Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 1 only.

Key Points

• Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient force, which helps in balancing the forces acting on air masses in the atmosphere.
• The Coriolis force arises due to the rotation of the Earth and affects the direction of wind movement.
• At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero, but the statement about the wind blowing perpendicular to the isobars is incorrect.
• The Coriolis force is maximum at the poles and decreases as one moves towards the equator.
• Option 1 is correct as the Coriolis force is perpendicular to the pressure gradient force, while Option 2 contains inaccuracies regarding wind direction at the equator.

Additional Information

• Coriolis force: It is an apparent force caused by the Earth's rotation, deflecting moving objects such as air and water currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Pressure Gradient Force: This is the force that drives air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, influencing wind speed and direction.
• These are lines on a weather map that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure, used to study wind patterns.
• This is the wind that results from the balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force, flowing parallel to the isobars.
• The absence of Coriolis force at the equator leads to unique atmospheric phenomena, such as the lack of cyclonic activity directly over the equator.

The correct answer is 1 only.

Key Points

• Sleet is a form of precipitation consisting of frozen raindrops or refrozen melted snow-water.
• It occurs when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground.
• Statement 1 is correct because sleet involves frozen raindrops or refrozen snow-water.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because sleet forms when a warm layer of air exists above a freezing layer near the ground, not the other way around.
• Sleet is commonly observed in regions where temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point.

Additional Information

• Precipitation: Precipitation refers to all forms of water particles, liquid or solid, that fall from clouds and reach the ground. Examples include rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
• Difference between Sleet and Freezing Rain: Sleet consists of ice pellets that bounce off surfaces, whereas freezing rain falls as liquid and freezes upon contact with cold surfaces.
• Temperature Layers: For sleet to form, a thin warm layer of air is sandwiched between two layers of cold air, with the lower layer being below the freezing point.
• Snow vs. Sleet: Snow forms when temperatures remain below freezing from cloud level to the ground, while sleet involves partial melting and refreezing during its descent.
• Weather Conditions Favoring Sleet: Sleet is most common during winter or transitional weather conditions, especially in areas near the freezing point during storms.

The correct answer is South Argentina.

Key Points

• South Argentina primarily experiences a cold steppe or temperate oceanic climate rather than a humid subtropical climate.
• The humid subtropical climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, typically found in regions like South Japan, East Coast of Australia, and Coastal South Africa.
• South Argentina, particularly Patagonia, is influenced by the cold Humboldt Current and strong westerly winds, leading to arid or semi-arid conditions.
• Regions with humid subtropical climates generally occur between 25° and 40° latitude on the eastern sides of continents.
• South Argentina lies at higher latitudes and does not meet the temperature or precipitation criteria required for a humid subtropical climate.

Additional Information

• Humid Subtropical Climate:
• Characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and rainfall throughout the year.
• Regions include southeastern USA, parts of China, South Japan, and parts of Australia.
• This climate is influenced by warm ocean currents and subtropical high-pressure systems.
• South Argentina Climate:
• Patagonia experiences a cold desert or steppe climate with sparse vegetation.
• The western part is wetter due to the Andes' rain shadow effect, while the eastern part is drier.
• Average temperatures are much lower compared to regions with a humid subtropical climate.
• Coastal South Africa:
• Experiences a humid subtropical climate in some areas (e.g., Durban) due to the warm Agulhas Current.
• Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
• Global Climate Zones:
• Earth's major climate zones include tropical, temperate, arid, polar, and highland.
• Climate classification is based on temperature, precipitation, and vegetation patterns.

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

• Mahendragiri is the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats, located in the state of Odisha.
• The peak is situated in the Gajapati district of Odisha, near the border of Andhra Pradesh.
• Mahendragiri stands at an elevation of approximately 1,501 meters (4,928 feet) above sea level.
• The area surrounding Mahendragiri is known for its mythological significance and is associated with the Ramayana.
• The hill is part of the Mahendragiri Biosphere Reserve, which hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ecological hotspot.

Additional Information

• Eastern Ghats:
• The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains along India's eastern coast.
• They run parallel to the Bay of Bengal and pass through states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
• The Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats and are known for their rich biodiversity.
• Mythological Importance:
• Mahendragiri is believed to be the place where Lord Parashurama meditated.
• It is mentioned in the Ramayana, where it is said to be associated with the stories of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.
• Several ancient temples, including the Shiva temple, are located on the hill.
• Biodiversity:
• The Mahendragiri region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including medicinal plants and rare wildlife species.
• It is part of the , aimed at conserving its ecological integrity.
• Tourism:
• Mahendragiri is a popular destination for trekking and eco-tourism.
• Its serene environment and mythological sites attract pilgrims and nature enthusiasts alike.

The correct answer is Option 4) 1, 2, and 3.

Key Points

• The 'Shola forests' are tropical montane forests found in the high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats in South India.
• Shola forests are primarily found in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats.
• These forests are unique ecosystems consisting of grasslands and patches of stunted evergreen trees.
• The Shola forests contribute to biodiversity and are home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.
• They play a critical role in water retention and are the source of several rivers in the region.

Additional Information

• Western Ghats:
• The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world.
• They run parallel to the western coast of India, from Maharashtra to Kerala.
• Shola-Grassland Ecosystem:
• This ecosystem is characterized by a mosaic of grasslands and stunted evergreen forests.
• The term "Shola" is derived from the Tamil word "cholai," meaning a grove.
• Endemic Species:
• Shola forests are home to unique species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Nilgiri Langur.
• Several species of plants, birds, and butterflies are also endemic to this region.
• Environmental Importance:
• Shola forests act as water reservoirs, as they retain moisture and contribute to the perennial flow of rivers.
• They also regulate the microclimate and prevent soil erosion in the Western Ghats.

The correct answer is Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• Rajasthan is the largest producer of copper in India, contributing significantly to the country's total production.
• Madhya Pradesh is another major copper-producing state, housing significant reserves and mining operations.
• The Khetri Belt in Rajasthan and the Malajkhand Mines in Madhya Pradesh are prominent copper production hubs.
• Copper production in India is primarily managed by public sector companies like Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL).
• Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh together contribute the majority of copper production in India as reported in the Ministry of Mines Annual Report 2023-24.

Additional Information

• Copper Ore: It is primarily extracted from sulphide ores such as chalcopyrite, which is the most important ore of copper globally.
• Applications of Copper: Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, electronics, construction, and industrial machinery due to its excellent conductivity and malleability.
• Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL): A public sector enterprise, it is the only vertically integrated copper producer in India, handling mining, beneficiation, smelting, and refining.
• Global Context: India is not a major global producer of copper; the largest producers globally are Chile, Peru, and China.
• Environmental Impact: Copper mining and processing can lead to environmental challenges, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and energy consumption.

The correct answer is Moran.

Key Points

• Moran is located in Assam, not Gujarat, making it the correct answer to the question about major oil fields in Gujarat.
• Prominent oil fields in Gujarat include Ankaleshwar, Kosamba, and Mehsana, which are known for their significant contributions to India's petroleum production.
• Gujarat is one of the leading states in India in terms of crude oil production, with oil fields like Ankaleshwar being among the largest in the country.
• Moran, located in the Upper Assam Basin, is a key oil field contributing to crude oil production in Assam but is geographically outside Gujarat.
• The oil fields in Gujarat are managed by ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), which plays a major role in India's energy sector.

Additional Information

• Ankaleshwar: It is one of India's largest oil fields, located in the Bharuch district of Gujarat, and has been operational since the 1960s.
• Mehsana: This oil field is situated in North Gujarat and is known for its high-quality crude oil reserves.
• Kosamba: Located in South Gujarat, Kosamba is another important oil field contributing to the state's petroleum output.
• Moran Oil Field: Found in Assam, Moran is part of the Upper Assam Basin, which is rich in petroleum resources and is managed by entities such as Oil India Limited.
• Petroleum in India: India's major petroleum-producing regions include the Bombay High, Gujarat, Assam, and the Krishna-Godavari Basin, each contributing to the nation's energy needs.

The correct answer is 5 years.

Key Points

• As per Land Revenue Records, land is categorized as Culturable Waste-Land if it remains fallow (uncultivated) for more than 5 years.
• Culturable Waste-Land refers to land that is not being used for cultivation despite being fit for agricultural activities.
• The classification is important for monitoring the availability and utilization of agricultural land.
• This categorization helps in identifying land that can be brought under cultivation to enhance agricultural productivity.
• Such classifications are part of land use statistics maintained by revenue departments across states in India.

Additional Information

• Fallow Land: Land left uncultivated intentionally to restore its fertility. It is classified into current fallow (1 year) and long-term fallow (more than 1 year).
• Permanent Pasture and Grazing Lands: These are lands used for grazing livestock and are considered part of non-agricultural land use.
• Net Sown Area: The total area sown with crops during the agricultural year. It excludes uncultivated or fallow land.
• Wasteland: Includes barren and unculturable land, culturable wasteland, and degraded forest areas. Wasteland mapping is a critical component of land resource management.
• Land Use Statistics in India: These are prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare to monitor trends in agricultural and non-agricultural land use.

The correct answer is Coffee.

Key Points

• The National Food Security Mission - Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC) was launched to increase the production of specific commercial crops in India.
• The major commercial crops included under NFSM-CC are cotton, jute, and sugarcane.
• Coffee is not included under the NFSM-CC, as its cultivation and promotion are overseen by the Coffee Board of India, not the NFSM.
• The scheme focuses on enhancing productivity and profitability of these crops to ensure food and livelihood security for farmers.
• NFSM-CC was introduced as part of the broader National Food Security Mission, which began in 2007-08 to address the stagnation in agricultural productivity.

Additional Information

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM):
• Launched in 2007-08 to address the stagnation in the production of rice, wheat, and pulses.
• Later expanded to include coarse cereals, commercial crops, and other categories.
• The mission aims to ensure food security by increasing production through area expansion and productivity enhancement.
• Coffee Board of India:
• An autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• Responsible for promoting coffee cultivation, production, and marketing in India.
• Focuses on research, quality improvement, and market development for Indian coffee.
• Commercial Crops under NFSM-CC:
• Crops like cotton, jute, and sugarcane are covered to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• The program involves subsidies, improved seeds, and technology transfer to farmers.
• Significance of Coffee Cultivation:
• Coffee is an important export crop grown primarily in the southern states of India, such as Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• India is known for its high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties.

The correct answer is Bokaro Steel Plant.

Key Points

• The Bokaro Steel Plant was established in 1964 with Russian (Soviet) collaboration, which matches the first statement. In contrast, Bhilai Steel Plant was set up earlier in 1959.
• Bokaro receives its iron ore supply from the Barsua and Rourkela regions, aligning with the second statement. Bhilai, however, gets its iron ore from Dalli-Rajhara mines in Chhattisgarh.
• The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) supplies water and hydel power to the Bokaro region in Jharkhand. Bhilai, being in Chhattisgarh, is not covered by DVC, making this statement false for Bhilai.
• Since all three statements match only with the Bokaro Steel Plant.

Additional Information

• Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC):
• It is a government organization that provides hydel and thermal power to industries and municipalities in eastern India.
• DVC was established in 1948 and operates several dams, reservoirs, and power plants in the Damodar River basin.
• Steel Plants in India:
• India has several major steel plants, including Bhilai, Bokaro, Rourkela, and Durgapur, contributing significantly to the nation's steel production.
• Each plant has unique collaborations and sources for raw materials and energy.
• Russian Collaboration in Indian Steel Industry:
• The Soviet Union played a significant role in India's industrial growth, including the establishment of steel plants like Bhilai and Bokaro.
• This collaboration marked a milestone in Indo-Soviet relations during the mid-20^th century.
• Indian Steel Industry Overview:
• India is one of the largest producers of steel globally, with a well-established network of integrated steel plants and mini steel plants.
• The industry plays a crucial role in infrastructure development and economic growth.