Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 1 and 3.

Key Points

Lake Victoria

• Lake Victoria is actually the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It is located in East Africa and is part of the African Great Lakes system. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes of North America, is the largest freshwater lake by surface area, while Lake Victoria comes second in that regard.
• It is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, but not Rwanda. Hence statement 3 is  incorrect.
• Lake Victoria is drained solely by the Nile River near Jinja, Uganda, on the lake's northern shore.
• Only outflow from Lake Victoria is the Nile River, which exits the lake near Jinja, Uganda. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• Lake Victoria is considered a shallow lake considering its large geographic area with a maximum depth of approximately 80 metres and an average depth of 40 metres.
• Lake Victoria formerly was very rich in fish, including many endemics, but a high percentage of these became extinct during the last 50 years.
• The main group in Lake Victoria is the haplochromine cichlids with more than 500 species, almost all endemic, and including an estimated 300 that still are undescribed.
• The Victoria haplochromines are part of an older group of more than 700 closely related species, including those of several smaller lakes in the region, notably Kyoga, Edward–George, Albert, and Kivu.
• In recent history only Lake Kyoga was easily accessible to Victoria cichlids, as further downstream movement by the Victoria Nile is prevented by a series of waterfalls, notably Murchison.

The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2.

Key Points

• Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at-least 30°C for Hilly regions. Hence both the statement is incorrect.
• If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
• Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered a severe heat wave condition.

Additional Information Heat Wave:

• Heat wave as a hazard causing disaster scenario, is little more than the physical phenomenon of high heat conditions and is characterized as a complex of hydro-climatic risks coupled with social, occupational and public health risks.
• If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered a severe heat wave condition.
• El Nino often increases temperatures in Asia, combined with the weather pattern to create record high temperatures.
• Trade winds coming from South America normally blow westward towards Asia during Southwest Monsoon and warming of the Pacific Ocean results in weakening of these winds.

Impacts of Heat wave:

• sunburn phenomenon with pinkish skin resulting in burning of skin and pain sensation.
• Giddiness, vertigo headache and sudden onset drowsiness/unconsciousness.
• Edema (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) are generally accompanied by fevers below 39°C i.e.,102°F.
• Body temperatures of 40C i.e., 104F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potentially fatal condition.

The correct answer is ​a - 3, b - 4, c - 2, d - 1.

Key Points 

Christopher Columbus:

• Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who is credited with opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual conquest of the Americas by Europeans.
• He was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, and he died in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506.
• Columbus embarked on his famous voyages under the patronage of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.
• First Voyage (1492):
• ​Columbus set sail from Spain on August 3, 1492, with three ships: the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña. On October 12, 1492, he reached the islands of the Caribbean, believing he had reached the eastern coast of Asia.
• Second Voyage (1493-1496):
• Columbus returned to the Americas with a larger fleet in 1493. During this voyage, he explored more Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico and Jamaica, but also encountered resistance from indigenous peoples.
• Third Voyage (1498-1500):
• This voyage took Columbus further south into the Caribbean and explored the coast of South America.
• Fourth Voyage (1502-1504):
• Columbus's final journey explored Central America and the northern coast of South America. He reached Panama and the coast of Honduras but experienced shipwrecks and extreme hardships.

Jacques Cartier:

• Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) was a French explorer known for his important voyages to North America during the early 16^th century. He is best known for his contributions to the exploration and mapping of what is now Canada.
• In 1534, King Francis I of France commissioned Cartier to explore the New World. He embarked on his first voyage to North America, during which he explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and parts of what is now eastern Canada, including the Gaspé Peninsula. He claimed the land for France.
• In 1535, Cartier returned on a second expedition with the goal of finding a passage to Asia and the riches of the East.
• In 1541, Cartier embarked on a third voyage, hoping to establish a permanent French settlement.
• Jacques Cartier's explorations of the St. Lawrence River were significant because they opened up the interior of North America to European exploration.

Sir Francis Drake:

• Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540-1596) was an English sea captain, privateer, and explorer during the Elizabethan era. He is best known for his circumnavigation of the globe and for his actions against the Spanish Armada.
• Drake is famous for being the first Englishman to successfully circumnavigate the globe
• Drake was a privateer, which means he was authorized by the English crown to raid and plunder Spanish ships and settlements during a period of conflict between England and Spain.
• He carried out successful raids along the Spanish Main in the Caribbean and the coast of South America, accumulating a substantial fortune.
• One of the most significant events in Drake's career was his involvement in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
• In recognition of his achievements, Queen Elizabeth I knighted Francis Drake on the Golden Hind upon his return from his circumnavigation, making him a national hero.

Ferdinand Magellan:

• Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese) was a Portuguese explorer who is best known for his expedition, which was the first to circumnavigate the Earth.
• Ferdinand Magellan was born around 1480 in Sabrosa, Portugal. Little is known about his early life and upbringing.
• In 1519, Magellan, who was unable to secure support for his expedition from Portugal, offered his services to the Spanish crown. He led a fleet of five ships and around 270 men on a voyage to find a westward route to the Spice Islands (Moluccas) in the East Indies. This expedition is known as the Magellan-Elcano expedition.
• Magellan was known for his stern leadership, and he had conflicts with his crew, which contributed to the mutiny during the expedition.

The correct answer is ​Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah.

Key Points The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is composed of seven emirates.

• These seven emirates collectively make up the United Arab Emirates, which is a federation of these individual states. Each emirate has its own ruler and degree of autonomy, with certain powers and responsibilities shared at the federal level.

These emirates are:

• Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest emirate in terms of land area. It is located on the eastern side of the UAE's coast.
• Dubai: Dubai is the most well-known emirate, famous for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. It is located on the northern coast of the UAE.
• Sharjah: Sharjah is the third-largest emirate and is known for its cultural and educational institutions. It is located on the northern coast of the UAE, to the northeast of Dubai.
• Ajman: Ajman is one of the smaller emirates and is situated along the coast to the north of Sharjah.
• Umm Al-Quwain: Umm Al-Quwain is another smaller emirate, and it is located to the north of Ajman.
• Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth-largest emirate and is known for its natural beauty, including mountains and coastline. It is situated to the north of Umm Al-Quwain.
• Fujairah: Fujairah is the only emirate located on the eastern coast of the UAE, facing the Gulf of Oman. It is known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites.

The correct answer is Nagri.

Key Points

• The river Subarnarekha originates near the village of Nagri in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which is located in the state of Jharkhand in India.
• flowing through the eastern part of the country. It holds significant cultural, historical, and ecological importance, primarily in the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Additional Information Subarnarekha River:

Origin:

• The Subarnarekha River originates in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, near the district of Ranchi in Jharkhand.

Course:

• The river's course extends for approximately 395 kilometres, meandering through diverse landscapes, including hills, plateaus, and plains.
• It passes through several districts, such as Ranchi, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand and Paschim Medinipur in West Bengal.

Cultural Significance:

• The Subarnarekha River has deep cultural and historical significance in the region. It is associated with various myths, legends, and religious beliefs.
• The river's name, "Subarnarekha," translates to "River of Gold," and its waters are believed to have once carried gold dust, which may have contributed to its name.

Water Resource:

• The Subarnarekha River plays a crucial role as a water resource for both agriculture and industrial activities in the region.

Conservation Efforts:

• Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the Subarnarekha River.
• Initiatives include the promotion of afforestation in its catchment area, monitoring and regulating industrial effluents, and creating awareness about the river's importance among local communities.

The correct answer is 1 and 4.

Key PointsValmiki National Park:

• Valmiki Tiger Reserve forms the eastern most limit of the Himalayan Terai forests in India, and is the only tiger reserve of Bihar.
• Situated in the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone of the country, the forest has combination of bhabar and terai tracts.
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve lies in the north-western most portion of West Champaran district of Bihar.
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve covers 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi), which is 17.4% of the total geographical area of the district. As of 2022, there were 54 tigers in the Reserve.
• Name of the district has been derived from two words Champa and Aranya meaning Forest of Champa trees.

Dudhwa National Park:

• Dudhwa National Park is a protected area in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, that was established in 1977.
• The park covers an area of 490 square kilometers and is located in the district of Lakhimpur Kheri, along the Indo-Nepal border.
• The history of Dudhwa National Park dates back to the early 20^th century when the area was used as a hunting ground by the British rulers of India. In 1958, the area was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the government of Uttar Pradesh, with the aim of protecting the swamp deer population, which was facing the threat of extinction.
• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a protected area in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India.
• It was established in 1988 and covers an area of 1,284 square kilometers, including the Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Bikaner district of the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan.
• This sanctuary is situated near the historic Gajner Palace, which was once a royal hunting lodge for the Maharaja of Bikaner.
• The sanctuary covers an area of about 6,000 acres and is characterized by a mix of desert and woodland ecosystems.
• The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including chinkara (Indian gazelle), blackbuck, neelgai (blue bull), wild boar, and numerous bird species.
• It is also known for its large population of migratory birds, especially during the winter months when birds from various parts of the world flock to the sanctuary's water bodies.

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Munger district of the state of Bihar in India.
• This sanctuary covers an area of approximately 682 square kilometers (263 square miles) and is situated in the southeastern part of the state.
• It was established in 1976 and is named after the Bhimbandh hills that are found within its boundaries.
• The sanctuary is predominantly covered by deciduous forests. You can find a variety of plant species**, including sal, peepal, mahua, semal, and more.**
• These forests provide essential habitats for the wildlife in the region.

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points Gangetic River Dolphin:

• The Gangetic River Dolphin has been categorized as ‘endangered’ under the IUCN’s Red List.
• The Gangetic Dolphin is a fresh-water species, and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
• It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• It does not have a crystalline eye lens rendering it effectively blind. That is why known as Blind dolphin,
• Navigation and hunting are carried out using echolocation.
• It has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• It is placed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
• It is listed on CITES Appendix I, which lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants.

Hence all the statements are correct.

The correct answer is Narayani.

Key Points

• Narayani River is the other name of Gandak.
• The Gandaki or Gandak river originates from the Nhubine Himal Glacier.
• Gandak river is one of the major rivers of Nepal.
• Dhaulagiri is the highest point of the Gandak basin.
• Gandak River is a left-bank tributary of the Ganga river in India.
• The length of the Gandak river is 630 km.
• Gandak River enters UP from Maharajpur district.

The correct answer is Jamui.

Key Points

• A report by the Indian Bureau of Mines states that the Jamui district possesses around 222.88 million tonnes of gold reserves, including 37.6 tonnes of ore rich in minerals.
• The State Mines and Geology Department is in consultation with agencies engaged in the exploration, including GSI and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), for the exploration of gold reserves in Jamui.
• The top official added that the consultation process had started after analysing the survey findings which indicated the presence of gold in areas such as Karmatia, Jhajha and Sono in the Jamui district.
• The Bihar government is likely to sign a memorandum of understanding with a central agency or agencies for G3 (preliminary) stage exploration within a month’s time, adding that in certain areas G2 (general) exploration can also be carried out.

Additional InformationBihar Capital: Patna;

Bihar Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan

Bihar Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar.

The correct answer is Gandak.

Key Points

• Triveni Canal has been constructed on river Gandak.
• Triveni canal has been constructed for the irrigation in Champaran district of Bihar.
• It was started in 1979.
• Gandak river is also called the 'Narayani' river.
• It is located in central Nepal and northern India.
• It is made up of the confluence of the Black and Trishuli rivers, which emerge from the higher Himalayan range of Nepal.