Prelims Wallah

Test Series
Test-516ofof40
40
Geography of India

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 1

Prelims Wallah Test 1.0 - 2025

Test 16 - Geography of India [PT24016]
1. Consider the following statements with 4. Consider the following statements:
reference to the west coast of India: 1. Sacred Groves refer to the systematic
1. It is both emergent and submergent. plantations of sacred trees by the local
2. It is dominated by the depositional people.
landforms. 2. Mundas and Santhals of Chota Nagpur
Which of the statements given above is/are Plateau worship tree species like Mahua
correct? and Kadamba.

(a) 1 only Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Consider the following passes in the North
Eastern region of India:
1. Jelep La 5. Mercury Island, featured in a documentary at
the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival,
2. Bomdi La
is located in which of the following
3. Bum La
countries?
Which one of the following is the correct (a) Namibia
sequence of the above-mentioned passes
(b) Sri Lanka
from West to East?
(c) Fiji
(a) 1-2-3
(d) Philippines
(b) 2-3-1
(c) 1-3-2
6. Consider the following countries:
(d) 2-1-3
1. Chad
2. Sudan
3. Which one of the following states has the
3. South Sudan
highest percentage of rural population as per
the 2011 Census? 4. Democratic Republic of the Congo

(a) Himachal Pradesh How many of the countries above, border the
Central African Republic?
(b) Odisha
(a) Only one
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Only two
(d) Bihar
(c) Only three
(d) All four
 2

7. Which of the following traditional water 11. With reference to nutrient content, which one
harvesting methods uses kuis or beris to of the following correctly describes the
access percolated rainwater in sandy soil? alluvial soils?
(a) Talab/Bandhis (a) Rich in nitrogen, poor in potassium
(b) Rich in phosphorus, poor in potash
(b) Saza Kuva
(c) Rich in potash, poor in phosphorus
(c) Paar system (d) Rich in magnesium, poor in calcium
(d) Johad
12. Which of the following ores has the highest
8. Which of the following rivers originates from iron content?
the Doon Valley and forms the border (a) Siderite
between India and Nepal? (b) Limonite
(a) Damodar (c) Hematite
(b) Kosi (d) Magnetite
(c) Son
13. Which among the following wetlands is
(d) Kali
situated at the confluence of the Beas and
Sutlej rivers?
9. Consider the following pairs: (a) Ropar Wetland
Types of farming State (b) Kanjli Wetland
(c) Nangal Wetland
1. Bewar Madhya Pradesh (d) Harike Wetland
2. Penda Andhra Pradesh
14. Consider the following statements:
3. Bringa Odisha 1. Kolleru Lake lies between the Kaveri
and Krishna river deltas.
4. Kuruwa Jharkhand 2. The Swarnamukhi River drains into the
How many of the above pairs are correctly Pulicat Lake.
matched? Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) Only one correct?
(b) Only two (a) 1 only
(c) Only three (b) 2 only
(d) All four (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
10. Which one of the following states does not
have any notified Scheduled Tribes as per the 15. With reference to Carbon Capture and
2011 Census? Storage technology, consider the following
statements:
1. Gujarat
1. The possible storage sites for carbon
2. Goa emissions include saline aquifers or
3. Punjab depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
4. Haryana 2. The United States was the first country
5. Bihar to utilise this technology.
Select the correct answer using the code Which of the statements given above is/are
given below: correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 2, 3 and 5 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 3

16. Consider the following statements: 20. Tussocky grass reaching up to 2 meters in
1. Bromeliads are special plants that store height as undergrowth is a characteristic of
water in their leaves. which type of forest?
(a) Tropical Thorn forests
2. Pineapple is an example of Bromeliad.
(b) Littoral forests
Which of the statements given above are
(c) Coniferous Forests
correct?
(d) Tropical Evergreen Forests
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 21. Arrange the following states in the
(c) Both 1 and 2 descending order of their population as per
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 the 2011 census:
1. Uttar Pradesh
2. West Bengal
17. Which one of the following is referred to as
3. Bihar
the ‘last biotic frontier’?
4. Maharashtra
(a) Polar ice caps 5. Andhra Pradesh
(b) Wetlands Select the correct answer using the code
(c) Mycorrhizae given below:
(d) Forest canopy (a) 1-3-4-5-2
(b) 1-4-3-2-5
18. With reference to Tropical Deciduous (c) 4-1-3-5-2
forests, consider the following statements: (d) 4-3-1-2-5
1. They are the most widespread forests in
22. Consider the following:
India.
1. Kameng
2. These forests can be found in the eastern 2. Teesta
slopes of the Western Ghats. 3. Subansiri
3. Shisham, Mahua, amla and Sandalwood 4. Dhansiri
are the main species of Dry Deciduous How many of the above are the tributaries of
forests. Brahmaputra which originate in India?
Which of the statements given above are (a) Only one
correct? (b) Only two
(a) 1 and 2 only (c) Only three
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) All four
(c) 1 and 3 only
23. Consider the following pairs:
(d) All of the above
City/Town River flowing by
19. Consider the following countries:
1. Ayodhya Gandak
1. Cambodia
2. Thailand 2. Lucknow Gomati
3. Vietnam
3. Badrinath Alaknanda
4. India
5. Singapore 4. Ujjain Shipra
How many of the above are part of the
How many of the above pairs are correctly
Mekong Ganga Cooperation? matched?
(a) Only two (a) Only one
(b) Only three (b) Only two
(c) Only four (c) Only three
(d) All five (d) All four
 4

24. Consider the following statements: 27. With reference to the 5th National Family
Health Survey (NFHS-5), consider the
1. All the Peninsular rivers are
following statements:
characterised by the absence of
meanders. 1. The overall sex ratio in India is better
than the sex ratio at birth.
2. The Narmada and Tapi rivers lack
2. The overall sex ratio in India is higher
alluvial and deltaic deposits.
in urban areas than in rural areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

28. Consider the following statements:

25. Consider the following pairs:
1. The Bhabhar region is characterised by
Rivers Glaciers the deposition of finer alluvial soil than
that of the Khadar region.
1. Indus Bokhar Chu 2. Terai region is not suitable for
agriculture.
2. Shyok Siachen 3. Bangar contains older alluvial deposits.
Which of the statements given above are
3. Teesta Machoi correct?
(a) 3 only
4. Nubra Zemu
(b) 2 and 3 only
How many of the above pairs are correctly (c) 1 and 2 only
matched? (d) None of the above
(a) Only one
(b) Only two 29. With reference to the iron ore reserves in
India, consider the following statements:
(c) Only three
1. Almost the entire production of iron in
(d) All four India comes from the haematite ore.
2. Nearly one-third of the total hematite
26. If you travel by road from Aizwal to Shimla, resources are located in Odisha.
what is the minimum number of States within 3. Noamundi mines are the major iron ore
India through which you have to travel, mines located in Odisha.
including the origin and the destination? How many of the statements given above are
(a) 6 correct?
(a) Only one
(b) 7
(b) Only two
(c) 8
(c) All three
(d) 9
(d) None
 5

30. Industries using weight-losing raw materials 33. Consider the following statements:
are usually located near the regions where
raw materials are located. In this context, 1. Sunderban regions of West Bengal
which of the following industries are based provide ideal conditions for utilising
on weight-losing raw materials? tidal energy.
1. Sugar mills
2. The eastern part of India has greater
2. Pulp industry
potential for the development of solar
3. Iron and steel industry
energy.
4. Copper smelting industries
5. Cotton industry 3. India does not have a suitable location
Select the correct answer using the code to harness geothermal energy.
given below:
Which of the statements given above are
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 5 only correct?
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (a) 1 only
(d) All of the above
(b) 2 only

31. Consider the following statements with (c) 1 and 2 only

reference to the retreating monsoon season:
(d) All of the above
1. During the retreat, clear skies dominate,
and temperatures rise.
2. Rainfall in this season is primarily due
to cyclonic depressions. 34. The term "Demographic Winter," recently
3. The Coromandel coast mainly gets its seen in the news, refers to which of the
rain during this season. following?
How many of the statements given above are (a) Decline in the working-age population
correct?
due to high emigration rates.
(a) Only one
(b) Only two (b) Fall in birth rates coupled with an
(c) All three ageing population.
(d) None
(c) A temporary rise in population due to a
baby boom after a crisis.
32. Consider the following statements regarding
Uranium and Thorium deposits in India: (d) A stable population growth rate with a
1. The world's largest thorium reserves are balanced age distribution
found in India.
2. Kazakhstan has the largest Uranium
reserves in the world. 35. Which of the following statements best
3. Both Uranium and Thorium are fissile describes the term “Social Capital” ?
substances and can be used directly in
nuclear reactors. (a) Financial investments in communities
How many of the above statements are
(b) The value derived from social networks
correct?
and relationships
(a) Only one
(b) Only two (c) The physical infrastructure of a society
(c) All three
(d) The level of technological advancement
(d) None
in a community
 6

36. With reference to the Currency Swap 39. With reference to the Andaman and Nicobar
Arrangement under the SAARC framework, Islands, consider the following statements:
consider the following statements: 1. The capital city of the Andaman &
Nicobar Islands is located in South
1. It provides long-term liquidity support Andaman.
in foreign exchange for member 2. The Ten Degree Channel separates
countries. Little Andaman and Great Andaman.
2. It aims to stabilise the currencies of 3. India’s southernmost point, Indira
SAARC nations against the US dollar. Point, is at the southern tip of Great
Nicobar.
3. The facility is available to all SAARC Which of the statements given above are
members except Pakistan. correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 1 and 2 only
correct? (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only 40. With reference to the passes of North India,
(d) None of the above consider the following statements:
1. The Karakoram Pass connects Ladakh
with Xinjiang province of China.
37. With reference to the geographical location 2. Banihal Pass, in the Shivalik Range,
of major lakes in India, which of the pairs held strategic importance for Mughal
given below is located closest to each other emperors during their Kashmir
in terms of longitude? campaigns.
Which of the statements given above are
(a) Chilika Lake and Kolleru Lake
correct?
(b) Sambhar Lake and Vembanad Lake (a) 1 only
(c) Loktak Lake and Pulicat Lake (b) 2 only
(d) Kolleru Lake and Vembanad Lake (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
38. Consider the following statements regarding
the drainage patterns of rivers in India: 41. With reference to the geological features of
Peninsular India, consider the following
1. Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery are statements:
some of the consequent rivers of 1. The Deccan Plateau is predominantly
Peninsular India. composed of basaltic lava flows.
2. Chambal and Son are examples of 2. The Western Ghats are younger than the
subsequent rivers. Eastern Ghats but are taller due to recent
tectonic uplift.
3. The drainage system of the Indus River
3. The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats
follows a dendritic pattern.
surpasses the height of the highest peak
Which of the statements given above are in the Western Ghats.
correct? Which of the statements given above are
(a) 1 only correct?
(b) 2 only (a) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
(d) All of the above
 7

42. Consider the following statements with 45. Arrange the following eastward-flowing
reference to the Seine River: rivers of India from North to South.
1. It flows through Paris. 1. Brahmani
2. It empties into the Bay of Biscay. 2. Subarnarekha
3. It is a flood-prone river. 3. Pennar
How many of the statements given above are 4. Baitarani
correct?
5. Vaigai
(a) Only one
Select the correct answer using the code
(b) Only two
given below:
(c) All three
(a) 2-4-1-3-5
(d) None
(b) 2-1-4-5-3

43. Consider the following statements with (c) 2-1-4-3-5

respect to the forest resources in India as per (d) 1-2-4-3-5
India State of Forest Report 2021:
1. India accounts for approximately 25% 46. With reference to Project Nexus, consider the
of its geographical area under forest following statements:
cover.
1. It's an initiative of the Bank for
2. Madhya Pradesh has the highest forest International Settlements.
cover in India.
2. The initiative aims to enable instant
3. Meghalaya has the highest percentage
cross-border retail payments.
of forest area.
3. India is not a part of this initiative.
4. All the northeastern states have
experienced an increase in forest cover. How many of the above statements are
correct?
Which of the statements given above are
incorrect? (a) Only one
(a) 2 and 4 only (b) Only two
(b) 2 and 3 only (c) All three
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
47. With reference to astronomical events,
44. Consider the following statements about the consider the following statements:
demographic dividend: 1. A nova explosion occurs in a binary
1. The Economic Survey 2018-19 predicts system consisting of a white dwarf and
the dividend will peak around 2041. a main sequence star.
2. India’s demographic dividend window 2. A supernova results in the production of
is projected to be longer than China’s. elements heavier than iron.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
correct?
(a) Only 1
(a) 1 only
(b) Only 2
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

 8

48. With reference to Wolbachia bacteria, 51. Consider the following statements with
consider the following statements: reference to the State of Food Security and
Nutrition in the World report:
1. Wolbachia bacteria naturally occur in
50% of insect species and manipulate 1. It is published by the United Nations.
the sex ratio to produce more females. 2. The recent report shows that a larger
proportion of India's population lacks
2. Encarsia Formosa wasps, manipulated access to a healthy diet compared to the
by Wolbachia, are used in the biological South Asian average.
control of whiteflies. Which of the statements given above is/are
3. Wolbachia is transmitted to offspring by correct?
both male and female insects. (a) 1 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
52. Consider the following statements with
(d) All of the above respect to weather in India:
1. The northern branch of the Sub-Tropical
49. Consider the following statements: Westerly Jet Streams significantly
impacts the weather in winter.
1. Chloramphenicol and nitrofurans are
antiviral drugs. 2. A rise in night temperatures typically
signals an earlier arrival of western
2. These drugs are banned for use in food- cyclone disturbances.
producing animals in India. 3. Mahawat is a term that is used to
Which of the statements given above is/are describe a small amount of winter
correct? rainfall.
(a) 1 only Which of the statements given above are
correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above
50. Arrange the following mountain peaks
according to their location from north to 53. Consider the following statements regarding
south: Natural Gas in India:
1. Malaygiri 1. In India, Natural Gas is found mainly in
the Northern states of Punjab and
2. Mullayanagiri
Haryana.
3. Mahendragiri
2. The Fertilizer sector is the largest
4. Shevroy consumer of Natural Gas in India.
5. Anaimudi 3. Limited private sector investment is the
Select the correct answer using the code major constraint in the production of
given below: Natural gas in India.
How many of the statements given above are
(a) 1-2-3-4-5
correct?
(b) 1-3-2-4-5 (a) Only one
(c) 3-1-2-5-4 (b) Only two
(d) 2-1-3-4-5 (c) All three
(d) None
 9

54. Consider the following statements: 57. Where is the famous "Hide and Seek Beach,"
1. About one-fourth of the total cropped known for its disappearing shoreline during
area in the country is under rice low tide, located in Odisha?
cultivation.
(a) Puri
2. India is the largest producer of pulses in
the world. (b) Chandipur
3. Jowar is sown in both kharif and rabi (c) Konark
seasons in southern states
(d) Gopalpur

Which of the statements given above are

correct? 58. Consider the following statements with
(a) 1 only reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole:
(b) 2 only
1. It is the difference in subsurface
(c) 1 and 2 only
temperature of the eastern Indian Ocean
(d) All of the above
and the western Pacific Ocean.
2. Its positive value is not good for
55. Consider the following statements:
monsoon in India.
1. Peaty soils are primarily found in areas
with heavy rainfall and poor drainage. Which of the statements given above is/are
2. Forest soil texture varies, with loamy incorrect?
and silty soils on valley sides and (a) 1 only
coarse-grained soils on upper slopes.
3. Laterite soils develop in areas with high (b) 2 only
temperatures and high rainfall. (c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above are
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only 59. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Janjati
(c) 1 and 3 only Unnat Gram Abhiyan, consider the following
(d) All of the above statements:
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme that
56. Consider the following statements with covers the tribal-dominated areas and
respect to the Fertilizer industry in India: aspirational districts.
1. Natural gas availability plays a key role
in deciding the location of the nitrogen- 2. It aims to increase the political
based fertiliser industry. participation of tribals in Panchayati Raj
2. Rock Phosphate, a key component of Institutions.
the fertiliser industry, is largely Which of the statements given above is/are
imported. correct?
Which of the statements given above is/ are
(a) 1 only
correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 10

60. Consider the following statements with 62. Consider the following pairs:
reference to the Shanghai Cooperation
Type of Port Description
Organisation (SCO):
1. Packet Station They transport
1. Its headquarters is located in Tashkent.
passengers and mail
2. The 24th summit of Heads of State was across water bodies
covering short
held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
distances.
3. Belarus became the first exclusively
European country to join this 2. Port of Call These are collection
centres where the
organisation.
goods are brought
4. Qingdao was designated as the tourism from different
countries for export.
and cultural capital of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) for 3. Entrepot Ports These are the deep
2024–2025 water ports that are
built away from the
Which of the statements given above are actual ports.
correct?
How many of the pairs given above are
(a) 1 and 2 only
correct?
(b) 1 and 3 only (a) One only

(c) 2 and 4 only (b) Two only

(c) All three
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) None

61. Consider the following statements with 63. Scareware, a type of malware, primarily uses
reference to urban macrocephaly: which of the following techniques to deceive
users?
1. This refers to the overconcentration of
(a) Social engineering
population and development in a
(b) Brute force attacks
country's main city.
(c) Phishing emails
2. It is an evident feature of urban systems (d) Keylogging
in most of the developed countries.

Which of the statements given above is/are 64. India’s first overseas Jan Aushadhi Kendra
incorrect? (JAK) was inaugurated in which of the
following countries?
(a) 1 only (a) Sri Lanka
(b) 2 only (b) Mauritius

(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Maldives

(d) Seychelles
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 11

65. Consider the following statements with 68. Consider the following pairs:
reference to the distribution of mineral
Lake Type State
resources in India:
1. Most of the metallic minerals in India 1. Dal Lake Saltwater Jammu and
occur in the peninsular plateau region in Kashmir
the old crystalline rocks.
2. Most of the coal reserves of India occur 2. Loktak Freshwater Manipur
in the valleys of Narmada. Lake
3. Petroleum reserves are located in the 3. Wular lake Freshwater Ladakh
sedimentary basins of Assam, Gujarat
and Mumbai High. 4. Tsomgo Saltwater Sikkim
How many of the above statements are Lake
correct?
5. Tamdil Freshwater Mizoram
(a) Only one
Lake
(b) Only two
(c) All three How many of the pairs given above are
(d) None correct?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
66. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) Only four
cold waves in India:
(d) All five
1. Coastal areas suffer cold waves when
the minimum temperature is 15°C or 69. Consider the following statements with
less, and the negative departure from the respect to the tea crop:
minimum is 4.5 °C. 1. More than 50% of the total tea-cropped
2. Cold waves in India are influenced by area is in Assam.
Western disturbances and Arctic 2. It is also cultivated on the lower slopes
amplification. of Nilgiri hills.
3. Prevailing El-Nino conditions over the 3. India is the second largest producer of
Equatorial Pacific Ocean result in tea in the world.
severe cold wave days in Northwest How many of the statements given above are
India. correct?
Which of the statements given above are (a) Only one
correct? (b) Only two
(a) 1 and 3 only (c) All three
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) None
(c) 1 and 2 only
70. With reference to Amoebic
(d) All of the above Meningoencephalitis, consider the following
statements:
67. Consider the following mountain peaks: 1. It is caused by free-living amoebas
1. Nag Tibba found only in freshwater.
2. Mansalu 2. It is a lethal central nervous system
3. Nanda Devi infection.
3. A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is a
4. Kamet
primary diagnostic tool for this disease.
How many of the above peaks are part of the
Which of the statements given above are
Great Himalayas?
correct?
(a) Only one (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only two (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Only three (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All four (d) All of the above
 12

71. With reference to the Women 75. Which of the following statements best
Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), consider describes "dark oxygen"?
the following statements:
(a) Oxygen that is chemically altered to
1. It is incubated under the Ministry of
absorb light and appear dark.
Women and Child Development.
2. It is a public-private partnership (b) Oxygen produced during
platform to create an enabling photosynthesis in the absence of light.
ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in (c) Oxygen produced at the abyssal sea
India. floor without photosynthesis.
Which of the statements given above is/are (d) None of the above
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 76. In which of the following countries is the
(c) Both 1 and 2 Leang Karampuang cave situated?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) Vietnam
(b) Indonesia
72. With reference to the Zorawar tank, consider (c) China
the following statements:
(d) Myanmar
1. It is designed for high-altitude warfare.
2. It is jointly developed by DRDO and the
Indian Army. 77. Consider the following statements with
Which of the statements given above is/are reference to Mica:
correct? 1. Mica can be found in all three major
(a) 1 only rock varieties- igneous, sedimentary and
(b) 2 only metamorphic.
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. Kodarma district of Jharkhand is
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
famous worldwide for mica.
73. Which of the following statements is correct 3. India has the largest reserves of mica in
about a moss called Syntrichia Caninervis? the world.
(a) It is capable of surviving Mars-like Which of the statements given above is/ are
conditions and could be a pioneer correct?
species for colonising Mars. (a) 1 only
(b) It is commonly found in saltwater
(b) 2 and 3 only
environments across the globe.
(c) It is a flowering vascular plant found (c) 1 and 2 only
primarily in moist-shady regions. (d) All of the above
(d) It is restricted to temperate regions and
cannot survive harsh environments.
78. Consider the following statements with
respect to the rubber crop:
74. Consider the following statements regarding
the Mashco Piro tribe: 1. Rich well drained alluvial or laterite
1. It is a tribe of the Amazon region. soils are ideal for its cultivation.
2. It has well-established economic ties 2. Kerala accounts for about 75% of the
with the outside population. country’s total rubber output.
Which of the statements given above is/are Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 13

79. Consider the following statements with 82. With reference to the "Biodiversity Beyond
respect to the Meghalayan Plateau: National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement",
1. It is separated from the Rajmahal hill via consider the following statements:
a fault called the Malda gap. 1. It is a legally binding treaty under the
United Nations Convention on the Law
2. It is a mineral-deficient region.
of the Sea.
3. It is an extension of the peninsular
2. It aims to ensure fair and equitable
plateau.
sharing of benefits from marine genetic
How many of the statements given above are resources.
correct? Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) Only one correct?
(b) Only two (a) 1 only
(c) All three (b) 2 only
(d) None (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

80. The Moidams of Assam were inscribed on

83. Consider the following statements about
UNESCO’s World Heritage List in the year
Araku Coffee:
2024 in which of the following categories?
1. It is grown in the hilly regions of
(a) Natural heritage
Karnataka.
(b) Cultural heritage 2. It has been allotted a Geographical
(c) Mixed heritage Indication (GI) tag.
(d) Archaeological heritage 3. The climatic condition of warm days
and cold nights enhances its quality.
Which of the statements given above are
81. Consider the following pairs:
correct?
Name of the local storm State (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
1. Blossom Shower Kerala (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) All of the above
2. Mango Shower Tamil Nadu

84. Consider the following statements with

3. Bardoli Chheerha West Bengal
respect to LI-Fi:
4. Kalbaisakhi Assam 1. It uses visible light for wireless
communication.
How many of the pairs given above are 2. It is unsuitable for underwater
correct? communication.
(a) Only one Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(b) Only two
(a) 1 only
(c) Only three
(b) 2 only
(d) All four (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 14

85. With reference to "Biomass Briquettes", 88. Consider the following statement with
consider the following statements: reference to Mito disease:
1. It is a a group of diseases that affect
1. These are the compact blocks of organic
mitochondria's capacity to produce
material. energy.
2. These are carbon neutral. 2. It can not be cured.
Which of the statements given above is/are Which of the statements given above is/are
incorrect?
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 89. Consider the following statements with
reference to Shola forests:
1. These are deciduous forests found in
86. Consider the following statements regarding
some of the states of Southern India.
Inverse Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): 2. Himalayan plants like rhododendrons
1. These profit from a decline in the value occur in these forests.
of an underlying benchmark. 3. These can be found in the upper reaches
of the Anamalai hills.
2. These are designed for long-term
Which of the statements given above are
holding periods. correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 2 only
correct? (b) 3 only
(a) 1 only (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 90. The Mahadayi River is associated with which
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 of the following protected areas?
(a) Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
(b) Mollem National Park
87. Consider the following statements with (c) Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
reference to Denisovans: (d) All of the above
1. Their remains have been found in
91. Consider the following pairs:
Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan
Plateau. Place Location
2. They are considered ancestors of homo 1. O’Valley Tamil Nadu
heidelbergensis.
3. Their extent was restricted to the region 2. Yankti Kuti Valley Himachal Pradesh
of Europe.
3. Sigur Plateau Andhra Pradesh
How many of the statements given above are
correct? 4. Hasdeo Aranya Jharkhand
Region
(a) Only one
How many of the pairs given above are
(b) Only two
correctly matched?
(c) All three (a) Only one
(d) None (b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
 15

92. With reference to the Ports of India, consider 95. Which community's marriage ceremonies are
the following options: legally recognised under the Anand Marriage
1. Kakinada Port Act?
2. Nagapattinam Port (a) Parsi
3. Visakhapatnam Port (b) Sikh
4. V.O.Chidambaranar Port (c) Jain
Which one of the following is the correct (d) Christian
sequence of the above ports from north to
south?
96. Consider the following statements with
(a) 3-1-2-4
reference to the tropic of cancer and the states
(b) 3-2-1-4
through which it passes:
(c) 1-3-2-4
1. The capital of Jharkhand is the closest
(d) 1-2-3-4
capital city to it.
2. The capital of Tripura is situated south
93. With reference to Article 341 of the Indian
of it.
Constitution, consider the following
statements: 3. The shortest length of it is in Rajasthan.
1. The Parliament, by law, declares certain How many of the statements given above are
castes as Scheduled Castes in a state or incorrect?
union territory. (a) Only one
2. State governments have the authority to (b) Only two
amend the Scheduled caste list (c) All three
pertaining to their respective states.
(d) None
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only 97. Consider the following pairs:
(b) 2 only Mountain Range Description
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Patkai Bum Forms border
between Myanmar
94. Consider the following pairs: and Arunachal
Pradesh
Name of the Hill Location
station
2. Manipur Hills Separate Manipur
1. Ooty Nilgiri Hills and Nagaland

2. Kodaikanal Annamalai Hills 3. Naga Hills Form watershed

3. Munnar Palani Hills between India and
Myanmar
4. Nainital Shiwalik
Which of the pairs given above are correct? Which of the pairs given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above (d) All of the above
 16

98. What does "Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)" 100. Consider the following statements with
refer to? reference to Sarpagandha
(a) A malicious software attack on 1. It is a vital drug in Ayurveda that is
computer systems. specifically used to cure cold and cough.
(b) It is an error screen displayed on 2. It is found in abundance in India.
Windows operating systems after a Which of the statements given above is/are
system crash or critical error. correct?
(c) A hardware failure in a computer’s (a) 1 only
motherboard. (b) 2 only
(d) A software update that permanently (c) Both 1 and 2
disables the system.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

99. Consider the following statements with

respect to the Somali jet stream:
1. It is a high-altitude jet stream that forms
during the summer season.
2. It directs monsoon winds towards India.
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


 1

Prelims Wallah Test 1.0 - 2025

Test 16 - Geography of India [PT24016]

1. A 26. A 51. C 76. B

2. C 27. A 52. C 77. D
3. A 28. A 53. B 78. C
4. B 29. B 54. D 79. B
5. A 30. C 55. D 80. B
6. D 31. C 56. C 81. A
7. C 32. A 57. B 82. C
8. D 33. A 58. C 83. B
9. D 34. B 59. A 84. A
10. B 35. B 60. D 85. C
11. C 36. D 61. B 86. A
12. D 37. B 62. A 87. A
13. D 38. D 63. A 88. D
14. B 39. C 64. B 89. D
15. C 40. A 65. B 90. D
16. C 41. B 66. C 91. A
17. D 42. A 67. C 92. A
18. A 43. D 68. A 93. D
19. C 44. C 69. C 94. A
20. A 45. A 70. B 95. B
21. B 46. B 71. B 96. A
22. C 47. C 72. A 97. B
23. C 48. A 73. A 98. B
24. B 49. D 74. A 99. B
25. B 50. B 75. C 100. D
 2

1. Ans: A Bum La, a border pass between Tibet

Exp: (China) and Tawang district in Arunachal
The west coast of India stretches from the Gulf Pradesh, India, holds strategic significance
of Cambay (Khambhat) to Cape Comorin due to its proximity to the India-China-
(Kanniyakumari). From north to south, it is Bhutan tri-junction. It was a key
divided into the Konkan coast, Karnataka battleground during the 1962 Sino-Indian
coast, and Kerala (Malabar) coast. The Kerala War and remains an area of military
coast is known for its lakes, lagoons, and interest today.
backwaters, the largest being Vembanad Lake.
The high rocky west coast of India has
irregular coastlines with drowned rivers,
forming fjord-like features. The hillsides drop
sharply into the water, with erosion
dominating and few depositional landforms.
The east coast of India is a low sedimentary
coast. Depositional forms dominate the east
coast. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The coastline of emergence forms due to
land uplift or sea level lowering, while
submergence occurs due to opposite Map: Mountain Passes in Northeast India
factors.
Features of emergence include bars, spits,
lagoons, salt marshes, beaches, sea cliffs, 3. Ans: A
and arches. The Tamil Nadu (Coromandel) Exp:
coast is a coastline of emergence, as is the
The vast majority of the population of India has
Kerala (Malabar) coast. The Konkan coast,
always lived in rural areas, and that continues
however, is a coastline of submergence.
to be true. According to the Census of India
The west coast of India shows both
2011, still more people are living in rural areas
characteristics: the northern part is
submerged due to faulting, while the but the population of urban areas has increased.
southern part is emergent. Hence, Now 68.8% of the population lives in rural
statement 1 is correct. areas while 31.2% of people live in urban
areas. As per the 2011 Census of India, the
2. Ans: C state with the highest share of rural
Exp: population was Himachal Pradesh
Jelep La, a mountain pass in the eastern (89.97%). Other states with a prominent share
Himalayas on the India-Tibet border, is of rural population include are -
strategically important for trade and Bihar - 88.71%
cultural exchange. Located in Sikkim, it
Assam - 85.90%
historically served as a key route on the
Old Silk Route, connecting India and Odisha - 83.31%
China. Uttar Pradesh - 77.73%
Bomdi La, a mountain pass in Arunachal
In terms of absolute figures, the highest rural
Pradesh, India, is located in a mountainous
population resides in the state of Uttar Pradesh
region and holds local importance for
(155,317,278) followed by Bihar (92,341,436).
connectivity and travel within the state.
 3

4. Ans: B New Zealand also has a group of islands

Exp: known as the Mercury Islands.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Sacred Groves are
the tracts of virgin forests that are left 6. Ans: D
untouched by the local inhabitants and are Exp:
protected by the local people due to their
Central African Republic is a landlocked
culture and religious beliefs. Sacred groves
country located in the centre of Africa. The
are relic vegetation of once dominant flora.
capital city of Bangui, founded as a French
They are repositories of our rich biodiversity;
trading post in 1889, sprawls on the banks of
they are also the last bastion where the rich
culture and the customs of the indigenous the Ubangi River. The Central African
people are still preserved. Republic is roughly the size of France and is
bordered by:
Statement 2 is correct: Certain societies
revere a particular tree that they have preserved Chad to the north
from time immemorial. The Mundas and the Sudan and South Sudan to the north and
Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship east
Mahua (Bassia latifolia) and Kadamba Democratic Republic of the Congo
(Anthocaphalus cadamba) trees, and the Republic of the Congo to the south
tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship the
Cameroon to the west.
tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango
(Mangifera indica) trees during weddings. The capital, Bangui, is situated on the southern
Peepal and banyan trees are also considered boundary, formed by the Ubangi River, a
sacred. tributary of the Congo River.
Additional Information:
The sacred groves are found in Himachal
Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Bihar,
Meghalaya and Maharashtra.
Shipin in Himachal Pradesh is believed to
be the largest deodar grove.
The groves in Maharashtra are called
devrais.
Umang Lai (sacred grove) is found in
Manipur. The Festival of Lai Haraoba is
celebrated especially in regard to these
holy sacred groves.

5. Ans: A
Exp: A documentary film on the conservation
of Mercury Island premiered at the 18th
Map: Central African Republic
Mumbai International Film Festival.
About Mercury Island
7. Ans: C
Mercury Island is a small, rocky island
located in the Atlantic Ocean off Exp:
Namibia's diamond coast. Hence, option Paar is a common water harvesting
A is correct. practice in the western Rajasthan
region. It is a common place where the
Recognized as an Important Bird Area
rainwater flows from the agar (catchment)
(IBA) by BirdLife International, it is one of and in the process percolates into the sandy
three key coastal seabird-breeding islands soil. To access the Rajani pani
along the Namibian coast.
 4

(percolated water) kuis or beris are dug Origin: North of Mount Everest in Tibet
in the agor (storage area). Kuis or beris where its mainstream Arun rises
are normally 5 metres (m) to 12 m deep. Joined by Son Kosi (West) and Tamur
The structure was constructed through Kosi (East) after crossing the Central
traditional masonry technology. Hence, Himalayas in Nepal, forms Sapt Kosi after
option C is correct. uniting with Arun.
Talab/Bandhis: Reservoirs, natural or
human-made, are called talabs. They play Son
a crucial role in irrigation and drinking
Origin: Amarkantak plateau
purposes, with smaller ones referred to as
talai and medium-sized lakes as bandhi or Tributaries: Rihand, North Koel
talab. Hence, option A is incorrect. Near Arrah, located to the west of Patna, it
Saza Kuva: An open well with multiple joins Ganga.
owners, saza kuva is a vital source of Damodar
irrigation in the Aravalli hills, The Damodar River flows along the
employing traditional water-lifting devices eastern margins of the Chotanagpur
and buffalo-powered mechanisms. Hence, Plateau through a rift valley before joining
option B is incorrect. Hugli River.
Johad: Small earthen check dams, Tributary: Barakar
known as johads, capture and conserve It is known as “sorrow of Bengal” due to
rainwater, leading to significant its frequent flooding.
improvements in percolation and
groundwater recharge in regions like 9. Ans: D
Alwar district, Rajasthan. Hence,
Exp:
option D is incorrect.
Primitive Subsistence Agriculture involves
Pat: The unique pat system in Bhitada
shifting cultivation which requires clearing
village, Madhya Pradesh, involves
vegetation with fire, which adds soil fertility.
diverting water from hill streams into
irrigation channels called pats, requiring Name of Shifting
State
constant maintenance and collaborative Cultivation
efforts from the community. North east Jhumming
Manipur Pamlou
8. Ans: D
Chhattisgarh and
Exp: Andaman and Dipa
The Kali River originates from the Doon Nicobar
Valley in the western part of Uttarakhand. The
Madhya Pradesh Bewar or Dahiya
river is named Kali possibly because of the
colour of the river water that is black in colour. Andhra Pradesh Podu or Penda
It forms the border between India and Pama Dabi or Koman
Nepal, draining both Eastern Kumaon and Odisha
or Bringa
Western Nepal. The Kali is fed by glaciers,
Western Ghats Kumari
some of which lie in Nepal and others in the
Kali valley adjoining Lipulekh. Its many Rajasthan Valre or Waltre
tributaries include Saryu, Gori, Kuti, Dhauli
Himalayan belt Khil
East and Ramganga East. Saryu is the largest
tributary, which rises in the northwest area of Jharkhand Kuruwa
Baijnath in Central Kumaon. Further, shifting cultivation is also identified
Additional Information: differently at global level - For example, Milpa
Kosi River in Central America/Mexico, Ladang in
It is an antecedent river Indonesia/ Malaysia, Conuco in Venezuela,
Roca in Brazil, Masole in Central Africa, Ray
in Vietnam etc.
 5

potash, and deficient in phosphorus,

10. Ans: B nitrogen, and organic matter.
Exp: Red and yellow soil is generally deficient
As per Article 366(25) of the Indian in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus.
Constitution, "Scheduled Tribes" refers to Laterite soil lacks organic matter, nitrogen,
tribes, tribal communities, or groups within phosphate, and calcium. It is abundant in
them that are recognized as Scheduled Tribes iron oxide and potash.
under Article 342 for the purposes of the Arid soil lacks moisture, humus and
Constitution. Article 342 states that the organic matter. It is insufficient nitrogen
President may, by public notification, and normal phosphate content.
designate tribes or tribal communities, or Saline soil is deficient in nitrogen and
groups within them, as Scheduled Tribes in calcium. A high proportion of sodium,
relation to any State or Union Territory. In the potassium, and magnesium is present.
case of a State, this must be done after
consulting the Governor.
12. Ans: D
No community has been specified as a
Exp:
Scheduled Tribe in relation to the States of
Iron ore is the basic mineral and the backbone
Haryana and Punjab and the Union
of industrial development. India is endowed
Territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, and
with fairly abundant iron ore resources and is
Puducherry. Hence, options 3 and 4 are
rich in good-quality iron ores.
correct.
Magnetite is the finest iron ore, with a
The largest number of tribal communities
very high iron content—up to 70 per
are found in Madhya Pradesh, followed by
cent. It has excellent magnetic qualities,
Odisha.
making it especially valuable in the
electrical industry.
11. Ans: C
Hematite ore is the most important
Exp: industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity
Alluvial soil is a type of soil that is formed by used but has a slightly lower iron content
the deposition of sediments carried by rivers, than magnetite (50-60 per cent).
streams, and other water bodies. It is one of the Siderite and Limonite have 30–40% Iron
most fertile and agriculturally productive soil content.
types found in various parts of the world.
Additional Information:
Rich in potash (potassium): Alluvial
The two main types of iron ore found in
soils are generally abundant in potash,
India are haematite and magnetite.
which is beneficial for plant growth.
The iron ore mines occur in close
Potassium is an essential nutrient for
proximity to the coal fields in the north-
various physiological processes in plants,
eastern plateau region of the
including enzyme activation, water uptake,
and photosynthesis. Country.
Poor in phosphorus: Alluvial soils are About 95 per cent of total reserves of iron
relatively deficient in phosphorus. ore are located in Odisha, Jharkhand,
Phosphorus is crucial for plant energy Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana,
transfer, root development, and flowering, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
but its concentration in alluvial soils is
often lower compared to other nutrients. 13. Ans: D
Hence, option C is correct. Exp:
Additional Information: The Beas is an important tributary of the Indus,
Black soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia, originating from the Beas Kund near the
and alumina, with a good content of Rohtang Pass at an elevation of 4,000 m above
 6

the mean sea level. Sutlej rises on the north only in the southern areas and near the lake’s
slope of the Himalayas in Lake La’nga in two inlets.
southwestern Tibet. Flowing northwestward Pulicat Lake is a saltwater lagoon located
and then west-southwestward through along the Coromandel Coast in southern
Himalayan gorges, it enters and crosses the India, primarily within Andhra Pradesh
state of Himachal Pradesh before beginning its state. It stretches from the southeastern tip
flow through the Punjab plain. of Andhra Pradesh into the neighbouring
Beas enters the Punjab plains, where it meets region of Tamil Nadu.
the Satluj near Harike. Harike is one of the Additional Information:
largest man-made wetlands of northern Godavari River
India, which shares its area with the Tarntaran,
Origin: Nasik district of Maharashtra.
Ferozpur and Kapurthala districts of Punjab. It
The largest river system in the Peninsular
came into existence in 1952 after the
drainage; also called Dakshin Ganga.
construction of a barrage near the
confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas. Harike Drainage Basin: 49% in Maharashtra,
is a significant abode for the birds migrating 20% in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,
from across the international frontiers. Hence, and rest in Andhra Pradesh.
option D is correct. Tributaries: Left Bank - Penganga,
Additional Information: Indravati, Pranhita (formed by the
confluence of Wainganga and Wardha) ;
Ropar lake or Ropar wetland is situated in
Right Bank - Manjra, Maner.
Ropar district of Punjab; It is a man-made
freshwater lake covering the area near Krishna River
about 1360 hectares. Origin: Mahabaleshwar in the Sahyadri
Kanjli Wetland is a man-made wetland (Western Ghats).
constructed across the Kali Bein river for Tributaries: Right Bank- Koyna,
irrigation in 1870. It was declared as a Panchganga, Ghatprabha, Malaprabha,
Ramsarsite in 2002. This wetland holds Tungabhadra(Hampi is located near the
religious significance, being a part of the river); Left Bank- Bhima, Dindi, Musi,
Kali Bein, a holy rivulet associated with Munneru.
Guru Nanak Dev ji. Catchment Area: 27% in Maharashtra,
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland in 44% in Karnataka, and 29% in Andhra
the Shiwalik foothills of Punjab, India Pradesh and Telangana.
that's home to a variety of flora and fauna,
including threatened species. In 1954, the 15. Ans: C
Indian and Chinese Prime Ministers Exp:
formalized the 'Five Principles of Peaceful
Statement 1 is correct: Carbon capture and
Coexistence' here.
storage (CCS) is a method to reduce carbon
emissions and combat global warming. It
14. Ans: B involves three steps: capturing CO2 from
Exp: power generation or industrial processes,
Statement 1 is incorrect: Kolleru Lake is a transporting it, and storing it deep
lake in northeastern Andhra Pradesh state, underground in locations like saline
southern India. It lies between the Godavari aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs,
and Krishna river deltas near the city of Eluru. typically over 1 km below the surface.
Statement 2 is correct: The rivers Statement 2 is correct: CCS has been in
Swarnamukhi and Kalangi in the north and operation since 1972 in the US, where several
the Arani and the Korttalaiyar in the south natural gas plants in Texas have captured and
drain into Pulicat Lake during the monsoon. stored more than 200 million tons of CO2
In the dry season, water is generally present underground.
 7

Additional Information: The word “mycorrhiza” means fungal root. To

In India, two National Centres of Excellence be more specific, mycorrhizae are fungi that
for Carbon Capture and Utilization are being have a symbiotic relationship with the roots of
established: the National Centre of Excellence many plants. The fungus expands the plant's
in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE- root surface area, while the plant provides the
CCU) at the Indian Institute of Technology fungus with carbohydrates needed for its
(IIT) Bombay, Mumbai, and the National growth.
Centre in Carbon Capture and Utilization
(NCCCU) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for 18. Ans: A
Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Exp:
Bengaluru.
Tropical Deciduous Forests are the most
widespread forests in India. They are
16. Ans: C also called the monsoon forests. They
Exp: spread over regions which receive rainfall
Statement 1 is correct: Bromeliads are between 70-200 cm. On the basis of the
special plants that store water in their availability of water, these forests are
leaves. Animals like frogs use these pockets of further divided into moist and dry
water to lay their eggs. deciduous. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2 is correct: Spanish moss The Moist deciduous forests are more
(Tillandsia usneoides) and pineapple pronounced in the regions which record
(Ananas comosus) are key economic rainfall between 100-200 cm. These
products of the Bromeliaceae family. Some forests are found in the northeastern states
species' fibrous leaves are used to make rope, along the foothills of the Himalayas, the
fabric, and netting. Bromeliads are herbaceous eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and
evergreen perennials with spirally arranged Odisha. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
leaves. Many are short-stemmed epiphytes Dry deciduous forests cover large areas
living on trees or cacti, while others are with 70-100 cm of rainfall, transitioning to
terrestrial. Their flowers, with three parts and moist deciduous on wetter margins and
colourful bracts, often form on long spikes. thorn forests on drier ones. Found in
Most produce fleshy fruit, though some form rainier parts of the Peninsula, Uttar
dry capsules. Pradesh, and Bihar, these forests have a
parkland appearance with teak and grass
17. Ans: D patches. During the dry season, trees shed
leaves, resembling grasslands. Common
Exp:
trees include tendu, palas, amaltas, and
The forest canopy, termed the "last biotic
khair. In western and southern Rajasthan,
frontier," supports millions of unique
vegetation is sparse due to low rainfall and
species, including plants, microorganisms,
overgrazing.Teak, sal, shisham, hurra,
insects, birds, and mammals rarely found on
mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and
the forest floor. It plays a vital role in
sandalwood etc. are the main species of
maintaining forest diversity, resilience, and
moist deciduous forests. Hence,
function. Defined as the collective crowns of
statement 3 is incorrect.
trees, including foliage, twigs, branches,
epiphytes, and air spaces, the canopy is a key
site for gas exchange and crucial ecosystem 19. Ans: C
processes that sustain the forest's overall health Exp:
and biodiversity. Hence, option D is correct. The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is an
Additional Information: initiative by six countries:
 8

India. Hence, option 4 is correct. Commercially valuable trees include

Cambodia. Hence, option 1 is correct. ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and
Lao PDR cinchona.
Myanmar Littoral forests, which are found along the
shores of seas and lakes, thrive in both
Thailand. Hence, option 2 is correct.
freshwater and brackish environments.
Vietnam. Hence, option 3 is correct.
A coniferous forest is a vegetation
It was meant for cooperation in tourism,
composed primarily of cone-bearing
culture, education, as well as transport and
needle-leaved or scale-leaved evergreen
communications. It was launched in 2000 at
trees, found in areas that have long winters
Vientiane, Lao PDR. The MGC meetings are
and moderate to high annual precipitation.
co-chaired on an alternating yearly basis
The northern Eurasian coniferous forest is
between India and one of the five Mekong
called the taiga or the boreal forest.
countries. Both the Ganga and the Mekong are
civilizational rivers, and the MGC initiative
aims to facilitate closer contact among the 21. Ans: B
people inhabiting these two major river basins. Exp:
The MGC is also indicative of the cultural and Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of
commercial linkages among the member India as per 2011 Census. It is followed by
countries of the MGC down the centuries. Maharashtra. The combined population of
Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra is more than
20. Ans: A that of the United States. The other three most
populous states of India are Bihar, West
Exp:
Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
Tropical thorn forests
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep is
These occur in the areas which receive
the least populated Union Territory, with
rainfall less than 50 cm.
64,429 people, followed by Daman and
It includes semi-arid areas of southwest Diu. Delhi is the highest populated union
Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, territory of India which is followed by
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Chandigarh and Puducherry.
In these forests, plants remain leafless for
most part of the year and give an
22. Ans: C
expression of scrub vegetation.
Exp:
Important species found are babool, ber,
The Kameng River is a lifeline for many
wild date palm, khair, neem, khejri, palas,
and has its source in a glacial lake near
etc.
the Nyegi Kangsang, one of the highest
Tussocky grass grows up to a height of 2
mountains in Arunachal Pradesh.
m as the undergrowth. Hence, option A
Hence, Option 1 is correct.
is correct.
The Teesta is the largest river of North
Additional Information:
Bengal. It rises in the Himalayas in
Tropical Evergreen Forests: These North Sikkim. It forms the border
forests, found in areas with over 200 cm of between Sikkim and West Bengal;
rainfall, are located in the Western Ghats, Rangeet river is the main tributary which
Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar originates in Sikkim; It merges with
Islands, upper Assam, and the Tamil Nadu Brahmaputra before falling into the Bay of
coast. Characterised by towering trees up Bengal.Hence, option 2 is correct.
to 60 meters and a multilayered structure,
The Subansiri rises in the mountains of
they thrive in warm, wet conditions year-
Tibet. Subansiri, or "Gold River," is the
round. The forests remain green
largest tributary of the Upper
throughout the year due to the absence of a
Brahmaputra. It originates in the Tibetan
specific leaf-shedding season.
Himalayas and enters India through the
 9

Miri Hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, Pair 2 is correct: The Gomti river originates
option 3 is incorrect. near Manikot in the Pillibhit district of Uttar
The Dhansiri rises in the southwest Pradesh at an elevation of 200 m and drains the
corner of Nagaland below the Laishiang area between the Ramganga and the Sarda, in
peak. From its source upto Dimapur, the the upper reach and the area between the
Dhansiri forms the boundary between the Ganga and the Ghaghara, in the lower reach.
districts of Cachar, Nagaon and Nagaland. Major cities situated on its banks are
Beyond Dimapur, the river enters and Lucknow, Sitapur, Hardoi, Barabanki, Rae
flows through the KarbiAlong and Bareli, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur and
Golaghat districts of Assam. Hence, Jaunpur.
option 4 is correct. Pair 3 is correct: Badrinath, at 3,100 m in
Additional Information: the Garhwal Himalayas on the Alaknanda
Brahmaputra River System River, lies between the Nar and Narayana
ranges. The Badrinath Temple, founded by
Origin: Chemayungdung glacier in the
Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake. Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, is one
of Uttarakhand's Char Dhams.
In southern Tibet, it is known as the
Tsangpo. Rango Tsangpo serves as the This river, a headstream of the Ganga,
major right-bank tributary in Tibet. originates from the Satopanth and
At Namcha Barwa, it takes a ‘U’ turn and Bhagirath glaciers in Uttarakhand. It joins
enters India as Dihang. It enters Assam the Bhagirathi at Devprayag, where it
Plains near Sadiya from where it is known becomes the Ganga. Its main tributaries
as Brahmaputra. include the Mandakini, Nandakini, and
Enters Bangladesh near Dhubri. In Pindar rivers.
Bangladesh, it is joined by Tista (right Pair 4 is correct: Ujjain, a city in western
bank), after which it is called Jamuna. Madhya Pradesh state, was the capital (as
When it merges with Ganga, it is known as Ujjayini) of the Aryan Avanti kingdom (6th–
Padma. After the Padma river is joined by 4th century BCE). In the 2nd century BCE,
Meghana River, it is collectively known as Ujjain was the seat of the emperor Ashoka, the
Meghana. last of the Mauryan rulers and one of the most
Its basin is spread over the states of influential early Buddhists. It is located on the
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Malwa Plateau on the east side of the Sipra
Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim. (Shipra) River, a tributary of the Chambal
River.
23. Ans: C Shpra river Originates from Kakri-Tekdi
hill in the Vindhya Range near Ujjain. This
Exp:
river's major tributaries are the Khan and
Pair 1 is incorrect: Ayodhya is a city
Gambhir.
situated on the banks of the holy river Saryu
in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya, also Chambal river rises in the Vindhya Range
known as Saket, is the birthplace of Bhagwan near Mhow. This key river of the Malwa
Shri Ram and the setting of the great epic plateau, a major Yamuna tributary and part
Ramayana. Ayodhya used to be the capital of of the Gangetic drainage system, flows
the ancient Kosala Kingdom. through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and
The Sarayu River flows through Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, holding 24. Ans: B
ancient significance with mentions in the Exp: The Peninsular drainage system is older
Vedas and the Ramayana. than the Himalayan one. This is evident from
 10

the broad, largely-graded shallow valleys and slopes of Mt. Kailash (6714m). It drains the
the maturity of the rivers. Peninsular rivers largest number of glaciers and mountain slopes
are characterised by fixed course, absence of the Karakorum, Ladakh, Zanskar and
of meanders and nonperennial flow of Himalayan Ranges.
water. The Narmada and the Tapi, which A little over a third of the Indus basin is
flow through the rift valley, are, however, located in India.
exceptions. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. Leh is situated on the bank of the Indus.
Three major geological events in the distant It flows between the Ladakh and Zanskar
past have shaped the present drainage systems ranges and passes through Ladakh,
of Peninsular India: Baltistan and Gilgit.
(i) Subsidence of the western flank of the It cuts across the Ladakh range, forming a
Peninsula. gorge near Gilgit & enters Pakistan in the
(ii) Upheaval of the Himalayas when the Dardistan region.
northern flank of the Peninsular block was Flows southward and receives ‘Panjnad’
subjected to subsidence and the (Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and
consequent trough faulting. the Jhelum) near Mithankot (Pakistan).
The Narmada and The Tapi flow in trough Pair 2 is correct and Pair 4 is incorrect:
faults and fill the original cracks with their Shyok River originates from the Siachen
detritus materials. Hence, there is a lack Glacier. It drains the northern Karakoram
of alluvial and deltaic deposits in these mountains and is joined by a major tributary,
rivers. Hence, statement 2 is correct. the Nubra, which originates in the Siachen
(iii) Slight tilting of the Peninsular block from glacier as well. The combined course of the
northwest to the southeastern direction two rivers enters the Pak-occupied Kashmir.
gave orientation to the entire drainage Pair 3 is incorrect: Teesta is the major river
system towards the Bay of Bengal during system in the Sikkim State. Teesta River
the same period. originates as Chhombo Chhu from a glacial
Additional Information: lake Khangchung Chho at an elevation of
Narmada River 5,280 m in the northeastern corner of the state.
Origin: Amarkantak plateau The glacial lake lies at the snout of the Teesta
Course: Flows through a rift valley Kangse glacier descending from Pauhunri
between Satpura (South) and Vindhyan peak (7,056 m) in the northwestern direction.
Range (north); meets the Arabian Sea Teesta Khangse Glacier and Chho Lhamo are
south of Bharuch also considered as the source of the Teesta
River by many authors.
Tributaries: Left Bank: Tawa River; Right
Bank: Barna River, Kolar River. It forms the border between Sikkim and
West Bengal.
Tapi River
Rangeet River is the main tributary which
Origin: Betul (Madhya Pradesh), Satpura
originates in Sikkim;
range
It merges with the Brahmaputra before
Drainage Basin: 79% in Maharashtra, 15%
falling into the Bay of Bengal.
in Madhya Pradesh, and 6% in Gujarat.
25. Ans: B
26. Ans: A
Exp:
Exp:
Pair 1 is correct: The Indus originates from
If you travel by road from Aizwal, which is the
the Bokhar Chu (glacier) on the northern
capital of Mizoram, to Shimla, which is the
 11

capital of Himachal Pradesh, you have to travel has further declined from 2.2 to 2.0 at the
through Mizoram, Assam,West national level between NFHS-4 & 5. There
Bengal,Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal are only five States in India, which are
Pradesh. So, the minimum number of states above replacement level of fertility of 2.1.
within India through which you can travel is They are Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91),
eight. Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26)
Manipur (2.17).
Institutional Births have increased
substantially from 79 percent to 89 percent
in India.
The level of stunting among children under
5 years has marginally declined from 38 to
36 percent for India since the last four
years. Stunting is higher among children in
rural areas (37%) than urban areas (30%)
in 2019-21.
Compared with NFHS-4, the prevalence of
overweight or obesity has increased in
most States/UTs in NFHS-5. At national
level, it increases from 21 percent to 24
percent among women and 19 percent to
23 percent among men.
NFHS-5 shows an overall improvement in
SDG indicators in all States/UTs.

28. Ans: A
Exp:
Northern Plains can be divided into three
major zones from north to south: Bhabar, Tarai
Map: India Political and alluvial plains (Bhangar & Khadar).
Bhabar: The rivers, after descending from
27. Ans: A the mountains, deposit rocks and boulders
Exp: in a narrow belt of about 8 to 16 km lying
parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks.
Statement 1 is correct: The Sex ratio at birth
Streams disappear in this Bhabar belt. This
is defined as the number of female births per region is characterised by the deposition
1000 male births. According to the National of coarse sediments, such as pebbles and
Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in gravel, as rivers descend from the
2019-20, the sex ratio at birth in India has mountains. Hence, statement 1 is
improved from 919 females per 1,000 males incorrect.
in 2015-16 to 929 females per 1,000 males in In contrast, the Khadar region, which
2019-20. The overall sex ratio of the lies further downstream, receives finer
population (females per 1000 males) for India alluvium, making it more fertile than
was estimated as 1020. the Bhabhar region.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The overall sex Terai: Streams and rivers re-emerge
ratio is higher in rural areas (1037) than in without proper demarcated channels and
urban areas (985). create a wet, swampy and marshy region.
Other findings of NFHS-5 This was a thickly forested region with
The Total Fertility Rates (TFR), an wildlife. Dudhwa National Park is situated
average number of children per women, in the Terai region.
 12

This is good for agriculture because 30. Ans: C

of its flat land, fertile soil, and warm, Exp:
humid climate. The Terai region is Location of industries is influenced by several
often called the granary of Nepal. factors like access to raw materials, power,
Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. market, capital, transport and labor, etc. There
Bhangar constitutes older alluvium is a strong relationship between raw
deposits. Soil contains calcareous material and type of industry. It is
deposits, locally known as kankar. economical to locate the manufacturing
Khadar contains Younger floodplain industries at a place where cost of production
deposits.Hence, statement 3 is correct. and delivery cost of manufactured goods to
consumers are the least. Industries using
29. Ans: B weight-losing raw materials are located in the
Exp: regions where raw materials are located.
Statement 1 is correct: Currently entire Option 1 is correct: The sugar mills in India
production of iron & its products in India are located in sugarcane growing areas.
comes from hematite reserves. Magnetite Sugar industry in India is based on sugarcane
reserves are not being exploited as these are which is a heavy, low value, weight losing and
mostly in eco fragile areas of the Western perishable raw material. Also the sugarcane
Ghats. contains sucrose and once you cut the
Statement 2 is correct: Major reserves of sugarcane, the sucrose content starts to
haematite are located in Odisha (34% of the decline.
total hematite resources in the country) Option 2 is correct: Wood is the primary
followed by Jharkhand (23%) and raw material for this industry, it is a weight
Chhattisgarh (22%). losing raw material. Pulp mills must be
Statement 3 is incorrect: Noamundi and located near the forests because this minimizes
Gua are important iron ore mines located in the difficulty of transporting the bulk logs as
Jharkhand (not Odisha). The important iron well as cost also.
ore mines in Odisha are Gurumahisani, Option 3 is correct: In iron and steel
Sulaipet, Badampahar(Mayurbhaj), industries, iron ore and coal both are
Kiruburu (Kendujhar) and Bonai weight-losing raw materials. Therefore, an
(Sundergarh). optimum location for iron and steel industries
should be near raw material sources.
Additional information: Option 4 is correct: Copper smelting
Iron Ore Types and Uses industries are located near raw material
Magnetite (Fe3O4): 72% iron sources as copper is a weight losing
content; Used in electronic industries. industry. Location near raw materials helps to
Hematite (Fe2O3): Iron content 60- reduce cost of transportation.
70%; Utilized in iron and steel Option 5 is incorrect: Cotton is a "pure"
industries. raw material which does not lose weight in
the manufacturing process. So other factors,
content 40-60%; Serves as a pigment like, power to drive the looms, labor, capital or
for paints. market may determine the location of the
Siderite (FeCO3): Iron content 40- industry.
50%; Acts as a source of manganese.
About 95 per cent of total reserves of iron 31. Ans: C
ore are located in Odisha, Jharkhand, Exp:
Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Retreating Monsoon Season (The Transition
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Season)
 13

The months of October and November uranium, with 50 known deposits and around
mark the phase of retreating monsoons. 20 operating uranium mines.
By September’s end, the southwest Uranium deposits occur in the Dharwar
monsoon weakens due to the southward rocks. Geographically, uranium ores are
shift of the low-pressure trough from the known to occur in several locations along
Ganga plain due to the southward the Singbhum Copper belt. It is also found
movement of the sun. in Udaipur, Alwar and Jhunjhunu districts
During this retreat, clear skies of Rajasthan, Durg district of Chhattisgarh,
dominate, and temperatures rise. While Bhandara district of Maharashtra and
day temperatures are high nights are Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
cool and pleasant. Hence, statement 1 is Statement 3 is incorrect: Much like
correct. uranium, thorium is also a fertile substance,
High temperature and humidity leads to but not a fissile substance by itself. It requires
the ‘October heat’. work to make it usable in a nuclear reactor.
The process through which Thorium can be
Rainfall in this season is primarily due
made usable in the reactor is a three-stage
to cyclonic depressions originating over
process. It starts with using Pressurized Heavy
the Andaman Sea affecting deltas of
Water Reactors (PHWR) and light water
rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and
reactors to convert natural uranium to
Kaveri.Hence, statement 2 is correct.
plutonium. Next, the neutrons from plutonium
Cyclones are less prevalent in the Arabian
breed U-233 from Thorium. The final stage,
Sea. Advanced Heavy Water reactors burn U-233
The Coromandel coast mainly gets its with Thorium. .
rain from these cyclonic events. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
33. Ans: A
Exp:
32. Ans: A
Statement 1 is correct: The Gulf of
Exp: Uranium and thorium are naturally Khambhat, the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat on
occurring, radioactive heavy metals with the western coast and the Gangetic Delta in
unusual properties. The energy generated by the Sunderban regions of West Bengal
the natural breakdown of radioactive elements provide ideal conditions for utilising tidal
is immense and can be used in nuclear reactors. energy.
Statement 1 is correct: World's largest Statement 2 is incorrect: The western part
thorium reserves in the form of monazite of India has greater potential for the
are found in India on the coast of Kerala. development of solar energy in Gujarat and
The country's thorium reserves make up 25 per Rajasthan.
cent of the global reserves. India's thorium Statement 3 is incorrect: Geothermal energy
deposits, estimated at 360,000 tonnes, far refers to the heat and electricity produced by
outweigh its natural uranium deposits at using the heat from the interior of the Earth.
70,000 tonnes. It can easily be used as a fuel to There are several hundred hot springs in
cut down on the import of Uranium from India; two experimental projects have been
different countries. commissioned at Manikaran in Himachal
Statement 2 is incorrect: Australia possesses Pradesh and in the Puga Valley, Ladakh.
around 30% of the world's known
recoverable uranium reserves. Kazakhstan 34. Ans: B
contains about 13% of the world's recoverable Exp: The term Demographic Winter refers to
the phenomenon where a country or region
 14

experiences a significant decline in birth rates in their respective domestic currencies or other
along with an ageing population. This trend mutually agreed currencies without targeting
can lead to various challenges, such as labour stabilisation against the dollar.
shortages, increased healthcare costs, and a Under the Framework for 2024-27, a
potential burden on social security systems. separate INR Swap Window has been
The term is especially relevant to countries in introduced with various concessions for
Europe and East Asia, where fertility rates swap support in Indian Rupee. The total
have fallen below the replacement level,
posing long-term economic and social risks.
(Rs 25,000 crore).” The central bank will
Recent concerns about population decline have
continue offering swap arrangements in
been highlighted in countries like Japan, Italy,
US dollars and euros under a separate
and South Korea, where governments are
dollar/euro swap window with an overall
introducing policies to encourage higher birth
rates. corpus of $2 billion.
Statement 3 is incorrect: SAARC has eight
member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
35. Ans: B
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and
Exp:
Sri-Lanka). The currency swap facility will
Social capital is primarily concerned with be available to all SAARC member
the networks, relationships, and norms that countries (Pakistan is not excluded), subject
facilitate cooperation and coordination
to their signing the bilateral swap
among individuals and groups within a
agreements.
community. It encompasses the trust, social
connections, and shared values that enable Additional Information:
people to work together effectively for mutual Currency Swap Agreement:
benefit. A society with high social capital often It is a financial agreement between two
has strong networks of civic engagement (such countries or central banks to exchange
as participation in community organizations), currencies, ensuring short-term liquidity and
mutual trust, and a high level of cooperation. financial stability during crises, such as BoP
difficulties.
36. Ans: D South Asian Association for Regional
Exp: The Reserve Bank of India has put in Cooperation (SAARC)
place a revised framework on currency swap SAARC was founded with the signing of
arrangements for countries within the South its Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.
Asian Association of Regional Cooperation Afghanistan became its eighth member in
(SAARC) grouping for the time period 2024 to
2005 at the 13th annual summit.
2027.
The SAARC headquarters are located in
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Currency
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Swap Arrangement (CSA) under the
SAARC framework is primarily designed to The eight member states are Afghanistan,
provide short-term foreign exchange Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
liquidity support to SAARC member Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
countries facing balance of payments (BoP) SAARC has nine observer countries:
problems or short-term liquidity Australia, China, the European Union,
mismatches. This helps maintain financial Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea,
stability and avoid major economic crises in Mauritius, Myanmar, and the United States
the region. of America.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The CSA is not
aimed at stabilising currencies against the 37. Ans: B
US dollar specifically. Rather, it focuses on
Exp: Location of lakes in terms of longitude
providing liquidity support to member nations
and latitude (Approximately)
 15

Option A is incorrect: Chillika Lake: Sambhar Lake is the largest inland salt lake
Longitude: 85°05' to 85°38' (East); Latitude in India, formed by the depression of the
19°28' to 19 °54' (North); Kolleru Lake: Aravalli Range. Recognized as a wetland
Longitude 81°05 to 81°21 (East) and Latitude of "international importance" under the
16°32 to 16 °47 (North) Ramsar Convention, it was designated as
such in 1990.
Option B is correct: Sambhar Lake:
Longitude 75.0962° (East) and Latitude Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish
water ecosystem in India, following
26.9261° (North); Vembanad Lake:
Chilika Lake in Odisha, and is located
Longitude 76°00' to 77°30' (East) and
primarily in Andhra Pradesh, along the
Latitude 9°00' to 10°40' (North)
border with Tamil Nadu.
Option C is incorrect: Loktak Lake:
Longitude 93°46" to 93°55" (East) and
38. Ans: D
Latitude 24°25" to 25°42" (North); Pulicat
Exp:
Lake: Longitude 80° 03'to 80 °18' (East) and
Statement 1 is correct: Rivers that flow in
Latitude 13° 24' to 13° 43' (North)
the direction of the natural slope are called
Option D is incorrect: Kolleru Lake: consequent rivers. Most rivers in peninsular
Longitude 81°05 to 81°21 (East) and Latitude India are consequent, such as the Godavari,
16°32 to 16 °47 (North); Vembanad Lake: Krishna, and Cauvery, which originate from
Longitude 76°00' to 77°30' (East) and the Western Ghats and flow into the Bay of
Latitude 9°00' to 10°40' (North). Bengal.
Additional Information: Statement 2 is correct: A subsequent river is
Chilika Lake is situated in Odisha along a tributary that erodes along a belt of softer,
the eastern coast. It is the largest saltwater non-resistant rock after the main drainage
lake in India, lying south of the Mahanadi pattern (consequent river) has formed.
Rivers like the Chambal, Sind, Ken, Betwa,
Delta.
Tons, and Son join the Yamuna and Ganga at
Vembanad Lake is locally known as right angles, representing the subsequent
Vembanad Kayal, and it is the largest drainage of the Ganga system. These streams
freshwater lake in the state of Kerala. The typically develop after the original river.
lake is also where Kumarakom Bird Statement 3 is correct: A dendritic pattern
Sanctuary is situated; the Kerala Pamba is an irregular, tree-like branching pattern
River falls in Vembanad Lake. where drainage systems branch out,
Loktak Lake is a freshwater lake located in resembling the shape of a tree. It forms in
the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. It areas with uniform lithology, where faulting
features hundreds of floating islands and jointing are minimal. Examples include
known as Phumdis, which are home to the Indus, Godavari, Mahanadi, Cauvery,
various plant species. Additionally, it and Krishna rivers.
houses Keibul Lamjao National Park, the Additional Information:
world's only floating national park, which A radial drainage pattern occurs when
serves as the last natural habitat for the rivers originate from a central high point,
endangered Sangai, the state animal. such as a mountain or volcanic dome, and
radiate outward in all directions. This is
Kolleru lake is the largest freshwater lake
typically observed in areas with conical
in India, located in Andhra Pradesh
peaks.
between the Krishna and Godavari deltas.
The lake functions as a natural flood- A centripetal drainage pattern is formed
balancing reservoir for these rivers and is when rivers drain towards a central basin
fed by the seasonal Budameru and or depression, commonly seen in inland
Tammileru streams. Additionally, it serves drainage systems like the Rajasthan
as a habitat for migratory birds. region.
 16

In a trellis pattern, short subsequent 40. Ans: A

streams join the main stream at right Exp:
angles, with differential erosion through
Statement 1 is correct: The Karakoram Pass
softer rocks allowing tributaries to form.
is located in the Karakoram Range, which is
Examples include the old folded
mountains of Singhbhum in the part of a complex of mountain ranges that also
Chotanagpur Plateau and the Seine with its includes the Hindu Kush, Himalaya, and Pamir
tributaries in the Paris Basin, which exhibit ranges. The pass is located between the
a trellis drainage pattern. Ladakh area of India and the Xinjiang
autonomous region of China.
39. Ans: C
Statement 2 is incorrect: Banihal Pass is
Exp:
located in the Pir Panjal Range, not the
Andaman Islands
Shivalik Range. This pass has historically
They are divided into three sub-groups:
been significant because it connects the
North, Middle, and South Andaman.
Kashmir Valley with the outer Himalayas. It
Little Andaman and Great Andaman
was of great strategic importance during the
are separated by the 50 km wide Duncan
Passage. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect, Mughal period, especially for emperors like
The Ten Degree Channel separates the Akbar and Jahangir, during their campaigns
Andaman Islands from the Nicobar and travels to Kashmir. The construction of the
Islands. Jawahar Tunnel in the 20th century, which runs
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman under this pass, further highlights its strategic
& Nicobar Islands, is located in South relevance in connecting Jammu to Srinagar.
Andaman. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Additional Information: Other Important Passes
Nicobar Islands
The Nicobar Islands are divided into three sub- Pass Location Significance
groups:
Connects Srinagar to
Northern Group: Car Nicobar, Battimalv. Kashmir-
Leh; vital for all-
Central Group: Chowra, Teressa, Katchal, Zoji La Ladakh
weather road access to
Camorta, Nancowry, Trinket, etc. Border
Ladakh.
Southern Group: Great Nicobar (the
largest), Little Nicobar, Kondul, Pulo Connects Jammu to
Pir
Milo, and others. Banihal Srinagar; strategic for
Panjal
Great Nicobar, the southernmost and largest Pass Mughal campaigns
Range
island, is 147 km from Sumatra, Indonesia. and current road link.
India's southernmost point, Indira Point, is
One of the highest
located at its southern tip. Hence, statement
Khardung Ladakh motorable passes;
3 is correct.
La (Leh) gateway to the Nubra
Valley.

Access to Pangong
Chang La Ladakh Lake; important for
military and tourism.

Map: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 17

Connects Kargil to
Zanskar Zanskar Valley;
Pensi La
Range crucial for local
connectivity.

Highest point on the

Srinagar-Leh
Zanskar
Fotu La Highway; key for
Range
national highway
NH1D.

Located on Srinagar-
Namika Leh route; important
Ladakh
La for road connectivity
in the region.
Map: Western and Eastern Ghats
Historically important
Ladakh
Rezang in 1962 Sino-Indian
(near
La War; strategic military
Chushul) 42. Ans: A
location.
Exp:
On July 17, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo,
41. Ans: B swam in the waters of the Seine River in Paris,
Exp: the French capital, to prove that they were safe
Statement 1 is Correct: The Deccan Plateau for the hundreds of athletes who were to
is primarily made up of basaltic rock, which converge for the summer Olympics that started
was formed due to extensive volcanic from July 26.
activity around 65 million years ago Seine River
(Cretaceous period). This volcanic activity
The Seine originates in France and its main
resulted in the Deccan Traps, which are large
tributaries are the Aube, Mame and Oise in
layers of solidified lava flows.
the North and the Yone and Eure in the
Statement 2 is correct: The Western Ghats
South.
are indeed younger than the Eastern Ghats.
While the Eastern Ghats are older and have It is the second longest river in France
undergone significant erosion, the Western after the Loire.
Ghats have experienced more recent It drains northern France.
tectonic uplift, which accounts for their
higher elevation and steep slopes. This uplift As the Seine nears Paris, it is joined by the
is a result of the continued interaction of Marne, one of its major tributaries, on the
tectonic plates along the western margin of right bank.
India. It flows through the city of Paris for
Statement 3 is incorrect: The highest peak about 13 kilometres from west to east
in the Eastern Ghats is Arma Konda, which before eventually emptying into the
is around 1,680 meters. However, Anamudi, English Channel, the body of water
the highest peak in the Western Ghats, separating northern France from southern
stands at 2,695 meters, making it much England. Hence, statement 1 is correct,
taller. and statement 2 is incorrect.
 18

The slow-flowing navigable river In contrast, five northeastern states—

meanders in large loops through Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Normandy and Rouen before reaching the Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland—
English Channel have experienced a decline in forest
cover. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
The permeable rocks in its basin help
reduce flood risks, and the annual rainfall Mangroves have shown an increase of 17
is between 650 and 750 millimetres. sq km.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
44. Ans: C
Exp:
Statement 1 is correct: When the share of the
working age population exceeds that of the
very young and old, it lands a country in what
is known as the demographic dividend zone.
According to a recent report by the
International Labour Organization (ILO) on
the employment situation in India, the country
is already in this zone, and will remain here for
another decade. According to ILO, the youth
Map: Seine River population in the country will dip to 23 per cent
43. Ans: D by 2036, from 27 per cent in 2021. The
Economic Survey 2018-19 says that the
Exp:
dividend would peak around 2041 (when the
As per latest India State of Forest Report
working age population would be 59 per
2021, the total forest cover of the
cent of India's population).
country is 7,13,789 square kilometers
Statement 2 is correct: India's window of
which is 21.72% of the geographical
demographic dividend spans five decades,
area of the country. Hence, statement 1
from 2005-06 to 2055-56, making it the
is incorrect.
longest of any country globally. However,
Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest
this window opens at different times across
cover in India, followed by Arunachal
various states due to variations in population
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and
dynamics.
Maharashtra. Hence, statement 2 is
Additional Information:
correct.
India's population now exceeds 1.4 billion,
When measured as a percentage of total
surpassing the combined populations of
geographical area, the top five states are
Europe and the Americas. Unlike China,
Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh,
which is in a demographic downturn,
Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland.
India's population continues to grow.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Over 40 per cent of India's population is
"Forest area" refers to the legal
under 25. With the world's largest share of
classification of land in government
young people, India's median age of 28
records, while "forest cover" indicates
contrasts sharply with ageing populations
the actual presence of trees on any
in the United States and China.
land.
According to the International Labour
Telangana (3.07%), Andhra Pradesh
Organisation’s India Employment Report
(2.22%), and Odisha (1.04%) have
2024, India is at a demographic inflexion
recorded the highest increases in forest
point. The proportion of young people is
cover.
 19

projected to decline slightly over the next

15 years, underscoring the urgency for
India to make the most of its demographic
dividend.

45. Ans: A
Exp: The important eastward-flowing rivers of India from North to South are as follows:
Option 2: The Subarnarekha originates from the Ranchi Plateau in Jharkhand forming the boundary
between West Bengal and Odisha in its lower course. It joins the Bay of Bengal forming an estuary between
the Ganga and Mahanadi deltas. Its total length is 395 km.
Option 4: The Baitarani is one of Odisha's six major rivers, revered in epics and legends, and serves as a
vital source for agricultural irrigation. Most of its basin is in Odisha, with a small portion in Jharkhand. As
it flows toward the Bay of Bengal, its water becomes salty.
Option 1: The Brahmani is a major seasonal river in the Odisha state of eastern India. The Brahmani is
formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers in southern Bihar state, the Brahmani flows
for 480 km. It flows generally south-southeast and then turns east to join northern branches of the
Mahanadi River, which then empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Map: Location of Subarnarekha, Baitrani and Brahmani River

Option 3: The Pennar (also known as Penna, Pinakini, Pennar, Penner, Penneru, Pennai) is one of
the major rivers of the peninsula. The Pennar rises in the Chennakesava hill of the Nandidurga range, in
Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka and flows towards the east eventually draining into the Bay of
Bengal. The river's total length is 597 km.
Option 5: The Vaigai originates in Varusanadu Hills of western Tamil Nadu. It initially flows northeast
through the Kambam and Varushanad valleys. In its central reaches the Vaigai flows eastward into the
Vaigai reservoir at Narasingapuram. Later it bends to the southeast, passing Madurai on its course to its
mouth on Palk Strait, which separates the south-eastern coast of India from Sri Lanka.

Map: Location of Pennar and Vagai River

 20

46. Ans: B Additional Information:

Exp: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Main sequence star: A star that is fusing
and FPSs of Malaysia, the Philippines, hydrogen to helium in its core. Main
Singapore and Thailand will be interlinked sequence stars make up around 90% of the
through Project Nexus. universe’s stellar population.
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Project A red giant is a dying star in the final stages
Nexus, led by the Bank for International of stellar evolution.
Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub, aims to After a red giant has shed all its
interlink domestic fast payment systems atmosphere, only the core remains.
(FPS) across countries, enabling faster, Scientists call this kind of stellar remnant a
cheaper, and more efficient cross-border white dwarf. A white dwarf is usually
retail payments. By connecting multiple Earth-size but hundreds of thousands of
instant payment systems (IPS) globally, Nexus times more massive. A white dwarf
seeks to extend domestic payment capabilities produces no new heat of its own, so it
internationally. gradually cools over billions of years.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Project Nexus aims Neutron stars are the remains of the cores
to connect the Fast Payment Systems of four of massive stars that have reached the end
Association of Southeast Asian Nations of their lives.
(ASEAN): Malaysia, the Philippines, Red dwarfs are the smallest main sequence
Singapore, Thailand, and India, which stars – just a fraction of the Sun’s size and
would be the founding members and first mass. They’re also the coolest and appear
mover countries of this platform. more orange in colour than red.
Brown dwarfs aren’t technically stars.
47. Ans: C They’re more massive than planets but not
Exp: quite as massive as stars. Generally, they
Statement 1 is correct: A nova is an have between 13 and 80 times the mass of
astronomical event in which a strong explosion Jupiter. They emit almost no visible light,
occurs temporarily on the stellar surface, but scientists have seen a few in infrared
increasing the brightness by hundreds to light.
millions of times, then slowly darkening over
weeks or months. It occurs in a binary system 48. Ans: A
consisting of a white dwarf and a main Exp: Wolbachia is an intracellular
sequence star. maternally inherited endosymbiotic
Statement 2 is correct: A supernova occurs bacteria found in arthropods. It
when a star reaches the end of its life and manipulates its host reproduction in many
explodes in a brilliant burst of light. ways, all of which favour infected females in
Supernovas can briefly outshine entire galaxies nature.
and radiate more energy than our sun will in its Statement 1 is correct: Wolbachia bacteria
entire lifetime. They're also the primary source are found in around 50% of insect species
of heavy elements in the universe. Supernovae and have evolved to manipulate the sex ratio
are responsible for creating and dispersing of their hosts by producing more female
elements heavier than iron, enriching the offspring. This ensures the bacteria's
interstellar medium and contributing to the transmission through generations, as only
formation of new stars and planets. females can pass it on.
 21

Statement 2 is correct: Encarsia formosa, a drugs, including nitrofurans and

wasp species, is commonly used in biological chloramphenicol, in the processing of
pest control to manage whitefly populations, meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and fishery
which are agricultural pests. The wasps lay products.
their eggs on whitefly nymphs, which are then 50. Ans: B
consumed by the emerging larvae, effectively Exp:
controlling the pest.
Mullayyanagiri is the highest peak in
Wolbachia bacteria had manipulated the
Karnataka, India. Mullayanagiri is
wasp Encarsia formosa to get rid of its
located in the Chandra Dhrona Hill Ranges
males entirely.
of the Western Ghats of Chikmagalur
Statement 3 is incorrect: Wolbachia is Taluk.
transmitted only by females because the
In latitude terms this hill range is
bacteria are present in insect eggs but not in
situated above Anamudi and Shevroy
sperm. This makes males an evolutionary
hill ranges.
dead-end for the bacteria.
Anamudi is a mountain located in
Ernakulam district and Idukki district
49. Ans: D
of the Indian state of Kerala. With an
Exp:
elevation of 2,695 metres and a
Statement 1 is incorrect: Chloramphenicol, topographic prominence of 2,479 metres, it
recognised by the WHO as a Highly Important
is the highest peak in the Western Ghats
Antimicrobial (HIA), is a broad-spectrum
and in South India.
antibiotic used for various infections,
Annaimudi is located below the
including superficial eye infections, enteric
fever, typhoid fever and central nervous Shevroy hill ranges.
system infections such as acute bacterial Eastern Ghats consist of discontinuous and
meningitis. Nitrofuran derivatives on the other low hills due to erosion by rivers.
hand are classified as Important Passes through Odisha, Andhra
Antimicrobials (IA) by WHO. Nitrofurantoin, Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of
a type of nitrofuran derivative, is used for Karnataka and Telangana.
treating urinary tract infections. These two Hill ranges (North to South):
antibiotics (not antiviral) are used in food- Malaygiri, Mahendragiri Hills
producing animals. (Odisha; the highest peak in the
Statement 2 is incorrect: The apex advisory Eastern Ghats); Nallamala,
body Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) Velikonda & Palkonda (Andhra
has recommended a complete ban on the Pradesh); Javadi Hills, Shevaroy
import, production, distribution, and sale of Hills, Pachamalai Hills & Sirumalai
two antibiotics—chloramphenicol and Hills.
nitrofurans—for use in food animal
Eastern and Western Ghats converge
production systems. The use has not been
at the Nilgiri Hills.
banned yet. The DCC functions as the
advisory committee to the Central Drugs
Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the
central drug regulatory agency.
The DCC’s decision aligns with a July 20,
2018, FSSAI notification that prohibits the
use of certain antibiotics and veterinary
 22

proportion has seen a continuous decline

(except in 2020 when the COVID-19
pandemic stuck), it was still higher than
the average (53.1 per cent) of all south
Asian countries and the second highest
percentage of population in the region,
after Pakistan (58.7 per cent) in 2022.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The Indian numbers correlate with
public spending on food security and
nutrition in India—83 per cent of this
spending is allocated towards food
consumption (which includes food
availability and access) and just 15 per
cent on major drivers of food
insecurity and malnutrition.
Globally, 35.4 per cent people were unable
to afford a healthy diet; 64.8 per cent of
these were in Africa and 35.1 per cent in
Map: Location of Hills on Western and Eastern Asia.
Ghats
51. Ans: C 52. Ans: C
Exp: Exp:
United Nations has recently published the State Statement 1 is incorrect: During winters, the
of Food Security and Nutrition in the World SubTropical Westerly Jet Streams flowing
(SOFI) report on July 24, 2024. across the Asian continent get bifurcated at the
The report is jointly published by five Tibetan Himalayas. The northern branch blows
UN agencies viz. Food and Agriculture north of the Tibetan highlands, and the
Organization of the United Nations southern branch blows eastward, south of the
(FAO), the International Fund for Himalayas. The southern branch has a
Agricultural Development (IFAD), the significant influence on the winter weather
in India.
United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF), the World Food Programme Statements 2 and 3 are correct: The western
cyclonic disturbances originate over the
(WFP) and the World Health
Mediterranean Sea and are brought into India
Organization (WHO). It describes a
by the westerly jet stream. An increase in the
‘healthy diet’ as comprising four key
prevailing night temperature generally
aspects: diversity (within and across food indicates an advance in the arrival of these
groups), adequacy (sufficiency of all cyclone disturbances.
essential nutrients compared to They pick up the moisture from the
requirements), moderation (foods and Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian
nutrients that are related to poor health Gulf in the south and cause winter rainfall
outcomes) and balance (energy and in North west India.
macronutrient intake). Hence, statement 1 Although the total amount of winter
is correct. rainfall locally known as ‘mahawat’ is
More than half of India’s total small, they are of immense importance
population (55.6 per cent) is unable to for the cultivation of ‘rabi’ crops.
afford a healthy diet. Although this
 23

53. Ans: B
Exp:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Natural gas contains methane, carbon dioxide and water vapor, etc. Natural gas
is found with petroleum deposits. In India, major natural gas reserves are located in the Mumbai
High, Krishna Godavari basin, Cambay basin, Tripura and Assam.
Statement 2 is correct: The fertilizer sector is the largest consumer of natural gas today accounting
for about 30 percent of consumption. The power sector which was expected to be the largest consumer of
gas has fallen to third place accounting for only about 15 percent of consumption in 2023-24.
Statement 3 is correct: The challenges faced by the Natural gas production in India are aging wells
which have become less productive over time. Private sector investment in the production of natural
gas is low which is a major challenge in the production process.

54. Ans: D Its cultivation occupy around 1/4th of

Exp: total cropped area.
Statement 1 is correct: Rice is a Kharif crop. India contributes 21.6% of rice production
It is considered to be a crop of tropical humid worldwide, ranking second after China in
areas. 2016.
16 to 20 degree celsius temperature is Statement 2 is correct:Pulses are the legume
required for flowering and fertilization crops that improve soil fertility through
and 18 to 32 degree celsius during ripening nitrogen fixation.
of the rice plant. 20 to 25 degrees celsius temperature and a
150 to 300 cm of average Rainfal is rainfall of 50 to 75 cm is is required for the
required. cultivation.
Clayey or alluvial moisture retentive soils India is a leading producer of pulses in
are ideal for rice cultivation the world.
 24

These occupy about 11% of the total 55. Ans: D

cropped area. Exp:
Main pulses cultivated in India: Gram and Statement 1 is correct: Peaty soils are
Tur (Arhar) prominently found in regions with heavy
Its cultivation is concentrated in the rainfall and high humidity with good
drylands of Deccan and central plateau and vegetation growth. These are widely
northwestern part of the country distributed in northern Bihar and southern
Leading producers: Madhya Pradesh Uttarakhand, along with coastal stretches of
(22%) >Maharashtra > Rajasthan (ES West Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
2022-23). Characteristics of the soil:
Although pulses are grown in both the Heavy, black in colour, and, in many
Kharif and Rabi seasons, over 60% of the places, exhibit alkaline properties
production comes from Rabi pulses. It is Large quantities of dead organic
possible to grow black gram as a kharif and matter with high humus and organic
rabi crop; Chickpeas is the most dominant content. Organic matter may go up to
pulse with a share of around 40 per cent in 40-50 percent.
the total production. Statement 2 is correct: Forest soils are found
Statement 3 is correct: Millets are small- in forest areas with sufficient rainfall. These
seeded annual grasses grown as grain crops, are found in Himalayan region, Western and
mainly in dry, marginal lands across temperate, Eastern Ghats as well as in some parts of the
subtropical, and tropical regions. Common Peninsular plateau.
millets in India include Ragi (Finger millet), Characteristics of the soil:
Jowar (Sorghum), Sama (Little millet), Bajra Loamy and silty on valley sides and
(Pearl millet), and Variga (Proso millet). coarse-grained on upper slopes;
Jowar (Sorghum) Structure and texture vary depending
Temperature: 27-32 degrees Celsius on the mountain environment.
during germination. Crop does not do Particularly in the snow-clad regions
well at temperatures below 16 degrees of the Himalayas, these soils undergo
Celsius. denudation, becoming acidic with a
Rainfall: Can be grown in arid and low humus content; soils in the lower
semi arid areas having rainfall under valleys are fertile.
45cm. Statement 3 is correct: These are found in the
Soil: Variety of soils including clayey, higher areas of the Peninsular plateau, notably
sandy. found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Accounts for about 5.3% of total Madhya Pradesh, and the hilly regions of
cropped area; main food crop in semi- Odisha, Ranchi and Assam.
arid areas of central and southern Characteristics of the soil:
India. Develop in areas with high
Mainly a kharif crop in northern temperatures and high rainfall,
India where it is mostly grown as a resulting in intense leaching; Lime
fodder crop; sown in both kharif and silica are leached away, and soils
and rabi seasons in southern states.
rich in iron oxide and aluminium
Half of the total jowar production is compounds are left behind.
attributed to Maharashtra. Other
Low humus content due to bacterial
leading producers: Karnataka,
activity that thrives well in high
Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and
temperatures; Highly acidic and low
Telangana.
water retention;
 25

Unsuitable for cultivation, requiring (and price) of Natural Gas affects the
manures and fertilizers to enhance location of the Fertilizer industry.
fertility; widely used in brick making. Statement 2 is correct: Rock Phosphate is
Red laterite soils are favorable for tree the key raw material for DAP and NPK
crops like cashew nuts in regions of fertilizers and India is 90% dependent on
Tamil Nadu, Andhra imports of it. India imports Phosphorus from
Pradesh, and Kerala. Vietnam, the Russian Federation,
Mineral Composition: lacks organic Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates.
matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and
calcium; abundant in iron oxide and 57. Ans: B
potash. Exp:
Chandipur beach is also known as the Odisha’s
56. Ans: C Hide and Seek beach. It is where sea water
Exp: Fertilizers have played an essential role retreats inside the sea from 1km to 5km every
in agricultural production, providing vital day and it again comes back to the shore slowly
nutrients for crops and registering increasing during high tide.
demands over the years. As an agrarian Additional information:
country, India is home to numerous small and Eastern Coast Plains
marginal farmers and is often plagued by low These plains are emergent coasts and are
productivity and low quality. Crops are mainly broader than western coastal plains.
rainfed and cultivated on a single piece of land
There is Northern Circar in the northern
over time, decreasing soil fertility in many
part and Coromandel Coast in the southern
regions. Thereby, increasing quantities of
part.
nitrogen fertilizers have been used in the
There are well-developed deltas of rivers -
country.
Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
Statement 1 is correct: Nitrogen Based
deltas.
industries are located near Natural gas
Lake Chilika (Odisha), along the eastern
sources. The Haber-Bosch process is an
coast, is the largest saltwater lake in India
essential industrial method for producing
lying south of the Mahanadi delta.
Due to its emergent nature, there are fewer
natural gas or other fossil fuels. This Ammonia ports and harbours along this coast. The
(NH3) can be used for making nitrogen-based continental shelf here extends up to 500
fertilisers e.g. Urea. Therefore availability km into the sea, making it a challenge for
port development.
58. Ans: C
Exp:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is the difference in sea surface
temperatures (SST) between the western and eastern Indian Ocean, not the western Pacific Ocean.
Statement 2 is incorrect: IOD, sometimes referred to as the Indian Nino, plays out in the relatively smaller
area of the Indian Ocean between the Indonesian and Malaysian coastline in the east and the African
coastline near Somalia in the west. One side of the ocean, along the equator, gets warmer than the other.
IOD is said to be positive when the western side of the Indian Ocean, near the Somalia coast, becomes
warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean. It is negative when the western Indian Ocean is cooler. Positive
IOD is good for monsoon despite an El Nino year.
 26

Indian Ocean Dipole

59. Ans: A Statement 2 is correct: The 24th summit of

Exp: The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Unnat the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai
Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a scheme Cooperation Organization (SCO) was held in
focused on the development of tribal- Astana, Kazakhstan.
dominated areas. The key objectives of the Statement 3 is correct: Belarus became the
scheme include enhancing infrastructure, first exclusively European country to join
livelihood opportunities, and access to the SCO. In 2024, Belarus was officially
essential services in tribal regions. It is granted full membership, marking a significant
primarily aimed at ensuring holistic expansion of the organisation's geographical
development and improving the socio- scope.
economic conditions of the tribal population.
Statement 4 is correct: Qingdao, a city in
Statement 1 is correct: The Pradhan Mantri
eastern China, was designated as the
Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan is a centrally
tourism and cultural capital of the SCO for
sponsored scheme aimed at improving the
2024–2025, reflecting the growing cultural
quality of life in tribal-dominated areas,
particularly focusing on economic, social, and and tourism exchanges within the SCO.
educational aspects. It covers tribal- Additional information:
dominated regions and aspirational districts Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
to ensure holistic development. Established: 2001.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The scheme Founding Members: China, Russia,
primarily focuses on the socio-economic
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
upliftment of tribal communities, improving
Uzbekistan.
their livelihood and access to basic
amenities. It does not directly aim to increase New Members: India and Pakistan (2017);
the political participation of tribals in Belarus (2024).
Panchayati Raj Institutions. Main Objectives:
Promote regional cooperation.
60. Ans: D Combat terrorism, extremism, and
Exp: separatism.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Shanghai Foster economic, cultural, and security
Cooperation Organization (SCO)
collaboration.
headquarters is in Beijing, China, not
Tashkent. The headquarters of The Regional Key Focus Areas: Security, trade,
Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is located in economic development, cultural exchange.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Annual Summits: Regular meetings for
strategic discussions.
 27

Observer States & Dialogue Partners: Inland Ports: located away from the
Expands its influence across Eurasia. sea coast, linked to the sea through a
Structure of the SCO: river or a canal. Eg: Kolkata is located
on Hooghly, a branch of the river
Heads of State Council: Top decision-
Ganga.
making body; meets annually.
Out Ports: Deep water ports built
Heads of Government Council:
away from the actual ports. These
Focuses on economic and cultural
serve the parent ports by receiving
cooperation; annual meetings. those ships that are unable to approach
Council of Foreign Ministers: them due to their large size.
Prepares the agenda and oversees Based on specialised functions
implementation. Oil Ports: These deal in the processing
RATS: Based in Tashkent, coordinates and shipping of oil. Maracaibo
anti-terrorism efforts. (Venezuela), Esskhira (Tunisia),
Secretariat: Administrative body; Tripoli (Lebanon) are tanker ports.
located in Beijing. Abadan (Iran) on the Gulf of Persia is
a refinery port.
61. Ans: B Ports of Call: Ports where ships
stop for refuelling, watering and
Exp:
taking basic necessities. Hence, pair
Statement 1 is correct: Urban
2 is incorrect.
macrocephaly/ Urban primacy refers to a
Packet Station: also known as ferry
scenario where one city, typically the
ports. They transport passengers
largest, dominates the urban landscape of a
country in terms of population, economic and mail across water bodies
activity, and political influence. This results covering short distances. These
in a significant disparity between this city and stations occur in pairs. Hence, pair 1
other cities in the country. is correct.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Despite the Entrepot Ports: These are
primacy or dominance of one city in some collection centres where the goods
developed countries, there is no clear are brought from different
observable negative feature of urban countries for export. E.g., Singapore
primacy; on the other hand, although it is is an entrepot for Asia. Hence, pair
not evident in all developing countries, there 3 is incorrect.
are evident features of urban systems in
most of these countries. 63. Ans: A
In many developing nations, capital cities Exp:
or major commercial hubs grow
Option A is correct: Scareware primarily
disproportionately due to factors like
relies on social engineering, manipulating
centralisation of economic activities,
users' emotions (such as fear, urgency, or
migration, and lack of balanced regional
anxiety) to trick them into believing their
development. In contrast, developed
system is compromised. This psychological
countries often have a more balanced
manipulation encourages users to download
distribution of urban centers.
malicious software or pay for fake services,
making social engineering the key technique
62. Ans: A behind scareware attacks.
Exp: Key characteristics of scareware
Types of Ports include:
Based on location
 28

Pop-up warnings claiming the system hard rock, almost all kinds of minerals are
is infected. found here, especially in Gondwana rocks.
False security alerts are designed to Statement 1 is correct: Most of the metallic
look legitimate. minerals in India occur in the peninsular
Urging users to click on links or plateau region in the old crystalline rocks.
download fake solutions. Metallic minerals are the sources of
Additional Information: metals. Iron ore, copper, gold produce
Brute-force attacks involve trying metal and are included in this category.
numerous password combinations or Metallic minerals are further divided into
decryption keys to gain unauthorized ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals.
access to a system. All those minerals which have iron
Phishing emails are deceptive messages content are ferrous such as iron ore
designed to steal sensitive information itself and those which do not have iron
(e.g., passwords or credit card details) content are non-ferrous such as
by pretending to be from trusted copper, bauxite, etc.
entities. Statement 2 is incorrect: Over 97 per cent
Keylogging is a method of secretly of coal reserves occur in the valleys of
recording keystrokes to steal sensitive Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi and Godavari.
data like passwords or credit card
Statement 3 is correct: Petroleum reserves
numbers, often used by malware running
are located in the sedimentary basins of
silently in the background.
Assam, Gujarat and Mumbai High i.e., off-
shore region in the Arabian Sea. New
64. Ans: B
reserves have been located in the Krishna-
Exp: India’s first overseas Jan Aushadhi
Kendra (JAK) was inaugurated in Mauritius Godavari and Kaveri basins.
as part of an initiative to deepen India's Additional Information:
relations with island nations in the Indian
Distribution of coal in India
Ocean Region (IOR). Hence, option B is
correct. Gondwana Coal Fields
Jan Aushadhi Kendras are part of the Located in Damodar Valley
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi (Jharkhand-Bengal coal belt).
Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to
Coal fields: Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro,
provide affordable, quality generic
medicines to the public. Giridih, Karanpura.
Establishing such a center overseas reflects Other river valleys associated with
India's commitment to expanding its coal are Godavari, Mahanadi and
healthcare diplomacy and strengthening Sone.
bilateral ties, especially with nations like
Important coal mining centres:
Mauritius, which share historical and
cultural connections with India. Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh (part of
Singrauli coal field lies in Uttar
Pradesh); Korba in Chhattisgarh;
65. Ans: B
Talcher and Rampur in Odisha;
Exp:
Chanda–Wardha, Kamptee and
India is one of the richest countries in mineral
resources in the world. Since India's internal Bander in Maharashtra and Singareni
structure of the earth is the product of ancient in Telangana and Pandur in Andhra
Pradesh.
 29

Tertiary Coals temperature is 15°C or less and the negative

departure from the minimum is 4.5 °C.
Tertiary coals occur in Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Statement 2 is correct: Cold waves in India
were considered to be influenced by
Nagaland. It is extracted from
‘Western disturbances’ or cold winds
Darangiri, Cherrapunji, Mewlong and
starting from the Mediterranean across the
Langrin (Meghalaya); Makum, Jaipur Caspian Sea and blowing into India across
and Nazira in upper Assam, Namchik Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, recent
– Namphuk (Arunachal Pradesh) and research shows that a phenomenon called
Kalakot (Jammu and Kashmir). ‘Arctic amplification’ — coming all the way
from the Arctic and Siberia — descends
Lignite (Brown Coal) Areas: Coastal
upon India to cause extreme cold events. The
regions of Tamil Nadu, Pudducherry,
global weather phenomenon ‘la Nina’, with its
Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir. cold winds all the way above the Eastern
Pacific, also influences cold wave conditions
66. Ans: C across India. There is another phenomenon
Exp: called the ‘wind chill factor’, whose chilly
winds make you feel a few degrees colder than
Statement 1 is correct: According to the
what the thermometer may show.
Indian Meteorological Department, a cold
wave occurs when the minimum temperature is Statement 3 is incorrect: Typically,
10°C or less for plains and 0°C or less for the Northwest India experiences five to seven
hilly regions and negative departure from western disturbances in December and
normal day temperature is 4.5 to 6.4°C. If January, providing slight relief from the
negative departure is more than 6.4°C, it is a chilling weather conditions. However, such
severe cold wave. This means that day phenomena were absent in the winter of 2023-
temperatures play an important role in cold 24. The lack of western disturbances can also
waves. Additionally, the plains suffer a cold be attributed to the prevailing El-Nino
wave when the minimum temperature is 4°C or conditions over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean.
less and a severe cold wave when the minimum This phenomenon results in fewer cold wave
temperature falls to 2°C or less. Coastal areas days in Northwest India.
suffer cold waves when the minimum
67. Ans: C
Exp: The Himalayas consist of three main parallel ranges: the Great Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser
Himalayas (Himachal), and Shiwaliks.
Nag Tibba is a peak in Uttarakhand which is a part of lesser Himayas. Hence, option 1 is
incorrect.
Mansalu (Nepal), Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand) and Kamet (Uttarakhand) are the peaks of Great
Himalayas. Hence, option 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
 30

Map: Mountain Ranges of Himalayas

Additional Information:
Great Himalayas
It is the northernmost or the innermost of all the Himalayan ranges.
It is composed of central crystallines (granites and gneisses) overlain by metamorphosed
sediments.
Folds are asymmetrical (steep southern slope and gentle northern slope) giving ‘hogback’
topography.
Shape is convex to the south, terminates abruptly at Nanga Parbat (north-west) and Namcha Barwa
(north-east).
Peaks: The highest is Mount Everest; other important peaks in descending order of altitude -
Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Gosainthan or
Shisha Pangma.
Some of the important peaks between 7,100 and 8,000 m elevation - Nanda Devi, Kamet, Namcha
Barwa, Gurla Mandhata, Badri Nath, Trisul, etc.
Ranges of Middle or Lesser Himalayas (Himachal or Lower Himalayas) include Pir Panjal, Dhaola
Dhar, Mussoorie Range, Nag Tiba, Kumaon Range and Mahabharat Lekh.

68. Ans: A and Kashmir. It is a freshwater lake.

Exp: Hence, pair 1 is incorrect.
Dal Lake is known as the “Jewel in the Loktak Lake in Manipur is the largest
Crown of Kashmir”, it’s a significant freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is
tourist attraction in the state of Jammu renowned for its floating phumdis. Keibul
Lamjao National Park, the world's only
 31

floating national park, serves as the last India is the second largest producer and
natural habitat of the endangered Sangai ranks second among tea-exporting
deer.Hence, pair 2 is correct. countries. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Wular Lake is the 2nd largest fresh- Assam is a major producer, about
water lake of Asia, situated on the 53.2% of total tea-cropped area is in
foothills of Haramuk Mountain in the state Assam. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
of Jammu and Kashmir. Main source of The leading producers are Assam, West
water for Wular Lake is River Jhelum. Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Other producers
This lake also has a small island in its are Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh,
centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island and Uttarakhand.
was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
Wular Lake is also said to be a remnant of
70. Ans: B
Satisar Lake that existed in ancient times.
Exp: With five cases of Amoebic
Hence, pair 3 is incorrect.
meningoencephalitis being reported in
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo
adolescents in the State of Kerala in the past
Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in
three months and with three young lives lost,
the East Sikkim district of the Indian state
the Health department has come out with
of Sikkim. It is a freshwater lake. Hence,
technical guidelines on the prevention,
pair 4 is incorrect.
diagnosis and treatment of the infection.
Tamdil(Mustard lake) is the second
Statement 1 is incorrect: While Amoebic
largest lake in the state of Mizoram
Meningoencephalitis is caused by free-living
located in Saitual Sub-Division of Aizawl
amoebas. These amoebas can be found not
District. It is a freshwater lake in India.
only in freshwater but also in brackish
Hence, pair 5 is correct.
water and soil.
Naegleria fowleri (Brain eating amoeba) is
69. Ans: C the causal agent of primary amoebic
Exp: meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is known
Tea to thrive in warm freshwater bodies, but it
Temperature between 24°C- 30°C and at can also be found in brackish water and
least 150 cm rainfall is required. soil.
Soil which is rich in humus and iron is Statement 2 is correct: The infection
required. primarily enters the body through the nasal
Black tea leaves are fermented whereas passages, often during activities such as
green tea leaves are unfermented. Tea swimming or diving in contaminated warm
leaves have rich content of caffeine and water. The amoeba then travels to the brain
tannin. and spinal cord, causing a lethal infection.
It is cultivated over hilly areas and well- Statement 3 is correct: The diagnosis of
drained soils in humid and sub-humid Amoebic Meningoencephalitis typically
tropics and sub-tropics involves a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to
Tea plantation was started in the obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This
Brahmaputra valley of Assam (1840s); test can help rule out other causes of meningitis
later introducedin the sub-Himalayan and may reveal the presence of the amoeba or
region of West Bengal (Darjeeling, signs of infection.
Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts). It is A healthcare professional uses a spinal
also cultivated on the lower slopes of needle to extract a sample of cerebrospinal
Nilgiri and Cardamom hills in Western fluid (CSF) from the lower lumbar spine.
Ghats. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
 32

mobility, making it ideal for operations in

71. Ans: B rugged terrains such as those along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
Exp: SEHER, a credit education program
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Zorawar tank
launched by the Women Entrepreneurship
is a joint venture between the Defence
Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL, will
Research and Development Organisation
empower women entrepreneurs in India with
(DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a
financial literacy content and business skills,
private sector firm. The Indian Army plays a
helping them to access the financial tools they
role in specifying operational requirements,
need to drive further growth and create
but the tank’s development is not directly
employment in the country’s economy.
handled by the Army itself. This collaboration
The Women Entrepreneurship between DRDO and the private sector is part
Program (WEP) is a public-private of India’s efforts to modernise its military
partnership platform incubated at Niti capabilities by involving private industry in
Aayog and aims to create an enabling defence projects.
ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in
India. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect,
Additional Information:
and statement 2 is correct.
Zorawar Singh Kahluria, a 19th-century
Launched in 2018 by NITI Aayog, WEP
military general under Jammu’s Raja
connects stakeholders to support women
Gulab Singh, is renowned for his
entrepreneurs at various business stages. It
conquests in the Himalayas, including
offers a one-stop solution for accessing
Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan, and Skardu.
information, financial aid, and capacity-
Key Features of the Zorawar Tank:
building programs.
The tank incorporates AI technologies
Key pillars of WEP: The platform
and is capable of operating tactical
focuses on three core pillars:
surveillance drones to enhance
Iccha Shakti – motivating aspiring battlefield awareness.
women entrepreneurs to start their The tank is designed to operate in
businesses. riverine and amphibious
Gyaan Shakti – providing knowledge environments, giving it versatility
and mentoring support to women across different terrains.
entrepreneurs.
Karma Shakti – offering networking 73. Ans: A
and financial assistance to support Exp:
established women entrepreneurs in Syntrichia Caninervis
scaling up their businesses.
It s a small, non-vascular moss
belonging to the division Bryophyta,
which means it does not have vascular
72. Ans: A tissues (xylem and phloem) like higher
plants. Hence, option C is incorrect.
Exp:
This highly resilient species has been
Statement 1 is correct: The Zorawar tank is
discovered in extreme environments such
specifically designed for high-altitude
as Antarctica and the Mojave Desert,
warfare and rapid deployment in
where conditions are dry, cold, and
mountainous regions. It offers the same
nutrient-poor.
firepower as heavier tanks but with superior
 33

This ability to survive harsh significant mortality among uncontacted

environments has led scientists to tribes. Thus, it can be said that there are no
believe it could be a potential pioneer economic ties between the tribe and the
species capable of surviving on Mars- outside population.
like conditions, making it a candidate for
future colonisation efforts on the Red 75. Ans: C
Planet. Hence, Option A is correct.
Exp:
The moss also demonstrates the ability to
Scientists have discovered ‘dark’ oxygen being
survive gamma radiation exposure that
produced more than 13,000 feet below sea
would kill most plants.
level. Dark oxygen is oxygen that is produced
They are mostly found in moist, shaded without the use of light-dependent
locations worldwide, but they are not photosynthesis.
commonly found in saltwater
It was previously believed that oxygen
environments. Hence, Option B is
could only be produced through
incorrect.
photosynthesis, which requires sunlight.
It is a common moss species with a
The main contributors to oxygen
widespread global distribution. It grows
production in the ocean are oceanic
in remarkably extreme desert
plankton, drifting plants, algae, and certain
environments, including Tibet, Antarctica,
bacteria, all of which can perform
and the circumpolar regions, as part of the
photosynthesis.
biological soil crust—a widespread and
An expedition to the pacific sea floor
resilient type of ground cover often found
unexpectedly observed that "dark" oxygen
in arid lands. Hence, option D is
was being produced on the seafloor while
incorrect.
assessing marine biodiversity in a potential
mining area. This area contains
74. Ans: A polymetallic nodules.
Exp: Indigenous rights NGO Survival Eventually, they came to suspect the
International has released rare pictures of the polymetallic nodules were a source of this
Mashco Piro tribes people, one of the world’s “dark” oxygen.
100-odd uncontacted tribes.
When combined with salt water, rust can
Statement 1 is correct: The Mashco Piro, generate enough electricity to liberate the
believed to be the largest uncontacted tribe in oxygen atom from a molecule of water.
the world, are estimated to number over 750 Thus dark oxygen is produced on the
individuals. These nomadic hunter- surface of the ocean floor where sunlight
gatherers reside in the Amazon rainforest of can not reach.
Peru's Madre de Dios Region, near the
borders with Brazil and Bolivia.
76. Ans: B
Statement 2 is incorrect: The tribe is a
Exp: A painting created at least 51,200 years
hunting-gathering tribe. Contact with the
ago was discovered in the limestone cave of
Mashco Piro tribe is prohibited by the
Leang Karampuang in the Maros-Pangkep
Peruvian government and indigenous rights
region of the Indonesian island.
organisations. This is primarily to protect
their health, as the tribe has no immunity to The first evidence of drawing was found
common diseases such as influenza or measles, on rocks in the Blombos Caves in southern
which could be fatal if introduced to their Africa. It dates back to between 75,000 and
population. Historical cases of diseases 100,000 years ago and consists of
brought by outside contact have led to geometric patterns.
 34

The new painting, in the limestone cave Insulation: Due to its excellent di-electric
of Leang Karampuang in the Maros- strength, low power loss factor, insulating
Pangkep region of South Sulawesi, properties and resistance to high voltage,
Indonesia, shows representational art—an mica is one of the most indispensable
abstract representation of the world around minerals used in electric and electronic
industries.
the person or people who painted it. It
represents, therefore, an evolution in the
thought processes in our species that gave 78. Ans: C
rise to art and science. Exp:
Statement 1 is correct: Rubber is typically
grown in equatorial regions but it has also
77. Ans: D found a place in tropical and subtropical areas
Exp: of India.Conditions required to grow rubber:
Statement 1 is correct: Mica is a non- Temperature: 25°C-35°C
metallic mineral. Mica, any of a group of Rainfall: 152 to 200 cm
hydrous potassium, aluminum silicate Soil: Rich well drained alluvial or
minerals. It is a type of phyllosilicate, laterite soils are ideal.
exhibiting a two-dimensional sheet or layer Statement 2 is correct: Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
structure. Among the principal rock-forming Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as
minerals, micas are found in all three major well as the Garo Hills of Meghalaya are the
rock varieties-igneous, sedimentary, and major producers of the crop.
metamorphic. Kerala is the top rubber-producing state in
Statement 2 is correct: The Kodarma India, with a production of 490,960 tons.
Accounting for about 74% of the
district of Jharkhand state is famous
country’s total rubber output, Kerala’s
worldwide for mica mining, especially for dominance is attributed to its favorable
ruby mica. The district had the monopoly in tropical climate with ample rainfall and
producing mica for years, and it was exported high humidity.
to many countries worldwide. Mica is also
found in the areas of Dhab, 79. Ans: B
Dhodhakola,Khalagthambi, Dibour, Exp:
Bandarchua, etc.
Meghalayan Plateau is a part of the North
Statement 3 is correct: India has the largest Eastern Plateau. Important points about the
reserves of mica in the world. North Eastern Plateau:
Major Producers in India: Jharkhand, It is an extension of the main Peninsular
Odisha (Kodarma - the world’s largest), plateau. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Bihar (Munger), Andhra Pradesh (best The northeastward movement of the
quality in Nellore district), Telangana, Indian plate at the time of the
Rajasthan (Jaipur to Bhilwara, around Himalayan formation led to the
Udaipur), Karnataka (Mysore, Hasan development of a huge fault (Malda gap)
districts), Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore, between Rajmahal hills and the
Meghalaya plateau that was later filled
Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Kanyakumari),
by river deposition. Hence, statement 1
Kerala (Alleppey), West Bengal (Purulia, is correct.
Bankura) and Madhya Pradesh(Balaghat).
It includes Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong
Additional Information: Plateau and North Cachar Hills.
Mica is a naturally occurring non-metallic Three prominent hill ranges from the west
mineral that is based on a collection of
to the east are the Garo, the Khasi and the
silicates.
Jaintia Hills.
Nature: Natural, non-metallic mineral;
silicate-based.
 35

Meghalaya plateau is subdivided into

three: Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia
Hills, named after local tribal groups.
An extension of this plateau is observed in
the Karbi Anglong hills of Assam.
Meghalaya plateau is rich in mineral
resources, including coal, iron ore,
sillimanite, limestone, and uranium.
This region receives maximum rainfall
from the southwest monsoon, resulting
in a highly eroded surface. Hence,
Fig: Moidam in Assam
statement 2 is incorrect.
Cherrapunji (Meghalaya plateau) has a Additional Information:
bare rocky surface without a permanent Natural heritage sites are recognised for
vegetation cover due to heavy rainfall. their outstanding natural phenomena or
Kopili River separates the Mikir, Regma scenic beauty, such as national parks,
and Barail hills from the Meghalaya reserves, or geologically significant areas.
plateau. Mixed heritage sites include both cultural
and natural significance. Examples are
80. Ans: B sites that possess both natural beauty and
historical value, like Khangchendzonga
Exp:
National Park, India's only mixed heritage
The Moidams of Assam were inscribed on site.
UNESCO’s World Heritage List in the year
2024 under the Cultural Heritage category.
81. Ans: A
Cultural heritage refers to sites that have
Exp:
significant historical, cultural, or artistic value,
Some Famous Local Storms of Hot Weather
reflecting human civilization. Hence, option
Season
B is correct.
Loo: Hot and dry winds blowing in the
Moidams are burial mounds of the Ahom
Northern plains.
kings and queens, representing the cultural
Mango Shower: Pre-monsoon showers
and historical legacy of the Ahom
towards the end of summer in Kerala and
Dynasty.
coastal areas of Karnataka help in the
These were Influenced by Tai-Ahom early ripening of mangoes. Hence, pair 2
traditions. The practice of burial ceased is incorrect.
after the adoption of Hindu cremation. Blossom Shower: It helps coffee flowers
While Moidams do have archaeological to blossom in Kerala and nearby areas.
importance, UNESCO does not have a specific Hence, pair 1 is correct.
"Archaeological heritage" category. Nor Westers: These local winds impact
Archaeological elements fall under cultural eastern and northeastern India each
heritage. summer, triggering thunderstorms.
In Bengal, these are known as
Kalbaisakhi. Hence, pair 4 is
incorrect.
In Assam, these are known as
Bardoli Chheerha. Hence, pair 3 is
incorrect.
 36

82. Ans: C Statement 2 is correct: Araku Coffee was

Exp: awarded the Geographical Indication (GI)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister tag in 2019. A GI tag is a recognition that a
Narendra Modi, has approved India's signing product has qualities or a reputation that are
of the Biodiversity Beyond National specific to its geographical origin.
Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. Statement 3 is correct:The climate in the
Statement 1 is correct: The Biodiversity Araku Valley plays a significant role in
Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) enhancing the quality of the coffee. The valley
Agreement is a legally binding international experiences warm days and cool nights,
treaty adopted under the United Nations which is an ideal condition for slow ripening
Convention on the Law of the Sea of coffee beans. Additionally, the iron-rich
(UNCLOS). It focuses on conserving and soil of the valley further contributes to the
sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas unique flavour of the coffee.
beyond national jurisdiction, i.e., the high seas.
Statement 2 is correct: One of the key 84. Ans: A
objectives of the BBNJ Agreement is to Exp:
promote the fair and equitable sharing of Recently, Velmenni’s Li-Fi technology has
benefits arising from the utilisation of been implemented by the Defence Ministry to
marine genetic resources, ensuring that all address communication challenges within the
nations, particularly developing countries, Indian Navy.
benefit from oceanic biodiversity. Statement 1 is correct: Li-Fi (Light Fidelity)
It sets precise mechanisms for the is a wireless communication technology that
sustainable use of marine biological uses visible light, particularly from LED
diversity through international cooperation bulbs, to transmit data. It offers high-speed,
and coordination. secure communication and is supported under
Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign India's iDEX (Innovations for Defence
rights over marine resources derived from Excellence) initiative, which aims to promote
the high seas and ensure fair and equitable innovation in defence technologies.
sharing of benefits. Statement 2 is incorrect: While traditional
It would also contribute to achieving Wi-Fi struggles in underwater environments
several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life due to the inability of radio waves to travel
Below Water). effectively through water, Li-Fi can function
in such environments by using light waves,
83. Ans: B which can penetrate water to some extent.
This makes it a viable technology for
Exp:
underwater communication, which is crucial
Recently, the Prime Minister praised the
for naval operations.
unique flavour and significance of Araku
Coffee of Andhra Pradesh during his recent
episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme. 85. Ans: C
Statement 1 is incorrect: Araku Coffee is Exp:
grown in the Eastern Ghats, specifically in Statement 1 is correct: Biomass briquettes
the Araku Valley, which is part of the hilly are compact blocks made from organic
regions spanning both Andhra Pradesh and materials, such as agricultural residues,
Odisha. This area is home to tribal forestry waste, and industrial by-products.
communities who have been traditionally These materials, which would otherwise go to
involved in growing coffee. waste, are compressed into briquettes, making
them an efficient alternative energy source.
 37

Statement 2 is correct: Unlike traditional 87. Ans: A

fossil fuels, biomass briquettes are carbon- Exp:
neutral, meaning they release no additional The Denisovans are an extinct species of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when ancient human that lived at the same time and
burned. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, in the same places as Neanderthals and Homo
the adoption of biomass briquettes helps sapiens.
mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, thus Statement 1 is correct: Bone remains from
contributing to climate change mitigation Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau
efforts. Moreover, the production of biomass reveal that Denisovans, an extinct human
briquettes often utilises agricultural and species, survived at 3,280 meters for
forestry residues that would otherwise be left millennia. A rib bone dated between 48,000
to decompose, releasing methane (a potent and 32,000 years ago, published in Nature,
greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere. By shows their resilience to climate changes and
diverting these residues towards productive possible interbreeding with Neanderthals and
use, biomass briquettes play a crucial role in Homo sapiens. The remains suggest a diverse
waste management and carbon sequestration, diet of blue sheep and woolly rhinos.
further enhancing their environmental Statement 2 incorrect: Homo
credentials. heidelbergensis is an extinct species of
hominid that lived approximately 600,000 to
200,000 years ago. They are considered the
86. Ans: A
common ancestor of both Neanderthals and
Exp: Denisovans, as well as modern humans
Statement 1 is correct: Inverse Exchange (Homo sapiens).
Traded Funds (ETFs) are structured to deliver Statement 3 is incorrect: Denisovans were a
the opposite performance of a specific group of archaic humans who emerged about
benchmark index. These funds use financial 370,000 years ago during the Pleistocene
derivatives such as futures contracts to achieve Epoch in Eurasia, spreading throughout
this inverse correlation. When the underlying eastern and southern Asia and parts of
benchmark falls in value, the Inverse ETF Melanesia before disappearing sometime after
generates positive returns. For example, if an about 30,000 years ago.
index declines by 1%, an Inverse ETF tracking Melanesia is a subregion of Oceania in the
that index may rise by 1%. southwestern Pacific Ocean. It extends
Statement 2 is incorrect: Inverse ETFs are from New Guinea in the west to the Fiji
not long-term investments since the Islands in the east, and includes the
derivative contracts are bought and sold Arafura Sea. The region includes the four
daily by the fund's manager. As a result, independent countries of Fiji, Vanuatu,
Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.
there is no way to guarantee that the inverse
ETF will match the long-term performance of
the index or stocks it is tracking. Frequent 88. Ans: D
trading often increases fund expenses, and Exp:
some inverse ETFs can carry expense ratios of Statement 1 is correct: A group of diseases
1% or more. that affect mitochondria's capacity to
An expense ratio measures how much produce the energy that organs need to
you'll pay over the course of a year to own function properly is known as
a fund—usually a mutual fund or an mitochondrial disease (or Mito). Mito can
have many different forms, each of which has
exchange-traded fund (ETF)—expressed
the potential to disrupt one or more organs and
as a per cent of your investments.
lead to organ failure. There are two kinds of
mitochondrial disease:
 38

One is brought by faulty genes in the evergreen forests are flammable, regeneration
nuclear DNA, which is what makes us who of any Shola tree species is completely
we are and is passed down from one parent prevented except for Rhododendron
to the other. nilagiricum, the only Shola tree that can
The other is brought on by faulty genes in tolerate fire.
the DNA of the mitochondria. Mito,
caused by faulty mitochondrial DNA, is
90. Ans: D
passed down through the mother.
However, the risk of disease is erratic, so a Exp:
mother who is only mildly affected may A team from the Progressive River Authority
give birth to a child with severe symptoms. for Water and Harmony (PRAWAH) visited
Statement 2 is correct: Mito cannot be Belagavi district as part of a tour of the three
cured. However, a new IVF procedure known states through which the Mahadayi River
as mitochondrial donation gives families flows: Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The
affected by certain forms of mito hope that they visit reignited discussions on the decades-old
can have children who are genetically related water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and
to them without mito. Goa.
The Mahadayi River is a rain-fed river that
89. Ans: D originates in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
in Karnataka and flows into Goa, where it is
Exp:
known as the Mandovi River. The river passes
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Shola forests of through various protected areas, contributing
South India derive their name from the Tamil to the ecological richness of these regions.
word solai, which means a ‘tropical rain
forest’. These are tropical montane forests, The Mahadayi River originates from the
not deciduous forests, and are found in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in
higher elevations of the Western Ghats in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, which is
South India. The vegetation that grows in known for its biodiversity and forests in
Shola forests is evergreen. The trees are the Western Ghats.
stunted and have many branches. Their The river flows through Mollem
rounded and dense canopies appear in different National Park in Goa. This park is part of
colours. the Western Ghats and is rich in wildlife,
Statement 2 is correct: A fascinating (and including many endemic species of flora
mysterious) aspect of Shola forests is the and fauna.
presence of Himalayan plants like The Mahadayi River also flows through
rhododendrons. Paleobotanical studies Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, which is
hypothesise that these plants are remnants of contiguous with Mollem National Park and
vegetation that migrated to South India during forms a crucial part of Goa’s protected
the Quaternary Ice Age, around 2.6 million forest ecosystem.
years ago, due to subsequent changes in the
tropical climate of South India.
Statement 3 is correct: The Sholas are found
in the upper reaches of the Nilgiris,
Anamalais, Palni hills, Kalakadu,
Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari in the
states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Additional Information:
Pastoral communities, who settled in the
grasslands centuries ago, periodically burn
grass. This has checked the advance of the Map: Mahadayi River
Shola forests. As tree species of the montane,
 39

Additional Information: 92. Ans: A

The Karnataka government proposed a project Exp:
in the 1980s to divert water from Goa's Visakhapatnam port is the deepest land
Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River basin locked and protected port on the Andhra
in Karnataka to address the drinking water Coast. It is a major port and it handles
needs of Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and the traffic of iron ore, coal, oil, fertilisers,
Gadag districts. However, Goa has opposed the agri products etc.
plan since its inception.
Kakinada port is a minor seaport and the
headquarters of the East Godavari District
91. Ans: A of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in the
Exp: north-western part of the Koringa Bay.
Pair 1 is correct: O' Valley, also known as Nagapattinam port: Nagapattinam Port is
Ouchterlony Valley, is a town panchayat in a port in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It
the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It's is a natural port located on the shores of
located in the Gudalur Taluk, which is a union Bay of Bengal. It is one of the ports in
place that borders Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Coromandel Coasts.
Karnataka. The name is a shortened version of
V.O.Chidambaranar Port :
an older name that comes from James
V.O.Chidambaranar Port, formerly
Ouchterlony, who established coffee
Tuticorin Port, is one of the 12 major
plantations in the area 150 years ago.
ports in India. It is the second-largest
Pair 2 is incorrect: The Yankti Kuti Valley port in Tamil Nadu and fourth-largest
is located in the Pithoragarh district of
container terminal in India. It is an
Uttarakhand, India, in the extreme eastern
artificial port. This is the third
part of the state. It is situated in a transitional
international port in Tamil Nadu and its
zone between the Indian Summer Monsoon
second all-weather port.
and the mid-latitude westerlies. The valley has
experienced multiple glacial advances over the
past 52,000 years, which correlate with climate
variability.
Pair 3 is incorrect: The Sigur Plateau is a
778.8 square kilometer plateau in the Nilgiri
Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the
north and east of the Nilgiri District, south of
the Moyar River, and on the northern slopes of
the Nilgiri Hills. The plateau is surrounded by
Bandipur National Park to the northwest,
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve to the west, and
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Nil-giris Map: Location of Seaports in India
East slope range to the east.
Pair 4 is incorrect: Hasdeo Arand is a
93. Ans: D
170,000 hectare forest in the northern part
of Chhattisgarh, India. It's located in the Exp: The Supreme Court struck down the
Korba, Surajpur, and Surguja districts, about resolution issued by the Bihar Government in
300 km from Raipur. The forest is home to a 2015, which had merged one community in the
diverse ecology, including Sal and teak forests, Backward Castes list with another community
and is known for its biodiversity and coal in the Scheduled Caste list. The Court said that
deposits. It's also a catchment area for the the State Government had no competence/
Hasdeo Bango Dam. authority/power to tinker with the lists of
 40

Scheduled Castes published under Article 341 Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and Anaimalai
of the Constitution. Hills and Cardamom Hills in Kerala.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 341(1) of
the Constitution empowers the President of 95. Ans: B
India (not the Parliament) to specify which Exp:
castes in a particular state or union territory A meeting chaired by the Chairman of
are to be considered Scheduled Castes. The National Commission for Minorities discussed
President can issue this notification after
the implementation of Anand Marriage Act in
consulting the governor of the respective state
the states.Some of the States including
or the administrator of the union territory.
Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Meghalaya
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Parliament, reported implementation of the said Act in
under Article 341(2), holds the power to their respective States while Remaining
make any changes to the list of Scheduled States/UTs have assured to implement soon.
Castes, but it must do so by law. This means
The Anand Marriage Act grants
the list can only be altered through the
statutory recognition to Sikh marriage
enactment of legislation, and neither the
rituals in India. Hence, option B is
President nor the Central Government can
correct.
change the list through mere executive orders
or notifications. The Supreme Court has Anand Karaj: The term refers to the
ruled that states do not have the power to Sikh wedding ceremony, which is
alter the list of Scheduled Castes. central to the Sikh religion and
involves rituals different from those of
other religious communities, such as
94. Ans: A
Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
Exp:
Originating in 1909, it was first passed by
Ooty is a town and a municipality in the
the British Imperial Legislative Council to
Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil
recognise the Sikh wedding ceremony,
Nadu, officially known as
Anand Karaj.
Udhagamandalam.It is situated in Nilgiri
hills. Hence, pair 1 is correct. The Act was designed to honour the
customs of the Sikh community.
Kodaikanal, often called the "Princess of
Hill Stations," is situated at an elevation of In 2012, the Parliament passed the Anand
2,100 meters in the Palani Hills, part of Marriage (Amendment) Bill, formally
the Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu. Hence, recognising Sikh traditional marriages.
pair 2 is incorrect. While the central government approved
Munnar hill station is referred to as the the amendments, individual states and
"Kashmir of South India". It is situated in Union territories were tasked with framing
the Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar is rules for registering Anand marriages.
also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant The Act is significant as it fulfils the Sikh
which flowers only once in twelve years. It community’s long-standing demand to
is situated on Annamalai hill also known have their marriages recognised
as Elephant mountains. Hence, pair 3 is independently of the Hindu Marriage Act.
incorrect.
Nainital, often referred to as the 'Lake 96. Ans: A
District,' lies in the Siwalik (Shiwalik) Exp:
Range. It is a hill station in Uttarakhand
state. Hence, pair 4 is correct
It passes through Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Additional Information:
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Western Ghats has various local names: West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Sahyadri in Maharashtra, Nilgiri Hills in
 41

Maximum length of Tropic of Cancer is They are known by different names (North
in Madhya Pradesh and shortest is in to South) - Patkai Bum (forms the
Rajasthan. Hence, statement 3 is border between Arunachal Pradesh and
correct. Myanmar), Naga Hills (forms
Mahi River is the only river to cross the watershed between India and
Tropic of Cancer twice. Myanmar), Manipur Hills (Border
Ranchi (Jharkhand) is the closest between Manipur and Myanmar), and
capital city to the Tropic of Cancer. Mizo or Lushai Hills (Highest Peak- Blue
Hence, statement 1 is correct. Mountain), inhabited by tribal groups
Capital cities north of Tropic of Cancer: practising Jhum cultivation. Hence, pair 1
Jaipur (Rajasthan), Agartala (Tripura), and 3 are correct and Pair 2 is incorrect.
Aizawl (Mizoram). Hence, statement 2 is Mizoram is also known as the ‘Molassis
incorrect. basin’. It is made up of soft,
Capital cities south of Tropic of Cancer: unconsolidated deposits.
Gandhinagar (Gujarat), Bhopal (Madhya
Pradesh), Raipur (Chattisgarh), Ranchi 98. Ans: B
(Jharkhand) and Kolkata (West Bengal). Exp:
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), or "Stop
Error," is an error screen displayed on
Windows operating systems. It occurs in
Windows when a severe issue like hardware
malfunctions, corrupt system files, or faulty
drivers is detected. It halts all processes,
displays diagnostic information, and forces a
reboot, often causing loss of unsaved data or a
boot loop. BSOD signals a critical system
issue, typically linked to operating system
problems rather than hardware failures like
motherboard defects. It is not caused by
malware or permanent system damage.

99. Ans: B
Exp:
Somali Jet Stream
It is a temporary jet stream.
During the summer, it forms at low
altitudes. Hence, statement 1 is
Map: Location of Tropic of Cancer
incorrect.
Jet streams are the narrow bands of
97. Ans: B strong wind that generally blow from
Exp: west to east all across the globe. The
Beyond the Dihang Gorge (Brahmaputra), the two most constant jet streams are the
Himalayas bend sharply to the south. They are mid-latitude and subtropical jet
known as the Purvanchal or the Eastern hills streams.
and mountains. General alignment is from Monsoon winds are directed towards
north to south direction. India by this jet stream. The monsoon is
 42

better when the Somali current is strong. serpentina or Indian snakeroot, and is a vital
Hence, statement 2 is correct. drug in Ayurveda used primarily for
A distinctive characteristic of the Somali treating high blood pressure, insomnia, and
Current is its reversal with the onset of the mental disorders, not specifically for cough
summer monsoon. During winter, it flows and cold. Other herbs like tulsi and ginger are
from north to south, running along the commonly used for respiratory issues in
coast of Arabia toward East Africa. Ayurveda.
However, with the arrival of the summer Statement 2 is incorrect: It is a critically
monsoon, the current shifts direction, endangered species belonging to the family
flowing from south to north. Apocynaceae. The Union Ministry of
Environment and Forests has red-listed this
plant following its overexploitation.
Additional Information:
Other medicinal plants
Jamun: Powder of the seed is used to
control diabetes; juice is used to prepare
vinegar, which is carminative and diuretic
and has digestive properties.
Arjun: Fresh juice of leaves is a cure for
earaches; also used to regulate blood
pressure.
Babool: Leaves are used as a cure for eye
sores; Its gum is used as a tonic.
Neem: Antibiotic and antibacterial
Map: Location of Somali Jet Stream properties.
Tulsi: Cures cough and cold.
100. Ans: D Kachnar: Cures asthma; Buds and roots are
Exp: good for digestive problems.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Sarpagandha is
taken from the root of a plant named Rauvolfia
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