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VISION IAS
TEST SERIES

ENGLISH
Prelims Test
Test-3
Polity
GEOGRAPHY
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Test Booklet Series

TEST BOOKLET

GENERAL STUDIES (P) 2018 – Test–2430

C
Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

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provided alongside. Do NOT write anything else on the Test Booklet.

4. This Test Booklet contains 100 items (Questions). Each item is printed in English. Each item comprises four
responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you
feel that there is more than one correct response with you consider the best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE
response for each item.

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fill in some particulars in the answer sheets as per instruction sent to you with your Admission Certificate.

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1. Aphelion is the position of 5. With reference to basic lava, consider the
(a) moon when it is nearest to the earth following statements:
during its revolution. 1. It is highly fluid.
(b) earth when it is nearest to the sun during
2. It forms gentle sloping volcanoes.
its revolution.
3. It has a high percentage of silica.
(c) moon when it is farthest from the earth
during its revolution. Which of the statements given above are
(d) earth when it is farthest from the sun correct?
during its revolution. (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
2. The Aral Sea is bordered by which of the
(c) 2 and 3 only
following countries?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Turkmenistan
2. Uzbekistan
3. Kazakhstan 6. Consider the following statements regarding
Select the correct answer using the code structure of the atmosphere:
given below. 1. The troposphere is the lowermost layer
(a) 1 and 2 only of the atmosphere.
(b) 2 and 3 only
2. The stratosphere contains the ozone
(c) 1 and 3 only
layer.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. The ionosphere is located above the
3. Black soil is rich in which of the following? mesopause.
1. Iron Which of the statements given above is/are
2. Magnesium correct?
3. Alumina
(a) 1 only
4. Nitrogen
(b) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. (c) 2 and 3 only
(a) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only 7. Consider the following statements regarding
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 regions of Tropical Marine Climate:
1. They are located along the eastern coast
4. Which of the following are features of the
of tropical lands.
Great Northern Plains?
1. Braided channels 2. They come under the influence of the
2. Marshes and swamps trade winds.
3. Rift valleys 3. They are prone to tropical cyclones.
4. Meanders Which of the statements given above are
Select the correct answer using the code
correct?
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
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8. Consider the following statements regarding 11. With reference to plate tectonics theory,
extra tropical cyclones: consider the following statements
1. Plates are composed only of continental
1. They are formed along the polar front.
crust.
2. They can originate over both land and
2. The movement of hot softened mantle
sea. below the crust causes the plate
3. They move from west to east. movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3
12. Which of the following statements regarding
coastal plains of India is/are correct?
9. Consider the following statements: 1. The eastern coastal plains are broader
1. The distance between two longitudes than western coastal plains.
decreases towards the poles. 2. The western coastal plains have more
natural ports than eastern coastal plains.
2. The distance between two latitudes
Select the correct answer using the code
increases towards the poles.
given below.
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 1 only
correct? (b) 2 only

(a) 1 only (c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 13. Consider the following statements:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. The variation in lengths of days and
nights during the year occurs due to the
elliptical nature of earth’s orbit of
10. Which of the following correctly describes
revolution.
'Karewas'?
2. During the summers in the northern
(a) Thick deposits of glacial clay famous for hemisphere, the daylight increases
saffron cultivation. towards pole.
(b) Fertile region of the Rajasthan plains. Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(c) Deltas formed by the eastern flowing
(a) 1 only
peninsular rivers.
(b) 2 only
(d) Special soil type found in the coral (c) Both 1 and 2
islands. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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14. In the context of dawn and twilight, consider 17. 'This type of cloud looks like cotton wool
the following statements: and are generally formed at a height of 4,000
1. Dawn and twilight occur when sun is -7,000 m. They exist in patches and can be
below the horizon. seen scattered here and there. They have a
2. They are caused due to diffusion and flat base.'
refraction of sun’s light. Which among the following type of clouds is
3. The period of dawn and twilight is longer best described by the above passage?
at the equator as compared to the poles. (a) Cirrus
Which of the statements given above are (b) Cumulus
correct? (c) Stratus

(a) 1 and 2 only (d) Nimbus

(b) 1 and 3 only

18. The Sinai peninsula is situated between
(c) 2 and 3 only
which of the following seas?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) Red sea and Mediterranean sea
(b) Caspian sea and Black sea
15. Which among the following best
(c) Mediterranean sea and Black Sea
describes katabatic winds?
(d) Red sea and Black sea
(a) Upslope winds driven by warmer surface
temperatures on a mountain slope than
19. Which of the following remedial measures
the surrounding air column.
is/are adopted to reduce soil erosion?
(b) A type of wind system in which there is
1. Mixed Cropping
a complete or almost complete reversal
2. Crop Rotation
of prevailing direction from season to 3. Shifting Cultivation
season. Select the correct answer using the code
(c) Winds in which the cooler, heavier, given below.
denser air over the land flows towards (a) 1 and 2 only
the sea. (b) 2 only
(d) Winds in which the cool air of the high (c) 1, 2 and 3
plateaus and ice fields drain into the (d) 1 and 3 only
valley.
20. With reference to ocean currents, consider
16. Which of the following is correct the following statements:
regarding the process of formation of Inter 1. Their flow is limited only to the oceanic
Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)? surface.
(a) It is dynamically produced due to the 2. They assist in maintaining the Earth's
rotation of earth. heat balance.
(b) It is formed by convergence of an Which of the statements given above is/are
Oceanic plate and Continental plate. correct?
(c) It is formed by excessive rainfall in the (a) 1 only
tropical region. (b) 2 only
(d) It is formed due to convection caused by (c) Both 1 and 2
high insolation. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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21. With reference to the Solar system, consider 24. Consider the following pairs:
Pass Mountain Range
the following statements:
1. Banihal : Great Himalayas
1. The Terrestrial planets and the Jovian 2. Khardung La : Ladakh Range
planets are separated by the Kuiper belt. 3. Zoji La : Pir Panjal Range
Which of the pairs given above is/are
2. The Jovian planets are much larger than
correctly matched?
the Terrestrial planets and have thick (a) 1, 2 and 3
atmosphere. (b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) 1 and 3 only
correct?
25. The process of heating of the atmosphere
(a) 1 only
through vertical movement of air is called
(b) 2 only (a) Advection
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) Radiation
(c) Conduction
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Convection

22. The 'Red and Yellow Soil' looks red due to 26. Consider the following pairs:
Oceaninc Current Corresponding
wide diffusion of iron. It looks yellow in
Desert
colour when: 1. Benguela Current : Namib Desert
2. Humboldt Current : Atacama Desert
(a) there is loss of moisture
3. California Current : Mojave Desert
(b) it occurs in a hydrated form Which of the pairs given above is/are
(c) there is accumulation of humus correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(d) iron is removed from the soil
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
23. Periodic phenomenon of alternate rise and (d) 1, 2 and 3

fall in the sea-level is known as tides. Which

27. Consider the following statements about a
of the following statements is not correct Soil type:
1. It swells and become sticky when wet
regarding Tides?
and shrinks when dried.
(a) Moon exerts the strongest influence on 2. It retains moisture for a very long time.
tides because of its closeness to earth. 3. It is found in the upper reaches of
Godavari and Krishna river basin.
(b) Tides are highest during both full moon
Identify the soil type based on above
and the new moon. characteristics.
(c) Tides help in formation of deltas. (a) Laterite soil
(b) Black Soil
(d) Tidal force may be used as a source of
(c) Red Soil
generating electricity. (d) Alluvial Soil
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28. Consider the following pairs: 32. With reference to El-Nino, consider the
Rivers Source of Origin following statements :
1.Satluj : Rakas Lake 1. It is an extension of the cold equatorial
2.Son : Amarkantak Plateau
current.
3.Kaveri : Brahmagiri Hills
Which of the pairs given above are correctly 2. It results in the distortion of equatorial
matched? atmospheric circulation.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 3. It results in irregularities in the
(b) 1 and 3 only evaporation of sea water.
(c) 2 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) 1 and 2 only
correct ?

29. Cirque and Creavasse are formed by the (a) 1 only

action of (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) glaciers (c) 1 and 3 only
(b) wind (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) waves
(d) groundwater
33. Salinity of water in the polar oceans is low

30. With reference to the easterly jet stream, due to:

consider the following statements : 1. low evaporation
1. It sets in along 14° North latitude during 2. influx of fresh waters from polar glaciers
summer months. 3. high atmospheric pressure
2. It is responsible for the burst of the
Select the correct answer using the code
monsoon in India.
given below.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct ? (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

34. Consider the following pairs:

31. Which of the following statements is/are
correct regarding gravitational force? Species Climatic Region
1. Its value varies with the distribution of 1. Rosewood : Tropical Evergreen
mass of material within the earth. 2. Teak : Tropical Thorn Forests
2. It is greater near the poles and lesser at 3. Tendu : Dry Deciduous Forests
the equator.
Which of the pairs given above is/are
Select the correct answer using the code
correctly matched?
given below.
(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 3 only
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35. Consider the following statements regarding 38. Consider the following statements regarding
Mediterranean type of Climate: Equatorial type of Climate:
1. It is influenced by shifting of wind belts. 1. There is uniformity of temperature
2. It is characterized by dry summers and throughout the year.
rainfall in winters.
2. It is characterized by high annual
Which of the statements given above is/are
rainfall.
correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) 1 only
correct?
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2
36. Consider the following pairs: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Drainage Feature
Pattern 39. Which among the following is the correct
1. Centripetal : River originating from a sequence of gases in the decreasing order of
hill and flowing in all
their concentration in the atmosphere?
directions
(a) Carbon Dioxide – Nitrogen – Oxygen -
2. Trellis : Tributaries flowing
Argon
parallel and some at
(b) Nitrogen – Oxygen – Argon - Carbon
right angles to each
Dioxide
other
3. Dendritic : Tributaries resembling (c) Oxygen – Nitrogen – Argon – Carbon

branches of a tree Dioxide

(d) Nitrogen – Carbon Dioxide – Oxygen –
Which of the pairs given above are correctly Argon
matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only 40. Consider the following statements:
(b) 2 and 3 only 1. Beyond the tropics, the sun is never
(c) 1 and 3 only
overhead at any time of the year.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. At equinox, all parts of the world have
equal days and nights.
37. Soil Creep refers to
Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) slow and gradual movement of soil
down the hill slopes. correct?

(b) complete saturation of soil with water. (a) 1 only

(c) rapid movement of a large mass of soil (b) 2 only

on steep slopes. (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) loosening of rocks due to earthquakes. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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41. Consider the following statements with 44. With respect to a river system, consider the
reference to Ocean currents: following statements:
1. They determine the locations of major 1. The boundary line separating one drainage
fishing grounds in the world. basin from the other is known as the
2. They prevent freezing of Britain Coast. watershed.
3. They affect Monsoon in the Indian Sub- 2. An area drained by a river and its
continent.
tributaries is called a drainage basin.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

42. Arrange the following physiographic

features as found from the upper to the lower 45. The circulation pattern of planetary winds
course of a river: depends on which among the following
1. Meanders factors?
2. River capturing 1. Distribution of continents and oceans
3. Deltas 2. Rotation of earth
Select the correct answer using the code 3. Emergence of pressure belts
given below. Select the correct answer using the code
(a) 2-1-3 given below.
(b) 2-3-1 (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1-3-2 (b) 3 only
(d) 3-1-2
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
43. The Narmada and Tapi rivers flow through
rift valleys. With respect to this, consider the
46. Consider the following statements regarding
following statements:
tsunamis:
1. The rift valleys are caused through
1. Its speed is more in the ocean deep than in
upheaval of Himalayas and subsidence
of peninsular region. the shallow water.

2. These rivers though having rich alluvial 2. Tsunamis are frequently observed along

deposits are devoid of deltas. the Pacific ring of fire.

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
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47. Consider the following pairs: 51. Which of the following can result from
Hill/Range Location earthquakes?
1. Kaimur Hills : Vindhyas 1. Landslides
2. Mahadeo Hills : Satpura
2. Liquefaction
3. Maikala Range : Eastern Ghats
3. Tsunami
Which of the pairs given above are correctly
matched? Select the correct answer using the code
(a) 1 and 2 only given below.
(b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
48. Which of the following form a part of the
Peninsular Plateau in India?
1. Chotanagpur Plateau 52. The temperature of air at any place is
2. Meghalaya Plateau influenced by which among the following
3. Aravalli Hills factors?
Select the correct answer using code given
1. Latitude of the place
below.
2. Altitude of the place
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only 3. Presence of warm and cold ocean
(c) 1, 2 and 3 currents
(d) None of the above Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
49. Spring tides are formed
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(a) during the spring season.
(b) 1 and 3 only
(b) when the sun, the moon and the earth are
perpendicular to each other. (c) 2 and 3 only
(c) when there is an indentation in the coast (d) 1 only
line.
(d) when the sun, the moon and the earth are 53. With reference to the nitrogen cycle,
in a straight line.
consider the following statements:

50. Consider the following pairs : 1. No organism is capable of utilising

Soils Region nitrogen directly in its gaseous form.

1. Black Soil : Maharashtra 2. Nitrogen can be fixed in the atmosphere
2. Laterite Soil : Assam by lightning and cosmic radiation
3. Arid Soil : Chhattisgarh
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correct?
correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
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54. Which of the following are warm ocean 57. Consider the following pairs:
currents? Physiographic Manner of
1. Canaries Feature Formation

2. Humboldt 1. Himalayas : Exogenic and

endogenic tectonic
3. Agulhas
forces
4. North Atlantic Drift
2. Northern : Deposition of geo-
Select the correct answer using the code
Plains synclinal depression
given below.
3. Coastal : Submergence and
(a) 2 and 3 only
Plains emergence processes
(b) 1 and 4 only Which of the pairs given above are correctly
(c) 3 and 4 only matched?
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
55. Consider the following north-eastern hills of (c) 1 and 3 only
India: (d) 1, 2 and 3

1. Dafla hills
58. 'This climate is characterised by warm moist
2. Mishmi hills
summers and cool dry winters. The climate
3. Abor hills
is modified strongly by maritime influence.
4. Miri hills
There is rain every month. It is found in both
Which of the following is the correct order
Northern as well as Southern Hemisphere'.
of their occurrence from west to east?
Which among the following is best described
(a) 1-2-3-4 by the above passage?
(b) 2-1-3-4 (a) China type climate
(c) 3-1-2-4 (b) Siberian type climate
(d) 1-4-3-2 (c) Laurentian type climate
(d) Mediterranean type climate
56. Which among the following is/are ideal
conditions for formation of dew? 59. Which among the following sources provide
information regarding the interior of earth?
1. Cloudiness
1. Rocks on the surface of earth
2. Calm air
2. Volcanic Eruptions
3. Cold and long nights
3. Meteors
Select the correct answer using the code
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. given below.
(a) 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

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60. Which among the following is/are primary 63. Which of the following are examples of
rocks? antecedent rivers?
1. Igneous Rocks 1. Kali
2. Sedimentary Rocks 2. Satluj
3. Metamorphic Rocks 3. Tista
Select the correct answer using the code 4. Indus
given below.
Select the correct answer using the code
(a) 1 and 2 only
given below.
(b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
61. Consider the following statements regarding
Terrestrial Radiation:
64. Consider the following statements with
1. The earth after being heated by the sun
radiates energy to the atmosphere in the regard to coriolis force:

form of short waves. 1. It deflects the wind to the right direction

2. The amount of heat received in the form in the northern hemisphere.

of insolation is more than the amount 2. It does not depend on the velocity of
lost by the earth through terrestrial wind.
radiation. 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

65. Indian Ocean observes a phenomenon of

62. Consider the following pairs:
“Reversal of direction of oceanic current”.
Desert Location
Which of the following is chiefly responsible
1. Rub al khali : Turkey
for it?
2. Dasht-e Kavir : Iran
(a) 23 1/2 o tilt of the earth's axis
3. Mojave : Saudi Arabia
(b) Dominance of Monsoon winds in North
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched? Indian Ocean

(a) 1 only (c) Existence of Indian Peninsula in the

(b) 2 only north of Indian ocean

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) Large number of rivers draining into
(d) 1 and 3 only Indian ocean

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66. Which one of the following is related to the 70. Which of the following rivers drain into the
formation of crust, mantle and core? Arabian Sea?
(a) Differentiation 1. Sabarmati
2. Sharavati
(b) Degassing
3. Mandovi
(c) Photosynthesis
Select the correct answer using the code
(d) Solar winds given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
67. Consider the following pairs: (b) 1 and 3 only
Local storms of hot Region (c) 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
weather season
1. Mango showers : Karnataka
71. Consider the following statements:
2. Bardoli Chheerha : Assam 1. Areas where annual precipitation is over
3. Kalbaisakhi showers : West Bengal 200 cm.
Which of the pairs given above is/are 2. Mean annual temperature is above
correctly matched. 22 oC.
(a) 1 only 3. There is no definite time for trees to shed
their leaves, flowering and fruition.
(b) 1 and 2 only
4. Forests are well stratified, with layers
(c) 2 and 3 only
closer to the ground.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 The above statements represent the
characteristics of which of the following
68. The primary agent responsible for the types of vegetation?
process of mass movement is (a) Tropical Wet Evergreen
(b) Tropical Semi Evergreen
(a) Waves
(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous
(b) Running water
(d) Tropical Dry Deciduous
(c) Gravity
(d) Wind 72. Consider the following pairs:
Physiographic Description
69. Continental Margins consist of feature
1. Abyssal Plains 1. Barchans : Backwaters on western
coastal plains
2. Continental Shelf
2. Kayals : Crescent- shaped sand
3. Deep Oceanic Trenches
dunes
4. Continental Rise 3. Bhabar : Region of old alluvium
Select the correct answer using the code in the northern plains
given below. Which of the pairs given above is/are
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only correctly matched?
(a) 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) None of the above

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73. With reference to earthquakes, hypocenter 76. Which among the following conditions is/are
refers to: favorable for the formation and
intensification of tropical cyclones?
(a) the point on earth's surface which
1. Sea surface temperature higher than
experience the seismic waves first.
27°C
(b) the point where P waves and S waves 2. Absence of coriolis force
meet. 3. Pre-existing high pressure area
(c) the point where the energy is released Select the correct answer using the code

during the earthquake. given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only
(d) the point on the earth where earthquake
(b) 2 and 3 only
waves are not experienced.
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
74. Which among the following statements
is not correct regarding primary waves of 77. Which of the following is/are the
characteristics of Moist Deciduous Forests?
earthquake?
1. These forests have a parkland landscape
(a) They are similar to sound waves.
with open stretches.
(b) They travel only through solid materials. 2. The rainfall ranges between 100-200 cm.
(c) They are generated due to the release of 3. Tussocky grass grows as the under
energy at the focus. growth in these forests.

(d) The denser the material, the higher is the Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
velocity of these waves.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
75. With respect to the island groups around (c) 1, 2, and 3
India, consider the following statements: (d) None
1. Andaman and Nicobar islands are
78. Which of the following countries are
elevated portion of submarine
landlocked?
mountains.
1. Colombia
2. Lakshadweep Islands are built of coral
2. Bolivia
deposits. 3. Paraguay
Which of the statements given above is/are 4. Venezuela
correct? Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 4 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
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79. The Panama Canal connects which of the 83. Which of the following factors cause
following water bodies? variations in insolation on earth?
(a) Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea 1. Rotation of earth on its axis
(b) Gulf of Califonia and Pacific Ocean. 2. Angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
(c) Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. 3. Length of the day
(d) Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
80. Arrange the following tributaries of Ganga (a) 1 and 2 only
from east to west direction: (b) 3 only
1. Kosi
(c) 2 and 3 only
2. Son
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Gandak
4. Yamuna
84. Which of the following factors influence the
Select the correct answer using the code
ocean currents?
given below.
1. Rotation of earth
(a) 1-3-2-4
2. Air pressure and Wind
(b) 3-2-1-4
3. Revolution of Earth
(c) 4-3-2-1
4. Heating by solar energy
(d) 4-2-3-1
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
81. The Big Bang Theory is related to which of
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
the following?
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(a) Expansion of universe
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) Expansion of sea-floor
(c) Dispersion of light (d) 1 and 3 only

(d) Evolution of life

85. Which of the following are the characteristic

82. Which among the following best features of peninsular rivers?

describes albedo of the earth? 1. Fixed courses

(a) It is the amount of energy absorbed by 2. Absence of meanders
earth’s surface due to land masses. 3. Non-perennial flow of water
(b) It is the average amount of precipitation Select the correct answer using the code
observed on the earth. given below.
(c) It is the amount of radiation reflected by (a) 1 and 2 only
the earth’s surface. (b) 2 and 3 only
(d) It is the gradient of salinity in the (c) 1 and 3 only
oceans. (d) 1, 2 and 3

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86. Which of the following is/are the implication 89. Consider the following pairs:
of the vast longitudinal extent of India? Forests Indian Region
1. The variation in climate from tropical to 1. Tropical : Western Himalayas
sub-tropical zone. Evergreen Forests
2. A time difference of nearly two hours 2. Dry Deciduous : Khasi Hills
between the easternmost and the Forests
westernmost parts of the country. 3. Moist : Eastern slopes of
Select the correct answer using the code Deciduous Forests the Western Ghats
given below. Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
(a) 1 only matched?
(b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
87. Consider the following statements regarding
Saline soils of India: 90. Which of the following are the tributaries of
1. They are formed due to leaching action. River Indus?
2. They occur in water logged and swampy 1. Nubra
areas. 2. Dras
3. They are also known as 'Usara' soils. 3. Kabul
Which of the statements given above are Select the correct answer using the code
correct? given below.
(a) 2 and 3 only (a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only

88. With reference to the western cyclonic 91. Which of the following statements is/are
disturbances, consider the following correct with regard to temperature
statements : distribution over oceans?
1. They originate over the Mediterranean 1. Temperature decreases from equator to
sea. pole because of decreasing trend of
2. They are brought into India by the insolation.
westerly jet stream. 2. Oceans in southern hemisphere receive
3. Arrival of these cyclonic disturbances is less heat due to their less contact with
characterized by decrease in the land.
prevailing night temperature. 3. Winds blowing from land to sea increase
Which of the statements given above is/are the sea surface temperature near coast.
correct? Select answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None (d) 1, 2 and 3
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92. Which of the following is/are the 95. Shevaroy hills forms the part of
characteristics of Youth stage of riverine
(a) Western Ghats
topography?
1. Streams meander freely over vast (b) Vindhya Range
floodplains at this stage. (c) Eastern Ghats
2. Waterfalls and rapids may exist where
(d) Aravalli Range
local hard rock bodies are exposed.
3. Headward and vertical erosion is
replaced with lateral erosion. 96. With reference to Solar and Lunar Eclipses,
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. consider the following statements:
(a) 1 and 2 only 1. While solar eclipse occurs during new
(b) 1 and 3 only
moon, lunar eclipse occurs during full
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 moon.

2. Lunar eclipses occur more frequently

93. With reference to the weather during winter
and can last longer than Solar eclipses.
season in India, consider the following
statements: Which of the statements given above is/are
1. A low pressure centre develops in the
correct?
region lying to the north of the
Himalayas. (a) 1 only
2. The surface winds blowing from Central (b) 2 only
Asia reach India in the form of a dry
(c) Both 1 and 2
continental air mass.
Select the correct answer using the code (d) Neither 1 nor 2
given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 97. With respect to the Northwestern Himalayas,
(c) Both 1 and 2 consider the following statements:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Both fresh water and salt water lakes are

94. The Chota Nagpur Plateau is spread over found in this region.
which of the following states? 2. Jhelum river forms meanders in this
1. Madhya Pradesh
region.
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Jharkhand Which of the statements given above is/are
4. Odisha
correct?
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. (a) 1 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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98. Consider the following pairs:
Tectonic Plate Located between
1. Nazca Plate : South America and
Pacific ocean
2. Scotia Plate : North America and
Arctic ocean
3. Cocos Plate : Central America and
Pacific ocean
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

99. Which of the following is geographically

closest to mainland India?
(a) Barren Island
(b) Minicoy Island
(c) Reunion Islands
(d) Chagos Islands

100. Consider the following statements :

1. The decrease in temperature with
increasing altitude leads to a
corresponding change in natural
vegetation.
2. Wetter margins of dry deciduous forests
have a transition to thorn forests, while
on the drier margins they have a
transition to the moist deciduous forests.
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

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ANSWERS & EXPLANATION

GENERAL STUIDES (P) TEST – 2430 (2018)

Q 1.D

 During its revolution around the sun, the earth is farthest from the sun (152 million km on 4th July). This
position of the earth is called aphelion. On 3rd January, the earth is the nearest to the sun (147 million
km). This position is called perihelion.

Q 2.B

 The Aral Sea is situated in Central Asia, between the Southern part of Kazakhstan and
Northern Uzbekistan.

Q 3.B

 Black soils are are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. They also contain potash. But they lack in
phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter. The colour of the soil ranges from deep black to
grey. Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

Q 4.B

 The Northern plains have characteristic features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional
landforms such as sand bars, meanders, oxbow lakes and braided channels. The Brahmaputra plains are
known for their riverine islands and sand bars. Most of these areas are subjected to periodic floods and
shifting river courses forming braided streams. Marshes and swamps are also prevelant here. Hence,
options 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
 Rift valleys are a feature of the peninsular rivers. Hence, option 3 is not correct.

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Q 5.A

 Basic lava is highly fluid, is darker in colour and has lower silica content. As basic lava is non-viscous, it
can reach very far from the vent before it finally cools down and solidifies. Therefore, basic lava forms
volcanoes with gentle slopes with a wide diameter. It flows quietly and is not very explosive.

Q 6.D

 The troposphere is the lowermost layer of the atmosphere. Its average height is 13 km and extends
roughly to a height of 8 km near the poles and about 18 km at the equator.
 The zone separating the tropsophere from stratosphere is known as the tropopause.The mesosphere lies
above the stratosphere, which extends up to a height of 80 km. In this layer, once again, temperature starts
decreasing with the increase in altitude and reaches up to minus 100°C at the height of 80 km.
 The stratosphere is found above the tropopause and extends up to a height of 50 km. One important
feature of the stratosphere is that it contains the ozone layer. This layer absorbs ultra-violet radiation
and shields life on the earth from intense, harmful form of energy.
 The upper limit of mesosphere is known as the mesopause. The ionosphere is located between 80 and
400 km above the mesopause. It contains electrically charged particles known as ions, and hence, it is
known as ionosphere.

Q 7.D

Tropical Marine Climate:

 This type of climate is experienced along eastern coast of tropical lands, receiving steady rainfall
from Trade winds all the time.
 The rainfall tends to have a summer maximum, but without any distinct dry period.
 There is no month without rainfall.
 Tropical Marine Climate is favorable for habitation, but it is prone to severe tropical cyclones,
hurricanes or typhoons.

Q 8.D

The systems developing in the mid and high latitude, beyond the tropics are called the middle latitude or extra
tropical cyclones. The passage of front causes abrupt changes in the weather conditions over the area in the
middle and high latitudes. Extra tropical cyclones form along the polar front.

The extra tropical cyclone differs from the tropical cyclone in number of ways.

 The extra tropical cyclones have a clear frontal system which is not present in the tropical cyclones.
 They cover a larger area and can originate over the land and sea. Whereas the tropical cyclones
originate only over the seas and on reaching the land they dissipate.
 The extra tropical cyclone affects a much larger area as compared to the tropical cyclone. The wind
velocity in a tropical cyclone is much higher and it is more destructive.
 The extra tropical cyclones move from west to east but tropical cyclones move from east to west.

Q 9.A

 The latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India are roughly about 30 degrees, whereas the actual distance
measured from north to south extremity is 3,214 km, and that from east to west is only 2,933 km.
 This difference is based on the fact that the distance between two longitudes decreases towards the poles
whereas the distance between two latitudes remains the same everywhere. As the earth is slightly flattened
at the poles, the linear distance of a degree of latitude at the pole is a little longer than at the
equator. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct.

Q 10.A

 Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with moraines.
 The Kashmir Himalayas are famous for Karewa formations, which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran,
a local variety of saffron.
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Q 11.B

 A plate may be composed of continental plate or oceanic plate depending on which of the two occupy
a larger portion of the plate. Plates move horizontally over the asthenosphere (mantle) as rigid
units. Pacific plate is largely an oceanic plate whereas the Eurasian plate may be called a continental
plate. The slow movement of hot, softened mantle that lies below the rigid plates is the driving force
behind the plate movement.

Q 12.C

 Statement 1 is correct. As compared to the western coastal plain, the eastern coastal plain is broader and
is an example of an emergent coast. There are well developed deltas here, formed by the rivers flowing
eastward in to the Bay of Bengal. These include the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and
the Kaveri. Because of its emergent nature, it has less number of ports and harbours.
 Statement 2 is correct. The western coastal plains are an example of submerged coastal plain. Because of
this submergence it is a narrow belt and provides natural conditions for the development of ports and
harbours. Kandla, Mazagaon, JLN port Navha Sheva, Marmagao, Mangalore, Cochin, etc. are some of the
important natural ports located along the west coast.

Q 13.B

 The axis of the earth is inclined to the plane of the ecliptic (the plane in which the earth orbits round the
sun) at an angle of 66.5 degrees, giving rise to different seasons and varying lengths of day and night. If
the axis were perpendicular to this plane, all parts of the globe would have equal days and nights at all
times of the year. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
 In the northern hemisphere in the winter as we go northwards, the hours of darkness steadily increase. At
the Arctic circle (66.5 degree North), the sun never ‗rises‘ and there is darkness for the whole day in mid-
winter on 22 December. Beyond the Arctic Circle the number of days with complete darkness increases,
until we reach the North Pole (90 degree N) when half the year will have darkness.
 In the summer conditions are exactly reversed. Daylight increases as we go polewards. At the Arctic
Circle, the sun never sets at mid-summer and there is complete 24-hour period of continuous daylight. In
summer the region north of the Arctic Circle is popularly referred to as 'Land of the mid-night
Sun'. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q 14.A

 The brief period between sunrise and full daylight is called dawn, and that between sunset and complete
darkness is termed twilight. This is caused by the fact that during the periods of dawn and twilight the
earth receives diffused or refracted light from the sun whilst it is still below the horizon. Hence,
statements 1 and 2 are correct.
 Since the sun rises and sets in a vertical path at the equator the period during which refracted light is
received is short. But in temperate latitudes, the sun rises and sets in an oblique path and the period of
refracted light is longer. It is much longer still at the poles, so that the winter darkness is really only
twilight most of the time. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Q 15.D

 Katabatic winds: During the night the slopes get cooled and the dense air descends into the valley as the
mountain wind. The cool air, of the high plateaus and ice fields draining into the valley is called katabatic
wind.
 Anabatic winds are upslope winds driven by warmer surface temperatures on a mountain slope than the
surrounding air column.
 Monsoon winds: The type of wind system in which there is a complete or almost complete reversal of
prevailing direction from season to season is known as the monsoon winds.
 Land breeze: It is a common local wind that affects only coastal area. During the night the land becomes
very much cooler than the sea as land is quickly chilled than the sea. The air adjacent to the surface is also
chilled with the result that there is a marked high pressure over land. Thus the cooler, heavier, denser air
over the land flows towards the sea and land breeze occurs.

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Q 16.D

 The air at the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) rises because of convection caused by high
insolation and a low pressure is created. The winds from the tropics converge at this low pressure zone.
The converged air rises along with the convective cell.
 The easterlies from either side of the equator converge in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Q 17.B

 Cumulus clouds look like cotton wool. They are generally formed at a height of 4000-7000 m. They exist
in patches and can be seen scattered here and there. They have a flat base.
 Cirrus: Cirrus clouds are formed at high altitudes (8000 - 12000m). They are thin and detatched clouds
having a feathery appearance. They are always white in colour.
 Stratus: As their name implies, these are layered clouds covering large portions of the sky. These clouds
are generally formed either due to loss of heat or the mixing of air masses with different temperatures.
 Nimbus: Nimbus clouds are black or dark gray. They form at middle levels or very near to the surface of
the earth. These are extremely dense and opaque to the rays of the sun. Sometimes, the clouds are so low
that they seem to touch the ground. Nimbus clouds are shapeless masses of thick vapour.

Q 18.A

 The Sinai Peninsula is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. It is situated between the Mediterranean Sea to
the north, and the Red Sea to the south. It is the only part of Egyptian territory located in Asia.

Q 19.A

 Soil erosion is essentially aggravated by faulty practices. Over -grazing and shifting cultivation in many
parts of India have affected the natural cover of land and given rise to extensive erosion.
 Contour building, Contour terracing, regulated forestry, controlled grazing, cover cropping, mixed
cropping and crop rotation are some of the remedial measures which are often adopted to reduce soil
erosion.
 Mixed Cropping - Mixed cropping is a system of sowing two or three crops together on the same land,
one being the main crop and the others the subsidiaries.
 Crop rotation - It is a method of farming where a number of different plants are grown one after the other
on a field so that the soil stays healthy and fertile.

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Q 20.B

 Statement 1 is not correct. The flow of ocean currents is not limited to the surface. Surface currents
constitute about 10 per cent of all the water in the ocean, these waters are the upper 400 m of the ocean.
Deep water currents make up the other 90 per cent of the ocean water.
 Warm ocean currents travel out from the equator along the surface, flowing towards the poles to replace
the sinking cold water. That is how there exists a process of maintaing balance of heat budget. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.

Q 21.B

 Out of the eight planets, mercury, venus, earth and mars are called as the inner planets as they lie between
the sun and the belt of asteroids the other four planets are called the outer planets. Alternatively, the first
four are called Terrestrial, meaning earth-like as they are made up of rock and metals, and have relatively
high densities. The rest four are called Jovian or Gas Giant planets. Jovian means Jupiter-like. Most of
them are much larger than the terrestrial planets and have thick atmosphere, mostly of helium and
hydrogen. Kuiper belt lies beyond the planets, extending from the orbit of Neptune. It is similar to the
asteroid belt, but is far larger and massive. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.

Q 22.B

 The soil develops a reddish colour due to wide diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It
looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form. The fine-grained red and yellow soils are normally fertile,
whereas coarse-grained soils found in dry upland areas are poor in fertility.

Q 23.C

 Tides clear away the sediments brought by rivers (which are helpful for formation of delta). This helps in
cleaning the coastal regions. Hence, statement (c) is not correct.
 Compared to the Sun, Moon exerts the strongest influence on tides because of its closeness to earth. When
the moon is full or new, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are combined. At these times, the high
tides are very high and the low tides are very low. Since the position of the earth and the moon with
respect to the sun changes throughout the year, we can utilise the potential energy of the water contained
in the daily movement of the rising and falling sea levels to generate electricity.

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Q 24.B

 Zoji La is located on the Great Himalayas, Banihal on the Pir Panjal, Photu La on the Zaskar
and Khardung La on the Ladakh range.

Q 25.D

 The earth after being heated by insolation transmits the heat to the atmospheric layers near to the earth in
long wave form.
 The air in contact with the land gets heated slowly and the upper layers in contact with the lower layers
also get heated. This process is called conduction. Conduction takes place when two bodies of unequal
temperature are in contact with one another, there is a flow of energy from the warmer to cooler body.
 The transfer of heat continues until both the bodies attain the same temperature or the contact is broken.
Conduction is important in heating the lower layers of the atmosphere.
 The air in contact with the earth rises vertically on heating in the form of currents and further transmits the
heat of the atmosphere. This process of vertical heating of the atmosphere is known as convection.
 The convective transfer of energy is confined only to the troposphere. The transfer of heat through
horizontal movement of air is called advection.

Q 26.D

 Some of the deserts, like the Atacama Desert of Chile, the Namib Desert and Kalahari Desert of
southern Africa, the Mojave Desert of USA and the western Australian desert, are the result of cold
oceanic currents that divert rain-laden air away from coastlines. Namib desert, Atacama Desert and
Mojave Desert are the result Benguela Current, Humboldt current and California current
respectively.
 Others, like the Gobi and Takla Makan deserts of Mongolia and China, are simply so far away from the
ocean that the winds lose any moisture they may hold long before reaching the far off continental interior.

Q 27.B

 Black Soil is also known as the ‗Regur Soil‘ or the ‗Black Cotton Soil‘. They are generally clayey, deep
and impermeable. They swell and become sticky when wet and shrink when dried. During the dry season,
these soil develop wide cracks. They have a characteristic of slow absorption and loss of moisture. The
black soil retains moisture for a very long time, which helps crops (even the rain fed ones), to sustain even
during the dry season. Black soil is found in most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of
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Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, upper reaches of the Godavari and the Krishna
river basin and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

Q 28.A

All the pairs are correctly matched.

1. Satluj : Rakas Lake
2. Indus : Bokhar Chu glacier
3. Jhelum : Spring at Verinag
4. Chenab : Chandra and Bhaga stream
5. Ravi : Rohtang pass in the Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh
6. Beas : Beas Kund in Rohtang Pass
7. Ghaghara : Mapchachugo glacier
8. Son : Amarkantak plateau
9. Kaveri : Brahmagiri hills
10. Krishna : Mahabaleshwar in Sahayadri
11. Narmada : Amarkantak plateau
12. Godavari : Rises near Nasik District of Maharashtra

Q 29.A

 Cirques are the most common of landforms in glaciated mountains. The cirques quite often are found at
the heads of glacial valleys. The accumulated ice cuts these cirques while moving down the mountain
tops. They are deep, long and wide troughs or basins with very steep concave to vertically dropping high
walls at its head as well as sides.
 A crevasse is a deep crack, or fracture, found in an ice sheet or glacier, as opposed to a crevice that forms
in rock. Crevasses form as a result of the movement and resulting stress associated with the shear stress
generated when two semi-rigid pieces above a plastic substrate have different rates of movement.

Q 30.C

 Statement 1 is correct: An easterly jet stream, called the sub-tropical easterly jet stream blows over
peninsular India, approximately over 14°N during the summer months after the western jet stream has
withdrawn itself from the region.
 Statement 2 is correct: The easterly jet stream is held responsible for the burst of the monsoon in
India. The Monsoon, unlike the trades, are not steady winds but are pulsating in nature, affected by
different atmospheric conditions encountered by it, on its way over the warm tropical seas. The duration
of the monsoon is between 100- 120 days from early June to mid-September. Around the time of its
arrival, the normal rainfall increases suddenly and continues constantly for several days. This is known as
the ‗burst‘ of the monsoon, and can be distinguished from the pre-monsoon showers. The monsoon arrives
at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula generally by the first week of June. Subsequently, it proceeds
into two - the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.

Q 31.C

 Both the statements are correct. Gravitational force is an indirect source about interior of earth. The
gravitational force is not the same at different latitudes on the surface. It is greater near the poles and
less at the equator. This is because of the distance from the centre at the equator being greater than that
at the poles. The gravity values also differ according to the mass of material. The uneven distribution of
mass of material within the earth influences this value. The reading of the gravity at different places is
influenced by many other factors. These readings differ from the expected values. Such a difference is
called gravity anomaly. Gravity anomalies give us information about the distribution of mass of the
material in the crust of the earth.

Q 32.B

 Statement 1 is not correct : EI-Nino is an extension of the warm equatorial current which gets replaced
temporarily by cold Peruvian current or Humbolt current.This current increases the temperature of water
on the Peruvian coast by 10°C.
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 Statements 2 and 3 are correct :EI-Nino results in the distortion of equatorial atmospheric circulation as
well as causes irregularities in the evaporation of sea water and reduction in the amount of planktons
which further reduces the number of fish in the sea

Q 33.A

 Salinity of oceans is highest between 20 degrees to 30 degrees North and South latitudes as the rate of
evaporation is very high there due to high temperature and low humidity. Temperate oceans have lesser
salinity due to lower temperature and thus lower rate of evaporation. Polar waters will have even lesser
salinity because of lower evaporation and continual addition of freshwater from melting icebergs.
 Equatorial waters have lower than average salinity because of heavy rainfall and high relative humidity, as
precipitation adds good amount of freshwater to the ocean water.
 High atmospheric pressure is not the reason for low salinity in polar oceans.

Q 34.A

 Tropical Evergreen Forests - Species found in these forests include rosewood, mahogony, ebony,
etc. forests are well stratified, with layers closer to the ground and are covered with shrubs and
creepers with short structured trees followed by tall variety of trees.
 Semi Evergreen Forests -Main species are white cedar, hollock and kail. The undergrowing climbers
provide an evergreen character to these forests. Such forests have a mixture of evergreen and moist
deciduous trees.
 Moist Deciduous Forests - Teak, sal, shisham, hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and sandalwood etc.
are the main species of these forests.
 Dry Deciduous Forests - Tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, axlewood, etc. are the common trees of these
forests. As the dry season begins, the trees shed their leaves completely and the forest appears like a vast
grassland with naked trees all around.
 Tropical Thorn Forests - Important species found are babool, ber, and wild date palm, khair, neem,
khejri, palas, etc. In these forests, plants remain leafless for most part of the year and give an expression
of scrub vegetation.

Q 35.C

 Mediterranean type of climate:

 Entirely confined to the western portion of continental masses, between 30° and 45° north and south of the
equator. The basic cause of this type of climate is the shifting of the wind belts. Mediterranean Sea has the
greatest extent of this type of ‗winter rain climate‘, and gives rise to the name Mediterranean Climate.
 A dry, warm summer with off-shore trades: In summer when the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer,
the belt of influence of the Westerlies is shifted a little pole wards. Rain bearing winds are therefore not likely
to reach the Mediterranean lands. The prevailing Trade Winds (tropical easterlies) are off-shore and there is
practically no rain. Strong winds from inland desert regions pose the risk of wildfires.
 Rainfall in winter with on-shore Westerlies: The Mediterranean lands receive most of their precipitation in
winter when the Westerlies shift equator wards. In the northern hemisphere, the prevailing on-shore
Westerlies bring much cyclonic rain from the Atlantic (Typical to Mediterranean Climate). The rain comes in
heavy showers and only on a few days with bright sunny periods between them. This is another characteristic
feature of the Mediterranean winter rain.

Q 36.B

Important Drainage Patterns:

 The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as ―dendritic‖ the examples of which are
the rivers of northern plain. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.
 When the rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions, the drainage pattern is known as ‗radial‘.
The rivers originating from Amarkantak range present a good example of it.
 When the primary tributaries of rivers flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at
right angles, the pattern is known as ‗trellis‘. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.

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 When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions into a lake or depression, the pattern is known
as ‗centripetal‘. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.

Q 37.A

 Soil creep refers to slow, gradual but more or less continuous movement of soil down the
hillslopes. The movement is not very noticeable especially when the slope is fairly gentle or when the soil
is well covered with grass or other vegetation.

Q 38.C

Characteristics of Equatorial type of Climate:

 The equatorial hot and wet climate is found between 5° and 10° north and south of the equator. Its greatest
extent is found in the lowlands of the Amazon, the Congo, Malaysia and the East Indies.
 The most outstanding feature of the equatorial climate is its great uniformity of temperature
throughout the year. The mean monthly temperatures are always around 22oC with very little variation.
There is no winter. Cloudiness and heavy precipitation help to moderate the daily temperature, so that
even at the equator itself, the climate is not unbearable. These regions usually experience 2000 mm of
rainfall or more in a year. Equatorial regions are affected by the ITCZ. As the ITCZ passes over these
areas it brings heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. In some areas, the ITCZ causes two periods of very
heavy rainfall every year. One occurs when the ITCZ crosses these areas on its way north and another
occurs when it crosses these areas again on its way south.

Q 39.B

Constituent Percentage by Volume

 Nitrogen 78.08
 Oxygen 20.95
 Argon 0.93
 Carbon dioxide 0.036
 Neon 0.002
 Helium 0.0005
 Krypto 0.001
 Xenon 0.00009
 Hydrogen 0.00005

Q 40.C

 In the course of the year, the earth‘s revolution round the sun, with its axis inclined at 66.5 degrees to the
plane of the ecliptic, changes the apparent altitude of the midday sun. The sun is vertically overhead at the
equator on two days each year. These are usually 21 March and 21 September though the date changes
because of year is not exactly 365 days. These two days are termed equinoxes meaning ‗equal nights‘
because on these two days all parts of the world have equal days and nights. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
 After the March equinox the sun appears to move north and is vertically overhead at the Tropic of Cancer
(23.5 degrees North) on about 21 June. This is known as the June or summer solstice, when the northern
hemisphere will have its longest day and night. By about 22 December, the sun will be overhead at the
Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees South). This is the winter solstice when the southern hemisphere will
have its longest day and shortest night. The tropics thus mark the limits of the overhead sun, for beyond
these, the sun is never overhead at any time of the year. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

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Q 41.D

 All the statements are correct. Major fishing grounds are located at places where hot currents meet cold
currents, like New Found Island, where Gulf Stream meets Labrador currents or Japanese Coast, where
Kurshio currents meet Oyashio currents.
 Warm North Atlantic drift flowing towards Britain Coasts prevent it from freezing.
 Peruvian or humbolt Current is a cold current passing through Pacific Ocean on the coast of Peru. It plays
a major role in Indian Monsoon. When this current flows in normal course, it keeps high pressure area and
Indian Sub-continent remains low pressure because of which the wind bearing moisture flows towards
Indian Sub-continent. But in certain years the current is warmer than usual because of which a Low
Pressure area is also created in the Peruvian and Chile Coasts, and the Moisture of the ocean flows
towards the Peruvian coast also this result to lesser rainfall in Indian Sub-Continent. This phenomenon is
popularly known as El-Nino.

Q 42.A

The correct arrangement is: River capturing- Meanders- Deltas

Features of a river on the upper course:
 River capturing : Also known as river piracy or river beheading. Its development is dependent on
differential rate of back-cutting into a divide.
 Rapids, cataracts and waterfalls.
Middle or valley course:
 Meanders
 River cliffs and slip- offs slopes
Lower or Plain Course:
 Flood plain
 Ox-bow lakes
 Deltas

Q 43.A

 The rift valleys are caused by upheaval of the Himalayas when the northern flank of the Peninsular block
was subjected to subsidence and the consequent trough faulting. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
 The Narmada and the Tapi flow in trough faults and fill the original cracks with their detritus materials.
Hence, there is a lack of alluvial and deltaic deposits in these rivers. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Q 44.C

Both the statements are correct.

 A river drains the water collected from a specific area, which is called its ‗catchment area‘.
 An area drained by a river and its tributaries is called a drainage basin.
 The boundary line separating one drainage basin from the other is known as the watershed.
 The catchments of large rivers are called river basins while those of small rivulets and rills are often
referred to as watersheds. There is, however, a slight difference between a river basin and a watershed.
Watersheds are small in area while the basins cover larger areas.
 The pattern of flow of water in a river channel over a year is known as its regime.

Q 45.D

The circulation pattern of planetary winds largely depends on:

 latitudinal variation of atmospheric heating
 emergence of pressure belts
 the migration of belts following apparent path of the sun
 the distribution of continents and oceans
 the rotation of earth.
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Q 46.B

 Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that cause the sea-floor to move abruptly resulting in sudden
displacement of ocean water in the form of high vertical waves are called tsunamis (harbour waves) or
seismic sea waves.
 The speed of wave in the ocean depends upon the depth of water. It is more in the shallow water
than in the ocean deep. As a result of this, the impact of tsunami is less over the ocean and more near the
coast where they cause large-scale devastations. Therefore, a ship at sea is not much affected by tsunami
and it is difficult to detect a tsunami in the deeper parts of sea. It is so because over deep water the
tsunami has very long wave-length and limited wave-height. Thus, a tsunami wave raises the ship only
a metre or two and each rise and fall takes several minutes. As opposed to this, when a tsunami enters
shallow water,its wave-length gets reduced and the period remains unchanged, which increases the
waveheight.Sometimes, this height can be up to 15m or more, which causes large-scale destructions along
the shores. Thus, these are also called Shallow Water Waves. Tsunamis are frequently observed along
the Pacific ring of fire, particularly along the coast of Alaska, Japan, Philippines, and other islands of
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India etc.
 Hence, statement 1 is not correct and 2 is correct.

Q 47.A

 The southern part of the Vindhyan Range up to Katangi is called Bhander Range. Beyond this point
the escarpment enclosing the land-locked valley of Sirampur and the hill range in continuation is called
the Kaimur Range.
 The Mahadeo Hills are a range of hills in Madhya Pradesh state of central India. The hills form the
central part of the Satpura Range.
 The Maikal Hills are range of hills in the state of Chhattisgarh India. The Maikal Hills are an eastern
part of the Satpuras in Kawardha District of Chhattisgarh.

Hence, pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched.

Q 48.C

 All the options are correct.

 The northern boundary of the Peninsular Block may be taken as an irregular line running from Kachchh
along the western flank of the Aravali Range near Delhi and then roughly parallel to the Yamuna and the
Ganga as far as the Rajmahal Hills and the Ganga delta. Apart from these, the Karbi Anglong and
the Meghalaya Plateau in the northeast and Rajasthan in the west are also extensions of this block. The
northeastern parts are separated by the Malda fault in West Bengal from the Chotanagpur plateau. In
Rajasthan, the desert and other desert–like features overlay this block.

Q 49.D

 Spring tides: The position of both the sun and the moon in relation to the earth has direct bearing on tide
height. When the sun, the moon and the earth are in a straight line, the height of the tide will be higher.
These are called spring tides and they occur twice a month, one on full moon period and another during
new moon period.
 Neap tides: Normally, there is a seven day interval between the spring tides and neap tides. At this time
the sun and moon are at right angles to each other and the forces of the sun and moon tend to counteract
one another.

Q 50.A

 Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
 The laterite soils are commonly found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and the hilly
areas of Odisha and Assam.
 Arid soils are characteristically developed in western Rajasthan.
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Q 51.D

 Earthquakes have all encompassing disastrous effects on the area of their occurrence. Some of the
important ones are:
 On Ground: Fissures, landslides, liquefaction, possible chain-effects etc.
 On manmade structures: Cracking, buckling, overturning, sliding, collapse, possible chain-effects etc.
 On water: Tsunami, hydro-dynamic pressure, waves, possible chain-effects etc.

Q 52.A

The temperature of air at any place is influenced by:

 the latitude of the place

 the altitude of the place
 distance from the sea, the airmass circulation
 the presence of warm and cold ocean currents
 local aspects

Q 53.B

 Nitrogen is a major constituent of the atmosphere comprising about seventy-nine per cent of the
atmospheric gases. It is also an essential constituent of different organic compounds such as the amino
acids, nucleic acids, proteins, vitamins and pigments. Only a few types of organisms like certain species
of soil bacteria and blue green algae are capable of utilizing it directly in its gaseous form. Generally,
nitrogen is usable only after it is fixed. Ninety per cent of fixed nitrogen is biological. Hence, statement 1
is not correct.
 The principal source of free nitrogen is the action of soil micro-organisms and associated plant roots on
atmospheric nitrogen found in pore spaces of the soil. Nitrogen can also be fixed in the atmosphere by
lightning and cosmic radiation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q 54.C

 Canaries is a cold current in the Atlantic ocean and Humboldt current is a cold current in Pacific ocean.
 Agulhas current is a warm ocean current in the Indian ocean and North Atlantic drift is a warm ocean
current in the Atlantic ocean.

Q 55.D

 The correct order is: Dafla hills – Miri hills – Abor hills – Mishmi hills

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Q 56.B

 When the moisture is deposited in the form of water droplets on cooler surfaces of solid objects (rather
than nuclei in air above the surface) such as stones, grass blades and plant leaves, it is known as dew. The
ideal conditions for its formation are clear sky, calm air, high relative humidity, and cold and long
nights. For the formation of dew, it is necessary that the dew point is above the freezing point.

Q 57.D

All the pairs are correctly matched.

 Himalayan mountains are tectonic in origin, dissected by fast-flowing rivers which are in their youthful
stage. The Himalayas along with other Peninsular mountains are young, weak and flexible in their
geological structure unlike the rigid and stable Peninsular Block. Consequently, they are still subjected to
the interplay of exogenic and endogenic forces, resulting in the development of faults, folds and thrust
plains.
 The Northern plains are formed by the river Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. Originally, it was
a geo-synclinal depression which attained its maximum development during the third phase of the
Himalayan mountain formation approximately about 64 million years ago. Since then, it has been
gradually filled by the sediments brought by the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers. Average depth of
alluvial deposits in these plains ranges from 1,000-2,000 m.
 The western coastal plains are an example of submerged coastal plain. As compared to the western
coastal plain, the eastern coastal plain is broader and is an example of an emergent coast.

Q 58.A

China type climate:

 This type of climate is found on the eastern margin of continent in warm temperate latitudes, just outside
the tropics & comparatively has more rainfall than the Mediterranean climate in the same latitudes,
coming mainly in summers.
 Warm temperate eastern margin climate is typified by a warm, moist summer & a cool, dry winter
strongly modified by maritime influence.
 Ocasionally, the penetration of cold air from the continental interiors may bring down the temperature to
the freezing point, but most of the time it is pleasantly warm.
 Rainfall is anything in-between 75 cm to 150 cm, fairly distributed throughout the year, with no dry
month, except in the interiors of central China.
 Cool temperate continental (Siberian) climate is only experienced in northern hemisphere, where the
continents within the high latitudes have a broad east west spread. Hence, option (b) is not correct.
 Laurentian type of climate is absent in the southern hemisphere. Hence, option (c) is not correct.
 Mediterranean Sea has the greatest extent of this type of ‗winter rain climate‘, and gives rise to the name
Mediterranean Climate. Hence, option (d) is not correct.

Q 59.D

The interior of the earth can be understood only by indirect evidences as neither any one has nor any one can
reach the interior of the earth. Yet, a part of the information is obtained through direct observations and
analysis of materials.

Direct Sources:

 The most easily available solid earth material is surface rock or the rocks we get from mining areas.
 Volcanic eruption forms another source of obtaining direct information. As and when the molten
material (magma) is thrown onto the surface of the earth, during volcanic eruption it becomes available
for laboratory analysis.

Another source of information are the meteors that at times reach the earth. However, it may be noted that the
material that becomes available for analysis from meteors, is not from the interior of the earth. The material
and the structure observed in the meteors are similar to that of the earth. Meteors are indirect sources of
information about interior of earth.
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Q 60.D

 Rocks do not remain in their original form for long but may undergo transformation. Rock cycle is a
continuous process through which old rocks are transformed into new ones. Igneous rocks are primary
rocks and other rocks (sedimentary and metamorphic) form from these primary rocks.

Q 61.D

 The insolation received by the earth is in short waves forms and heats up its surface. The earth after
being heated itself becomes a radiating body and it radiates energy to the atmosphere in long wave
form. This energy heats up the atmosphere from below. This process is known as terrestrial radiation.
 The long wave radiation is absorbed by the atmospheric gases particularly by carbon dioxide and the other
green house gases. Thus, the atmosphere is indirectly heated by the earth‘s radiation. The atmosphere in
turn radiates and transmits heat to the space.
 Finally the amount of heat received from the sun is returned to space, thereby maintaining constant
temperature at the earth‘s surface and in the atmosphere.
 The earth as a whole does not accumulate or loose heat. It maintains its temperature. This can
happen only if the amount of heat received in the form of insolation equals the amount lost by the
earth through terrestrial radiation.

Q 62.B

 Rub al khali is the largest continuous sand desert in the world located in Saudi Arabia. Yemen, Oman and
UAE. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
 Dasht-e Lut and Dasht-e Kavir are large salt deserts located in Iran. Mojave desert is located in North
America. Hence, pair 2 is correct and pair 3 is not correct.

Q 63.A

 A part of a river slope and the surrounding area gets uplifted and the river sticks to its original slope,
cutting through the uplifted portion like a saw (vertical erosion or Vertical down cutting), and forming
deep gorges: this type of drainage is called Antecedent drainage.
 Rivers older than Himalayas form antecedent drainage.
 Examples: Indus, Satluj, Brahmaputra, Kali, Tista, Kosi, Subansiri etc.

Q 64.A

 The Coriolis effect (also called the Coriolis force) is defined as the apparent deflection of objects (such as
airplanes, wind, missiles, and ocean currents) moving in a straight path relative to the earth's surface. Its
strength is proportional to the speed of the earth's rotation at different latitudes but it has an impact on
moving objects across the globe.
 The Coriolis deflection is related to the veloity of the object, the motion of the Earth, and the
latitude.
 The rotation of the earth about its axis affects the direction of the wind. This force is called the Coriolis
force after the French physicist who described it in 1844. It deflects the wind to the right direction in
the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
 The wind circulation around a low is called cyclonic circulation. Around a high it is called anti-cyclonic
circulation. The direction of winds around such systems changes according to their location in different
hemispheres.

Q 65.B

 Dominance of Monsoon winds in North Indian Ocean is the primary reason for reversal of direction of
ocean current. Oceanic current all over the world circulate because of planetary winds, but in Indian
Ocean, when the ITCZ shifts to Indian Sub-continent, the directions of wind also changes. In summer
from June to October when South-West Monsoon wind is dominant, the currents are blown from South
Westerly direction, in winters when North-Eastern Monsoon wind is dominant the current are blown from
North-east as North-East Monsoon.

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Q 66.A

 Evolution of Lithosphere-The earth was mostly in a volatile state during its primordial stage. Due to
gradual increase in density the temperature inside has increased. As a result the material inside started
getting separated depending on their densities. This allowed heavier materials (like iron) to sink towards
the centre of the earth and the lighter ones to move towards the surface. With passage of time it cooled
further and solidified and condensed into a smaller size. This later led to the development of the outer
surface in the form of a crust. During the formation of the moon, due to the giant impact, the earth was
further heated up.

 It is through the process of differentiation that the earth forming material got separated into different
layers. Starting from the surface to the central parts, we have layers like the crust, mantle, outer core and
inner core. From the crust to the core, the density of the material increases.

Q 67.D

 Statement 1 is correct: Towards the end of summer, there are pre-monsoon showers which are a
common phenomena in Kerala and coastal areas of Karnataka. they help in the early ripening of
mangoes.

 Statement 2 is correct: In Assam Norwesters are known as Bardoli Chheerha. Norwesters are dreaded
evening thunderstorms in Bengal and Assam.

 Statement 3 is correct: Kalbaisakhi showers in West Bengal are useful for tea, jute and rice cultivation.

Q 68.C

 Mass movements transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the direct influence of gravity.
They are aided by gravity and geomorphic agents like running water, glaciers, wind, waves and currents
are not primarily responsible for the the process of mass movements.

Q 69.B

 The ocean floor may be segmented into three major divisions based on the depth as well as the forms of
relief. These divisions are continental margins, deep-sea basins (abyssal plains) and mid-ocean ridges.
Continental Margins form the transition between continental shores and deep-sea basins. They
include continental shelf, continental slope, continental rise and deep-oceanic trenches.

Q 70.A

Rivers flowing towards the West into the Arabian Sea:

 Shetruniji - rises near Dalkahwa in Amreli district.

 Bhadra - originates near Aniali village in Rajkot district.
 Dhadhar - rises near Ghantar village in Panchmahal district.
 Sabarmati and Mahi
 Vaitarna - rises from the Trimbak hills in Nasik district
 Kalinadi - rises from Belgaum district
 Bedti river
 Sharavati - originates in Shimoga district of Karnataka
 Mandovi and Juari in Goa.
 Bharathapuzha rises near Annamalai hills. (Kerela)
 The Periyar Kerala. Its catchment area is 5,243 sq. km.
 Another river of Kerala worth mentioning is the Pamba river which falls in the Vemobanad lake after
traversing a course of 177 km.

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Q 71.A
 Tropical wet Evergreen forests are found in warm and humid areas with an annual precipitation of
over 200 cm and mean annual temperature above 22oC.
 These forests are well stratified, with layers closer to the ground and are covered with shrubs and
creepers, with short structured trees followed by tall variety of trees. In these forests, trees reach great
heights up to 60 m or above.
 There is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves, flowering and fruition. As such these forests
appear green all the year round
Q 72.D
None of the pairs are correctly matched.
 Barchans: Crescent-shaped sand dunes
 Kayals: Backwaters situated on western coastal plains
 Bhabar: Bhabar is a narrow belt ranging between 8-10 km parallel to the Shiwalik foothills at the break-
up of the slope. As a result of this, the streams and rivers coming from the mountains deposit heavy
materials of rocks and boulders, and at times, disappear in this zone.
Q 73.C
 The release of energy occurs along a fault. A fault is a sharp break in the crustal rocks. Rocks along a fault
tend to move in opposite directions. As the overlying rock strata press them, the friction locks them
together. However, their tendency to move apart at some point of time overcomes the friction. As a result,
the blocks get deformed and eventually, they slide past one another abruptly. This causes a release of
energy, and the energy waves travel in all directions. The point where the energy is released is called
the focus of an earthquake, alternatively, it is called the hypocentre.
Q 74.B
 Earthquake waves are basically of two types — body waves and surface waves. Body waves are
generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the
body of the earth. The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate new set of waves called
surface waves. These waves move along the surface. The velocity of waves changes as they travel through
materials with different densities. The denser the material, the higher is the velocity.
 There are two types of body waves. They are called P and S-waves. P-waves move faster and are the first
to arrive at the surface. These are also called ‗primary waves‘. The P-waves are similar to sound waves.
They travel through gaseous, liquid and solid materials. S-waves arrive at the surface with some time
lag. These are called secondary waves. An important fact about S-waves is that they can travel only
through solid materials.
Q 75.C
Both the statements are correct.
 The islands of Bay of Bengal are divided into two broad categories – the Andaman in the north and the
Nicobar in the south. They are separated by a water body which is called the Ten degree channel. It is
believed that these islands are an elevated portion of submarine mountains. However, some smaller
islands are volcanic in origin. Barren island, the only active volcano in India is also situated in the Nicobar
islands.
 The islands of the Arabian sea include Lakshadweep and Minicoy. These are scattered between 8°N-12°N
and 71°E -74°E longitude. These islands are located at a distance of 240-480 km off the Kerala coast. The
entire island group is built of coral deposits.
Q 76.C
Tropical cyclones originate and intensify over warm tropical oceans. The conditions favourable for the
formation and intensification of tropical storms are:

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 Large sea surface temperature higher than 27° C

 Presence of the coriolis force

 Small variations in the vertical wind speed

 A pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation

 Upper divergence above the sea level system.

Q 77.B

 In moist deciduous forests, the rainfall ranges between 100-200 cm. These forests are found in the
northeastern states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and
Odisha. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

 Parkland topography with open stretches is found in Dry Deciduous forests . Hence, statement 1 is not
correct.

 Tussocky grass grows in Tropical Thorn Forests. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Q 78.B

 In South America only Bolivia and Paraguay are landlocked.

Q 79.D

 The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile (77 km) waterway in Panama that connects the Caribbean Sea
(in Atlantic Ocean) with the Pacific Ocean. It is a key conduit for international maritime trade.

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Q 80.A

 The correct order from east to west is: Kosi- Gandak- Son- Yamuna

Q 81.A

 The most popular argument regarding the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory. It is also called
expanding universe hypothesis. Edwin Hubble, in 1920, provided evidence that the universe is
expanding.

Q 82.C

 Albedo is a measure for reflectance or optical brightness of a surface. It is the fraction of solar energy
(shortwave radiation) reflected from the Earth back into space. Ice, especially with snow on top of
it, has a high albedo: most sunlight hitting the surface bounces back towards space.

Q 83.D

The amount and the intensity of insolation vary during a day, in a season and in a year. The factors that cause
these variations in insolation are:
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 the rotation of earth on its axis
 the angle of inclination of the sun‘s rays

 the length of the day

 the transparency of the atmosphere

 the configuration of land in terms of its aspect.

Q 84.C

Ocean currents are influenced by two types of forces namely:

 primary forces that initiate the movement of water;

 Secondary forces that influence the currents to flow.

The primary forces that influence the currents are:

 heating by solar energy;

 wind;

 gravity;

 Coriolis force.

Heating by solar energy causes the water to expand. That is why, near the equator the ocean water is about 8
cm higher in level than in the middle latitudes. This causes a very slight gradient and water tends to flow
down the slope.

Wind blowing on the surface of the ocean pushes the water to move. Friction between the wind and the water
surface affects the movement of the water body in its course.

Gravity tends to pull the water down the pile and create gradient variation.

The rotation of earth results in coriolis force. The Coriolis force intervenes and causes the water to move to
the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. These large accumulations of
water and the flow around them are called Gyres. These produce large circular currents in all the ocean basins.

Earth's revolution does not have an effect on ocean currents but it plays a major role in formation of Tides.

Q 85.D

 All the given features are characterisitc of peninsular rivers.

 Peninsular rivers are characterised by fixed course, absence of meanders and non-perennial flow of water.
The Narmada and the Tapi which flow through the rift valley are, however, exceptions.

Q 86.B

 From the values of latitude, it is understood that the southern part of the country lies within the tropics and
the northern part lies in the sub-tropical zone or the warm temperate zone. Hence, statement 1 is not
correct.

 From the values of longitude, it is quite discernible that there is a variation of nearly 30 degrees, which
causes a time difference of nearly two hours between the easternmost and the westernmost parts of our
country. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
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Q 87.A

 Saline soil is formed due to capillary action which leads to deposition of salts on the upper layer of soil,
making it ‗saline‘. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. They occur in arid and semi-arid regions and in
waterlogged and swampy areas. Their structure ranges from sandy to loamy. Saline soil is also known as
'Usara' soil. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Q 88.B

 Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The western cyclonic disturbances enter the Indian subcontinent from
the west and the northwest during the winter months. they originate over the Mediterranean Sea . These
cyclonic disturbances are brought into India by the westerly jet stream.
 Statement 3 is not correct: An increase in the prevailing night temperature generally indicates the arrival
of these cyclones disturbances.

Q 89.C

 Tropical Evergreen Forests -These forests are found in the western slope of the Western Ghats, hills
of the northeastern region (including khasi hills) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
 Dry Deciduous Forests - These forests are found in rainier areas of the Peninsula and the plains of
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the higher rainfall regions of the Peninsular plateau and the northern Indian
plain.
 Moist Deciduous Forests - These forests are found in the northeastern states along the foothills of
Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and Odisha.

Q 90.A

 All the options are correct.

 The Indus receives a number of Himalayan tributaries such as the Shyok, the Gilgit, the Zaskar, the
Hunza, the Nubra, the Shigar, the Gasting and the Dras. It finally emerges out of the hills near Attock
where it receives the Kabul river on its right bank. The other important tributaries joining the right bank
of the Indus are the Khurram, the Tochi, the Gomal, the Viboa and the Sangar. They all originate in the
Sulaiman ranges. The river flows southward and receives ‗Panjnad‘ a little above Mithankot. The Panjnad
is the name given to the five rivers of Punjab, namely the Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and the
Jhelum. It finally discharges into the Arabian Sea, east of Karachi. The Indus flows in India only through
the Leh district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Q 91.A

 Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Temperature decreases from equator to pole because of decreasing trend
of insolation. Oceans in southern hemisphere receive less heat due to their less contact with land and thus
remain cool.
 Statement 3 is not correct. Winds blowing from land to sea decrease the sea surface temperature near
coast by removing the warm surface waters and causing upwelling of cold waters.

Q 92.C

 Youth Stage - Streams flow over original slopes showing shallow V-shaped valleys with no floodplains or
with very narrow floodplains along trunk streams. Meanders if present develop over these broad upland
surfaces. These meanders may eventually entrench themselves into the uplands. Waterfalls and rapids
may exist where local hard rock bodies are exposed. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
 Statements 1 and 3 refer to old stage of running water. Typical of the middle and lower course of a river,
the vertical erosion is replaced by a sideways form of erosion called lateral erosion, plus deposition within
the floodplain.

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Q 93.B

 Statement 1 is not correct: A high pressure centre develops in the region lying to the north of the
Himalayas during winter. This centre of high pressure gives rise to the flow of air at the low level from
the north towards the Indian subcontinent.
 Statement 2 is correct: In winter months, the weather conditions over India are generally influenced by
the distribution of pressure in Central and Western Asia. The surface winds blowing out of the high
pressure centre over Central Asia reach India in the form of a dry continental air mass. These continental
winds come in contact with trade winds over northwestern India.

Q 94.D

 The Chota Nagpur Plateau is a plateau in eastern India, which covers much of Jharkhand state as well as
adjacent parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. The Indo-Gangetic plain lies to the north
and east of the plateau, and the basin of the Mahanadi River lies to its south.

Q 95.C

 Shevaroy Hills are a towering mountain range (1620 m) near the town of Salem, in Tamil Nadu state.
They form part of the southern ranges of the Eastern Ghats System. Shevaroys cover an area of 400
square kilometres (99,000 acres), with plateaus from 4,000–5,000 feet (1,200–1,500 m) above sea-level.

Q 96.C

 Statement 1 is correct. Solar eclipses can only occur during a new Moon, when the Moon moves
between the Earth and the Sun and the three celestial bodies form a straight line: Earth - Moon - Sun. A
lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and blocks the Sun's rays from
directly reaching the Moon. Lunar eclipses only happen at full Moon.
 Statement 2 is correct. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow. This
happens only during a full moon, when the Moon is on the far side of the Earth from the Sun. Because the
shadow cast by the Earth is quite a bit larger than the Moon, lunar eclipses are more common than solar
eclipses, and totality can last for about an hour.

Q 97.C

 Statement 1 is correct: Both fresh water and salt water lakes are present. Some of the important fresh
lakes such as Dal and Wular and salt water lakes such as Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are also in the
region.
 Statement 2 is correct: Jhelum in the valley of Kashmir is still in its youth stage and yet forms meanders
- a typical feature associated with the mature stage in the evolution of fluvial land form. The meanders in
Jhelum river are caused by the local base level provided by the erstwhile larger lake of which the present
Dal Lake is a small part.

Q 98.C

A tectonic plate (also called lithospheric plate) is a massive, irregularly-shaped slab of solid rock, generally
composed of both continental and oceanic lithosphere.

The major plates are as follows:

 Antarctica and the surrounding oceanic plate

 North American (with western Atlantic floor separated from the South American plate along the
Caribbean islands) plate
 South American (with western Atlantic floor separated from the North American plate along the
Caribbean islands) plate
 Pacific plate
 India-Australia-New Zealand plate
 Africa with the eastern Atlantic floor plate
 Eurasia and the adjacent oceanic plate.
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Some important minor plates are:

 Cocos plate: Between Central America and Pacific ocean. Hence, pair 3 is correct.
 Nazca plate: Between South America and Pacific ocean. Hence, pair 1 is correct.
 Arabian plate: Mostly the Saudi Arabian landmass.
 Philippine plate: Between the Asiatic and Pacific ocean.
 Caroline plate: Between the Philippine and Indian plate (North of New Guinea).
 Fuji plate: North-east of Australia.
 Scotia plate (SCO) is an almost entirely submerged plate underneath the Scotia Sea, near
Antarctica. Hence, pair 2 is not correct.

Q 99.B

 Minicoy, locally known as Maliku is the southernmost atoll of the archipelago of Lakshadweep,
India. Administratively, it is a census town in the Indian union territory of Lakshadweep. It is
geographically closest to mainland of India.
 Barren Island is an island located in the Andaman Sea, dominated by Barren Volcano, the only confirmed
active volcano in South Asia.
 Reunion Island is a region of France in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and 175 kilometres (109 mi)
southwest of Mauritius.
 The Chagos Archipelago or Chagos Islands is a group of seven atolls comprising more than 60 individual
tropical islands in the Indian Ocean about 500 kilometres south of the Maldives archipelago.

Q 100.A

 The decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to a corresponding change in natural
vegetation. The Himalayan ranges show a succession of vegetation from the tropical to the tundra, which
change in with the altitude. Deciduous forests are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is succeeded
by the wet temperate type of forests. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
 Dry deciduous forest covers vast areas of the country, where rainfall ranges between 70 -100 cm. On the
wetter margins, it has a transition to the moist deciduous, while on the drier margins to thorn forests.
These forests are found in rainier areas of the Peninsula and In the higher rainfall regions of the Peninsular
plateau and the northern Indian plain. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

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