowing across the exposed seabed
produced dust storms that buffeted the
region with a toxic dust contaminated with
____________________________________________ salt, fertilizer, and pesticides. As a result,
the areas’s inhabitants have suffered health
122. Aral Sea lies between :
problems at unusually high rates—from
A. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. throat cancers to anemia and kidney
B. Iran and Uzbekistan diseases—and infant mortality in the
region has been among the highest in the
C. Krygystan and Tajikistan
world.
D. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
A. Only 1 and 2
Answer: A
B. Only 2 and 3
C. Only 1 and 3
D. 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: D

____________________________________________
123. The rapid shrinkage of the Aral Sea led to
numerous environmental problems in the region.
Identify the correct ones associated with the same
:
1. By the late 1980s the lake had lost more
than half the volume of its pre-1960 water,
the salt and mineral content of the lake rose
drastically because of that, making the
water unfit for drinking purposes and
____________________________________________
killing off the once-abundant supplies of
sturgeon, carp, barbel, roach, and other 124. This soil type forms on crystalline igneous
fishes in the lake. rocks in regions with low rainfall in the southern
and eastern parts of the Deccan Plateau. Typically A. Only 1 and 2
fertile, these soils exhibit reduced fertility in dry
B. Only 2 and 3
upland areas due to a coarse-grained structure.
They are generally deficient in humus, C. Only 1 and 3
phosphorus, and nitrogen. Which category of D. 1,2 and 3
soils is described in the passage?
Answer: D
A. Black soil
B. Laterite
C. Red and Yellow
D. Alluvial Soil
Answer: C • Porosity [tiny gaps in soil] so as to
accommodate sufficiently large amounts of
oil;
• permeability [allowing liquids or gases to
pass through it.] to discharge oil and/or
gas when well has been drilled;
• the porous sandstone beds or fissured
limestone containing oil should be capped
below by impervious beds [not allowing
fluid to pass through].
____________________________________________
126. Kaji Nemu has recently been declared State
Fruit of
A. Nagaland
B. Assam
C. Arunachal Pradesh

____________________________________________ D. Kerala

125. An oil reservoir must have some prerequisite Answer: B

conditions. Identify the same :
1. Porosity so as to accommodate sufficiently
large amounts of oil.
2. Permeability to discharge oil and/or gas
when well has been drilled.
3. The porous sandstone beds or fissured
limestone containing oil should be capped
below by impervious beds
Antioxidant Properties + Medicinal Properties + Trade Winds + Westerlies
GI Tag (2019)

____________________________________________
128. The term “Tropicalisation” has been in news.
Identify the statement associated with the same:
____________________________________________ 1. It is defined as mass movement of
tropical marine species to move from
127. Consider the following:
equator towards the poles.
Assertion (A): Rainfall occurs in the winter in
2. Black Sea is considered as a
Mediterranean climate.
"tropicalisation hotspot" due to an
Reason (R) : In summer these regions remain increase in tropical species.
under the influence of dry terrestrial winds.
A. Only 1
Select the correct answer from the code given
below : B. Only 2

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the C. Both 1 and 2
correct explanation of (A) D. Neither 1 nor 2
B. (A) is true but (R) is false Answer: C
C. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the • Rising sea temperatures due to climate
correct explanation of (A) change are causing tropical marine species to
D. (A) is false but (R) is true move from the equator towards the poles,
according to a study - This mass movement of
Answer: A
marine life, termed tropicalisation.
Warm Temperate Western Margins
____________________________________________
(Mediterranean Climate )
129. Identify the significance of Orans
among the following:
1. They serve as critical habitats for
numerous plant and animal species,
including the Great Indian Bustard .
2. They are associated with local deities ,
cutting or felling trees within them is
prohibited due to their spiritual or
religious significance .
 3. Orans are utilized for livestock grazing per cent of the city's GHG emissions in the
and serve as a venue for communal year 2017-18.
gatherings , festival and social events . ____________________________________________
A. Only 1 and 2 131. Consider the following information
B. Only 2 and 3 about the 'Landslide Atlas of India'
C. Only 1 and 2 1. The Landslide Atlas of India is released
by the Geological Survey of India,
D. 1,2 and 3
providing details about landslide
Answer: D hotspots in the country.
2. According to the report, Mizoram
reported the highest number of
landslides in the last twenty-five years.
Select the correct statement(s):
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
____________________________________________ C. Both 1 and 2
130. India's first city-specific Zero Carbon plan D. Neither 1 nor 2
for buildings has been launched in:
Answer: C
A. Mumbai
• Statement 1 is incorrect: National Remote
B. Nagpur
Sensing Centre (NRSC) under the Indian
C. Calcutta Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
D. New Delhi released the Landslide Atlas of India, a
detailed guide identifying Landslide Hotspots
Answer: B
in the country.
• The plan includes a holistic roadmap covering
• Statement 2 is correct: Uttarakhand, Kerala,
public buildings, government-led affordable
Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Tripura,
housing, commercial buildings as well as
Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh reported
homes, and an implementation strategy to
the highest number of landslides during 1998
achieve net-zero buildings city-wide by 2050.
– 2022. Mizoram topped the list, recording
The plan includes actions to help reduce
12,385 landslide events in the past 25 years, of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the
which 8,926 were recorded in 2017 alone.
context of choice of building materials, and
Mizoram is followed by Uttarakhand (11,219)
how buildings are designed, built, managed
and Kerala.
and deconstructed.
• Residential, commercial, and institutional
buildings were responsible for 58 per cent of
Nagpur's total energy consumption and for 56
The Himalayas are highly prone to
landslides
• Geographic Location: Himalayas lie at the
confluence of two lithospheric plates; the
Eurasian and Indian plate and hence
geologically very active nature.
• Topography: The hills and slopes provide
amiable geography for landslides
• Geological Faultlines: A number of faults,
including the Main Boundary Thrust, Almora
Thrust, and MCT, as well as various fractures
and lineaments, give the area an extremely
delicate nature that is susceptible to landslides
at the slightest change in stress.
• Precipitation: Storms that produce intense
rainfall for periods causes erosion of the slopes
that triggers abundant landslides. In the hilly
terrains also results in landslides.
• Geological Weak material: Landslides can
also be brought on by weaknesses in the
structure and composition of rock or soil. ____________________________________________
132. Which country is the Guarani tribe,
recently in the news, associated with?
A. Brazil
B. Indonesia
C. Namibia
D. Australia
Answer: A
• Recently, protests by Guarani tribal people
have erupted across Brazil as the country’s
 Chamber of Deputies approved a new land United Kingdom
bill that will restrict the new recognition of Answer: D
ancestral land of indigenous people- tribal
people can get recognition only for the land
they have been occupying since before the
constitution of the country came into effect
in 1988.
____________________________________________
133. Identify the probable reasons behind
recent water scarcity in Bengaluru City :
1. Concretisation of Natural Landscapes
2. Insufficient rainfall in the monsoon
3. Lower Water levels in Cauvery Basin
reservoirs
4. El Nino Phenomenon
Select the correct option: • An iconic Orkney Islands is looking at
A. Only 1 statement is correct ways to split off from the U.K. and
B. Only 3 statements are correct potentially become a self-governing
territory of Norway.
C. Only 2 statements are correct
• The Orkney Islands, an archipelago with
D. All 4 statements are correct
70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited,
Answer: D are situated approximately 10 miles off
• Rising sea temperatures due to climate the north coast of Scotland. Recently, a
change are causing tropical marine species to vote was held in Orkney to consider
move from the equator towards the poles, altering its association with the UK. The
according to a study - This mass movement of vote, which passed on July 4, implies that
marine life, termed tropicalisation. the council will now explore various
options for distancing itself from the UK,
____________________________________________ including the possibility of joining
134. The 'Orkney Islands,' making Norway.
headlines, garnered international attention
____________________________________________
for which of the following reasons?
135. The term “Levant” often heard in the
A. Annexation by Russia
news roughly corresponds to which of the
B. Complete submergence due to climate following regions?
change A. Region along the eastern
C. Nuclear waste dumping Mediterranean shores
D. Possibility of splitting off from the B. Region along North African shores
 stretching from Egypt to Morocco Identify the correct statements associated with the
same:
C. Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of
Africa A. Only 1

D. The entire coastal Mediterranean Sea B. Only 2

of areas C. Both 1 and 2
Answer: A D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
• pollution - untreated sewage & industrial
waste
• reduced river flow - improper management
• deficient action - violators.
____________________________________________
137. Consider the following pairs
1. Kiru Hydel Project – Chenab River
2. Ratle Hydro Electric Project – Jhelum
River
3. Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric
Plant-Ravi River
How many of the above are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: A
• Statement 1 is CORRECT – It is being
____________________________________________
developed over Chenab River in Kishtwar
136. Recently, CAG conducted a District, J& K.
performance audit on the degradation of the
Kshipra River. • Statement 2 is INCORRECT 1) Location-Ratle
Hydroelectric Project (850 MW), is a Run of
1. It originates in the Vindhya Range.
River Scheme located on River Chenab at
2. It flows across the Malwa Plateau to village Drabshalla, district Kishtwar, Union
join the Chambal River. Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Karcham Wang
too Hydroelectric Plant is 1,091 megawatts
(1,463,000 hp) [2] run-of-the-river
hydroelectric power station on the Sutlej River
in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state
of India
____________________________________________
• Statement 1 is correct: Pleistocene
138. Consider the following statements about upheaval in the western Himalayas
Drainage systems in India: resulted in the uplift of Potwar Plateau
1. The Potwar Plateau acts as the water divide (Delhi Ridge), which acts as the water
between the Indus and Ganga drainage divide between the Indus and Ganga
systems. drainage systems.

2. The Malda Gap area diverts the Ganga and • Statement 2 is correct: The down
Brahmaputra systems to flow towards the thrusting of the Malda gap area between
Bay of Bengal. the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya
plateau during the mid-Pleistocene
Which of the statements given above is/are
period, diverted the Ganga and the
correct?
Brahmaputra systems to flow towards the
A. 1 only Bay of Bengal.
B. 2 only ___________________________________________
C. Both 1 and 2 139. Consider the following statements:
D. None of the above Statement 1: The Atacama Desert is one of the
Answer: C driest deserts in the world.
Statement 2: Cold ocean currents have a direct
effect on desert formation in west coast regions of
tropical and subtropical continents.
Select the correct answer from the options
given below:
A. Statements 1 and 2 are correct and
Statement 2 is the correct explanation
of Statement 1.
B. Statements 1 and 2 are correct but
Statement 2 is not the correct
explanation of Statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and Statement 2
is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and Statement
 2 is correct. 3. Presence of dry air near the ground
Answer: A surface
4. Fast movement of air
5. Snow covered ground surface
Select the correct answer from the options given
below:
A. Two only
B. Three only
C. Four only
D. All Five
• Statement 1 is correct: The Atacama
Desert is renowned for its extreme Answer: C
aridity, receiving very little rainfall.
• Statement 2 is correct and correct
explanation for Statement 1: Cold Ocean
currents have a direct effect on desert
formation in west coast regions of tropical
and subtropical continents. Cold ocean
currents, like the Peru Current/
Humboldt Current off the coast of South
America, can contribute to desert Favourable Conditions
formation in these regions because of:
• Long winter night
o Reduced evaporation: Cold currents
o Loss of heat by Terrestrial radiation
cool the overlying air, suppressing
from the ground surface during
evaporation and reducing moisture
night may exceed the amount of
available for precipitation.
insolation received and thus the
o Stable air masses: Cold currents ground surface becomes too cold.
promote the formation of stable air
• Cloudless and clear sky
masses that resist rising and
condensation, further limiting o Loss of heat through Terrestrial
precipitation. radiation proceeds more rapidly
without any obstruction
____________________________________________
• Presence of dry air near the ground
140. How many among the following factors
surface
generally favour the development of surface
temperature inversions? o Moist air is capable of absorbing
much of the Radiant heat from the
1. Long winter night
Earth surface
2. Cloudless and clear sky
• Static air for slow movement of air and potentially contributing to cooler
ground temperatures, hence influencing
o No transfer and mixing of heat in
lower layers of the atmosphere the temperature inversion
phenomenon. Hence, Statement 5 is
• Snow covered ground surface correct.
o Maximum reflection of insolation ____________________________________________
Favourable factors for surface temperature 141. How many among the following factors
inversion: cause variations in insolation received by the
• Long winter night: During long winter earth?
nights, with less sunlight, the ground 1. Rotation of earth on its axis.
loses heat more rapidly through radiation
2. Angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
compared to daytime. This can lead to
cooler air near the ground compared to 3. Length of the day
the air above, creating a temperature 4. Transparency of the atmosphere.
inversion. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Select the correct answer from the options given
• Cloudless and clear sky: Clouds act like below:
a blanket, trapping heat near the Earth's
A. One only
surface. A clear sky allows uninterrupted
radiation loss from the ground, B. Two only
contributing to cooler surface C. Three only
temperatures and favouring inversion.
D. All Four
Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Answer: C
• Presence of dry air near the ground
surface: Dry air has lower specific heat • The amount and the intensity of insolation
capacity, meaning it requires less energy received by the earth vary during a day, in a
to heat up and cool down compared to season and in a year .
moist air. Therefore, dry air near the • The factors that cause these variations in
ground can cool down more readily at insolation are :
night, promoting inversion. Hence,
Statement 3 is correct. o the rotation of earth on its axis.
o the angle of inclination of the sun’s
• Slow movement of air: Stable air
conditions with minimal wind prevent rays.
the vertical movement of air, allowing o the length of the day.
cooler air to remain trapped near the
o the transparency of the atmosphere.
ground, further contributing to the
inversion. Hence, Statement 4 is o the configuration of land in terms of
incorrect. its aspect.

• Snow covered ground surface: Snow has ____________________________________________

higher albedo, reflecting more sunlight
142. In context of ‘Molassis basis’ found in India, Answer: D
consider the following statements:
• Numerous factors influence the
1. Such basins are characterised by soft, decomposition of organic matter.
unconsolidated sedimentary rocks
• Moisture: Optimal decomposition occurs
deposited by ancient rivers.
when soil moisture is at an intermediate level.
2. Such basins can be found in the Indian High moisture restricts soil gas exchange,
state of Mizoram. leading to low oxygen levels and potential
Which of the statements given above is/are anaerobic conditions. Conversely, low
correct? moisture limits microbial metabolism due to
water scarcity, inhibiting the decomposition
A. 1 only
process.
B. 2 only
• Oxygen: It expedites decomposition, as major
C. Both 1 and 2 organisms rely on oxygen for respiration and
D. Neither 1 and 2 reproduction. In hypoxic conditions
(insufficient oxygen levels), these organisms
Answer – C
struggle to multiply.
• Statement 1 is correct: Molassis basins are
• Composition: Decomposition is faster when
composed of soft, unconsolidated
detritus is rich in nitrogen and water-soluble
sedimentary rocks. They are formed through
substances like sugars, while it slows down if
the erosion and transportation of sediments by
detritus is rich in lignin and chitin.
ancient rivers, which eventually get deposited
and compacted over time. • Temperature: Cool temperatures hinder
decomposition, causing the accumulation of
• Statement 2 is correct: Mizoram is known as organic content in the soil. Warmer
the "Molassis Basin" of India due to the temperatures activate microorganisms,
extensive presence of these sedimentary rocks accelerating decomposition. Hence d is the
throughout the state. answer.
____________________________________________ • Soil pH also affects plant growth by
143. Which of the following statements about the influencing the activity of beneficial
decomposition of organic matter in the soil is microorganisms. Strongly acidic soils can
inaccurate? impede bacteria, such as Rhizobia, responsible
A. Oxygen expedites the decomposition for decomposing soil organic matter.
process. ____________________________________________
B. Decomposition is quicker when the 144. Consider the following pairs:
detritus is nitrogen-rich. 1. Deir Al Balah - Gaza Strip
C. Soil pH influences the decomposition 2. Zuwara - Libya
process.
3. Zaporizhzhia - Germany
D. Low temperatures accelerate the
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
decomposition process. matched?
 A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
Answer: A
• Pair 1 is correctly matched: Deir Al Balah
is a city located in the Gaza Strip

____________________________________________
145. In the context of Indian agricultural practices,
what do Aus, Aman, and Boro represent?
A. Traditional fishing methods in coastal
regions of Andhra Pradesh.
B. Three distinct varieties of mangoes
grown in different seasons of
• Pair 2 is correctly matched: Zuwara is a Karnataka.
city on the Mediterranean coast of Libya.
C. Three crops of paddy grown in a year
(In news as a boat carrying dozens of
in Assam and West Bengal.
migrants trying to reach Europe capsized
off the coast of Libya, leaving more than D. Indigenous irrigation techniques in
60 people dead) arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Answer: C
• Aus, Aman, and Boro are the three crops of
paddy grown in a year in Assam and West
Bengal.
• Aus: Planted in March-April, harvested in
June-July (summer along with pre-monsoon
showers)
• Aman: Planted in June-July, harvested in
November-December (rainy season, sown
during monsoon and harvested in winter) -
• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: This is the most produced variety.
Zaporizhzhia is a city in southeastern • Boro: Planted in December-January, harvested
Ukraine, not Germany. in May-June (winter season, harvested in
summer)
____________________________________________ Brahmaputra are locally known as
146. In the northern hemisphere, during January, Char.
isotherms deviate: 2. These are island-like silt depositions in
A. To the north over land and south over the lower parts of river basins.
the ocean. Select the correct option:
B. To the north over the ocean and south A. Only 1
over land.
B. Only 2
C. To the east over land and west over the
C. Both 1 and 2
ocean.
D. Neither 1 nor 2
D. To the west over land and east over the
ocean. Answer: C

Answer: B

Bending of Isotherms:
• In January the isotherms deviate to the north
over the ocean and to the south over the
continent. This can be seen on the North
Atlantic Ocean. The presence of warm ocean
currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic drift,
make the Northern Atlantic Ocean warmer
and the isotherms bend towards the north
(ocean). Over the land the temperature ____________________________________________
decreases sharply and the isotherms bend 148. “These forests cover vast areas of the country,
towards south in Europe (land). where rainfall ranges between 70 -100 cm. In the
higher rainfall regions of the Peninsular plateau
and the northern Indian plain, these forests have
a parkland landscape with open stretches in
which teak and other trees interspersed with
patches of grass are common. As the dry season
begins, the trees shed their leaves completely and
the forest appears like a vast grassland with
naked trees all around. Tendu, palas, amaltas,
bel, khair, axlewood are the common trees of
these forests.”
____________________________________________ Which one of the following forest types is
147. Assam government has announced that described in the passage given above?
it would undertake a mission to reclaim the A. Tropical evergreen forests
chars:
B. Dry deciduous forest
1. Riverine island of the river
 C. Tropical thorn forests B. 2 and 3 only
D. Moist deciduous forests C. 1 and 4 only
Answer: B D. 1,3 and 4 only
• These forests cover vast areas of the Answer: D
country, with rainfall ranging between • Mojave Desert is located in the USA,
70 -100 cm.
• Dasht-e-Kavir is located in Iran,
• On the wetter margins, it has a
transition to the moist deciduous,and • The Simpson Desert is located in
on the drier margins to thorn forests. Australia

• In the higher rainfall regions of the • Fezzan( part of the Sahara Desert ) is
Peninsular India and the northern located in Libya.
Indian plains, these forests have a
parkland landscape with open
stretches with teak and other trees
interspersed with patches of grass are
common.
• The trees shed their leaves completely
with the beginning of the dry season
and the forest appears like a vast
grassland with naked trees all around.
• Tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, khair,
axlewood, etc. are the common trees
here.
____________________________________________
149. Consider the following pairs:

Desserts Locations

Mojave United States

Dasht-e-kavir Iraq

Simpson Australia

Fezzan Libya

Which of the above pairs are correctly

matched?
____________________________________________
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
150. The development of red soil in India is a grained soils in arid upland areas tend
result of: to be deficient in fertility. These soils
A. the decomposition of brown forest soil generally lack sufficient levels of
in regions with low rainfall. nitrogen, phosphorous, and humus.

B. the weathering of sandstone and • Therefore, option (c) is the accurate

quartzite in regions with substantial response.
rainfall. ____________________________________________
C. the breakdown of crystalline igneous 151. In the context of human settlements, a 'double
rocks in areas with low precipitation. village' is described as:
D. the disintegration of shale and A. a rural settlement spread along coastal
limestone in regions with high rainfall. regions, often necessitating relocation
Answer: C due to natural disasters.
B. a settlement extending on both sides of
an urban area with shared
occupations.
C. a settlement distributed on both sides
of a river, facilitated by the presence of
a bridge or a ferry.
D. a rural settlement where residents are
involved in manufacturing and
trading, in addition to agriculture
• Red soil emerges on crystalline
igneous rocks in regions with low Answer: C
rainfall, particularly in the eastern and • Double village settlements are distributed on
southern sectors of the Deccan Plateau. both sides of a river, facilitated by the presence
The piedmont zone of the Western of a bridge or a ferry.
Ghats encompasses an extensive area
• This configuration comprises two settlement
occupied by red loamy soil.
units that develop concurrently or
• In various parts of Odisha and successively in a given location. In this village
Chhattisgarh, as well as in the southern pattern, a nallah, stream, or river serves as a
regions of the middle Ganga plain, dividing line between the two settlements.
yellow and red soils are prevalent. The Although these villages share similar
reddish hue of the soil results from the geographic conditions, their revenue and
widespread presence of iron in administration are handled independently.
crystalline and metamorphic rocks,
____________________________________________
appearing yellow in its hydrated form.
• Typically, fine-grained red and yellow
soils exhibit fertility, while coarse-
152. Consider the following pairs: • Dehradun is the largest of all the duns,
with an approximate length of 35-45 km
Relief Features Physiographic division and a width of 22-25 km. In the Great
1. Karewas Kashmir Himalayas Himalayan range, the valleys are mostly
inhabited by the Bhotias. These are
2. Barchans Great Himalayan range nomadic groups who migrate to ‘Bugyals’
(the summer grasslands in the higher
3. Bugyals Great Indian Desert
reaches) during the summer months and
How many of the pairs given above are return to the valleys during winter. The
correctly matched? famous ‘Valley of Flowers’ is also situated
A. All in this region. Hence, pair 3 is not
correctly matched.
B. 1 only
____________________________________________
C. 2 only
153. Concerning the Indian Monsoon,
D. None which of the following provides the most
Answer: B accurate explanation for the break in
monsoon over northern India?
• Karewas are thick deposits of glacial clay
and other materials embedded with A. The occurrence of rain-bearing storms
moraines. The Kashmir Himalayas are is not very frequent along the monsoon
also renowned for Karewa formations, trough over northern India.
which are valuable for the cultivation of B. The rain-bearing monsoon winds flow
Zafran, a local variety of saffron. Hence, parallel to the west coast of India.
pair 1 is correctly matched.
C. The rain-bearing monsoon winds flow
• The extension of the Peninsular plateau parallel to the east coast of India.
can be observed as far as Jaisalmer in the
D. The westerly jet stream withdraws from its
West, where it has been covered by
position over the northern Indian plain.
longitudinal sand ridges and crescent-
shaped sand dunes called barchans. To Answer: A
the northwest of the Aravali hills lies the
Great Indian Desert.
• It is a region of undulating topography
dotted with longitudinal dunes and
barchans. This region receives low
rainfall, below 150 mm per year; hence, it
has an arid climate with low vegetation
____________________________________________
cover. Due to these characteristic features,
this area is also known as Marusthali.
Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
154. Consider the following pairs:

Ores Location

1. Bauxite Maikal Hills

2. Copper Balaghat

3. Mica Nellore

How many pairs given above are correctly

matched?
A. Only one pair
B. Only two pairs
C. All the pairs
D. None of the pairs
Answer: C
India’s bauxite deposits are mainly found in the
Amarkantak plateau, Maikal hills and the plateau
region of Bilaspur-Katni.

The Copper deposits mainly occur in • Mica deposits are found in the northern
edge of the Chota Nagpur plateau.
• Singhbhum district in Jharkhand
Koderma Gaya – Hazaribagh belt of
• Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh – Jharkhand is the leading producer.
Malajkhand Mines
• In Rajasthan, the major mica producing
• Jhunjhunu - Khetri-Singhana belt and area is around Ajmer.
Alwar districts in Rajasthan
• Nellore mica belt of Andhra Pradesh is ____________________________________________
also an important producer in the 156. It is a naturally occurring passage
country. linking the Black Sea with the Sea of
____________________________________________ Marmara, serving as the demarcation
155. "They constitute a nomadic tribe that between the European and Asian sections
formerly roamed the central highlands of of Istanbul, Turkey. Identify the strait
East Africa; however, they are presently based on the provided information.
predominantly restricted to a limited A. Bosphorus Strait
expanse of reserves in Kenya and Tanzania.
B. Yucatan Strait
The livestock they raise are Zebu cattle
characterized by humps and elongated C. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
horns. Each family keeps cattle, utilizing D. Bering Strait
both the blood and milk of the animals,
Answer: A
without resorting to their slaughter for
meat."
The description above pertains to which of
the following tribes?
A. Pygmies
B. Eskimos
C. Lapps
D. Masai
Answer: D
• The Masai:
o A nomadic tribe that once roamed the
central highlands of East Africa with
cattle herds, they are now primarily
confined to a limited area in Masai
reserves within Kenya and Tanzania.
o For temporary shelter, they construct
circular huts using sticks, bushes, and mud. ____________________________________________

o The Zebu cattle, distinguished by humps 157. Which of the following entities released the
and long horns, are revered by the Masai report titled 'Limits to Growth'?
and never slaughtered for food or sale. A. Brundtland Commission
Every Masai family keeps cattle as
B. Club of Rome
symbols of wealth.
C. United Nations Environment
o They consume milk of their animals but
Programme
refrain from killing them for meat.
 D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 1. Australia stands as the world's
Change primary producer of bauxite.
Answer: B 2. Africa holds the distinction of being
Explanation: the world's leading producer of
diamonds and gold.
● The ancient scriptures of India emphasized
the importance of balance and harmony 3. Antarctica lacks the presence of
among the elements of nature. Mahatma mineral deposits in commercially
Gandhi, too, advocated for a harmonious viable quantities.
balance between population, resources, Which of the statements provided above is/are
and development. accurate?
● These principles aligned with the concept A. 1 and 2 only
of sustainable development, which found B. 2 only
resonance in various influential
documents. The Club of Rome Report C. 3 only
"Limits to Growth" (1972), Schumacher's D. 1, 2, and 3
work "Small is Beautiful" (1974), the
Answer: A
Brundtland Commission's Report "Our
Common Future" (1987), and the "Agenda- Explanation:
21 Report of the Rio Conference" (1993) all Mineral Distribution across Continents:
echoed the importance of achieving
● Asia: China and India boast substantial
harmony and balance in development.
iron ore deposits, with Asia producing over
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. half of the world's tin. Leading tin
Additional Information: producers include China, Malaysia, and
Indonesia. China also excels in lead,
● "Limits to Growth" is a 1972 report
antimony, and tungsten production. The
commissioned by the Club of Rome,
continent is rich in deposits of manganese,
focusing on the challenges posed by
bauxite, nickel, zinc, and copper.
exponential economic and population
growth with finite resource supplies. The ● Europe: Europe takes the lead in global
report's message, relevant even today, iron ore production, with notable deposits
suggests that the Earth's resources may in Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, and France.
struggle to sustain current rates of Eastern Europe and European Russia
economic and population growth beyond harbor mineral deposits of copper, lead,
the year 2100, even with advanced zinc, manganese, and nickel.
technology. ● North America: Mineral deposits in North
____________________________________________ America are concentrated in three regions:
the Canadian region north of the Great
158. Consider the following statements
Lakes, the Appalachian region, and the
concerning the distribution of minerals across
western mountain ranges. The Canadian
continents:
Shield Region yields iron ore, nickel, gold,
 uranium, and copper, while the Therefore, statement 2 is correct regarding Africa,
Appalachian region mines coal. Vast statement 1 is correct regarding Australia, and
deposits of copper, lead, zinc, gold, and statement 3 is incorrect concerning Antarctica.
silver are found in the Western Cordilleras. ____________________________________________
● South America: Brazil is the world's largest 159. In which of the following regions has the
producer of high-grade iron ore, while newly discovered dragonfly species, the Red-
Chile and Peru lead in copper production. rumped Hawklet, been found?
Brazil and Bolivia rank among the top
A. Western Ghats
global producers of tin. The continent also
holds significant deposits of gold, silver, B. The Terai region of Bihar
zinc, chromium, manganese, bauxite, mica, C. Indo–Myanmar border region of
platinum, asbestos, and diamonds. Mineral Arunachal Pradesh
oil reserves are present in Venezuela,
Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. D. Eastern Ghats
Answer: A
● Africa: Abundant in mineral resources,
Africa is the world's primary producer of Explanation:
diamonds, gold, and platinum. South Red-rumped Hawklet:
Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zaire contribute
Scientific name – Epithemis wayanadensis
significantly to global gold production.
Other minerals in Africa include copper, Named after the rich and diverse Wayanad plateau
iron ore, chromium, uranium, cobalt, and in the Western Ghats.
bauxite. Oil reserves are found in Nigeria, Habitat - Located in shaded streamside marsh
Libya, and Angola. areas near Wayanad’s forested terrain and parts of
● Australia: Australia is the leading global the Nilgiri Coorg landscapes.
producer of bauxite and a significant ____________________________________________
producer of gold, diamonds, iron ore, tin,
160. The Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain
and nickel. The country also possesses rich
Enhancement (RISE) initiative, which has
deposits of copper, lead, zinc, and
garnered recent attention, is a joint undertaking
manganese, with the largest gold deposits
of which entities?
situated in the Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie
areas of Western Australia. A. G7 and ASEAN

● Antarctica: The geological knowledge of B. USA and India

Antarctica indicates the likely presence of C. World Bank and Japan
various mineral deposits, including sizable
D. USA and Australia
deposits of coal in the Transantarctic
Mountains and iron near the Prince Charles Answer: C
Mountains of East Antarctica. Commercial Explanation:
quantities of iron ore, gold, silver, and oil
The Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain
are also anticipated.
Enhancement (RISE) initiative has been launched
in Morocco by the World Bank and Japan. This
initiative is strategically crafted to address the
intertwined issues of job creation and climate
change, with a focus on assisting emerging markets
and developing nations in expanding their
manufacturing of clean-energy products and
enhancing their involvement in the minerals
industry. The primary objective is to foster
economic growth, create local employment
opportunities, and contribute to poverty reduction.
The collaborative nature of this endeavor
underscores the significance of international
cooperation in advancing economic growth and
fortifying supply chains for clean energy and
critical minerals in these nations.
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