The latitudes that pass through Sikkim also pass through [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)

1. The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Beas
(b) Chenab
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutlej
Answer: (b)
2. The latitudes that pass through Sikkim also pass through [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Punjab
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: (a)
3. The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by humid climate with high temperature throughout the year.
Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) Paddy and cotton
(b) Wheat and Jute
(c) Paddy and Jute
(d) Wheat and cotton
Answer: (c)
4. Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
5. Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?  [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) Bhitarkanika
(b) Chandipur-on-sea
(c) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d) Simlipal
Answer: (a)
6. Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere Why?
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
7. What causes wind to defect toward left in the Southern hemisphere? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Temperature
(b) Magnetic field
(c) Rotation of the earth
(d) Pressure
Answer: (c)
8. What could be the main reason/reasons of the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt?
1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.
2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor
Answer: (a)
9. What is the correct rank order of towns on the basis of population (2001) size? [UPSC 2008]
(a) Greater Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai
(b) Greater Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore
(c) Kolkata, Greater Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad
(d) Delhi, Greater Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad
Answer: (b)
10.Bandipur Sanctuary is located in the State of
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (c)

Indian has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]

2.Indian has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) China
(d) Japan
Answer: (d)


3.Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
List I
List II
Famous Temple State
A. Vidyashankara temple
1. Andhra Pradesh
B. Rajarani temple
2. Karnataka
C. Kandariya Mahadeo temple
3. Madhya Pradesh
D. Bhimesvara temple
4. Orissa
Code:
(a) A - 2, B - 4, C - 3, D - 1
(b) A - 2, B - 3, C - 4, D - 1
(c) A - 1, B - 4, C - 3, D - 2
(d) A - 1, B - 3, C - 4, D - 2
Answer: (a)
4. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]

List I
List II  (Geographic feature) (Country)
A. Great Victoria Desert
1. Australia
B. Grand Canyon
2. Canada
C. lake Winnipeg
3. New Zealand
D. Southern Alps
4. USA
Code:
(a) A - 1, B - 2, C - 4, D - 3
(b) A - 1, B - 4, C - 2, D - 3
(c) A - 3, B - 2, C - 4, D - 1
(d) A - 3, B - 4, C - 2, D - 1
Answer: (b)
5. Name the State where density of population is the lowest [UPSC 2008]
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Mizoram
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Sikkim
Answer: (c)
6. Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Dilwara Temple
(b) Kalka-Shimla Railway
(c) Bhiterkanika Mangrove Area
(d) Visakhapatnam to Araku valley railway line
Answer: (b)
7. Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) It greatly increases the crop production
(b) It makes some soils impermeable
(c) It raises the water table
(d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water
Answer: (b)
8. Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War
(b) Its location between the Asian power of China and India
(c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period
(d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its pre-eminent maritime character
Answer: (d)
9. Tamil Nadu is a leading producers of mill – made cotton yarn in the country. What could be the reason? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State.
2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
10. The approximate representations of land use classification in India is [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Net area sown 25%; forests 33%; other areas 42%.
(b) Net area sown 58%; forests 17%; other areas 25%.
(c) Net area sown 43%; forests 29%; other areas 28%.
(d) Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%.
Answer: (d)

In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]

1.In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Montane Wet Temporate Forest
(b) Sub – tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
(d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
Answer: (c)

Consider the following countries:

1.Consider the following countries:
1. Switzerland
2. Malta
3. Bulgaria
Which of the above are members of European Union? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
2.Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area Well Known for
1. Bhiterkanika, Orissa — Salt Water Crocodile
2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hootak Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
3.Consider the following pairs: Organization
Location of Headquarters
1.Asian Development bank: Tokyo
2. Asia-pacific Economic Corporation :Singapore
3. Association of South East Asian nations :Bangkok
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b)
4.Consider the following pairs:
Automobile Manufacturer
Headquarters
1.MMW AG: USA
2.Daimler AG  :Sweden
3. Renault S. A. :France
4. Volkswagen AG : Germany Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer: (b)
5.Consider the following pairs:
Famous places
Country
1. Cannes :France
2. Davos :Denmark
3. Roland Garros : The Netherlands
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
6. Consider the following statements:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called ‘taxol’ is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
7.Consider the following statements:
1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation.
2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna.
3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
8. Following are the characteristics of an area in India:
1. Hot and humid climate.
2. Annual rainfall 200 cm.
3. Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 metres.
4. Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C.
Which one among the following crops are you most likely to find in the area described above? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Mustard
(b) Cotton
(c) Pepper
(d) Virginia tobacco
Answer: (c)
9. Identify the Indian State which has the lowest sex ratio [UPSC 2008]
(a) Haryana
(b) Punjab
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: (a)
10. If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India?
1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia.
2. Indo – gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils.
3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)

A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:

1.Which one of the following pairs of countries fought wars over a region called Ogaden? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Eritrea and Sudan
(b) Ethiopia and Somalia
(c) Kenya and Somalia
(d) Ethiopia and Sudan
Answer: (b)
2.Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Japan : Nikkei
(b) Singapore : Shcomp
(c) UK : FTSE
(d) USA : Nasdaq
Answer: (b)
3.A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
1. Warm and dry climate.
2. Mild and wet winter.
3. Evergreen oak trees.
The above features are the distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Mediterranean
(b) Eastern China
(c) Central Asia
(d) Atlantic coast of North America.
Answer: (a)
4.A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
5.A state in India has the following characteristics:
1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
2. Its central part produces cotton.
3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Karnataka
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (b)
6.Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export oriented industry in this field? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b)
7.As a result of their annual survey, the National Geographic Society and an international polling firm Globe Scan gave India top rank in Greendex 2009 score. What is this score? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) It is a measure of efforts made by different countries in adopting technologies for reducing carbon footprint?
(b) It is a measure of environmentally sustainable consumer behaviour in different countries.
(c) It is an assessment of programmes / schemes undertaken by different countries for improving the conservation of natural resources.
(d) It is an index showing the volume of carbon credits sold by different countries.
Answer: (b)
8.At which one of the following places do two important rivers of India originate, while one of them flows towards north and merges with another important river flowing towards Bay of Bengal, the other one flows towards Arabian Sea? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Amarkantak
(b) Badrinath
(c) Mahabaleshwar
(d) Nasik
Answer: (a)
9.Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?
1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
10.Cape Canaveral, the site from which space shuttles are launched is located on the coast of [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Florida
(b) Virginia
(c) North Carolina
(d) South Carolina
Answer: (a)

In the context of Indian wild life, the flying fox is a [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]

In the context of Indian wild life, the flying fox is a [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Bat
(b) Kite
(c) Stork
(d) Vulture
Answer: (a)
2.In India, which one of the following States has the largest inland saline wetland? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Gujarat
(b) Haryana
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: (d)
3.In which one of the following States has India's largest private sector sea port been commissioned recently? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Karnataka
(c) Kerala
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (a)
4.Consider the following countries:
1. Australia
2. Namibia
3. Brazil
4. Chile
Answer: (4)
Through which of the above does the Tropic of Capricorn pass? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)
5.Consider the following statements:
1. There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala.
2. There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
6.In India, the ports are categorized as major and non-major ports. Which one of the following is a non-major port? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Kochi (Cochin)
(b) Dahej
(c) Paradip
(d) New Mangalore
Answer: (b)
7.In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Nilgiri Hills
(b) Nicobar Islands
(c) Spiti Valley
(d) Lakshadweep islands
Answer: (b)
8.In which state is the Buddhist site Tabo Monastery located? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Sikkim
(d) Uttarakhand
Answer: (b)
9.Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Bhadrachalam
(b) Chidambaram
(c) Hampi
(d) Srikalahasti
Answer: (c)
10.When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Abundance of magnesium
(b) Accumulated humus
(c) Presence of ferric oxides
(d) Abundance of phosphates
Answer: (c)
11.Which among the following has the world's largest reserves of Uranium? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) Russian Federation
(d) USA
Answer: (a)
12.Which is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
13.Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca: [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Bali
(b) Brunei
(c) Java
(d) Singapore
Answer: (d)
14.Which one of the following is the appropriate reason for considering the Gondwana rocks as most important of rock systems of India? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) More than 90% of limestone reserves of India are found in them.
(b) More than 90% of India’s coal reserves are found in them.
(c) More than 90% of fertile black cotton soils are spread over them.
(d) None of the reasons given above is appropriate in this context.
Answer: (b)
15.Which one of the following pair sis not correctly matched? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
City River
(a) Berlin :Rhine
(b) London :Thames
(c) New York :Hudson
(d) Vienna :Danube
Answer: (a)
16.Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
Dam / Lake River
(a) Govind Sagar - Satluj
(b) Kolleru Lake - Krishna
(c) Ukai Reservoir - Tapi
(d) Wular Lake - Jhelum
Answer: (b)
17.Which one of the following rivers does not originate in India? [UPSC 2009 (CS-P)]
(a) Beas
(b) Chonab
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutlej
Answer: (d)
18.Which State of India has recorded the highest rate of population growth in the last census (2001)? [UPSC 2008]
(a) Gujarat
(b) Manipur
(c) Nagaland
(d) Haryana
Answer: (c)
19.With reference to the mineral sources of India, consider the following pairs:
Mineral 90% National Sources in
1. Copper — Jharkhand
2. Nickel — Orissa
3. Tungsten — Kerala
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
20.With reference to the river Luni, which one of the following statements is correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) It flows into Gulf of Khambhat.
(b) It flows into Gulf of Kuchchh.
(c) It flows into Pakistan and merges with a tributary of Indus.
(d) It is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kuchchh.
Answer: (d)