UPSC Prelims 2013–2026 — Indian Geography
1. Physiography of India
Q1. Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar? (2017)
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Sumatra. The closest landmass to Great Nicobar in the south is Sumatra, which is located at a distance of 145 km.
Q2. 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)
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. This choice matches the concept tested under Physiography of India; the other alternatives do not satisfy the wording of the item.
Q3. Which one of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and westernmost State? (2015)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat. This choice matches the concept tested under Physiography of India; the other alternatives do not satisfy the wording of the item.
Q4. Mikir Hills North-East India Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (c) 3 and 4. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are located in the Cauvery Basin. Papikonda National Park is in the Godavari basin.
Q5. The land slopes to the west from Central India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (d) None. The Siachen Glacier is in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. It is situated to the North of Nubra Valley.
Q6. Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland? (2023)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Rann of Kutch. The Rann of Kutch, once connected to the Arabian Sea, became a seasonal marshy salt desert due to geological changes.
Q7. Nokrek Sikkim Himalaya Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 3 only. The Siachen Glacier is in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. It is situated to the North of Nubra Valley.
Q8. Siachen Glacier is situated in the: (2020)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) North of Nubra Valley. The Siachen Glacier is in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. It is situated to the North of Nubra Valley.
Q9. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are located in the Cauvery Basin. Papikonda National Park is in the Godavari basin.
Q10. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1 and 3 only Physiography of India 1 87. The Siachen Glacier is in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. It is situated to the North of Nubra Valley.
2. Drainage System of India
Q11. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus directly? (2021)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Sutlej. The Sutlej, the largest of Punjab’s five rivers, is joined by the Beas at Hari-Ke-Patan in Punjab and later merges with the Indus after receiving waters from the Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi.
Q12. Hampi Malaprabha Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 2 only. Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Pir Panjal range, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh does not receive water directly from the Krishna River. Kanwar Lake in Bihar was formed by a cut-off meander of the Burhi Gandak River, not the main Gandak River.
Q13. Zemu Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (c) 2 and 5 only. Gandikota Canyon is located on the Pennar River in Andhra Pradesh.
Q14. River Teesta flows into the Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 3 only. Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Pir Panjal range, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh does not receive water directly from the Krishna River. Kanwar Lake in Bihar was formed by a cut-off meander of the Burhi Gandak River, not the main Gandak River.
Q15. 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)
Explanation: This item was not linked to a dependable official key during extraction, so the quiz does not force one marked answer for it.
Q16. Gersoppa: Western Ghats: Netravati In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Only one. Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Pir Panjal range, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh does not receive water directly from the Krishna River. Kanwar Lake in Bihar was formed by a cut-off meander of the Burhi Gandak River, not the main Gandak River.
Q17. Meandering of the Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Only one. Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Pir Panjal range, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh does not receive water directly from the Krishna River. Kanwar Lake in Bihar was formed by a cut-off meander of the Burhi Gandak River, not the main Gandak River.
Q18. Maithon Chhattisgarh How many pairs given above are not correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (c) Only three pairs. Gandhi Sagar is on the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, while Ghataprabha, Indira Sagar, and Maithon are incorrectly matched.
Q19. Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers? (2022)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) Pennar. Gandikota Canyon is located on the Pennar River in Andhra Pradesh.
Q20. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 only. Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Pir Panjal range, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh does not receive water directly from the Krishna River. Kanwar Lake in Bihar was formed by a cut-off meander of the Burhi Gandak River, not the main Gandak River.
Q21. Pennar Which of the above are tributaries of the River Godavari?
Explanation: Correct option: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only. Gandhi Sagar is on the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, while Ghataprabha, Indira Sagar, and Maithon are incorrectly matched.
Q22. Regeneration of natural vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only. Gandhi Sagar is on the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, while Ghataprabha, Indira Sagar, and Maithon are incorrectly matched.
Q23. Subansiri Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 only. Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Pir Panjal range, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh does not receive water directly from the Krishna River. Kanwar Lake in Bihar was formed by a cut-off meander of the Burhi Gandak River, not the main Gandak River.
3. Indian Climate
Q24. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 only. Statement 1 is not correct: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) denotes the difference in sea surface temperatures between the Arabian Sea (western pole) and the eastern Indian Ocean near Indonesia (eastern pole), analogous to the Pacific’s El Niño and La Niña. Statement 2 is correct: About 50% of IOD events in the last century occurred with ENSO, and 50% independently.
Q25. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 only. Statement 1 is not correct: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) denotes the difference in sea surface temperatures between the Arabian Sea (western pole) and the eastern Indian Ocean near Indonesia (eastern pole), analogous to the Pacific’s El Niño and La Niña. Statement 2 is correct: About 50% of IOD events in the last century occurred with ENSO, and 50% independently.
Q26. The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35 °C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report? (2025) I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts. II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation: This item was not linked to a dependable official key during extraction, so the quiz does not force one marked answer for it.
4. Soils
Q27. Consider the following statements (2023) Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: Tropical rainforest soils may not be considered rich in all nutrients, they are highly productive and support diverse and abundant plant life. The complex interactions between plants, microorganisms, and nutrient cycling processes contribute to the overall fertility and resilience of rainforest ecosystems.
Q28. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (2021)
Explanation: Correct option: (b) fissure volcanic rock. Choice (b) is the right one: The black soils are found in the lava-covered areas. The Black soil is often referred to as “black cotton soils” since cotton has been the most common traditional crop in areas where they are found. Black soils are derivatives due to the weathering of fissure volcanic rock.
Q29. Tropical climate Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 only. Soil erosion is the gradual removal of topsoil by agents like water and wind. Choice (b) is the right one: In India, soil erosion is primarily linked to deforestation, not terrace cultivation or tropical climate. y Deforestation removes trees for agriculture, grazing, or Soils-Explanation 4
Q30. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in (2013)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) None of the above. Choice (d) is the right one: Contour bunding is a proven sustainable land management practice for marginal, sloping, and hilly land where the soil productivity is very low. It can be adopted in light and medium-textured soils. It can be laid up to 6% slopes. It helps retain moisture in the field.
Q31. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 2 and 3 only Soils 4 94. Choice (d) is the right one: Contour bunding is a proven sustainable land management practice for marginal, sloping, and hilly land where the soil productivity is very low. It can be adopted in light and medium-textured soils. It can be laid up to 6% slopes. It helps retain moisture in the field.
5. Natural Vegetation in India
Q32. Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 2 only. Moist deciduous forests, found in areas receiving 100–200 cm rainfall like the Northeast, Eastern Ghats, and Odisha, include species like teak, sal, and sandalwood. Natural Vegetation in India- Explanation 5
Q33. Sunderbans Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only. The Himalayan vegetation transitions from tropical deciduous forests at the foothills to temperate and alpine zones with oak, pine, rhododendron and tundra species at higher altitudes, while sandalwood is not native to this region.
Q34. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Only one. Moist deciduous forests, found in areas receiving 100–200 cm rainfall like the Northeast, Eastern Ghats, and Odisha, include species like teak, sal, and sandalwood. Natural Vegetation in India- Explanation 5
Q35. In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique 'living root bridges' are found in (2015)
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Meghalaya. Living root bridges are found in Meghalaya
6. Mineral and Industries
Q36. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 and 3 only. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
Q37. Rajasthan has iron ore mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 only. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
Q38. Krishna-Godavari Basin Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 3 only. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
Q39. In India, the steel production industry requires the import of (2015)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) coking coal. India’s steel industry depends on iron ore, coking coal (mostly imported), and other raw materials like limestone, dolomite, manganese, and fire clay.
Q40. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India? (2013)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Thermal power. This choice matches the concept tested under Mineral and Industries; the other alternatives do not satisfy the wording of the item.
Q41. Dharwars are famous for petroleum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 only. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
Q42. Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following? (2023)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Titanium. Bauxite (aluminum), copper (from ores like chalcopyrite, malachite), iron (from hematite, magnetite), and titanium (from ilmenite, rutile) are key minerals in India.
Q43. Steel plants Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) Only two. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
Q44. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only. India’s seabed mineral exploration is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) under the 1982 UNCLOS and 1994 ISA framework. India holds a license for exploring 75,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for polymetallic nodules. The ocean floor has rare earth elements.
Q45. 'Rare earth minerals' are present on the seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 and 3 only. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
Q46. Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 4 only. India’s seabed mineral exploration is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) under the 1982 UNCLOS and 1994 ISA framework. India holds a license for exploring 75,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for polymetallic nodules. The ocean floor has rare earth elements.
Q47. Low ash fusion temperature Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 2 only. Monazite contains about 55–60% rare earth oxides and thorium, a prescribed substance regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is not found in all Indian coastal sands. A DAE licence is required for export, and only IREL (a PSU under DAE) is authorized to process and handle it.
7. Agriculture in India
Q48. Coromandel Soya bean Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 2 only. Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. It is subtropical in nature. It requires high temperature, rainfall of 50-100 centimetres, or irrigation, 210 frost- free days and bright sun-shines for its growth.
Q49. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas Ministry of Rural Development Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 2 only. Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. It is subtropical in nature. It requires high temperature, rainfall of 50-100 centimetres, or irrigation, 210 frost- free days and bright sun-shines for its growth.
Q50. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high-volume crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 2 only. Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. It is subtropical in nature. It requires high temperature, rainfall of 50-100 centimetres, or irrigation, 210 frost- free days and bright sun-shines for its growth.
Q51. Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by (2013)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) moulds. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi that naturally occur in the environment and can contaminate food crops, posing serious health and economic risks.
Q52. Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23: (2025) 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?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) I, II and III. The Government of India set up the National Turmeric Board in 2023 to boost turmeric development and exports. India, producing over 75% of the world’s turmeric, grows more than 30 varieties across 20 states primarily Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Q53. Tripura How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Only one State. Black gram can be cultivated in both kharif and rabi seasons. Green gram covers only about 8% of total pulse area. India’s pulse production was 234 lakh tonnes in 2018-19, down from 254 lakh tonnes in 2017-18. Production surged in 2016-17 due to MSP hikes and improved procurement.
Q54. "The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost -free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop." Which one of the following is that crop? (2020)
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Cotton. It is subtropical in nature. It requires high temperature, rainfall of 50-100 centimetres, or irrigation, 210 frost- free days and bright sun-shines for its growth.
Q55. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 only. Cotton grows well in drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. It is subtropical in nature. It requires high temperature, rainfall of 50-100 centimetres, or irrigation, 210 frost- free days and bright sun-shines for its growth.
Q56. Wheat Which of these are Kharif crops?
Explanation: Correct option: (a) 1 and 4. Black gram can be cultivated in both kharif and rabi seasons. Green gram covers only about 8% of total pulse area. India’s pulse production was 234 lakh tonnes in 2018-19, down from 254 lakh tonnes in 2017-18. Production surged in 2016-17 due to MSP hikes and improved procurement.
8. Indian Map
Q57. Which one of the following is an artificial lake? (2018)
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu). Kodaikanal Lake is a famous man-made lake in Tamil Nadu
Q58. Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi? (2018)
Explanation: Correct option: (a) Bengaluru. Delhi lies at 77.1025° E longitude, and Bengaluru, at 77.5946° E, is the closest in longitude among the given cities.
Q59. If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination? (2017)
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 7. The shortest road route from Kohima to Kottayam typically passes through at least seven states: Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Q60. At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the seawater recedes from the shoreline a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the seafloor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at (2017)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) Chandipur. This choice matches the concept tested under Indian Map; the other alternatives do not satisfy the wording of the item.
Q61. Pushkar Mahadeo Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1, 2 and 3. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q62. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1, 2 and 3. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q63. Visakhapatnam Port : Largest container port in India How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) None of the pairs. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q64. Sasthamkotta Lake Tamil Nadu How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) All four pairs. Aliyar (Tamil Nadu), Isapur (Maharashtra), and Kangsabati (West Bengal) are all major water reservoirs.
Q65. With reference to India, Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are the names of (2021)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) saline lakes. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q66. What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati? (2019)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) Water reservoirs. Aliyar (Tamil Nadu), Isapur (Maharashtra), and Kangsabati (West Bengal) are all major water reservoirs.
Q67. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1 and 3 Indian Map 8 104 Indian Map (b) Nicobar and Sumatra (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep (d) Sumatra and Java. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q68. Karnal Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1, 3 and 4 only. Aliyar (Tamil Nadu), Isapur (Maharashtra), and Kangsabati (West Bengal) are all major water reservoirs.
Q69. Saramati Peak Nagaland Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1, 2 and 3. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q70. NH 15 Ahmedabad and Jodhpur Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) None. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q71. Silent Valley National Park Kaveri Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) None. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q72. Namdapha National Park Dafla Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) None. Salt lakes such as Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu all located in Rajasthan are significant saline water bodies in India.
Q73. Bonda Tamil Nadu Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 105. Aliyar (Tamil Nadu), Isapur (Maharashtra), and Kangsabati (West Bengal) are all major water reservoirs.
UPSC Prelims 2026 Additions
Q74. With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate. 2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North- east monsoon. 3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 1 and 2. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q23. Statement 1 is correct: The islands have a tropical climate with warm summers and not so chill winters. Statement 2 is correct: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience two monsoon phases, the Southwest Monsoon arrives (June, July, August & September) and the Northeast Monsoon arrives (October, November & December).
Q75. Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India? 1. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity 2. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills 3. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast- flowing rivers Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 1 and 2. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q24. Statement 1 is correct: Ever since the Cambrian period, the Peninsular block has stood like a rigid block with the exception of some of its western coast which is submerged beneath the sea and some other parts changed due to tectonic activity without affecting the original basement Statement 2 is correct: The residual mountains are also called relict mountains.
Q76. Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India: I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure. II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings. III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct? 1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I. 2. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework. 3. Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (b) 1 and 2. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q25. Statement I is correct. Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched in March 2015 with the objective of promoting port-led development through efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable infrastructure.
Q77. In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India's maritime trade and logistics policy? 1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations. 2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala's profile as a maritime heritage destination. 3. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (d) 3 only. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q34. Statement 1 is not correct: The world class, future ready port is the only transshipment hub in the Indian subcontinent, closest to the international shipping routes, and is centrally located on the Indian coastline. It has a Natural draft of 20- 24 m & minimal littoral drift.
Q78. Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information: 1. It has an antecedent drainage system. 2. It flows through three countries. 3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation. 4. It does not form distributaries. Select the answer from the following: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) Sutlej. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q35. The Satluj originates in the ‘Raksas tal’ near Mansarovar at an altitude of 4,555 m in Tibet where it is termed Langchen Khambab. It flows almost parallel to the Indus for about 400km before entering India, and comes out of a gorge at Rupar. It passes through the Shipki La on the Himalayan ranges and enters the Punjab plains.
Q79. Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are NOT correct? 1. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States. 2. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States. 3. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) 2 and 3. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q36. Statement 1 is correct: Uttar Pradesh shares boundaries with 8 Indian States (Uttarakhand, HP, Haryana, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar) plus Delhi UT — the highest among Indian States. Statement 2 is incorrect because West Bengal, and not Rajasthan, shares the longest international border among Indian states.
Q80. Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry? 1. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products. 2. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)
Explanation: Correct option: (c) Both 1 and 2. Source: UPSC GS Paper I 2026, Q39. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label is certified as having passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances.