CivilsIASPrep.comUPSC PYQs: Geography
Review complete published questions grouped by subject: Geography.
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Questions
- What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Fujiwhara Effect and Tropical Cyclones
- Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important. Examine this statement critically.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Tundra Ecology and Resources
- Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Aeolian Processes and Land Degradation
- Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia. Examine this statement giving examples.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Water Resources and Conflict in South Asia
- A hypothesis proposes a Pleistocene drainage connection or river capture between the Indus and Ganga systems involving the Yamuna or Sutlej. Which evidence was used as the principal basis?2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Drainage evolution
- Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Loo Chinook and Foehn Winds
- Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Satellite Technology and Climate-Smart Agriculture
- The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region. Examine this statement.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Indo-Pacific Shift in Global Trade
- Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.2026 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Human-Induced Land-Use Change in India
- Which feature best explains why Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a structural shift in India's maritime logistics?2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Maritime logistics
- Identify the river: it has antecedent drainage, crosses three countries, originates on the Tibetan Plateau, is important for irrigation and does not form a distributary system of its own.2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · River systems
- Which statements about Indian State boundaries are incorrect? 1. Uttar Pradesh borders the greatest number of other Indian States. 2. Rajasthan has the longest international border among Indian States. 3. Sikkim is the only State bordering just one other Indian State.2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Political geography
- Ships departing which of these countries normally must transit the Strait of Hormuz to reach the open Indian Ocean? 1. Bahrain 2. Syria 3. Qatar 4. Egypt2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Straits and maritime geography
- Tungurahua Volcano, included in a UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2025, is located in which country?2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Volcanoes
- Consider the climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 1. It is humid tropical coastal. 2. Rain arrives from both southwest and northeast monsoons. 3. The maximum rainfall period is December to May. Which are correct?2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian climate
- Which features are associated with India's Peninsular Block? 1. Tectonic submergence along parts of the western coast. 2. Residual ranges such as Veliconda and Mahendragiri. 3. Predominantly youthful, deep V-shaped river valleys. Which are correct?2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Peninsular India
- Regarding Lake Turkana: 1. It is the world's largest permanent desert lake. 2. It lies in South Sudan on the Sahara's eastern edge. 3. Its associated national parks are UNESCO-listed and it is known as the Jade Sea. Which are correct?2026 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · African lakes
- How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Climate Change and Island Nations
- What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Primary Activities
- Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Solar Energy
- What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their Consequences? Explain with examples.2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Tsunamis
- Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves?2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Offshore Oil Reserves
- How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · AI GIS and Remote Sensing
- Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Plate Tectonics
- Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.2025 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Ganga River Basin Population
- Consider the following countries: I. Bolivia II. Brazil III. Colombia IV. Ecuador V. Paraguay VI. Venezuela. Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following water bodies: I. Lake Tanganyika II. Lake Tonlé Sap III. Patos Lagoon. Through how many of them does the equator pass?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022–23: I. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. II. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India. III. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India. Which of the statements given above are correct?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift? I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: Statement I: The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions. Statement II: Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans. Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: Statement I: In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock. Statement II: Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water. Statement III: Clay is not at all porous. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface. II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature. III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following countries: I. United Kingdom II. Denmark III. New Zealand IV. Australia V. Brazil. How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: I. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days. II. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following pairs: Country - Resource-rich in. I. Botswana: Diamond II. Chile: Lithium III. Indonesia: Nickel. In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following pairs: Region - Country. I. Mallorca: Italy II. Normandy: Spain III. Sardinia: France. In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?2025 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- What is sea-surface temperature rise and how does it affect tropical-cyclone formation?2024 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Cyclones
- Explain the phenomenon of cloudbursts.2024 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Cloudbursts
- The longest border between any two countries in the world is between:2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is declining seriously. How may this affect India’s food security?2024 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Groundwater and Food Security
- What are aurora australis and aurora borealis, and how are they triggered?2024 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Auroras
- What is a twister and why are most twisters observed around the Gulf of Mexico?2024 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Twisters
- Consider the following countries: 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa. Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population of declining population?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: 1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form. 2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation. Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles. Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following: 1. Pyroclastic debris 2. Ash and dust 3. Nitrogen compounds 4. Sulphur compounds. How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January? 1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent. 2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks. Statement II: Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution. Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following countries: 1. Finland 2. Germany 3. Norway 4. Russia. How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following information: Waterfall: Region: River. 1. Dhuandhar: Malwa: Narmada 2. Hundru: Chota Nagpur: Subarnarekha 3. Gersoppa: Western Ghats: Netravati. In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following information: Region: Name of the mountain range: Type of mountain. 1. Central Asia: Vosges: Fold mountain 2. Europe: Alps: Block mountain 3. North America: Appalachians: Fold mountain 4. South America: Andes: Fold mountain. In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following airports: 1. Donyi Polo Airport 2. Kushinagar International Airport 3. Vijayawada International Airport. In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Current Affairs (Geography)
- With reference to "water vapour", which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude. 2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Consider the following description: 1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low. 2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. 3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm. What is this type of climate?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours? 1. Equator 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Tropic of Capricorn 4. Arctic Circle2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:2024 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geography
- Which of these river/lake statements are correct: Jhelum passes through Wular; Krishna directly feeds Kolleru; Gandak meandering formed Kanwar Lake?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Rivers & Lakes
- For Kamarajar, Mundra and Visakhapatnam ports, how many given descriptions are correctly matched?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Ports & Infrastructure
- How many are correct: India has more arable land than China; India has a higher irrigated share; Indian farm productivity per hectare exceeds China?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Agriculture
- Discuss the consequences of climate change for food security in tropical countries.2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Climate Change and Food Security
- Which landscape best illustrates repeated sea-level fall producing extensive present-day marshland?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Geomorphology
- Why is the world facing a crisis of availability and access to freshwater resources?2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Freshwater Crisis
- Ilmenite and rutile in India’s coastal sands are important ores of which metal?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Mineral Resources
- How are fjords formed and why are they among the world’s most picturesque landforms?2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Fjords
- Roughly three-fourths of global cobalt production used in EV batteries comes from which country?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Resources
- Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiya in the Bhojpur region, and how has it influenced the region’s culture?2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Monsoon and Culture
- Which country is part of the Congo Basin?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Geography
- How many statements about Amarkantak, Biligirirangan and Seshachalam hill-range locations are correct?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Physiography
- How many connectivity statements are correct: East–West Corridor Dibrugarh–Surat; Trilateral Highway Moreh–Chiang Mai via Myanmar; BCIM corridor Varanasi–Kunming?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Connectivity Corridors
- Statement I: India still relies heavily on coal despite uranium deposits. Statement II: power generation requires uranium enriched to at least 60%. Choose the correct relation.2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Energy Resources
- Comment on the resource potential of India’s long coastline and the status of natural-hazard preparedness in these areas.2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Coastal Resources
- Identify factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India and assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions.2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Natural Vegetation
- India moved from being a net food importer in the 1960s to a net food exporter. Provide reasons.2023 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Food Security
- Among Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania, how many share a land border with Ukraine?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Political Geography
- Which statement about Earth’s atmosphere/insolation is correct?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Atmosphere & Insolation
- Statement I: tropical-rainforest soil is nutrient-rich. Statement II: heat and moisture cause rapid decomposition of dead organic matter. Choose correctly.2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Tropical Rainforests
- Statement I: land–ocean temperature contrast is greater in summer than winter. Statement II: water has higher specific heat than land. Choose correctly.2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Climatology
- Seismic waves: P waves arrive before S waves; P-particle motion is parallel to propagation while S-particle motion is transverse. Which is correct?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Earthquakes
- Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Primary Rocks
- Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Weather Warnings
- Discuss the natural resource potential of Deccan Trap.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Deccan Trap
- Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for its limited spatial spread.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Wind Energy
- What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing industry of the world.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Ocean Currents
- Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Rubber Production
- Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Straits and Isthmus
- Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How?2022 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Troposphere
- Which West African lake is well known for having largely dried up and transformed into desert-like terrain?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · African Lakes
- The Gandikota canyon in Andhra Pradesh was carved primarily by which river?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian River Landforms
- Which peak-region pairs are correctly matched: (1) Namcha Barwa—Garhwal Himalaya; (2) Nanda Devi—Kumaon Himalaya; (3) Nokrek—Sikkim Himalaya?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Himalayan & NE Peaks
- The geographical term 'Levant' most closely refers to which region?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Regions
- Which among Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan share a land border with Afghanistan?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · International Boundaries
- On monazite in India: (1) it is a rare-earth source; (2) it contains thorium; (3) it naturally occurs throughout the entire Indian coastline; (4) only government-authorized bodies may process/export it. Which are correct?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Atomic Minerals—Monazite
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the year's longest day normally falls in which period?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Earth Motions & Solstice
- How many of these wetland-location pairs are correct: Hokera—Punjab; Renuka—Himachal Pradesh; Rudrasagar—Tripura; Sasthamkotta—Tamil Nadu?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Wetlands & Ramsar Sites
- Which of the following factors directly influence the onset and progress of the southwest monsoon over India?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Monsoon
- How many reservoir-state pairs are incorrectly matched: Ghataprabha—Telangana; Gandhi Sagar—Madhya Pradesh; Indira Sagar—Andhra Pradesh; Maithon—Chhattisgarh?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Reservoirs & Dams
- Regarding cloud radiative effects: (1) high clouds primarily reflect incoming solar radiation and therefore cool Earth; (2) low clouds strongly absorb outgoing infrared radiation and therefore mainly warm Earth. Which is correct?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Clouds & Earth Radiation Budget
- Consider renewable-energy claims: (1) Gujarat has India's largest solar park; (2) Kerala has a fully solar-powered international airport; (3) Goa has India's largest floating solar PV project. Which is correct?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Renewable Energy Geography
- Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Landslides
- Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product in percentage. Discuss.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Mining Industry
- What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Urban Water Bodies
- Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Volcanic Eruptions
- Why is India considered a subcontinent? Elaborate on your answer.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Indian Subcontinent
- Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Mountain Ranges
- How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Cryosphere and Climate
- Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of the uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Mineral Oil Distribution
- What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?2021 · Mains GS1 · Geography · IT Industry and Urbanisation
- Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Geophysical Zones
- The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Desertification
- How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Himalayan Glaciers
- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Industrial Location
- The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · River Interlinking
- Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Urban Floods
- India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Solar Energy
- Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.2020 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Forest Resources
- Which of these were officially classified as major minerals in India for the question’s period? 1 Bentonite, 2 Chromite, 3 Kyanite, 4 Sillimanite.2020 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Mineral Resources & Regulation
- Regarding Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), consider: (1) it is averaged down to the depth of the 26°C isotherm and that depth is fixed at 129 m in the southwestern Indian Ocean during January–March; (2) January–March OMT can help assess whether monsoon rainfall may be above or below a long-term mean. Which is correct?2020 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Oceanography & Monsoon
- Where is the Siachen Glacier located relative to the listed features?2020 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Himalayan & Karakoram Geography
- Regarding groundwater in India, consider: (1) exactly 36% of districts are classified as over-exploited or critical by the groundwater authority; (2) the Central Ground Water Authority was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act framework; (3) India has the world’s largest area irrigated by groundwater. Which are correct?2020 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Groundwater Resources
- Consider: (1) jet streams occur only in the Northern Hemisphere; (2) only some tropical cyclones develop a well-defined eye; (3) a cyclone’s eye is about 10°C colder than the surrounding eyewall. Which is correct?2020 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Atmospheric Circulation & Cyclones
- Which river–outflow pairs are correct? (1) Mekong—Andaman Sea; (2) Thames—Irish Sea; (3) Volga—Caspian Sea; (4) Zambezi—Indian Ocean.2020 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Rivers & Drainage
- Assess the impact of global warming on coral life systems with examples.2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Coral Ecosystems
- Discuss the causes of the depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Mangroves
- Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Industrial Location
- Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India.2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Food Processing
- On regulation of minor minerals in India, consider: (1) ordinary sand is treated as a minor mineral; (2) States can grant minor-mineral leases but only the Union can frame rules governing such grants; (3) States may make rules to curb illegal mining of minor minerals. Which statements are correct?2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Mineral Resources & Mining Regulation
- What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Water Stress
- How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Mountain Ecosystem
- How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India?2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Urbanisation
- How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples.2019 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Oceanography
- For recent Kharif cultivation patterns in India, consider: (1) rice occupies the largest area; (2) jowar area exceeds oilseeds; (3) cotton occupies more area than sugarcane; (4) sugarcane area has continuously declined. Which statements are correct?2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Agriculture & Cropping Patterns
- Which place-river pairs are correctly matched? (1) Pandharpur—Chandrabhaga; (2) Tiruchirappalli—Cauvery; (3) Hampi—Malaprabha.2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Rivers & Places
- What happens at the Arctic Circle around 21 June?2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Earth-Sun Relations & Solstices
- What do Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati have in common?2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Water Resources & Reservoirs
- Why is dew formation generally suppressed on cloudy nights?2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Climatology - Dew & Radiation
- Which sea-country pairs are correctly matched? (1) Adriatic—Albania; (2) Black Sea—Croatia; (3) Caspian—Kazakhstan; (4) Mediterranean—Morocco; (5) Red Sea—Syria.2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Geography - Seas & Countries
- Which glacier-river pairs are correctly matched? (1) Bandarpunch—Yamuna; (2) Bara Shigri—Chenab system; (3) Milam—Mandakini; (4) Siachen—Nubra; (5) Zemu—Manas.2019 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Himalayan Glaciers & Rivers
- Why is India taking a keen interest in the Arctic region?2018 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Arctic Region
- Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.2018 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Mantle Plume
- The ideal solution of depleting groundwater resources in India is water harvesting system. How can it be made effective in urban areas?2018 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Water Harvesting
- Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?2018 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Physical & Indian Geography
- Which one of the following is an artificial lake?2018 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Physical & Indian Geography
- From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Protected Areas and Corridors
- Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.2017 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Oceanic Salinity
- Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.2017 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Petroleum Refineries
- At which place in India does sea water recede several kilometres from the shoreline and return twice a day, allowing people to walk on the sea floor at low tide?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Coastal Geography
- With reference to river Teesta, consider: 1. Its source is the same as Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and is a tributary of Teesta. 3. Teesta flows into the Bay of Bengal on the India-Bangladesh border. Which is/are correct?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · River Systems
- If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including origin and destination?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Political Geography
- Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? 1. Jordan 2. Iraq 3. Lebanon 4. Syria2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Mapping
- Consider the following statements: 1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. 2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which is/are correct?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Physiography
- With reference to Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider: 1. It is characterised by a sea-surface temperature difference between tropical western Indian Ocean and tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. IOD can influence an El Niño's impact on the monsoon. Which is/are correct?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Ocean Dipole
- Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Mapping
- Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Air Mass
- The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Landslides in Himalayas
- The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce human miseries. Explain.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Land and Water Resources
- South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · South China Sea
- Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Urban Floods
- Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Indus Water Treaty
- Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Inland Water Transport
- In what way do micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India?2016 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Micro-watershed Development
- Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit. Select the correct answer using the code given below.2016 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian River Systems
- In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? 1. Cambay Basin 2. Cauvery Basin 3. Krishna-Godavari Basin. Select the correct answer using the code given below.2016 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Energy Resources
- Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in soil erosion. Select the correct answer using the code given below.2016 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Irrigation
- Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?2016 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · River Interlinking
- Consider the following pairs: Famous place : Region — 1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand 2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand 3. Shirdi : Vidarbha 4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa 5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?2016 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Regions and Places
- Recently, which of the following States explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?2016 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Transport Infrastructure
- In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclones do not originate. What is the reason?2015 · Prelims GS1 · General Studies, Geography · UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper I, Tropical Cyclones
- Which one of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and westernmost State?2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · India Location
- What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?2015 · Prelims GS1 · General Studies, Geography · UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper I, Ocean Currents
- Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?2015 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Ocean Currents
- Consider the following pairs of place of pilgrimage and location: 1. Srisailam — Nallamala Hills 2. Omkareshwar — Satmala Hills 3. Pushkar — Mahadeo Hills. Which is/are correctly matched?2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Pilgrimage Geography
- Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?2015 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Air Pollution
- India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.2015 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Water Scarcity
- The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.2015 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Ecological Carrying Capacity
- How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscape? Discuss.2015 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Monsoon and Human Landscape
- What are the economic significance of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?2015 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Arctic Oil
- Consider the following rivers: 1. Vamsadhara 2. Indravati 3. Pranahita 4. Pennar. Which are tributaries of Godavari?2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Godavari Basin
- Consider the following statements: 1. Winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. Moist air masses that cause winter rains in north-western India are part of westerlies. Which is/are correct?2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Westerlies
- Tides occur in oceans and seas due to which among the following? 1. Gravitational force of the Sun 2. Gravitational force of the Moon 3. Centrifugal force of the Earth2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Tides
- Consider the following States: 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram. In which do Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur?2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Natural Vegetation
- Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?2015 · Prelims GS1 · General Studies, Geography · UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper I, South-West Asia
- “Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over.” Which region is described?2015 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Equatorial Climate
- Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El Nino effect. Do you agree?2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · El Nino
- Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes.2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Fold Mountains
- Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Island Arcs
- Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why?2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Tropical Cyclones
- Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Himalayan Glaciers
- Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Tea Gardens
- In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical climate2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Soil Erosion
- Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Green Revolution
- The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Monsoon Climate
- Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Iron and Steel Industry
- Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world.2014 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Ocean Resources
- Consider the following rivers: 1. Barak 2. Lohit 3. Subansiri. Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Rivers of Northeast India
- Consider the following pairs: 1. Cardamom Hills — Coromandel Coast 2. Kaimur Hills — Konkan Coast 3. Mahadeo Hills — Central India 4. Mikir Hills — North-East India. Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Physiography
- Turkey is located between2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Map
- What is the correct sequence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north? 1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi 3. Jakarta 4. Singapore2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Southeast Asia Map
- If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 1. Oak 2. Rhododendron 3. Sandalwood2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Himalayan Vegetation
- Consider the following pairs: 1. NH 4 — Chennai and Hyderabad 2. NH 6 — Mumbai and Kolkata 3. NH 15 — Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · National Highways
- Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated by the Ten Degree Channel?2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Islands
- Consider the following pairs: 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve — Mizoram 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary — Sikkim 3. Saramati Peak — Nagaland. Which is/are correctly matched?2014 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Northeast Protected Areas
- Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Physical Geography
- Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? Geographical Region : Feature2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Physical Geography
- Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Earth Motions, Earth-Sun Relationship
- The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why? 1. It occupies a linear rift valley. 2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras. 3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Drainage
- The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why? 1. It occupies a linear rift valley. 2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras. 3. The land slopes to the west from Central India. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Narmada River
- On the planet Earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Water Resources, Freshwater Distribution
- Consider the following pairs: 1. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve : Garo Hills 2. Loktak Lake : Barail Range 3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills. Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Environment & Ecology, Geography · Protected Areas, North-East India Geography
- Consider the following: 1. Electromagnetic radiation 2. Geothermal energy 3. Gravitational force 4. Plate movements 5. Rotation of the Earth 6. Revolution of the Earth. Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the Earth?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Earth System Processes, Dynamic Earth Processes
- What do you understand about the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Continental Drift
- The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Cyclone Naming
- Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Heat Islands
- What do you understand about the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and habitants of the place?2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Temperature Inversion
- Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Soil Conservation
- Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degrees north and on the western side of the continents. Why?2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Hot Deserts
- Bring out the causes for more frequent landslide in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Himalayan Landslides
- There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why?2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Western Ghats Rivers
- Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the southern states of India? Discuss with justification.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Sugar Industry
- Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Cotton Textile Industry
- With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Atomic Energy Resources
- It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for a quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.2013 · Mains GS1 · Geography · Shale Oil and Gas
- The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Ocean Currents and Fisheries
- Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests? 1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2. Coexistence of a large number of species 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Equatorial Forests
- Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests? 1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2. Coexistence of a large number of species 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Equatorial Forests
- The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons? 1. Thermal difference between land and water 2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans 3. Presence of strong winds in the interior 4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Continentality
- The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons? 1. Thermal difference between land and water 2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans 3. Presence of strong winds in the interior 4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Continentality and Temperature
- Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? 1. High ash content 2. Low sulphur content 3. Low ash fusion temperature2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Coal Resources
- Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? 1. High ash content 2. Low sulphur content 3. Low ash fusion temperature. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Coal
- Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1. They are generally red in colour. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Indian Soils
- Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1. They are generally red in colour. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Laterite Soils
- Consider the following statements: 1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds. 2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma. 3. Dharwars are famous for petroleum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · Mineral Resources, Mineral and Energy Resources
- “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.” The above statement best describes which of the following regions?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Geography · World Climatic Regions
- Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Indian Economy & Geography, Geography · Industrial Water Use