IAS Prelims 2014: Gs Paper I: Indian and World Geography

Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 1 states that the duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India, which is true as the monsoon season starts earlier in the southern regions and gradually moves towards the northern regions. Statement 2 states that the amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west, which is also true as the eastern parts of the northern plains receive more rainfall due to the influence of the Bay of Bengal, while the western parts receive less rainfall due to the rain shadow effect caused by the Himalayas.

Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 1 is referring to the latitudinal gradient of biodiversity, which states that biodiversity is generally higher in the lower latitudes closer to the equator. This is due to factors such as climate stability, higher solar energy input, and longer growing seasons. Statement 2 is referring to the altitudinal gradient of biodiversity, which states that biodiversity is generally higher in the lower altitudes of mountains. This is because lower altitudes have more diverse habitats, milder climates, and more available resources compared to higher altitudes.

The presence of deep gorges, U-turn river courses, parallel mountain ranges, and steep gradients causing land-sliding in the Himalayas can be considered as evidence for them being young fold mountains. These features indicate active tectonic processes and recent geological activity, which are characteristic of young fold mountains.

Gujarat is the correct answer because it meets all the given characteristics. The northern part of Gujarat is arid and semiarid, the central part of the state is known for cotton production, and cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops in Gujarat.

The rotation of the Earth influences ocean currents through the Coriolis effect, which causes the currents to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Air pressure and wind also play a role in the formation and movement of ocean currents. Differences in air pressure cause winds to blow, which in turn generate surface currents. The density of ocean water affects the sinking and rising of water, which can influence the movement of currents. Therefore, factors 1, 2, and 3 all influence ocean currents.

Arunachal Pradesh is the correct answer because it is located on the same latitude as northern Rajasthan. It also has over 80% of its area under forest cover, indicating a significant amount of forested land. Additionally, over 12% of the forest cover in Arunachal Pradesh is designated as a Protected Areas Network, highlighting the state's efforts to conserve its natural resources.

The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where warm and cold oceanic currents meet. This is because the meeting point of these currents creates a unique environment that is rich in nutrients. The warm current brings nutrients from the equator, while the cold current brings nutrients from the poles. The mixing of these nutrients creates a highly productive area for marine life, attracting a wide variety of fish and other organisms. As a result, these regions become ideal fishing grounds for commercial and recreational purposes.

Equatorial forests are known for their unique characteristics. Firstly, they have tall, closely set trees with crowns that form a continuous canopy. This dense canopy allows little sunlight to reach the forest floor, creating a shaded and humid environment. Secondly, equatorial forests are known for the coexistence of a large number of species. The high biodiversity in these forests is a result of the stable climate and abundant resources. Finally, equatorial forests also have numerous varieties of epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants for support but do not derive nutrients from them. These unique characteristics make equatorial forests one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth.

Thermal power is the maximum consumer of water in India because it requires large amounts of water for cooling purposes in the power generation process. This industry relies on water to cool down the steam that is used to drive turbines and generate electricity. The water is often drawn from nearby rivers, lakes, or other water bodies, leading to significant water consumption. Additionally, the water used in the cooling process is often discharged back into the environment at higher temperatures, which can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Arunachal Pradesh has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production. This state is located in the northeastern part of India, which has a cool and humid climate, ideal for orchid cultivation. The state is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including a wide range of orchid species. The favorable climate, along with the availability of suitable land and resources, makes Arunachal Pradesh an ideal location for developing an export-oriented industry in orchid cultivation.

Mixed farming is characterized by the rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together. This type of farming involves the integration of crop production and livestock production on the same farm. It allows for a diversified and balanced agricultural system, where the waste products from one enterprise can be used as inputs for another. This not only maximizes the use of resources but also provides multiple sources of income for the farmer.

The characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region is a definite dry and wet season. This means that there are distinct periods of rainfall and dryness throughout the year. This type of climate is common in regions near the equator, where there is a combination of high temperatures and a monsoon-like weather pattern. During the wet season, there is heavy rainfall, while the dry season is characterized by little to no rainfall. This climate pattern has a significant impact on the vegetation and wildlife found in the Tropical Savannah Region.

Southeast Asia's location between the Pacific and Indian oceans, along with its pre-eminent maritime character, is the most convincing explanation for its global perspective. This region's strategic position allows for easy access to major shipping routes and trade networks, making it a significant hub for international trade and commerce. Additionally, its maritime character has played a crucial role in shaping its history, as it has been a center of maritime trade and cultural exchange for centuries. This combination of geographical location and maritime significance has made Southeast Asia a focal point for global attention.

Cotton, Groundnut, and Rice are considered as Kharif crops. Kharif crops are sown in the rainy season and harvested in the winter season. Cotton, Groundnut, and Rice are typically grown during the monsoon months and require a good amount of rainfall for their growth. Wheat, on the other hand, is a Rabi crop which is sown in winter and harvested in summer. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

Statement 1 is correct because asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. Statement 3 is also correct because comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

Groundwater is the correct answer because it refers to the water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers. These aquifers are typically made up of porous rock or soil that can hold and transmit water. Groundwater is a significant source of freshwater as it accounts for a large proportion of the Earth's total freshwater reserves. It is accessed through wells and can be used for various purposes such as drinking water, irrigation, and industrial processes.

Salinization can make some soils impermeable. When irrigation water evaporates, it leaves behind salts and minerals in the soil. These accumulated salts can build up over time and create a high salt concentration in the soil. This high salt concentration can cause the soil particles to bind together, forming a crust or layer that is impermeable to water and air. This impermeability can prevent proper drainage and hinder the movement of water and nutrients through the soil, negatively impacting plant growth and crop production.

The "U" turn in the course of the Brahmaputra river is due to both the uplift of folded Himalayan series and the syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas. The uplift of folded Himalayan series refers to the tectonic forces that have caused the Himalayan mountain range to rise, creating a barrier that forces the river to change its direction. The syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas refers to the bending and folding of the mountains in the region, which further influences the course of the river. Both of these factors contribute to the "U" turn in the Brahmaputra's course.

Laterite soils in India are generally red in color due to the presence of iron oxides. This is mentioned in statement 1. Statement 2 is incorrect as laterite soils are generally poor in nitrogen and potash. Statement 3 is incorrect as laterite soils are well-developed in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra, and not in Rajasthan and UP. Statement 4 is correct as tapioca and cashew nuts are crops that can grow well in laterite soils. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 4.

The correct answer is 1 only. This is because the southern hemisphere has less landmass compared to the northern hemisphere. The presence of more landmass in the northern hemisphere disrupts the flow of the westerlies, making them weaker and less persistent. Additionally, the Coriolis force, which influences the direction of winds, is not mentioned as a reason for the stronger and persistent westerlies in the southern hemisphere.

The Earth's magnetic field acts as a protective shield against electrically charged particles from space. These particles, also known as solar wind, are deflected towards the Earth's poles due to the magnetic field. This prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth and causing harm to living beings. The magnetic field guides the charged particles along the field lines, creating the beautiful auroras at the poles. The other options, such as the ozone layer and moisture in the upper atmosphere, are not directly related to diverting charged particles and therefore are not correct explanations.

Bhitarkanika is the correct answer because it is a site located in Odisha where two important rivers merge before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. One of the rivers originates in Jharkhand and is known by a different name in Odisha. Bhitarkanika is also known for its rich wildlife and biodiversity, making it a protected area.

The lower Gangetic plain has a humid climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Paddy and Jute are the most suitable crops for this region because they thrive in such conditions. Paddy, also known as rice, requires a lot of water and grows well in wet and humid environments. Jute, on the other hand, is a fiber crop that is known for its tolerance to high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, Paddy and Jute are the best crops to cultivate in the lower Gangetic plain.

The correct answer is Atlas Mountains: North-Western Africa. The Atlas Mountains are located in North-Western Africa, spanning through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They are the longest mountain range in Africa and are known for their rugged peaks, deep valleys, and diverse flora and fauna.

The temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth's surface because the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth's surface and the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere. As the heat from the Earth's surface rises, it becomes less concentrated and spreads out in the less dense upper atmosphere, causing the temperature to decrease. Additionally, the air in the upper atmosphere is less dense, meaning there are fewer air molecules to absorb and retain heat, resulting in a decrease in temperature.

The correct answer is 1 and 2 because statement 1 states that natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds, which is true. Statement 2 states that mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma, which is also true. However, statement 3 is incorrect as Dharwars are not famous for petroleum. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 2.

Bagasse, the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane, can indeed be used as biomass fuel for energy generation. Molasses, a by-product of sugar production, can be used as a feedstock for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Additionally, molasses can also be used for the production of ethanol. Therefore, all three statements are correct.

The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas because of the thermal difference between land and water. Land heats up and cools down more quickly than water, leading to greater temperature fluctuations in the interior.

Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea can greatly reduce the navigation time and distance between India and East Asia. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia is not mentioned as a method to reduce navigation time and distance. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 only.

Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 1 states that the total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat compared to other states in India. Statement 2 states that the total geographical area of coastal wetlands in India is larger than that of inland wetlands. Therefore, both statements are true.

The statement describes a region with extreme climate, scarce rainfall, and a history of nomadic herders. The Central Asian Steppe fits this description as it is characterized by a harsh climate, limited precipitation, and a long tradition of nomadic pastoralism. The African Savannah, North American Prairie, and Siberian Tundra do not necessarily have the same combination of extreme climate, scanty rainfall, and nomadic herders as the Central Asian Steppe.

The correct answer is the revolution of the earth on a tilted axis. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in variations in the length of daytime and nighttime. During one part of the Earth's orbit, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, leading to longer days and shorter nights. In another part of the orbit, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in shorter days and longer nights. This phenomenon is responsible for the changing seasons.

The given answer, 1, 2 and 3, is correct. All three pairs are correctly matched. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve is indeed located in the Garo Hills. Logtak (Loktak) Lake is situated in the Barail Range. Namdapha National Park is found in the Dafla Hills. Therefore, all three pairs are correctly matched.

All of the options listed (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth. Electromagnetic radiation from the sun drives weather patterns and climate changes. Geothermal energy causes volcanic activity and geysers. Gravitational force influences tides and erosion. Plate movements result in earthquakes and the formation of mountains. The rotation of the earth causes day and night, while the revolution of the earth around the sun leads to the changing of seasons. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to dynamic changes on the earth's surface.

The main reason for the formation of the African and Eurasian desert belt is that it is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells. These high pressure cells create stable atmospheric conditions that inhibit the formation of clouds and precipitation, leading to arid desert conditions. The influence of warm ocean currents, as stated in statement 2, is not a significant factor in the formation of this desert belt.

During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky and the violent upward movement of air and water particles. The collision of these clouds creates friction, which generates electrical charges and leads to the formation of lightning. The lightning, in turn, causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and contract, producing the sound waves we perceive as thunder. Therefore, both the meeting of cumulonimbus clouds and the violent upward movement of air and water particles contribute to the production of thunder during a thunderstorm.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only. This is because Limboo (Limbu) tribe is indeed found in Sikkim, and Dongaria tribe is found in Odisha. However, Karbi tribe is not found in Himachal Pradesh, and Bonda tribe is not found in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, pairs 2 and 4 are not correctly matched.

The correct answer is that the soil of a rainforest is deficient in nutrients. This is because rainforests have a high rate of decomposition, meaning that nutrients are quickly recycled and taken up by plants. When the forest is removed, these nutrients are no longer being replenished, resulting in a nutrient-poor soil that is not conducive to rapid regeneration.

The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere because it absorbs the infrared part of the solar radiation. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that acts as a blanket in the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing a warming effect. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, it is absorbed and re-emitted as infrared radiation. The presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere allows it to absorb and trap this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space and leading to a gradual increase in temperature.

Both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct. The presence of ozone in the ionosphere causes the reflection of radio waves back to Earth, allowing for radio communication. Additionally, radio waves have a very long wavelength, which enables them to interact with the ionosphere and be reflected back.

Indian coal is characterized by high ash content and low sulphur content. Ash content refers to the mineral content in coal, and Indian coal is known to have a high ash content. Sulphur content, on the other hand, refers to the amount of sulphur present in coal. Indian coal has a low sulphur content, making it less polluting compared to coals with higher sulphur content. The given answer, 1 and 2 only, correctly identifies the characteristic features of Indian coal.

Cowpea, green gram, and pigeon pea are all crops that are used as pulse, fodder, and green manure. These crops are commonly grown in India and have multiple uses. As pulses, they provide a good source of protein in the diet. As fodder, they can be fed to livestock as a source of nutrition. And as green manure, they enrich the soil with nutrients when plowed under, improving soil fertility and structure. Therefore, all three crops fulfill the criteria of being used as pulse, fodder, and green manure.

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A geostationary orbit is an orbit in which a satellite appears to be stationary relative to a specific point on Earth's surface. This requires the orbit to be geosynchronous (1), meaning the satellite takes the same amount of time to complete one orbit as the Earth takes to rotate once on its axis. The orbit also needs to be circular (2) to maintain a constant distance from the Earth. Additionally, the orbit must lie in the plane of the Earth's equator (3) to remain stationary relative to a fixed point on the ground. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3 only.

Contour bunding, relay cropping, and zero tillage all contribute to carbon sequestration/storage in the soil. Contour bunding involves creating small ridges along the contour lines of the land, which helps to slow down water runoff and prevent soil erosion. This allows organic matter to accumulate and promotes carbon storage in the soil. Relay cropping involves growing two or more crops in the same field at different times, which increases the duration of plant growth and carbon uptake. Zero tillage refers to the practice of planting crops without disturbing the soil through plowing or tilling, which helps to preserve soil organic matter and promote carbon sequestration.

By locating the polestar, the person can determine the direction of the North. Since his village is situated 5 km east of his current location, he needs to walk in the direction facing the polestar. This means that he needs to walk in the direction of the North, which will eventually lead him to his village.

The correct answer is 1 only. The Narmada river flows to the west because it occupies a linear rift valley. A rift valley is a lowland region that is formed by the sinking of the Earth's crust between two parallel faults or fractures. In the case of the Narmada river, it flows through a linear rift valley that was created by tectonic activity. This geological feature causes the river to flow in a westward direction, unlike most other large peninsular rivers in India that flow to the east.

An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down because it is moving at a sufficient speed to counteract the force of gravity pulling it towards the Earth. This speed provides the necessary centrifugal force to keep the satellite in a stable orbit, allowing it to continuously move around the Earth without falling towards it.

The given question does not provide any specific options for the correct answer. Therefore, it is not possible to provide an explanation for the correct answer.

Groundnut, Sesamum, and Pearl millet are all predominantly rain-fed crops in India. This means that they rely mainly on rainfall for their water supply and do not require much irrigation. These crops are well-suited to the Indian climate, where monsoon rains provide the necessary water for their growth. Therefore, all three crops mentioned in the options are predominantly rain-fed crops in India.