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Test Booklet Series

TEST BOOKLET

G.S. PRE. (2025) MINI TEST – 5501

C
Time Allowed: One Hour Maximum Marks: 100

INSTRUCTIONS

1. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD CHECK THAT THIS BOOKLET
DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TURN OR MISSING PAGES OR ITEMS, ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A
COMPLETE TEST BOOKLET.

2. ENCODE CLEARLY THE TEST BOOKLET SERIES A, B, C OR D AS THE CASE MAY BE IN THE APPROPRIATE PLACE IN
THE ANSWER SHEET.

3. You have to enter your Roll Number on the Test Booklet in the Box
provided alongside. Do NOT write anything else on the Test Booklet.

4. This Test Booklet contains 50 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.

5. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet provided. See direction in the
answers sheet.

6. All items carry equal marks. Attempt all items. Your total marks will depend only on the number of correct
responses marked by you in the answer sheet. For every incorrect response 1/3rdof the allotted marks will be
deducted.

7. Before you proceed to mark in the Answer sheet the response to various items in the Test booklet, you have to
fill in some particulars in the answer sheets as per instruction sent to you with your Admission Certificate.

8. After you have completed filling in all responses on the answer sheet and the examination has concluded, you
should hand over to Invigilator only the answer sheet. You are permitted to take away with you the Test
Booklet.

9. Sheet for rough work are appended in the Test Booklet at the end.

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

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1. Consider the following statements regarding 4. Red and Yellow soils are widely prevalent in
the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers: the Deccan Plateau. With reference to these
1. The peninsular rivers exhibit greater soils, consider the following statements:
meandering tendencies and shift their 1. They develop on crystalline igneous
course more frequently than the rocks in areas of low rainfall.
Himalayan rivers.
2. The reddish color of the soil is due to the
2. Himalayan rivers form a dendritic
diffusion of Iron.
pattern in plains while peninsular rivers
Which of the statements given above is/are
form trellis, radial and rectangular
correct?
patterns.
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 1 only
correct? (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 5. With reference to Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, consider the following statements:
2. With reference to the formation of the rock 1. Ritchie's Archipelago belongs to the
system, arrange the following rock system in Andaman group of islands.
chronological order:
2. Narcondam Island is the only oceanic
1. Cuddapah rock system
island of volcanic origin in India.
2. Dravidian rock system
3. Landfall Island is the northernmost
3. Dharwar rock system
island of the Andaman and Nicobar
4. Gondwana rock system
Select the correct answer using the code Islands.
given below. Which of the statements given above are
(a) 2-1-3-4 correct?
(b) 4-1-3-2 (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1-2-4-3 (b) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3-1-2-4 (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. With reference to the Indus river, consider
the following statements:
6. Consider the following statements with
1. It originates from a glacier in the Kailash
reference to a river:
Mountain range.
1. It originates in the ‘Raksas tal’ near
2. The Satluj is the largest tributary of the
Mansarovar lake in Tibet.
Indus.
3. The Indus flows in India only through 2. It is an antecedent river.
the Union Territory of Jammu and 3. It passes through the Shipki La pass.
Kashmir. Which one of the following rivers has been
Which of the statements given above is/are described by the above-given
correct? characteristics?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) Indus
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) Satluj
(c) 1 only (c) Beas
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Ravi
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7. Which of the following statements is/are 10. Consider the following statements:
correct regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole 1. The Deccan plateau gets low rainfall due
(IOD)? to the rain shadow effect of Western
1. It refers to the difference in sea surface ghats.
temperature between a western pole in 2. Alignment of Aravalis is one of the
the Arabian Sea and an eastern pole in reasons for less rainfall in Rajasthan.
the Bay of Bengal. Which of the statements given above is/are
2. During the positive phase of IOD, correct?
cooler-than-normal sea surface (a) 1 only
conditions occur in the Arabian Sea. (b) 2 only
3. A negative IOD index can negate the (c) Both 1 and 2
effect of ENSO, resulting in increased (d) Neither 1 nor 2
monsoon rains.
Select the correct answer using the code 11. In the context of the Indian monsoon,
given below. consider the following statements:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 1. The monsoon rainfall has a declining
(b) 1 only trend with decreasing distance from the
(c) 2 and 3 only sea.
(d) None 2. The variability of rainfall is among the
highest in the northern part of Jammu
8. Which of the following islands is the largest and Kashmir.
of the Lakshadweep islands? Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) Andrott Island correct?
(b) Agatti Island (a) 1 only
(c) Kavaratti Island (b) 2 only
(d) Minicoy Island (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
9. Consider the following statements regarding
the Himalayas: 12. Consider the following statements regarding
1. Himalayas are structurally fold mountain the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
ranges running in a west-east direction. 1. Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands

2. Generally, the width of the Himalayas are separated by the Ten-degree channel.

increases as one moves from west to 2. These islands are an elevated portion of

east. submarine mountains.

3. The altitudinal variations are greater in 3. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in
the South-east direction to the mainland
the eastern half than those in the western
of India.
half.
How many of the above statements are
How many of the statements given above are
correct?
correct?
(a) Only one
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(c) All three
(d) None
(d) None
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13. Consider the following statements regarding 15. With reference to Western Disturbances,

the drainage patterns: consider the following statements:

1. More than seventy-five percent of
1. The tributaries of a dendritic drainage
annual precipitation over the North-West
pattern join the main stream at nearly
Indian region is associated with Western
right angles.
Disturbances.
2. A radial pattern is found in areas with a 2. It may lead to dense or very dense fog
central uplift and outward-flowing events.

streams. 3. Precipitation from the western

disturbances is very vital for the Rabi
3. Trellis pattern develops where hard and
Crop over northwest India.
soft rocks exist parallel to each other.
Which of the statements given above is/are
How many statements given above are not
correct?
correct? (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) Only one (b) 2 and 3 only
(b) Only two (c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) All three

(d) None
16. Consider the following statements regarding
Southern Oscillation in El Nino and
14. Consider the following statements regarding Southern Oscillation(ENSO):
tropical cyclones: 1. Its strength is measured in the Southern
1. In the Arabian Sea, most of the storms Oscillation Index (SOI) which is
computed from the fluctuations in air-
do not sustain due to high divergence
pressure differences between Tahiti and
created by the EL Niño Modoki.
Darwin.
2. When a pair of tropical cyclones form on
2. El Niño episodes are associated with
each side of the equator, they are called negative values of the SOI, meaning that
as hybrid cyclones. the pressure at Tahiti is relatively low
3. The Madden-Julian Oscillation can compared to Darwin.
3. When the Walker circulation enters its
influence tropical cyclone numbers and
El Niño phase, the SOI is strongly
strengths in nearly all ocean basins.
negative.
Which of the statements given above is/are
How many statements given above are
correct? correct?
(a) 1 only (a) Only one

(b) 1 and 3 only (b) Only two

(c) All three
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) None
(d) 3 only
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17. The drainage pattern of an area depends 20. ‘Shompen tribes’ recently seen in news are
upon which of the following factors: from which state/UT?
1. geological time period (a) Arunachal Pradesh
2. structure of rocks
(b) Assam
3. amount of water flowing
(c) Lakshadweep
4. periodicity of the flow
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only 21. With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole
(b) 1 and 3 only (IOD), consider the following statements:
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only 1. It is characterized by differences in sea
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 surface temperatures (SSTs) between the
western and eastern Indian Ocean.
18. With reference to the tributaries of Ganga,
2. Negative IOD can lead to increased
consider the following statements:
1. Both Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rainfall and atmospheric convection over

originate from Satopanth glacier. the eastern Indian Ocean, Indonesia, and
2. Kali Ganga joins Alaknanda at Karna northern Australia.
Prayag. Which of the statements given above is/are
3. Son is the longest left bank tributary of not correct?
Ganga (a) 1 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
(b) 2 only
correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above 22. The general elevation ranges between 700-
1,000 m above the mean sea level and it
19. With reference to drainage patterns slopes towards the north and northeastern
occurring in India, consider the following directions. Most of the tributaries of the river
statements:
Yamuna have their origin In this region. An
1. Son and Narmada rivers follow the
eastern extension is formed by the Rajmahal
radial drainage pattern.
2. Ganga and Brahmputra rivers follow a hills, to the south of which lies a large
trellis drainage pattern. reserve of mineral resources in the
3. Manipur river draining into Loktak Lake Chotanagpur plateau. In the West, its
follows the centripetal pattern of extension can be seen as far as Jaisalmer.
drainage. Which of the following is best described in
Which of the statements given above are
the passage given above?
correct?
(a) Deccan Plataeu
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Central Highlands
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Maikal ranges
(d) 2 and 3 only (d) The Eastern Ghats

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23. Why the majority of peninsular rivers 26. Consider the following pairs regarding the
fall into Bay of Bengal? regional division of Indian Himalayas:
(a) Submergence of western part of Region between Name
Peninsular in Arabian sea during the 1. Indus and Satluj rivers : Punjab
early Tertiary period. Himalayas
(b) Presence of Satpura in the northern part
2. Satluj and Kali rivers : Kumaon
of Peninsular block.
Himalayas
(c) Presence of igneous rocks.
3. Teesta and Dibang rivers : Assam
(d) Collision of Indian plate with the
Himalayas
Eurasian plate created a trough faulting
How many pairs given above are correctly
in the Peninsular block.
matched?

24. Consider the following regions: (a) Only one

1. Western Ghats (b) Only two

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (c) All three

3. North-East India (d) None

4. Terai regions
In how many of the above-mentioned 27. Which of the following separates Andaman
regions Myristica swamps are found? group of islands and Nicobar group of
(a) Only one islands?
(b) Only two (a) Duncan passage
(c) Only three (b) Six Degree Channel
(d) All four
(c) Nine Degree Channel
(d) Ten Degree Channel
25. Which of the following statements is correct
regarding the season of retreating monsoon
28. Arrange the following coasts of the western
in India?
coastal plains from north to south.
(a) The monsoon retreats from the western
1. Kathiawar coast
Rajasthan by the first week of August.
(b) The widespread rain in this season is 2. Konkan coast

associated with the passage of cyclonic 3. Kachchh coast

depressions which originate over the 4. Malabar coast

Andaman Sea. Select the correct answer using the code
(c) The retreating southwest monsoon given below.
season is marked by dark clouds and rise (a) 3-1-2-4
in temperature. (b) 3-2-1-4
(d) The weather in the retreating monsoon is (c) 1-2-4-3
dry in the eastern part of the Peninsula. (d) 1-4-2-3
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29. Consider the following statements regarding 32. Consider the following statements regarding
the climatic regions of India according to the Triple-Dip La Niña phenomenon:
Koeppen’s Scheme: 1. It refers to a decrease of three times the
1. Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu has level of normal temperature of water in
monsoon with dry winter. the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. The west coast of India south of Goa has 2. Its cooling influence is temporarily
monsoon with a short dry season. slowing the rise in global temperatures.
3. Extreme western Rajasthan has a semi- 3. It negatively affects the Indian monsoon
arid steppe climate.
and intensifies droughts in India.
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 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

30. With reference to the Vindhyan system,

33. Which of the following is the correct
consider the following statements:
sequence of the following tributaries of
1. It comprises ancient sedimentary rocks
superimposed on the Archean base. Ganga from west to east?

2. It is devoid of metalliferous minerals. (a) Gomati-Ghaghara-Gandak-Kosi

Which of the statements given above is/are (b) Ghaghara-Gomati-Gandak-Kosi

correct? (c) Gomati-Gandak-Kosi-Ghaghara
(a) 1 only (d) Gandak-Gomati-Ghaghara-Kosi
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 34. Consider the following statement with
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 respect to Indian Plate:
1. Eurasian plate has been sinking below
31. Arrange the following states/UTs of India in the Indian Plate to form the Himalayas.
descending order as per the length of their 2. Deccan traps were formed due to
coastline: volcanic eruptions after the Himalayan
1. Andhra Pradesh mountain building was started.
2. Maharashtra 3. Indian plate boundaries include both
3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands convergent and divergent boundaries.
4. Gujarat
Which of the statements given above is/are
Select the correct answer using the code
correct?
given below.
(a) 3 only
(a) 3-4-1-2
(b) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3-4-2-1
(c) 1 and 2 only
(c) 4-3-1-2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 4-1-3-2
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35. Which of the following conditions increases 38. Consider the following statements with
the rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon? reference to the drainage system in India:
1. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole 1. Rivers of peninsular India are mostly
2. La Niña Condition in Pacific Ocean antecedent rivers.
3. Intense heating of Tibetan Plateau 2. Tributaries of peninsular rivers in India
Select the correct answer using the code are formed predominantly due to river
given below. capturing.
(a) 1 and 2 only 3. Trellis and Radial patterns of rivers are
(b) 2 and 3 only mostly found in the Himalayan river
(c) 1 and 3 only system.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 How many of the statements given above are
correct?
36. Consider the following mountain ranges:
(a) Only one
1. Dhauladhar range
(b) Only two
2. Naga Tibba range
(c) All three
3. Pir Panjal range
(d) None
4. Kailash range
How many of the above mountain ranges are
39. Syntaxial bend is associated with which of
part of the Middle Himalayas?
the following geographical features in India?
(a) Only one
(a) Northern plains
(b) Only two
(b) Himalayas
(c) Only three
(c) Deccan Plateau
(d) All four
(d) Central highlands

37. Which of the following geological events

40. Consider the following pairs:
has shaped the present drainage system of
Important Associated Himalayan
peninsular India?
1. Submergence of the western flank of the places Mountains

peninsula. 1. Kedarnath : Kashmir Himalayas

2. Upheavals of the Himalayas. 2. Mussoorie : Uttarakhand Himalayas

3. Slight tilting of the Peninsular block 3. Dal Lake : Darjiling Himalayas

from northwest to the southeastern 4. Namcha : Arunachal Himalayas

direction. Barwa
Select the correct answer using the code How many of the above pairs are correctly
given below. matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) Only one
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) Only two
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Only three
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All four
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41. With reference to the tropical moist 44. Starting from the Himalayas, arrange the
deciduous forests, consider the following following belts of the alluvial plains from
statements: north to south.
1. These are the most widespread forests in
1. Bhabar
India spread over regions that receive
2. Bhangar
rainfall between 70-100 cm.
3. Terai
2. These forests can be found in the
Andaman Islands, the western slopes of 4. Khadar
the Western Ghats, and the foothills of Select the correct answer using the code
the Himalayas in the northeastern given below.
region. (a) 3-1-2-4
3. Sandalwood, mahua, and sal are some of (b) 3-2-1-4
the species found here. (c) 1-2-3-4
Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) 1-3-2-4
not correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 45. Which of the following is the reason for
(c) 2 and 3 only earthquakes in Central-western parts of
(d) 1, 2 and 3 India, particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra?
(a) Since the peninsular block is older, its
42. Consider the following peninsular rivers: rocks are weaker and fracture easily.
1. Subarnarekha (b) Thrusting of Indian plate under Eurasian
2. Sharavati
plate causes these aftershocks.
3. Brahmani
(c) Deccan trap is an unstable landmass and
Which of the rivers given above flow from
east to west? a tectonically active region.
(a) 1 and 2 only (d) None of the above
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only 46. Consider the following statements regarding
(d) None Himalayas:
1. Lesser Himalaya are mainly composed
43. Consider the following islands:
of unconsolidated sediments
1. Amini
2. Great Himalayas are asymmetrical in
2. Kalpeni
nature and is composed of granite.
3. Andrott
4. Barren 3. Shiwaliks are outer-most range of the
5. Kavaratti Himalayas composed of highly
6. Shaheed dweep compressed and altered rocks.
7. Agatti Which of the statements given above is/are
How many of the above islands are part of correct?
the Lakshadweep group of islands?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) Only four
(b) 2 only
(b) Only five
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) Only six
(d) All seven (d) 1, 2 and 3

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47. Even after the retreat of the Southwest 49. The Horn of Africa experiences increased
monsoon from the Indian subcontinent, rainfall during which of the following
Kerala and Uttarakhand tend to receive weather phenomena?
heavy rainfall. Which of the following is/are 1. El Nino
the reasons for this increased rainfall? 2. La Nina
1. A high-pressure system in the Arabian 3. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole
Sea causes rainfall in Kerala. 4. Negative Indian Ocean Dipole
2. Western disturbances cause rainfall in Select the correct answer using the code
Uttarakhand. given below.
3. Warm and strong winds from the Bay of (a) 1 and 3 only
Bengal cause rainfall in Uttarakhand. (b) 2 and 4 only
Select the correct answer using the code (c) 1 and 4 only
given below. (d) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only 50. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) 2 only La Niña:
(d) 2 and 3 only 1. During La Niña, trade winds are even
stronger than usual, pushing more warm
48. Which of the following statements is not water toward Asia.
correct regarding the plains? 2. La Niña causes drought-like conditions
(a) They are extensive flat areas in the Indian sub-continent.
characterized by low relief, with Which of the statements given above is/are
minimal variation in elevation. correct?
(b) Structural plain are located in the (a) 1 only
interior of continents and are (b) 2 only
characterized by the absence of tectonic (c) Both 1 and 2
activities. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Coastal plains are also called pedi-
plains.
(d) Alluvial plains are created by the
deposition of fertile sediments.

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VISIONIAS
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ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS
G.S. PRE. (2025) MINI TEST – 5501

Q 1.B
• Comparison between the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers:
o Himalayan rivers originate through mountains covered with glaciers, while peninsular rivers rise from
the peninsular plateau and central highland.
o Himalayan rivers are perennial and receive water from the glaciers and rainfall whereas peninsular
rivers are seasonal and dependent on monsoonal rainfall.
o The drainage pattern of the Himalayan rivers is antecedent and consequent leading to the
dendritic pattern in plains. In peninsular rivers, it is trellis, radial and rectangular pattern.
Hence statement 2 is correct.
o Himalayan rivers have long course. They flow through rugged mountains, experiencing
headward erosion and river capturing, and in plains, there is meandering and shifting in course.
The peninsular rivers have smaller, fixed course with well-adjusted valleys. Hence, statement 1
is not correct. Meanders are formed when moving water erodes outer banks whereas inner part of
river, having less intensity, deposits silt and sediments which results in a snake-like pattern of the
water stream.
o Catchment area is larger in Himalayan rivers whereas it is a smaller basin in Peninsular rivers.
o Himalayan rivers are young and form valleys while Peninsular rivers are old with a graded profile.
o Less number of Himalayan rivers flows into the ocean. most of the rivers are tributaries of one or
other large river while most of the peninsular rivers flows into the ocean because of higher slope.
o Examples of Himalayan rivers are Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, Kosi etc. whereas Peninsular rivers
are Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmada, Krishna, Cauveri etc.

Q 2.D
• Indian rock system from a geological perspective can be classified under four categories- the Archaean
Rock System, The Purana rock system, The Dravidian Rock System, and The Aryan Rock System.
• Archaean Rock System: Precambrian rock system. It includes the Archaean Gneisses and Schist (4
billion years old) and Dharwar (1 to 4 billion years old). Archaean Gneisses and Schist System is the
oldest in India. Dharwar System was a highly metamorphosed sedimentary rock system. They are the
oldest metamorphosed rocks. They are economically important because of valuable minerals like iron ore,
manganese, copper, etc.
• The Purana Rock System (600 to 1400 million years old) is divided into the Cuddapah and Vindhya
systems. The Cuddapah system has unfossiliferous clay, slate, limestone, etc. It is best observed in the
Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh. The Vindhya system derives its name from the Vindhya mountain
range. A large area of this system is covered by the Deccan Traps. It is devoid of metalliferous minerals
but provides a large quantity of durable stone, limestone, etc.
• The Dravidian Rock System (600 to 300 million years ago) is found in the extra-Peninsular region. The
rocks of the Carboniferous period fall under the Dravidian Rock System. Coal formation started in the
Carboniferous age.
• The Aryan Rock System is categorized into four parts- the Gondwana system, the Jurassic system, the
Deccan Trap, and the Tertiary system.
• Gondwana rock system formed during the Permian period (around 250 million years ago).

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Q 3.C
• The Indus, also known as the Sindhu, is the westernmost of the Himalayan rivers in India. It
originates from a glacier near Bokhar Chu in the Tibetan region, at an altitude of 4,164 m in the
Kailash Mountain range. In Tibet, it is known as ‘Singi Khamban; or the Lion’s Mouth. Hence
statement 1 is correct.
• From Tibet, the river enters India through Union territory of Ladakh. From Ladakh, the river flows
through the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir. From here, the Indus river flows through the
regions of Baltistan and Gilgit . It cuts across the Ladakh range, forming a spectacular gorge near Gilgit in
Jammu and Kashmir. It then enters Pakistan near Chilas in the Dardistan region and flows through the
provinces of Punjab and Sindh before emptying into the Arabian Sea. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• The Indus receives a number of tributaries, the most significant of which is the ‘Panjnad’. The Panjnad is
the name given to the five rivers of Punjab, namely the Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and the
Jhelum.
• The Chenab is the largest tributary of the Indus. It is formed by two streams, the Chandra and the
Bhaga, which join at Tandi near Keylong in Himachal Pradesh. Hence, it is also known as Chandrabhaga.
The river flows for 1,180 km before entering into Pakistan. Hence statement 2 is not correct.

Q 4.C
• Statement 1 is correct: Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall in the
southern and eastern part of the Deccan Plateau. A long stretch of area is occupied by red loamy soil,
along the piedmont zone of Western Ghat. Yellow and red soils are also found in parts of Chhattisgarh
and Odisha and in the southern parts of the middle Ganga plain.
• Statement 2 is correct: Due to a wide diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks, the soil
develops a reddish color. When it occurs in a hydrated form, it looks yellow. The fine-grained red and
yellow soils are normally fertile, whereas in dry upland areas the soil has poor fertility due to coarse-
grained structure. They are generally poor in humus, phosphorus, and nitrogen.

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Q 5.C
• The Andaman–Nicobar archipelago is the emergent part of a long ridge that extends from the Arakan–
Yoma ranges of western Myanmar (Burma) in the north to Sumatra in the south. To the east, the
archipelago is flanked by the Andaman Sea and to the west by the Bay of Bengal. A c. 160 km wide
submarine channel running parallel to the 10° N latitude between Car Nicobar and Little Andaman
islands, known as Ten Degree Channel, is a major physiographic discontinuity that separates the
Andaman Group to the north from the Nicobar Group to the south.
• Currently, 38 islands of the Andaman Group are inhabited. Great Andaman comprises the five largest
islands of the Andaman Group: Baratang, Rutland, North, Middle, and South Andaman islands. Duncan
Passage separates Little Andaman from Great Andaman.
• Ritchie's Archipelago is a cluster of smaller islands that lie 20 km (12 mi) east of Great Andaman, the
main island group of the Andaman Islands. The Islands belong to the South Andaman administrative
district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Andaman Group also includes two islands of volcanic origin, Barren and Narcondam
islands, located in the Andaman Sea NE and NNE of Port Blair. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Lying south of the Ten Degree Channel in the eastern Indian Ocean the islands of the Nicobar Group. In
total there are 22 islands, of which 13 are inhabited. Car Nicobar Island hosts the administrative
headquarters of the Nicobar Group. Other islands of importance are Katchal, Camorta, Nancowry,
Tillangchong, Chowra, Little Nicobar, and Great Nicobar. Indira Point on the south coast of Great
Nicobar Island, named after the honorable Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi of India, lies 147 km from
the northern tip of Sumatra and is India's southernmost point.
• Landfall Island is the northernmost island of the Indian union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. It belongs to the territory's North and Middle Andaman administrative districts. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.

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Q 6.B
• The Himalayan drainage system has evolved through a long geological history. It mainly includes the
Ganga, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra river basins. Since these are fed both by melting of snow and
precipitation, rivers of this system are perennial.
• These rivers pass through the giant gorges carved out by the erosional activity carried on
simultaneously with the uplift of the Himalayas. Because of that most of the Himalayan rivers
are antecedent in nature.
• The Satluj River:
o The Satluj rises from the Manasarovar-Rakas Lakes in western Tibet at a height of 4,570m within
80 km of the source of the Indus.
o It is an antecedent river. Hence It takes a north-westerly course up to the Shipki La on the Tibet-
Himachal Pradesh boundary.
o It cuts deep gorges where it pierces the Great Himalayas and the other Himalayan ranges. Before
entering the Punjab plain, it cuts a gorge in Naina Devi Dhar, where the famous Bhakra dam has
been constructed. After entering the plain at Rupnagar (Ropar), it turns westwards and is joined by
the Beas at Harike. From near Ferozepur to Fazilka it forms the boundary between India and
Pakistan for nearly 120 km. During its onward journey, it receives the collective drainage of the
Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum rivers.
o It joins the Indus a few kilometers above Mithankot.
o Out of its total length of 1,450 km, it flows for 1,050 km in Indian territory.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Q 7.D
• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between two areas
(or poles, hence a dipole) – a western pole in the Arabian Sea (western Indian Ocean) and an eastern
pole in the eastern Indian Ocean south of Indonesia. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• During the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, which typically peaks in September–
November, cooler-than-normal sea surface conditions west of Indonesia and warmer-than-normal
conditions in the western Indian Ocean alter the atmospheric circulation in the Indian Ocean region.
Indonesia and Australia tend to be drier than normal, which increases the chances of bushfires, while
eastern Africa and India tend to be wetter than normal, increasing the likelihood of floods. Hence
statement 2 is not correct.
o During positive IOD winds over the Indian Ocean blow from east to west.
• During the negative phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, warmer-than-normal sea surface conditions
west of Indonesia and cooler-than-normal conditions in the western Indian Ocean alter the atmospheric
circulation in the Indian Ocean region. Indonesia and Australia tend to be wetter than normal, while
eastern Africa tends to be drier than normal.
• The neutral phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole shows neither positive nor negative features.
• Typically, the strength of the IOD is monitored with the so-called Dipole Mode Index, which is a measure
of the surface temperature difference between the western and eastern tropical Indian oceans.
o El Niño’, meaning ‘the boy child’ refers to a large-scale warming of the sea surface, along the central
and east-central Pacific Ocean around the Equator. The warming in the tropical Pacific Ocean because
of El Niño weakens the southeast trade winds flowing to the intertropical convergence zone over
India. Since these winds are the main driving force of the Indian summer monsoon, El Niño events are
associated with weak monsoons and lower than average rainfall.
o A positive IOD year sees more than normal rainfall over central India, because positive IOD increase
moisture transport from the southeastern parts of the Indian Ocean. Therefore, a positive IOD index
often negated the effect of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), resulting in increased
Monsoon rains in several ENSO years. Hence statement 3 is not correct.

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Q 8.A
• Recent context: A sailing expedition from Kochi to Andrott Island in Lakshadweep islands and
back has been undertaken by Offshore Sailing Club, Kochi under the aegis of Southern Naval
Command.
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o The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Bulbul has participated in this expedition. The aim of the
sailing expedition was to inculcate a spirit of adventure, hone nautical skills and foster ocean sailing
amongst young Naval personnel.
• The Andrott Island is the largest island with an area of 4.90 sq km, a length of 4.66 km and a
maximum width of 1.43 km. It lies in the east-west direction, between 10° 48′ and 10° 50′ N latitude and
73° 38′ and 73° 42′ E longitude.
o It is 119 km (64 nautical miles) away from Kavaratti and 293 km (158 nautical miles) away from
Kochi. It is the only island having a very small lagoon area.
o Andrott is the nearest island to the mainland and has an east-west orientation unlike other
islands lying in the north-south direction.
o It was the first island to embrace Islam. The Saint Ubaidullah, who is believed to have
converted the people of islands to Islam, died here and his tomb still remains in the Juma at
Mosque
o Thick vegetation mainly coconut groves, add to the beauty of the island.
• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q 9.B
• The Himalayas, geologically young and structurally fold mountains stretch over the northern borders of
India. These mountain ranges run in a west-east direction from the Indus to the Brahmaputra. Hence
statement 1 is correct.
• The Himalayas represent the loftiest and one of the most rugged mountain barriers of the world. They
form an arc, which covers a distance of about 2,400 Km. Their width varies from 400 Km in Kashmir to
150 Km in Arunachal Pradesh. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• The altitudinal variations are greater in the eastern half than those in the western half. Hence statement 3
is correct.

Q 10.C
• Statement 1 is correct. The deccan plateau receives low rainfall when compared to western parts of
western ghats due to the rain shadow effect of western ghats.
• Statement 2 is correct because Aravali range is parallel to the direction of southwest monsoon. Hence no
orographic rainfall.

Q 11.B
• The monsoon rainfall has a declining trend with increasing distance from the sea. Kolkata receives 119
cm during the southwest monsoon period, Patna 105 cm, Allahabad 76 cm, and Delhi 56 cm. Hence
statement 1 is not correct.
• A characteristic feature of rainfall in India is its variability. Variability of Rainfall is less than 25 percent
exists on the western coasts, Western Ghats, northeastern Peninsula, eastern plains of the Ganga,
northeastern India, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the south-western part of Jammu and Kashmir.
These areas have an annual rainfall of over 100 cm. A variability of over 50 percent exists in the western
part of Rajasthan, the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir, and the interior parts of the Deccan plateau.
These areas have an annual rainfall of less than 50 cm. The rest of India has a variability of 25-50 percent
and these areas receive an annual rainfall between 50 -100 cm. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Q 12.C
• Two major island groups in India are present in the Bay of Bengal and the other in the Arabian Sea. The
Bay of Bengal island groups consist of about 572 islands/islets. These are situated roughly between 6°N-
14°N and 92°E -94°E. The two principal groups of islets include the Ritchie’s archipelago and the
Labyrinth island.
• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the South-east direction to the mainland of India. Among
these, the Andamans are situated in the north and the Nicobar in the south. Hence statement 3 is
correct.
• Both Andaman and Nicobar are separated by a waterbody which is called the Ten Degree channel.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
• These islands are an elevated portion of submarine mountains. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Some smaller islands are volcanic in origin. Barren Island, the only active volcano in India is situated in
the Andaman Sea. It is a historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending
between Sumatra and Burma.
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• Other Related Information: Once a hill range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia, these picturesque
undulating islands are covered with dense rain-fed, damp, and evergreen forests and endless varieties of
exotic flora and fauna.
• Most of these islands (about 550) are in the Andaman Group, 28 of which are inhabited.
• The smaller Nicobars, comprise some 22 main islands (10 inhabited).
• These islands also boast of freedom fighting days’ historically significant landmarks viz. Cellular Jail,
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Viper Island, Hopetown, and Mount Harriet.
• Indigenous people of Andamans were: the Great Andamanese, who collectively represented at least 10
distinct subgroups and languages; the Jarawa: the jungle (or Rutland Jarawa); the Onge; and the
Sentinelese (the most isolated of all the groups).
• The indigenous peoples of the Nicobars include two main groups: the Nicobarese, or Nicobari living
throughout many of the islands; and the Shompen, restricted to the interior of Great Nicobar.
• Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Q 13.A
• The flow of water through well-defined channels is known as ‘drainage’ and the network of such channels
is called a ‘drainage system’. The drainage pattern of an area is determined by the geological time period,
nature and structure of rocks, topography, slope, amount of water flowing, and periodicity of the flow.
Some of the important drainage patterns are:
• Dendritic: The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as "dendritic," the examples
of which are the rivers of the northern plain. It develops where the river channel follows the slope of the
terrain. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Radial: When the rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions, the drainage pattern is known as
"radial." The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of it. Hence
statement 2 is correct.
• Trellis: When the primary tributaries of rivers flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join
them at right angles, the pattern is known as a "trellis." It develops where hard and soft rocks exist parallel
to each other. The right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra River make a trellis pattern, while the left
bank tributaries exhibit a dendritic pattern. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Centripetal: When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions into a lake or depression, the
pattern is known as "centripetal." It is the reverse of radial and occurs in areas of karst topography.

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Q 14.D
• Almost 50 per cent of the storms do not sustain since the west-central and the north Arabian Sea have a
relatively colder sea temperature (due to Findlater Jet or Somali Current that causes local upwelling).
• In the usual course, there was an occurrence of one extremely severe cyclone every four-five years. Now
the Arabian Sea started receiving tropical cyclones of high intensity in a small-time interval. For instance,
in 15 years (1998 to 2013), five extremely severe cyclones originated in the Sea. In October 2014, the
west coast of India saw an extremely severe cyclonic storm, 'Nilofar (Category 4). In 2015, within one
week, the Arabian Sea experienced two more cyclones, even stronger than Nilofar: Cyclone 'Chapal'
followed by Cyclone 'Megh'.
• El Niño Modoki (pseudo El Niño) creates conditions which are not conducive for cyclogenesis in the
Bay of Bengal. On the other hand, it offers large convergence over the Arabian Sea, explaining a
large number of cyclones in that region. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
o The reason why El Nino Modoki brings only fewer number of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal is
because one of the two descending limbs of the Walker Cell is over the western Pacific and Bay of
Bengal. The descending limb causes dry conditions not conducive for cyclone formation. The
ascending limb of the Walker Cell, on the other hand, brings rain. Also, an El Nino Modoki creates
stronger divergence over the western Pacific and Bay of Bengal compared to El Nino. Divergence
(opposite of convergence) means surface winds move away from each other and result in low relative
vorticity (rotational flow of winds). These conditions are not conducive for cyclones. This explains
why Bay of Bengal region (close to western Pacific) has fewer cyclones during an El Nino Modoki.
ü El Niño Modoki is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon in the tropical
Pacific. Conventional El Niño is characterized by strong anomalous warming in the eastern
equatorial Pacific. Whereas, El Niño Modoki is associated with strong anomalous warming in the
central tropical Pacific and cooling in the eastern and western tropical Pacific.

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• When a pair of tropical cyclones form on each side of the equator, they are called twin cyclones. In
May 2022, twin tropical cyclones Asani (northern hemisphere - counter-clockwise) & Karim (southern
hemisphere - clockwise) formed at nearly the same time on opposite sides of the Equator. The Madden-
Julian Oscillation (MJO) coupled with Rossby waves helped fuel the twin storms by promoting
convection. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
o The MJO can influence tropical cyclone numbers and strength in nearly all ocean basins. Hence
statement 3 is correct.
• Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):
o MJO is an eastward moving trough (series of thunderstorms) in the tropics that recurs every 30 to 60
days. Unlike ENSO, which is stationary (in the Pacific Ocean), the MJO is an eastward moving
disturbance. ENSO is associated with persistent features that last several seasons over the Pacific
Ocean basin. On the other hand, multiple MJO events occur within a season (i.e., weather varies on a
week-to-week basis).
o The MJO consists of enhanced rainfall convective phase and suppressed rainfall convective phase.
These two phases produce opposite changes in rainfall and this entire dipole propagates eastward. The
effect is witnessed mainly in the tropical region, in the band between 30 degrees North and 30 degrees
South of the equator.

Q 15.B
• Western disturbance (WD) is an extra-tropical storm that originates in the Mediterranean region.
• 30% of annual precipitation over the North-West Indian region (J & K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh
&Uttarakhand) is received during winter and it is mostly associated with Western Disturbances. Hence
statement 1 is not correct.
• It also causes rainfall over the adjoining places of north India.
• Precipitation associated with Western Disturbances (WDs) influences Himalayan climate, glaciers, snow-
water storage, flora, fauna, agricultural crops and human inhabitants etc.
• The adverse weather elements associated with Western Disturbances are as follows:
• Intense precipitation in the form of snow, rain or hail leading to landslides, avalanches and damage to
agriculture and manmade structures.
• Dense to very dense fog events leading to interruption in aviation/rail/road transport services. Hence
statement 2 is correct.
• Cold Wave to Severe Cold Wave and Cold Day to Severe Cold Day conditions after the passage of
western disturbances.
• Precipitation from the western disturbances is very vital for the Rabi Crop over northwest India. Hence
statement 3 is correct.
• Also snowfall/snowmelt in the Hilly regions contribute to river flow and drinking water for people living
downstream.

Q 16.C
• ENSO is composed of both El Nino and Southern Oscillation.
o Thus, the oceanic component is called El Niño (or La Niña, depending on its phase) and the
atmospheric component, is the Southern Oscillation.

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o Southern oscillation is an oscillation in air pressure between the tropical eastern and the western
Pacific Ocean waters.
• The strength of the Southern Oscillation is measured by the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). The
SOI is computed from fluctuations in the surface air pressure difference between Tahiti (Over the
Pacific Ocean) and Darwin, (Indian Ocean near Australia). El Niño episodes are associated with
negative values of the SOI, meaning that the pressure at Tahiti is relatively low compared to
Darwin. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
• Low atmospheric pressure tends to occur over warm water and high pressure occurs over cold water, in
part because deep convection over the warm water acts to transport air. El Niño episodes are defined as
sustained warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This results in a decrease in the
strength of the Pacific trade winds, and a reduction in rainfall over eastern and northern Australia.
• The Walker circulation is named after Sir Gilbert Walker, former Director General of Meteorology in
India during British rule who, in the early 20th century, identified a number of relationships between
seasonal climate variations in Asia and the Pacific region. He had shown that the weather in Djakarta
(Indonesia) and Santiago (Chile) was related in such a way that when the pressure was higher than normal
at one place it was lower than normal at the other. As these cities are about 15 000 km apart it was
difficult at that time to visualize a mechanism for the connection between these distant locations.
• Later it is understood that what Walker had discovered was part of a teleconnection now known as the
Southern Oscillation. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) gives a simple measure of the strength and
phase of the Southern Oscillation and indicates the state of the Walker circulation. When the Walker
circulation enters its El Niño phase, the SOI is strongly negative and when it enters its La Nina
Phase, the SOI is strongly positive. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q 17.D
• The flow of water through well-defined channels is known as ‘drainage’ and the network of such channels
is called a ‘drainage system’.
• The drainage pattern of an area is the outcome of the geological time period, nature and structure of rocks,
topography, slope, amount of water flowing and the periodicity of the flow. Hence, all the options are
correct.
• Some of the different types of drainage patterns are:
o Dendritic: The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as Dendritic. It is formed
in areas of gently sloping land. Himalayan rivers follow Dendritic pattern
o Radial: When the rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions, the drainage pattern is known
as Radial. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of it.
o Trellis: 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. Rivers in the upper part of the Himalayan
region form a trellis pattern
o Centripetal: When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the
pattern is known as Centripetal pattern. For example, Loktak lake in Manipur

Q 18.D
• Statement 1 is not correct: The Ganga is the most important river of India both from the point of view of
its basin and cultural significance. It rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh (3,900 m) in
the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Here, it is known as the Bhagirathi. The Alaknanda has its source in
the Satopanth glacier above Badrinath.
• Statement 2 is not correct: The Alaknanda consists of the Dhauli and the Vishnu Ganga which meet at
Joshimath or Vishnu Prayag. The other tributaries of Alaknanda such as the Pindar joins it at Karna
Prayag while Mandakini or Kali Ganga meets it at Rudra Prayag.
• Statement 3 is not correct: The Son is Ganga's major right bank tributary. The important left bank
tributaries are the Ramganga, the Gomati, the Ghaghara, the Gandak, the Kosi and the Mahananda.

Q 19.C
• The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as “dendritic” the examples of which are
the rivers of northern plain – Ganga, Brahmaputra belong to this category. Hence statement 2 is not
correct.
• When the rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions, the drainage pattern is known as ‘radial’.
The rivers originating from the Amarkantak – Son and Narmada- present a good example of it. Hence
statement 1 is correct.

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• 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’. The river systems of Subarnarekha, Baitarani, and Brahmani
in the Singhbhum plateau are examples of such patterns.
• When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the pattern is known as
‘centripetal’. Loktak Lake is fed by the Manipur river and several tributaries and is an example of such a
pattern. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q 20.D
• Shompen tribe
o Context: Experts warn that the development of Great Nicobar into a shipping hub and tourist
destination could lead to the extinction of the indigenous Shompen tribe. Hence option (d) is the
correct answer.
o The Shompen are an indigenous group of people who live on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. They are hunter-gatherers who hunt wild game, forage for fruits and forest
foods, and farm yams, roots, vegetables, and tobacco.
o The Shompen are one of the most populated tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with around
200–300 people living mainly on Great Nicobar Island. They were first contacted in the 1840s and are
designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
o There are six main tribes in the Andaman Islands: the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa,
Sentinelese, Shompens, and Nicobarese.
Q 21.D
• Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), sometimes referred to as the Indian Nino, plays out in the relatively
smaller area of the Indian Ocean between the Indonesian and Malaysian coastline in the east and
the African coastline near Somalia in the west. One side of the ocean, along the equator, gets
warmer than the other. IOD is said to be positive when the western side of the Indian Ocean, near
the Somalia coast, becomes warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean. It is negative when the western
Indian Ocean is cooler. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The air circulation in the Indian Ocean basin moves from west to east, that is from the African coast
towards the Indonesian islands, near the surface, and in the opposite direction at the upper levels. That
means the surface waters in the Indian Ocean get pushed from west to east. In a normal year, warmer
waters in the western Pacific near Indonesia cross over into the Indian Ocean and make that part of the
Indian Ocean slightly warmer. That causes the air to rise and helps the prevailing air circulation.
• In the years when the air circulation becomes stronger, warmer surface waters from the African coast are
pushed towards the Indonesian islands, making that region warmer than usual. This caused more hot air to
rise and the cycle reinforced itself. This is the state of negative IOD. The opposite case involves air
circulation becoming slightly weaker than normal. In some rare cases, the air circulation even reverses
direction. The consequence is that the African coast becomes warmer while the Indonesian coastline gets
cooler.
• A positive IOD event is often seen developing at times of an El Nino, while a negative IOD is sometimes
associated with La Nina. During El Nino, the Pacific side of Indonesia is cooler than normal because the
Indian Ocean side also gets cooler. That helps the development of a positive IOD.
• A positive IOD helps rainfall along the African coastline and also over the Indian sub-continent
while suppressing rainfall over Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The impacts are opposite
during a negative IOD event because Negative IOD can lead to increased rainfall and atmospheric
convection over the eastern Indian Ocean, Indonesia, and northern Australia. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.

Q 22.B
• On the basis of the prominent relief features, the Peninsular Plateau can be divided into three broad
groups: The Deccan Plateau, the Central Highlands and the Northeastern Plateau.
• Central Highlands are bounded to the west by the Aravali range. The Satpura range is formed by a series
of scarped plateaus on the south, generally at an elevation varying between 600-900 m above the mean sea
level. This forms the northernmost boundary of the Deccan plateau. It is a classic example of the relict
mountains which are highly denuded and form discontinuous ranges.
• The extension of the Peninsular plateau can be seen as far as Jaisalmer in the West, where it has
been covered by longitudinal sand ridges and crescent-shaped sand dunes called barchans.
• This region has undergone metamorphic processes in its geological history, which can be corroborated by
the presence of metamorphic rocks such as marble, slate, gneiss, etc. The general elevation of the

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Central Highlands ranges between 700-1,000 m above the mean sea level and it slopes towards the
north and northeastern directions.
• Most of the tributaries of the river Yamuna have their origin in the Vindhyan and Kaimur
ranges. Banas is the only significant tributary of the river Chambal that originates from the Aravalli in the
west. An eastern extension of the Central Highland is formed by the Rajmahal hills, to the south of
which lies a large reserve of mineral resources in the Chotanagpur plateau. Hence, option (b) is the
correct answer.

Q 23.A
• Slight tilting of the Peninsular block from northwest to the southeastern direction gave orientation to the
entire drainage system towards the Bay of Bengal during the early Tertiary period.
• The tilting was caused when Western part of Peninsula cracked and submerged in the Arabian sea that
thereby disturbed the river's course during the early Tertiary period. It has disturbed the symmetrical plan
of the river on either side of the original watershed.

Q 24.B
• Myristica swamps
o Context: Climate change and human intervention threaten the Myristica swamps of Kerala.
o Myristica swamps are freshwater swamps predominated by members of the Myristicaceae family.
o The evergreen trees have evolved to live in the waterlogged conditions of the swamps.
o They have two types of roots, knee roots (pneumatophores) and stilt roots.
o They have evolved over millions of years and are comprised of old-growth trees.
o Location: In India, these unique habitats occur in the Western Ghats and a smaller distribution
exists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
o Myristica swamps are seen next to rivers and help in retaining water and act as a sponge, ensuring
perennial water availability.
o Important Species: Gymnocranthera canarica and Myristica fatua — belonging to the primitive
Myristicaceae family.

Q 25.B
• The months of October and November are known for retreating monsoons. By the end of September, the
southwest monsoon becomes weak as the low-pressure trough of the Ganga plain starts moving southward
in response to the southward march of the sun.
• The monsoon retreats from western Rajasthan by the first week of September. It withdraws from
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Western Ganga plain, and the Central Highlands by the end of the month. By the
beginning of October, the low pressure covers northern parts of the Bay of Bengal and by early
November, it moves over Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. By the middle of December, the center of low
pressure is completely removed from the Peninsula.
• The retreating southwest monsoon season is marked by clear skies and a rise in temperature. The
land is still moist. Owing to the conditions of high temperature and humidity, the weather becomes rather
oppressive. This is commonly known as the ‘October heat’. In the second half of October, the mercury
begins to fall rapidly, particularly in northern India.
• The weather in the retreating monsoon is dry in north India but it is associated with rain in the eastern
part of the Peninsula. Here, October and November are the rainiest months of the year.
• The widespread rain in this season is associated with the passage of cyclonic depressions which
originate over the Andaman Sea and manage to cross the eastern coast of the southern Peninsula. These
tropical cyclones are very destructive. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
• The thickly populated deltas of the Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri are their preferred targets. Every year
cyclones bring disaster here. A few cyclonic storms also strike the coast of West Bengal, Bangladesh and
Myanmar. A bulk of the rainfall of the Coromondal coast is derived from these depressions and cyclones.
Such cyclonic storms are less frequent in the Arabian Sea.

Q 26.C
• Besides the longitudinal divisions, the Himalayas have been divided on the basis of regions from west to
east. These divisions have been demarcated by river valleys.
• For example, the part of the Himalayas lying between the Indus and Satluj has been traditionally known
as Punjab Himalaya but it is also known regionally as Kashmir and Himachal Himalaya from west to
east respectively. Hence pair 1 is correctly matched.

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• The part of the Himalayas lying between the Satluj and Kali rivers is known as Kumaon Himalayas.
Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
• The Kali and Tista rivers demarcate the Nepal Himalayas and the part lying between Tista and Dihang
rivers is known as Assam Himalayas. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.

Q 27.D
• The entire group of island is divided into two broad categories – the Andaman in the north and the
Nicobar in the south. They are separated by a waterbody which is called the Ten degree channel.
• The 10 Degree Channel is a waterway in the Indian Ocean that separates the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. It's an important passage for vessels traveling between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

Q 28.A
• Extending from the Gujarat coast in the north to the Kerala coast in the south, the west coast may be
divided into the following divisions – the Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat, Konkan coast in
Maharashtra, Goan coast and Malabar coast in Karnataka and Kerala respectively.
• The western coastal plains are narrow in the middle and get broader towards the north and south. The
rivers flowing through this coastal plain do not form any delta. The Malabar coast has got certain
distinguishing features in the form of ‘Kayals’ (backwaters), which are used for fishing, and inland
navigation and also due to its special attraction for tourists. Every year the famous Nehru Trophy
Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala.

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• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q 29.B
• There are different schemes of classification of climate.
• Koeppen based his scheme of Climatic classification on monthly values of temperature and precipitation.
• He identified five major climatic types, namely:
o Tropical climates, where mean monthly temperature throughout the year is over 18°C.
o Dry climates, where precipitation is very low in comparison to temperature, and hence, dry. If dryness
is less, it is semiarid (S); if it is more, the climate is arid(W).
o Warm temperate climates, where mean temperature of the coldest month is between 18°C and minus
3°C.
o Cool temperate climates, where mean temperature of the warmest month is over 10°C, and mean
temperature of the coldest month is under minus 3°C.
o Ice climates, where mean temperature of the warmest month is under 10°C.
• According to his scheme, the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu has Monsoon with dry summer (As)
climate. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• West coast of India south of Goa has Monsoon with short dry season (Amw). Hence statement 2 is
correct.
• Extreme western Rajasthan has Hot desert climate (Bwhw). Hence statement 3 is not correct

Q 30.C
• Vindhyan System (1300-600 million years): This system derived its name from the great Vindhyan
mountains. The system comprises of ancient sedimentary rocks superimposed on the Archean base. It
is a vast stratified formation of sandstones, shales and limestones, often over 4000 m thick. Except for few
traces of animal and vegetable life, this group is devoid of any recognizable fossils. Hence statement 1
is correct.
• The Vindhyan system stretches from Sasaram and Rohtas in western Bihar to Chittaurgarh in Rajasthan
with the exception of a central tract in Bundelkhand which makes a gap in this belt. A large area of this
belt is covered by the Deccan trap.
• The upper Vindhyan beds enclose two diamond-bearing horizons, from which Panna and Golconda
diamonds have been mined. The Vindhyan system, on the whole, is devoid of metalliferous minerals but
provides large quantities of excellent and durable stones, flagstones, ornamental stones, limestone, pure
glass making sand and some coal. Hence statement 2 is correct.

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Q 31.A
• India has a land boundary of about 15,200 km and the total length of the coastline of the mainland
including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep is 7,516.6 km

• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q 32.C
• The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) had stated, for the first time this century, La Nina would
span three consecutive northern hemisphere winters to become a ‘triple dip’ La Nina.
• A "Triple Dip" means the continuation of La Nina into the third year in a row and has nothing to do
with the level of temperatures. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• It is only the third time since 1950 that there has been a triple-dip La Niña and the first time in the 21st
century.
• La Nina refers to the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern
equatorial Pacific Ocean, coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds,
pressure, and rainfall. It usually has the opposite impact on weather and climate as El Niño, which is the
warm phase of the so-called El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• La Nina is a natural phenomenon. But it is taking place against a background of human-induced climate
change, which is increasing global temperatures, making our weather more extreme and affecting seasonal
rainfall patterns.
• La Niña is associated with good rainfall during the Indian monsoon season. This is the opposite of El
Niño which is known to suppress Indian monsoon rainfall. Thus, a continued spell of La Niña (Tripple-
Dip La Nina) could lead to an expectation of another year of good, or normal, rainfall during the
monsoon. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• During La Niña years, the colder surfaces allow the oceans to absorb more heat from the atmosphere.
Consequently, the air temperatures tend to go down, producing a cooling effect. As per WMO, La Niña’s
cooling influence is temporarily slowing the rise in global temperatures but it will not halt or reverse
the long-term warming trend. Hence statement 2 is correct.

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Q 33.A
• From West towards East, the correct sequence is-
• Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi

Q 34.A
• The Indian plate includes Peninsular India and the Australian continental portions. The subduction zone
along the Himalayas forms the northern plate boundary in the form of continent-continent
convergence. In the east, it extends through Rakinyoma Mountains of Myanmar towards the island arc
along the Java Trench. The eastern margin is a spreading site lying to the east of Australia in the form of
an oceanic ridge in SW Pacific. The Western margin follows Kirthar Mountain of Pakistan. It further
extends along the Makrana coast and joins the spreading site from the Red Sea rift southeastward along
the Chagos Archipelago. The boundary between India and the Antarctic plate is also marked by oceanic
ridge (divergent boundary) running in roughly W-E direction and merging into the spreading site, a little
south of New Zealand. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• During the movement of the Indian plate towards the Asiatic plate, a major event that occurred was the
outpouring of lava and formation of the Deccan Traps. This started somewhere around 60 million
years ago and continued for a long period of time. At that time the subcontinent was still close to the
equator. From 40 million years ago and thereafter, the event of formation of the Himalayas took
place. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• Geological investigations in the Himalayas have revealed evidence that when India and Eurasia
collided, the continental crust of the Indian tectonic plate was forced down under the Eurasian
plate. It led to the formation of Himalayas. Scientists believe that the process is still continuing and the
height of the Himalayas is rising even to this date. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Hence option a is the correct answer.

Q 35.D
• The period June to September is referred to as the 'Southwest Monsoon' period. Southwest Monsoon
period is the principal rainy season for the Indian subcontinent.
• Factors Influencing South-West Monsoon Formation are
o The differential heating and cooling of land and water creates a low pressure on the landmass of
India while the seas around experience comparatively high pressure.
o Inter Tropical Convergence Zone: The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ,) is a broad trough
of low pressure in equatorial latitudes. This is where the northeast and the southeast trade winds

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converge. This convergence zone lies more or less parallel to the equator but moves north or south
with the apparent movement of the sun. There is a shift of the position of Inter Tropical Convergence
Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the Ganga plain (this is the equatorial trough normally positioned about
5°N of the equator.
o The presence of the high-pressure area, east of Madagascar, approximately at 20°S over the Indian
Ocean. The intensity and position of this high-pressure area affect the Indian Monsoon.
• Role of Tibetan Plateau: The average height of these highlands is 4000 m. Heating of these areas leads
to a clockwise air circulation in the middle troposphere and two-wind streams originate from this area.
One of these wind streams blow southward and develops into the tropical easterly jet stream
(TEJ). Intense heating of Tibetan Plateau correlates well with Indian Monsoon.
• Role of ENSO: El Nino and La Nina are the exact opposite phases of a climatic phenomenon called the
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle which takes place in Pacific Ocean. El Niño refers to the
large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures
across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. La Niña episodes represent periods of below-
average sea surface temperatures across the east-central Equatorial Pacific. La Niña is observed when the
water temperature in the Eastern Pacific gets comparatively colder than normal, as a consequence of
which, there is a strong high pressure over the eastern equatorial Pacific. The difference in pressure
between Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific/Asia causes a moisture-laden wind movement from East to
West Pacific and Asia. As a result, La Nina causes drought in the South American countries of Peru
and Ecuador, heavy floods in Australia, high temperatures in Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, off the
Somalian coast and a comparatively better monsoon rains in India.
• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a coupled Ocean-atmosphere phenomenon in the Indian Ocean. It is
defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between two areas - a western pole in the Arabian Sea
(western Indian Ocean) and an eastern pole in the eastern Indian Ocean south of Indonesia. The
IOD involves a periodic oscillation of sea-surface temperatures (SST), between "positive", "neutral" and
"negative" phases. A positive phase sees greater-than-average sea-surface temperatures and greater
precipitation in the western Indian Ocean region, with a corresponding cooling of waters in the eastern
Indian Ocean—which tends to cause droughts in adjacent land areas of Indonesia and Australia. The
negative phase of the IOD brings about the opposite conditions, with warmer water and. Positive
IOD which is associated with warm sea-surface temperatures of western Indian Ocean is favourable
for monsoon in Indian subcontinent.
• Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

Q 36.C
• Middle Himalayas are also called Lesser Himalayas or Himachal Himalayas. These are made up of
multiple parallel ranges- For example- the Pir Panjal range (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal), Dhauladhar
range, Mussorie range, Naga Tibba range, Mahabharata range in Nepal, Arunachal ranges (Dafla, Miri,
Abhor and Mismi). Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
• The Kailash range is a part of Transhimalayas.

Q 37.D
• Three major geological events in the distant past have shaped the present drainage systems of
Peninsular India:
o Subsidence of the western flank of the Peninsula leading to its submergence below the sea during
the early tertiary period. Generally, it has disturbed the symmetrical plan of the river on either side of
the original watershed.
o The upheaval of the Himalayas when the northern flank of the Peninsular block was subjected to
subsidence and the consequent trough faulting. The Narmada and The Tapi flow trough faults and fill
the original cracks with their detritus materials. Hence, there is a lack of alluvial and deltaic deposits
in these rivers.
o Slight tilting of the Peninsular block from northwest to the southeastern direction gave
orientation to the entire drainage system towards the Bay of Bengal during the same period.
• Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

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Q 38.D
• An antecedent river pattern refers to a river system that maintains its course and direction of flow despite
changes in the surrounding landscape, such as tectonic uplift, erosion, or the formation of new geological
features. This phenomenon occurs when a river's course predates the geological changes that occur in its
watershed. Himalayan Rivers mostly have antecedent river patterns. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• River capturing happens due to headward erosion of tributaries. Tributaries of the Himalayan river system
like Chambal, Sindh, and Banas are formed due to river capturing. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• Rivers of peninsular India are mostly Superimposed and rejuvenated resulting in trellis, radial and
rectangular patterns. Himalayan Rivers on the other hand mostly have dendritic patterns. Hence
statement 3 is not correct.

Q 39.B
• The general east-west trend of the Himalayas terminates suddenly at its western and eastern extremities
and the ranges are sharply bent southward in deep knee-bend flextures which are called syntaxial bends.
The western syntaxial bend is near Nanga Parbat where the Indus has cut a deep gorge. The geological
formations here take sharp hairpin bends as if they were bent round pivotal points obstructing them. There
is a similar hair- pin bend in Arunachal Pradesh where the mountains take a sharp bend from the eastern
to southern direction after crossing the Brahmaputra river.

Q 40.B
• Dal Lake is located in Kashmir or the Northwestern Himalayas. Between the Great Himalayas and the Pir
Panjal range, lies the world-famous valley of Kashmir and the famous Dal Lake. Hence pair 3 is not
correctly matched.
• The places of pilgrimage such as the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib are
situated in Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas. Hence pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• Some of the important hill stations such as Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Shimla, Kaosani and the cantonment
towns and health resorts such as Shimla, Mussoorie, Kasauli, Almora, Lansdowne and Ranikhet, etc. were
developed in Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalaya region by British. Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Arunachal Himalayas extend from the east of the Bhutan Himalayas up to the Diphu Pass in the east.
Some of the important mountain peaks of the region are Kangtu and Namcha Barwa. Hence pair 4 is
correctly matched.

Q 41.A
• The Moist deciduous forests are more pronounced in the regions that record rainfall between 100-200
cm. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Characteristics of moist deciduous trees:
o The trees drop their leaves during the spring and early summer when sufficient moisture is not
available.
o The general appearance is bare in extreme summers (April-May)Tropical moist deciduous forests
present irregular top storey [25 to 60 m].
o Heavily buttressed trees and fairly complete undergrowth.
o These forests occupy a much larger area than the evergreen forests but large tracts under these forests
have been cleared for cultivation.
• These types of forests occur throughout the Andaman Islands, all along the eastern slopes of the Western
Ghats, scattered freely through the low-lying hilly tracts and plains of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and northeastern states along the foothills of Himalayas. Hence, statement 2
is correct.
• Teak, sal, shisham, hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and sandalwood etc. are the main species of these
forests. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q 42.B
• The Western Ghats, which run close to the western coast, serve as a water divide between the major
Peninsular rivers, which discharge their water into the Bay of Bengal, and the small rivulets joining the
Arabian Sea.
o Most of the major Peninsular rivers except Narmada and Tapi flow from west to east.
• The rivers flowing towards the Arabian Sea have short courses. The Sharavati is one such river, which
originates in the Shimoga district of Karnataka and drains a catchment area of 2,209 sq. km. The

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total length of the river is around 128 km, and it joins the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara
Kannada district.
o On its way, the Sharavati forms the Jog Falls, where the river falls from a height of 253 metres.
• The Narmada originates on the western flank of the Amarkantak plateau. Flowing in a rift valley
between the Satpura in the south and the Vindhyan range in the north, it forms a picturesque gorge in
marble rocks and the Dhuandhar waterfall near Jabalpur. After flowing a distance of about 1,312 km, it
meets the Arabian sea south of Bharuch, forming a broad 27 km long estuary.
• There are a number of small rivers that join the Bay of Bengal. The Subarnrekha, the Baitarni, the
Brahmani, the Vamsadhara, the Penner, the Palar, and the Vaigai are important east flowing
rivers.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Q 43.B
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Lakshadweep has catapulted the islands into
national conversation. Lying about 400 km off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea, the picturesque
islands have long been touted as a “hidden gem” for Indian tourists.
• Culturally, the islands are unique. Though the majority of its inhabitants are Muslim, the Islam practiced
in Lakshadweep is unlike that followed anywhere else in India, with islanders sharing ethnic, linguistic,
and cultural links to Malyalis, Arabs, Tamils, and Kannadigas alike.

• Lakshadweep, also known as Lakshadweepa in Malayalam is a union territory of India. Comprising

an archipelago of 36 islands, it is divided into three island subgroups: the Laccadive Islands situated
in the middle, the Amindivi Islands in the north separated roughly by the 11th parallel north, and
the atoll of Minicoy to the south, isolated by the Nine Degree Channel along the 9th parallel
north. Positioned between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Laccadive Sea to the east, these islands are
located approximately 220–440 km off the Malabar Coast of mainland India.
• Amini, Kalpeni, Andrott, Kavaratti, and Agatti are the oldest islands or Lakshadweep. Hence codes
1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 are correct.
• Barren Island and Shaheed Dweep are the islands of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
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Q 44.D
• The Great Plains exhibit a remarkably homogeneous surface with little relief. It is a featureless alluvial
fertile plain formed by the rivers' deposits.
• The plain may be divided into the following belts:
o Bhabar belt is about a 7–15 km wide narrow belt adjacent to the foothills of the Himalayas. It is
made up of porous, rocky soils and pebbles that get deposited at the foot of the Himalayas due to the
breakoff slope. This material is made of debris washed down from higher ranges. Due to the very high
porosity of this belt, water seeps down and the streams are lost and start flowing underground.
o The Terai belt is a 15-30 km wide marshy tract that lies next to Bhabar running parallel to it. Due to
bedrock, the streams lost in Bhabar reappear in Terai. Thus, the water table is very high making the
land marshy. Consequently, Terai is moist and thickly forested and is home to a variety of wildlife.
o Bhangar belt is the largest part of the Northern Plains made up of old alluvium and forms an
alluvial terrace above flood plains. The soil is made up of old alluvium and in the drier parts, it has
calcareous deposits called kankar.
o Khadar belt is found along all rivers in the flood plains. Soil is made up of new alluvium which gets
deposited every year due to floods.
o The deltaic plain has a huge amount of new alluvium and is mostly in the form of Khadar. It covers
about 1.9 lakh sq. km of area in the lower reaches of the Ganga River. It is an area of deposition as the
river flows in this tract sluggishly. The deltaic plain consists mainly of old mud, new mud, and marsh.
• Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

Q 45.D
• the central-western parts of India, particularly Gujarat (in 1819, 1956 and 2001) and Maharashtra (in 1967
and 1993) have also experienced some severe earthquakes. Earth scientists have found it difficult to
explain the occurrence of earthquakes in one of the oldest, most stable and mature landmass of peninsular
block for a long time. Recently, some earth scientists have come up with a theory of emergence of a fault
line and energy build-up along the fault line represented by the river Bhima (Krishna) near Latur and
Osmanabad (Maharashtra) and the possible breaking down of the Indian plate. None of the statements
given above are correct statements.

Q 46.B
• The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges in its longitudinal extent. The northernmost range is known
as the Great or Inner Himalayas or the Himadri.
• The folds of the Great Himalayas are asymmetrical in nature. The core of this part of Himalayas is
composed of granite. It is perennially snow-bound, and a number of glaciers descend from this
range. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The range lying to the south of the Himadri forms the most rugged mountain system and is known as
Himachal or lesser Himalaya. The ranges are mainly composed of highly compressed and altered
rocks. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• The outermost range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks. They extend over a width of 10-50 Km and
have an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 metres. These ranges are composed of unconsolidated
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sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges located farther north. Hence
statement 3 is not correct.

Q 47.D
• Over the last few years, there have been variations in the pattern and intensity of rainfall in Kerala and
Uttarakhand, and other states.
• Even after the retreat of the Southwest monsoon from the Indian subcontinent, Kerala and Uttarakhand
tend to receive heavy rainfall in October.
• Reasons for Heavy Rainfall in Kerala:
o There have been two rain-bearing ‘low-pressure systems’ that are active in the Arabian Sea as
well as the Bay of Bengal.
o The low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea contributed to the heavy rain in Kerala. Hence,
statement 1 is not correct.
o Normally, October is the month when the southwest monsoon entirely retreats from India, and the
northeast monsoon sets in, bringing rain over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and
Kerala.
• Reasons for Heavy Rainfall in Uttarakhand:
o Western disturbances are periodic influxes of moisture-laden clouds from the Mediterranean that are
common during winter and western disturbances are what caused the rain in northern India. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
o Overall elevated temperatures are also contributing to warmer waters in the Arctic Ocean and drawing
colder air from the poles with greater intensity and this has added to the increased moisture, thereby
seeding more intense western disturbance activity over north India.
o In October, the Bay of Bengal is still warm and strong winds from there are reaching as far as
Uttarakhand and contribute to rainfall in several parts of north-eastern India. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.

Q 48.C
• Plains are extensive flat areas characterized by low Relief, with minimal variation in elevation.
• Types of plains:
o Alluvial plain: These are created by deposition of Fertile sediments called Alluvium by rivers and
Streams. Example- Indo-Gangetic plains.
o Coastal plains: They are formed due to the deposition of sediments carried by rivers as they enter the
ocean. Example- Eastern Coastal Plain and Western Coastal Plain of India.
o Structural plain- these are the plains located in the interior of continents and are characterized by the
absence of Tectonic activities. Example- Great plains of North America.
o Desert plains- These are created due to erosional activities in Desert areas. They are also called Pedi-
plains. Example- Sahara. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.

Q 49.A
• Recent context: Around 1.6 million people in Somalia could be affected by the heavy seasonal
downpours, which have been worsened by the combined impact of two climate phenomenons, El Niño
and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
• El Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical
Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO). La Niña, the “cool phase” of ENSO, is a pattern that describes the unusual cooling of
the region’s surface waters. El Niño and La Niña are considered the ocean part of ENSO, while the
Southern Oscillation is its atmospheric changes. It has an impact on ocean temperatures, the speed and
strength of ocean currents, the health of coastal fisheries, and local weather from Australia to South
America and beyond.
• El Nino is likely to be disastrous for many African regions. Rainfall in most of southern Africa will likely
decline, especially in Angola, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Shortages of staple crops, such as
corn, are likely. The Horn of Africa, on the other hand, will likely see increased rainfall. El Nino
typically impacts Southeast Asia with drier-than-average conditions, usually stemming rainfall and
leading to the threat of drought.
• The Indian Ocean Dipole - often called the "Indian Niño" because of its similarity to its Pacific
equivalent - refers to the difference in sea-surface temperatures in opposite parts of the Indian Ocean.

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Temperatures in the eastern part of the ocean oscillate between warm and cold compared with the western
part, cycling through phases referred to as "positive", "neutral" and "negative".
• The dipole's positive phase means warmer sea temperatures in the western Indian Ocean region,
with the opposite in the east. The result of this strong positive dipole is higher-than-average rainfall and
floods in eastern Africa (including Horn of Africa) and droughts in south-east Asia and Australia.
• Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

Q 50.A
• Literally translated as ‘the boy’ and ‘the girl’ in the Spanish language, El Nino and La Nina are the exact
opposite phases of a climatic phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which
takes place in the Pacific Ocean.
• It involves temperature changes in the waters of the Eastern and Central Pacific Oceans.
• La Niña means Little Girl in Spanish.
• La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply "a cold event."
• La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño.
• During La Niña events, trade winds are even stronger than usual, pushing more warm water
toward Asia. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Off the west coast of the Americas, upwelling increases, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface.
• During La Niña, waters off the Pacific coast are colder and contain more nutrients than usual.
• This environment supports more marine life and attracts more cold-water species, like squid and salmon,
to places like the California coast.
• It causes drought in the South American countries of Peru and Ecuador, heavy floods in Australia, high
temperatures in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, off the Somalian coast and comparatively better
monsoon rains in India. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• Generally, El Nino and La Nina occur every 4 -5 years.
• El Nino is more frequent than La Nina.

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