With reference to the Central Indian landscape within the Deccan Peninsula Biogeographic Zone, consider the following statements:
1. The Central Indian landscape is characterized by a mosaic of dry and moist deciduous forests, crucial for Tiger conservation.
2. Protected areas like Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh form a vital network of habitats for megafauna in this biogeographic zone.
3. The region is characterized by a uniform, flat topography without any significant hill ranges or river valleys.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The region is a global stronghold for Tiger conservation, featuring famous parks like Kanha. Statement 3 is incorrect; Central India features highly varied topography, including major hill ranges like the Vindhyas and Satpuras, deeply dissected by river valleys like the Narmada and Tapti.
The 'Van’t Hoff’s Rule' in geomorphology explains why:
- Hard rocks weather slower than soft rocks.
- Erosion is faster in high-velocity rivers.
- Chemical weathering rates double or triple with every 10°C rise in temperature.
- Glacial movement depends on ice thickness.
Explanation: This rule highlights why tropical regions (hot and humid) experience vastly more aggressive chemical weathering than temperate zones.
Consider the following statements regarding Aerosols and their role in cloud condensation nuclei:
1. Volcanic eruptions, such as the 1991 Mount Pinatubo event, inject significant quantities of mineral dust into the stratosphere, which subsequently increases the global albedo through long-term ozone depletion.
2. The Twomey effect describes how an increase in aerosol concentration leads to larger droplet sizes, thereby increasing the precipitation efficiency of stratiform clouds.
3. Black carbon aerosols possess a high single-scattering albedo, which facilitates the cooling of the lower atmosphere by reflecting incoming shortwave solar radiation back into space.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because volcanic eruptions primarily inject sulfur dioxide, which forms sulfate aerosols that increase albedo by reflecting sunlight, rather than through ozone depletion. Statement 2 is false as the Twomey effect states that increased aerosol concentration leads to more, but smaller, cloud droplets, which increases cloud reflectivity and suppresses precipitation. Statement 3 is incorrect because black carbon has a very low single-scattering albedo; it strongly absorbs solar radiation, causing atmospheric warming rather than cooling.
With reference to the 'Sial' and 'Sima' layers, consider the following statements:
1. Sial is typically associated with the continental crust, while Sima is associated with the oceanic crust.
2. Sial is denser than Sima, which is why continents sit higher.
3. Sial stands for Silica and Aluminium, while Sima stands for Silica and Magnesium.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. Sial is *less* dense (approx. 2.7 g/cmÂł) than Sima (approx. 3.0 g/cmÂł). This density difference is why the denser oceanic crust (Sima) sinks lower into the mantle than the continental crust (Sial).
Consider the following statements regarding Metamorphic facies of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline:
1. The Vaikrita Group, representing the basal unit of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline, is defined by pre-Himalayan Precambrian metamorphic basement rocks that underwent pervasive blueschist facies metamorphism during the assembly of Gondwanaland.
2. Isotopic dating of zircon grains from the Higher Himalayan Crystalline reveals that the peak amphibolite facies metamorphism occurred during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 million years ago, preceding the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
3. Garnet-biotite geothermometry applied to the Higher Himalayan Crystalline samples typically yields peak metamorphic temperatures ranging between 550 and 700 degrees Celsius.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because garnet-biotite geothermometry in the Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC) consistently records peak metamorphic temperatures of 550-700°C, reflecting the Barrovian-type metamorphism associated with crustal thickening. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Vaikrita Group underwent high-grade amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism during the Cenozoic Himalayan orogeny, not Precambrian blueschist facies. Statement 2 is incorrect because the peak metamorphism of the HHC is syn-collisional, occurring during the Miocene (roughly 20-25 million years ago) due to crustal shortening, rather than the late Cretaceous.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of small-scale dams with watershed management:
1. The 1991 Watershed Development Fund was established by NABARD to provide low-interest loans for micro-irrigation, and the 2003 amendment shifted the fund's focus to the development of large-scale hydroelectric reservoirs.
2. The 2002 National Water Policy advocates for the privatization of small-scale irrigation tanks, and the 2012 policy update introduced a legal framework for private entities to manage watershed catchment areas.
3. The 1972 Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was designed to bridge the gap between irrigation potential and utilization, and the 1996 expansion of the program included the mandatory decommissioning of all small-scale check dams.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Watershed Development Fund (WDF) was established in 1999-2000 by NABARD, not 1991, and it focuses on participatory watershed development rather than large-scale hydroelectric reservoirs. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Water Policies of 2002 and 2012 emphasize community participation and the preservation of traditional water bodies, explicitly rejecting the privatization of small-scale irrigation tanks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Command Area Development Programme (CADP), launched in 1974-75, aims to optimize water use efficiency, and there is no policy mandate for the mandatory decommissioning of small-scale check dams; in fact, such structures are encouraged for groundwater recharge.
Consider: 1. Crossing the International Date Line from East to West adds a day. 2. The Prime Meridian passes through Paris.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Crossing the IDL westward means adding a day; however, the Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich (London), not Paris.
What is the wind circulation direction in a Northern Hemisphere anticyclone?
- Straight inward
- Counter clockwise
- Clockwise
- Straight outward
Explanation: In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects outward-flowing air to the right, creating a clockwise rotation around the high-pressure center.
Which climate is characterized by 'Warm Wet Summers' and 'Cool Dry Winters'?
- British Type
- Laurentian Type
- Mediterranean Type
- China Type
Explanation: The China Type (Warm Temperate Eastern Margin) features convective summer rains and relatively dry winters.
Why does the Arabian Sea branch strike the Western Ghats perpendicularly?
- Earth's tilt
- Magnetic pull
- Jet stream speed
- Coastline orientation
Explanation: The Western Ghats run North-South, directly intercepting the Southwest winds coming from the Arabian Sea.
Gneiss is a high-grade, distinctly banded metamorphic rock typically formed from?
- Granite
- Sandstone
- Shale
- Limestone
Explanation: When granite undergoes intense, high-grade metamorphism, its minerals separate into distinct alternating light and dark bands, forming gneiss.
Regarding Coalbed Methane (CBM), consider the following statements:
1. CBM is natural gas extracted directly from coal seams, consisting primarily of methane.
2. The extraction process of CBM strictly requires pumping water into the seam to increase the formation pressure.
3. The Damodar Valley coalfields hold significant geological potential for CBM exploration in India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect; extracting CBM requires depressurizing the coal seam by pumping water OUT of it, allowing the methane gas to detach and flow to the surface. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
The 'Child Sex Ratio' (0-6 years) in Census 2011 was recorded as:
Explanation: The Child Sex Ratio (CSR) saw a disturbing decline from 927 in 2001 to 919 in 2011, the lowest since Independence.
Which specific sub-mission of the Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to link remote manufacturing hubs directly to the main National Highway grid?
- Feeder Routes
- Coastal roads
- Economic corridors
- Expressways
Explanation: Feeder routes and inter-corridors are designed to ensure that smaller economic nodes, manufacturing hubs, and agricultural centers are seamlessly connected to the massive economic corridors.
Which state has the highest 'Sex Ratio' in its 'Rural' population?
- Tamil Nadu
- Chhattisgarh
- Kerala
- Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Kerala maintains the highest sex ratio across both rural and urban categories.
Which massive river empties its waters into the endorheic Caspian Sea?
- Ural River
- Dnieper River
- Don River
- Volga River
Explanation: The Volga River, the largest river in Europe in terms of discharge and watershed, drains into the enclosed Caspian Sea.
Which Russian canal connects the Caspian Sea basin to the Black Sea basin?
- Eurasia Canal
- Moscow Canal
- Volga Don Canal
- White Sea Canal
Explanation: The Volga-Don Canal connects the Volga River (which flows into the Caspian Sea) with the Don River (which flows into the Sea of Azov and Black Sea).
What is the primary cause of 'Thermohaline' circulation?
- Earthquakes
- Lunar phases
- Surface winds
- Density differences
Explanation: Thermohaline circulation is driven by differences in density, which are controlled by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline).
Consider the following statements regarding Piedmont zone sediment depositional processes:
1. The Bhabar zone is defined by the presence of fine-grained clay deposits, which facilitate the retention of surface water and support the dense, perennial vegetation observed in the northern Himalayan foothills.
2. The Pothwar Plateau, situated in the northwestern Piedmont zone, is characterized by extensive loess deposits that originated from the aeolian transport of glacial flour during the Holocene interglacial periods.
3. The Terai region, located immediately south of the Bhabar, exhibits a rise in the water table due to the reappearance of streams that had previously disappeared into the permeable sub-surface of the northern Piedmont zone.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Terai region acts as a resurgence zone where streams disappearing in the porous Bhabar belt reappear, creating marshy conditions. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bhabar zone is composed of coarse, highly permeable pebbles and boulders, not fine-grained clay, which causes surface streams to disappear underground. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the Pothwar Plateau features loess, these deposits are primarily associated with Pleistocene glacial activity rather than the Holocene interglacial periods.
The 'Samoyeds' and 'Lapps' are traditional inhabitants of which region?
- Savanna Region
- Taiga Region
- Tundra Region
- Steppe Region
Explanation: The Tundra is home to nomadic groups like the Samoyeds of Siberia and the Lapps (Sami) of Northern Europe.
The Makassar Strait connects the Celebes Sea to the Java Sea, separating Borneo from?
- Sulawesi
- New Guinea
- Sumatra
- Java
Explanation: The Makassar Strait is a major deep-water shipping route located in Indonesia, separating the large islands of Borneo and Sulawesi.
Which geomorphic agent is responsible for the formation of 'Inselbergs' and 'Mushroom Rocks'?
- Running Water
- Wind
- Glaciers
- Sea Waves
Explanation: Mushroom rocks (Pedestal rocks) and Inselbergs (though often initiated by water) are characteristic landforms shaped primarily by wind abrasion in arid regions.
The massive infrastructural master plan 'PM Gati Shakti' primarily aims to break silos and establish what?
- Multi modal connectivity
- Direct benefit transfers
- Rural electrification
- Universal health coverage
Explanation: PM Gati Shakti brings 16 ministries together to plan and execute projects cohesively, ensuring multi-modal connectivity (road, rail, air, water) for seamless logistics.
Regarding Toy Manufacturing Clusters in India, consider the following statements:
1. Koppal in Karnataka is being developed as India's first major integrated toy manufacturing cluster to boost domestic production and global exports.
2. Kondapalli toys, a famous geographical indication (GI) craft from Andhra Pradesh, are traditionally manufactured exclusively from imported industrial plastics.
3. The National Action Plan for Toys aims to reduce heavy import dependence and promote indigenous toy clusters centered around Indian culture, materials, and ethos.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Koppal is a major new initiative, and national policy focuses on indigenous development. Statement 2 is incorrect; Kondapalli toys are traditional handicrafts made from local softwood known as 'Tella Poniki', not industrial plastics.
The Wardha Valley coalfield is situated in:
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Telangana
- Maharashtra
Explanation: The Wardha Valley is the principal coal-bearing region in the state of Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements regarding The role of dark matter in galactic structure:
1. The Lambda-CDM model, which serves as the standard paradigm in modern cosmology, incorporates dark energy as a cosmological constant alongside cold dark matter to explain the observed expansion of the universe.
2. Cold Dark Matter (CDM) models suggest that dark matter particles move at non-relativistic speeds, facilitating the hierarchical structure formation of galaxies through gravitational collapse.
3. The Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) theory, proposed by Mordehai Milgrom in 1983, accounts for the observed galactic rotation curves by suggesting that dark matter particles undergo radioactive decay in high-density environments.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Lambda-CDM model uses the cosmological constant (Lambda) for dark energy and Cold Dark Matter to explain the universe's accelerated expansion and structure. Statement 2 is correct because CDM particles are slow-moving (non-relativistic), allowing them to clump together under gravity to form the 'scaffolding' for galaxies. Statement 3 is incorrect because MOND proposes a modification to Newton’s laws of motion at extremely low accelerations to explain rotation curves, rather than invoking radioactive decay of dark matter particles.
Regarding the Glass Industry Cluster in Uttar Pradesh, consider the following statements:
1. Firozabad is India's largest industrial cluster dedicated to the manufacturing of glass bangles, chandeliers, and decorative glassware.
2. The industry historically utilized locally available high-quality silica sand and later modernized by integrating natural gas supplied by the GAIL pipeline to reduce emissions.
3. The cluster is predominantly characterized by traditional, labor-intensive techniques operating within the unorganized MSME sector.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Firozabad is the "Glass City of India," relying on traditional MSME labor, local silica, and TTZ-mandated natural gas for its furnaces.
The amount of pressure exerted by water vapor molecules alone is called?
- Atmospheric pressure
- Partial pressure
- Dew pressure
- Vapor pressure
Explanation: Vapor pressure is the specific part of total atmospheric pressure contributed solely by water vapor molecules.
Consider the following statements regarding Glacial cirque formation and nivation processes:
1. Glacial plucking, or quarrying, is facilitated by the pressure-melting point of ice, which allows meltwater to penetrate bedrock joints at depths exceeding 50 meters, subsequently freezing to lift rock fragments during the Pleistocene epoch.
2. The formation of a bergschrund occurs during the summer ablation season, acting as a structural crevasse that separates the stagnant ice from the moving glacier, and it is the primary mechanism for the initial excavation of the cirque floor.
3. Nivation hollows often evolve into cirques through the accumulation of firn, a transitional state of snow that reaches a density of 0.4 to 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter before recrystallizing into glacial ice.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because pressure-melting occurs at the base of glaciers regardless of the epoch, and the 50-meter depth is not a universal threshold for plucking. Statement 2 is incorrect because while a bergschrund separates moving ice from stagnant ice, it is not the primary mechanism for the initial excavation; rather, nivation and freeze-thaw weathering are the drivers of cirque initiation. Statement 3 is incorrect because while nivation hollows can evolve into cirques, the density range provided for firn is inaccurate, as firn typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.83 g/cmÂł, but the statement misrepresents the evolutionary process by oversimplifying the transition as purely density-dependent.
S-waves cannot pass through which layer of the Earth?
- Crust
- Mantle
- Outer Core
- Inner Core
Explanation: The liquid state of the Outer Core creates a shadow zone for S-waves, as they cannot propagate through fluids.
'Sholas' are unique stunted tropical montane forests found in the...
- Western Himalayas
- Aravalli Range
- Nilgiri Hills
- Sundarbans
Explanation: Sholas are patches of evergreen tropical montane forests found in the high-altitude valleys of the Western Ghats.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of variable gases in greenhouse effect:
1. Carbon dioxide concentrations reached 420 parts per million in 2023, representing a significant increase from the pre-industrial level of approximately 280 parts per million recorded in the 18th century.
2. Methane, a variable greenhouse gas, has an atmospheric lifetime of about 12 years and possesses a global warming potential approximately 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year horizon.
3. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol identified six greenhouse gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which are variable gases with high global warming potential.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as atmospheric CO2 levels have risen from pre-industrial levels of ~280 ppm to over 420 ppm due to anthropogenic activities. Statement 2 is correct because methane has a shorter atmospheric residence time (~12 years) compared to CO2, yet its Global Warming Potential (GWP) is significantly higher, often cited as 28-30 times that of CO2 over a 100-year period. Statement 3 is correct as the Kyoto Protocol targeted six major greenhouse gases, including HFCs and SF6, which are potent synthetic variable gases with high global warming potentials.
Consider the following statements regarding Paleoclimatic signatures in Himalayan loess deposits:
1. The loess-paleosol sequences found in the Spiti Valley exhibit a high degree of stratigraphic correlation with the Chinese Loess Plateau, and the primary mechanism for dust transport in both regions is the East Asian Summer Monsoon.
2. In the Potwar Plateau, the loess deposits are characterized by high concentrations of volcanic glass shards, which were deposited during the Toba super-eruption approximately 74,000 years ago and serve as a regional marker horizon for the early Holocene.
3. The presence of specific terrestrial gastropod assemblages within the loess layers of the Ladakh region provides secondary evidence for moisture availability and local temperature variations during the Pleistocene.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because terrestrial gastropod assemblages in Ladakh serve as sensitive bio-indicators, reflecting paleoclimatic fluctuations in moisture and temperature during the Pleistocene. Statement 1 is incorrect because the primary driver for dust transport in the Spiti Valley is the Westerlies, not the East Asian Summer Monsoon, which is the dominant mechanism for the Chinese Loess Plateau. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Toba volcanic ash layer, while present in the Potwar Plateau, dates to approximately 74,000 years ago, which corresponds to the Late Pleistocene, not the early Holocene.
Consider the following statements regarding Bajada and pediment formation in arid environments:
1. In the Basin and Range province of the United States, the transition from a steep mountain slope to a pediment often occurs at a sharp break in slope known as the piedmont angle.
2. Pediments are characterized by deep, vertical soil profiles exceeding 10 meters in thickness, which are formed through the intensive chemical weathering of limestone bedrock in humid tropical climates.
3. A bajada is a depositional landform formed by the coalescence of several alluvial fans along the base of a mountain front in a desert basin.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the piedmont angle marks the distinct geomorphic transition between the steep mountain front and the gently sloping pediment surface. Statement 3 is correct because bajadas are extensive, coalesced alluvial fans that form a continuous apron of sediment along mountain bases in arid regions. Statement 2 is incorrect because pediments are erosional landforms typical of arid and semi-arid environments, characterized by a thin veneer of alluvium rather than deep, chemically weathered tropical soil profiles.
What is the latitude of the South Pole?
- 180° S
- 90° N
- 90° S
- 0°
Explanation: The South Pole is the southernmost point on the Earth's axis, located at 90° South latitude.
Regarding the 'Mahanadi' river system, which of the following statements is correct?
- Its basin is the most heavily used for irrigation in Peninsular India.
- It originates in the Maikal range of Madhya Pradesh.
- It forms the largest estuary on the East coast.
- The Seonath, Hasdeo, and Tel are its major tributaries.
Explanation: Mahanadi originates in Sihawa (Chhattisgarh). Its tributaries include Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong, and Tel. It forms a delta, not an estuary.
Consider the following statements regarding Karst topography in limestone landscapes:
1. The Ĺ kocjan Caves in Slovenia, inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1986, are characterized by the Reka River flowing through a subterranean canyon that reaches a maximum depth of 150 meters below the surface.
2. The Postojna Cave system in Slovenia, which spans approximately 24 kilometers, is formed primarily through the dissolution of Cretaceous limestone by the Pivka River.
3. The karst plateaus of the Causses in Southern France feature extensive lapies formations, which are small-scale solution grooves created by the rapid infiltration of glacial meltwater during the WĂĽrm glaciation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Postojna Cave system is a 24 km long network carved into Cretaceous limestone by the Pivka River. Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Ĺ kocjan Caves are a UNESCO site, the Reka River flows through a canyon reaching depths of over 200 meters, not 150 meters. Statement 3 is incorrect because lapies (or karren) are primarily formed by the chemical dissolution of limestone by rainwater and carbonic acid over long periods, rather than being created by glacial meltwater.
Which ocean has the highest number of deep-sea trenches?
- Southern Ocean
- Pacific Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Indian Ocean
Explanation: The Pacific contains about 22 major trenches out of roughly 30 found worldwide.
With reference to the sub-zones of the Himalayan Biogeographic Zone, consider the following statements:
1. The Western Himalayas have a relatively drier climate and a significantly greater representation of Mediterranean flora compared to the Eastern Himalayas.
2. The Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, is an endemic and critically endangered species entirely restricted to the Western Himalayan zone.
3. The Eastern Himalayas are characterized predominantly by extensive natural grasslands at lower altitudes rather than dense forests.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Western Himalayas receive less rain and host species like the Hangul. Statement 3 is incorrect; the lower altitudes of the Eastern Himalayas receive massive rainfall and are characterized by incredibly dense tropical and sub-tropical broadleaf forests, not open grasslands.
In the Indian Ocean, the direction of currents is completely reversed by...
- Monsoon winds
- Coral growth
- Tidal waves
- Equatorial counter-currents
Explanation: Unlike the Atlantic or Pacific, the North Indian Ocean currents change direction twice a year due to seasonal monsoon winds.
Which of the following describes the moisture content of the Northeast Monsoon?
- Highly humid
- Mostly dry
- Saturated
- Maritime only
Explanation: Since it blows from land to sea, the Northeast monsoon is generally dry, except where it crosses the Bay of Bengal.
Consider the following statements regarding biofortification and genetic modification in cereals:
1. Genetically modified (Bt) Wheat is currently the most widely cultivated food crop in India, extensively grown in the northwestern plains.
2. 'Golden Rice' is a genetically engineered variety designed to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible endosperm.
3. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has successfully developed conventionally biofortified wheat varieties rich in protein, iron, and zinc.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct; Golden Rice is GM for Vitamin A, and ICAR has released conventionally bred biofortified wheat (like WB 02). Statement 1 is incorrect; currently, no genetically modified food crop (including wheat) is legally permitted for commercial cultivation in India.
Consider the following statements regarding Red Soils:
1. The characteristic red colour of these soils is primarily due to the presence and wide diffusion of ferric oxides.
2. They are generally naturally rich in humus and highly suitable for water-intensive crops like sugarcane without fertilization.
3. They mostly develop on older crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks in areas of low rainfall.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Iron oxides give the red color, and they form on crystalline rocks in the Deccan. Statement 2 is incorrect; red soils are generally highly porous, lack moisture retention, and are extremely poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus, requiring heavy fertilization and irrigation for demanding crops.
Consider the following statements regarding Apparent solar path and analemma geometry:
1. The analemma takes a perfectly symmetrical teardrop shape because the Earth's orbital eccentricity is zero, causing the Sun to reach its highest point at the exact same solar time each day.
2. The shape of the analemma is a figure-eight because the Earth's orbital speed varies throughout the year while the axial tilt remains constant at approximately 23.44 degrees.
3. Perihelion occurs in early January, causing the Earth to move faster in its orbit, which influences the longitudinal shift of the Sun's position in the analemma.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the analemma is a figure-eight, not a teardrop, due to the Earth's non-zero orbital eccentricity and axial tilt. Statement 2 is correct as the figure-eight shape arises from the combination of the Earth's varying orbital speed (Kepler's Second Law) and its 23.44-degree axial tilt. Statement 3 is correct because Earth reaches perihelion in early January, where its increased orbital velocity causes the Sun to appear to 'lag' or 'lead' relative to mean solar time, creating the longitudinal width of the analemma.
Regarding Soil Conservation measures, consider the following statements:
1. Contour bunding involves constructing banks along contours to check the downward flow of water and soil.
2. Strip cropping involves planting alternate strips of different crops to reduce both wind and water erosion.
3. Shelterbelts are rows of trees planted to check wind movement and protect soils from erosion in desert and coastal areas.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Contour bunding, strip cropping, and shelterbelts are all effective agronomic and mechanical measures utilized for soil conservation.
Which minor plate is located in the Western Pacific, north of New Guinea?
- Nazca Plate
- Scotia Plate
- Caroline Plate
- Cocos Plate
Explanation: The Caroline Plate is a minor tectonic plate located north of New Guinea.
Consider the following statements regarding Barchan dune migration and sand budget analysis:
1. Aeolian saltation processes involve the trajectory of sand grains, and the impact of these grains on the stoss slope leads to the formation of ripples that migrate in the opposite direction of the dune body.
2. The Bagnold threshold velocity for sand grain entrainment is calculated based on fluid density, and laboratory experiments confirm that this threshold decreases significantly as the atmospheric pressure increases at higher elevations.
3. Transverse dunes are formed when sand supply is limited, and the interaction between these dunes and barchans often results in the formation of linear ridges during periods of high precipitation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because ripples migrate in the same direction as the dune body, driven by saltation on the stoss slope. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Bagnold threshold velocity increases, rather than decreases, with higher atmospheric pressure, as denser air requires more energy to initiate grain movement. Statement 3 is incorrect because transverse dunes form under conditions of abundant sand supply, and their interaction with barchans does not result in linear ridges due to precipitation, which typically stabilizes dunes rather than reshaping them into linear forms.
Which of the following describes the 'Dhar' in the context of the Punjab plains?
- Narrow steep-sided valleys in the Siwaliks
- A type of saline soil
- The floodplains of the Satluj
- Abandoned channels of the Indus
Explanation: Dhars are the older, abandoned courses or channels of the rivers in the Indus system, often found in the floodplains.
With reference to 'Slumping', the defining characteristic is:
- Movement of material along a curved slip plane with backward rotation.
- Fluid-like flow of debris.
- Slow, imperceptible movement due to freeze-thaw.
- Vertical fall of rock blocks.
Explanation: Slumping is a 'rotational slide'. The curved nature of the failure surface causes the top of the block to tilt backward toward the cliff.
What percentage of the world's population does India's population represent according to Census 2011?
Explanation: India accounts for 17.5% of the global population while occupying only 2.4% of the world's land area.
Arrange the following peaks of the Himalayas from East to West:
1. Namcha Barwa
2. Kanchenjunga
3. Nanda Devi
4. Mount Everest
Select the correct sequence:
- 4-2-1-3
- 3-4-2-1
- 1-2-4-3
- 1-4-2-3
Explanation: From East to West: Namcha Barwa (Arunachal/Tibet border), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim/Nepal), Mount Everest (Nepal/Tibet), and Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand).
Chiria in Jharkhand is famous for:
- Bauxite reserves
- Coal mines
- Copper deposits
- Iron ore
Explanation: Chiria holds one of India's largest and most significant untapped reserves of iron ore.
With reference to 'Maize' cropping patterns, consider the following statements:
1. Maize is strictly a Rabi crop in all parts of India and cannot survive the heavy rains of the Kharif season.
2. It is a highly versatile crop that is cultivated and utilized both as human food and animal fodder.
3. It grows well in older alluvial soil (Bangar) and requires moderate temperatures between 21°C to 27°C.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Maize is predominantly a Kharif crop in most parts of India, although in some states like Bihar, it is also successfully grown as a Rabi crop.
The 'Kabul' river joins the Indus near which historical place?
- Attock
- Mithankot
- Skardu
- Leh
Explanation: The Kabul river joins the right bank of the Indus at Attock in Pakistan.
What is the primary reason that tea estates historically and predominantly employ a large number of female laborers for plucking operations?
- Plucking demands nimble fingers and meticulous, gentle care
- Statutory requirement by the Tea Board of India
- Women are legally paid lower minimum wages in plantations
- Plucking requires less physical exertion than other tasks
Explanation: Plucking 'two leaves and a bud' requires great dexterity, patience, and a gentle touch to avoid bruising the tender leaves. Traditionally, women have been preferred for this highly specialized, labor-intensive task due to their nimble fingers.
What is currently the shortest National Highway in India?
- NH Forty Four
- NH One Eighteen
- NH Twenty Seven
- NH Forty Eight
Explanation: NH 118 (in Jharkhand) and NH 548 (in Maharashtra) are considered the shortest national highways in India, each measuring approximately 5 kilometers in length.
The Great Barrier Reef is primarily composed of which organism?
- Hard corals
- Mangrove roots
- Sponge colonies
- Kelp forests
Explanation: Hard (scleractinian) corals are the primary builders of the massive reef structures found in the Pacific.
Consider the following statements regarding Kutch-Kathiawar peninsula tectonic and saline marsh evolution:
1. The Allah Bund, a natural embankment formed during the 1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake, resulted in the upliftment of a 50-mile-long strip of land.
2. The Kathiawar Peninsula is characterized by the presence of the Girnar hills, which are composed of igneous rocks dating back to the late Cretaceous period.
3. The Rann of Kutch is a saline marshland formed by the recession of the Arabian Sea and the subsequent deposition of sediments by the Luni River and other ephemeral streams.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake created the 'Allah Bund,' a 50-mile-long natural embankment caused by crustal uplift. Statement 2 is correct because the Girnar hills are a prominent volcanic feature of the Kathiawar Peninsula, formed by intrusive igneous activity during the late Cretaceous period associated with the Deccan Traps. Statement 3 is correct as the Rann of Kutch originated from the recession of the Arabian Sea, transforming a shallow marine inlet into a saline marshland through the accumulation of sediments from ephemeral rivers like the Luni.
Consider the following statements regarding Polar Easterlies and cold air mass movement:
1. The boundary where the cold, dry Polar Easterlies meet the warmer, moist westerlies is known as the Polar Front, typically situated near 60 degrees latitude.
2. During the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, the Siberian High acts as a significant source region for cold air masses that influence the intensity of polar wind patterns.
3. The Polar Easterlies are generally shallower than the trade winds, often extending only 1 to 2 kilometers into the troposphere before encountering the polar jet stream.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Polar Front is a dynamic zone of convergence between cold polar air and warm tropical air, typically found between 50° and 60° latitude. Statement 2 is correct because the Siberian High is a massive semi-permanent anticyclone that develops over Eurasia in winter, serving as a primary source for frigid, dense continental polar air masses. Statement 3 is correct as the Polar Easterlies are characterized by shallow, cold air circulation that is capped by the tropopause or the polar jet stream, unlike the deeper, more expansive trade winds.
Which of the following atmospheric constituents has the greatest impact on the absorption of short-wave solar radiation?
- Carbon Dioxide
- Ozone
- Nitrogen
- Argon
Explanation: Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation (short-wave). Most other gases are transparent to short-wave radiation and only absorb long-wave radiation.