UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 23 May 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 23 May 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding arid and semi-arid regions of India: Assertion (A): The development of large-scale solar parks in arid and semi-arid regions of India, while promoting renewable energy, often faces challenges related to land acquisition conflicts and impacts on local ecosystems. Reason (R): These regions, often classified as ‘wastelands’, frequently support unique biodiversity and traditional pastoral livelihoods that can be disrupted by extensive land diversion for solar installations. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct? (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. (c) A is true but R is false. (d) A is false but R is true. Correct Solution: a) Assertion (A) is true. The push for large solar parks (e.g., Bhadla Solar Park) in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat has indeed encountered issues related to land acquisition, sometimes involving conflicts with local communities or concerns about displacing existing land uses. Impacts on local ecosystems are also a documented concern. Reason (R) is also true. Arid and semi-arid lands, often perceived or officially classified as ‘wastelands’, are ecologically important habitats for specialized flora and fauna (e.g., Great Indian Bustard habitat). They also traditionally support pastoral communities. Large-scale diversion of such land for solar projects can lead to habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and disruption of traditional livelihoods, explaining the conflicts and impacts mentioned in (A). R provides the correct explanation for A. Incorrect Solution: a) Assertion (A) is true. The push for large solar parks (e.g., Bhadla Solar Park) in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat has indeed encountered issues related to land acquisition, sometimes involving conflicts with local communities or concerns about displacing existing land uses. Impacts on local ecosystems are also a documented concern. Reason (R) is also true. Arid and semi-arid lands, often perceived or officially classified as ‘wastelands’, are ecologically important habitats for specialized flora and fauna (e.g., Great Indian Bustard habitat). They also traditionally support pastoral communities. Large-scale diversion of such land for solar projects can lead to habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and disruption of traditional livelihoods, explaining the conflicts and impacts mentioned in (A). R provides the correct explanation for A.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding arid and semi-arid regions of India:

Assertion (A): The development of large-scale solar parks in arid and semi-arid regions of India, while promoting renewable energy, often faces challenges related to land acquisition conflicts and impacts on local ecosystems.

Reason (R): These regions, often classified as ‘wastelands’, frequently support unique biodiversity and traditional pastoral livelihoods that can be disrupted by extensive land diversion for solar installations.

In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

• (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

• (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

• (c) A is true but R is false.

• (d) A is false but R is true.

Solution: a)

• Assertion (A) is true. The push for large solar parks (e.g., Bhadla Solar Park) in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat has indeed encountered issues related to land acquisition, sometimes involving conflicts with local communities or concerns about displacing existing land uses. Impacts on local ecosystems are also a documented concern.

• Reason (R) is also true. Arid and semi-arid lands, often perceived or officially classified as ‘wastelands’, are ecologically important habitats for specialized flora and fauna (e.g., Great Indian Bustard habitat). They also traditionally support pastoral communities. Large-scale diversion of such land for solar projects can lead to habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and disruption of traditional livelihoods, explaining the conflicts and impacts mentioned in (A).

• R provides the correct explanation for A.

Solution: a)

• R provides the correct explanation for A.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match List-I (Industrial Corridor) with List-II (Major Node/City) and List-III (Associated State) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List-I (Corridor) List-II (Node/City) List-III (State) A. Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) 1. Krishnapatnam P. Andhra Pradesh B. Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) 2. Dholera Q. Punjab C. Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) 3. Ludhiana R. Gujarat D. East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) 4. Tumakuru S. Karnataka Select the correct answer code: (a) A-2-R, B-3-Q, C-4-S, D-1-P (b) A-3-R, B-2-Q, C-1-S, D-4-P (b) A-3-R, B-2-Q, C-1-S, D-4-P (d) A-4-S, B-1-P, C-2-R, D-3-Q Correct Solution: a) Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): Dholera Special Investment Region is a major Greenfield industrial city being developed under DMIC in Gujarat (R). (A matches 2-R) Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Ludhiana is a significant industrial city in Punjab (Q) and falls within the influence zone of the AKIC. (B matches 3-Q) Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): Tumakuru (Tumkur) is being developed as a major industrial node under CBIC in Karnataka (S). (C matches 4-S) D. East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC): Krishnapatnam Port and its surrounding region form a key node in the southern stretch (specifically the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor phase) of the ECEC in Andhra Pradesh (P). (D matches 1-P) Incorrect Solution: a) Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): Dholera Special Investment Region is a major Greenfield industrial city being developed under DMIC in Gujarat (R). (A matches 2-R) Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Ludhiana is a significant industrial city in Punjab (Q) and falls within the influence zone of the AKIC. (B matches 3-Q) Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): Tumakuru (Tumkur) is being developed as a major industrial node under CBIC in Karnataka (S). (C matches 4-S) D. East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC): Krishnapatnam Port and its surrounding region form a key node in the southern stretch (specifically the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor phase) of the ECEC in Andhra Pradesh (P). (D matches 1-P)

#### 2. Question

Match List-I (Industrial Corridor) with List-II (Major Node/City) and List-III (Associated State) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

List-I (Corridor) | List-II (Node/City) | List-III (State)

A. Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) | 1. Krishnapatnam | P. Andhra Pradesh

B. Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) | 2. Dholera | Q. Punjab

C. Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) | 3. Ludhiana | R. Gujarat

D. East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) | 4. Tumakuru | S. Karnataka

Select the correct answer code:

• (a) A-2-R, B-3-Q, C-4-S, D-1-P

• (b) A-3-R, B-2-Q, C-1-S, D-4-P

• (d) A-4-S, B-1-P, C-2-R, D-3-Q

Solution: a)

• Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): Dholera Special Investment Region is a major Greenfield industrial city being developed under DMIC in Gujarat (R). (A matches 2-R)

• Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Ludhiana is a significant industrial city in Punjab (Q) and falls within the influence zone of the AKIC. (B matches 3-Q)

• Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): Tumakuru (Tumkur) is being developed as a major industrial node under CBIC in Karnataka (S). (C matches 4-S)

D. East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC): Krishnapatnam Port and its surrounding region form a key node in the southern stretch (specifically the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor phase) of the ECEC in Andhra Pradesh (P). (D matches 1-P)

Solution: a)

• Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): Dholera Special Investment Region is a major Greenfield industrial city being developed under DMIC in Gujarat (R). (A matches 2-R)

• Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Ludhiana is a significant industrial city in Punjab (Q) and falls within the influence zone of the AKIC. (B matches 3-Q)

• Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): Tumakuru (Tumkur) is being developed as a major industrial node under CBIC in Karnataka (S). (C matches 4-S)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to groundwater management in India, consider the following statements: The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is empowered under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control groundwater development and management nationwide. The ‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’ focuses exclusively on constructing new check dams and percolation tanks in water-stressed areas identified by National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM). Over-exploitation of groundwater in India is primarily concentrated in the arid regions of Western India due to low rainfall. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct. The CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and has the mandate to regulate and control groundwater development and management in the country. Statement 2 is incorrect. Atal Bhujal Yojana is a World Bank-funded central sector scheme focusing on participatory groundwater management and improving water use efficiency. While it involves supply-side measures (like check dams where appropriate), its primary focus is on demand-side management, community participation, behavioral change, and strengthening institutional arrangements in identified water-stressed areas across seven states. It’s not exclusively about constructing new structures. Statement 3 is incorrect. While arid regions face water scarcity, the most severe over-exploitation of groundwater (highest number of over-exploited blocks) is found not just in arid western India but significantly in the alluvial plains of North-Western India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi) and parts of Southern peninsular India, driven largely by intensive agriculture (irrigation). Low rainfall contributes, but intensive extraction is the primary driver of over-exploitation in these specific zones. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct. The CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and has the mandate to regulate and control groundwater development and management in the country. Statement 2 is incorrect. Atal Bhujal Yojana is a World Bank-funded central sector scheme focusing on participatory groundwater management and improving water use efficiency. While it involves supply-side measures (like check dams where appropriate), its primary focus is on demand-side management, community participation, behavioral change, and strengthening institutional arrangements in identified water-stressed areas across seven states. It’s not exclusively about constructing new structures. Statement 3 is incorrect. While arid regions face water scarcity, the most severe over-exploitation of groundwater (highest number of over-exploited blocks) is found not just in arid western India but significantly in the alluvial plains of North-Western India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi) and parts of Southern peninsular India, driven largely by intensive agriculture (irrigation). Low rainfall contributes, but intensive extraction is the primary driver of over-exploitation in these specific zones.

#### 3. Question

With reference to groundwater management in India, consider the following statements:

• The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is empowered under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control groundwater development and management nationwide.

• The ‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’ focuses exclusively on constructing new check dams and percolation tanks in water-stressed areas identified by National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM).

• Over-exploitation of groundwater in India is primarily concentrated in the arid regions of Western India due to low rainfall.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is correct. The CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and has the mandate to regulate and control groundwater development and management in the country.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Atal Bhujal Yojana is a World Bank-funded central sector scheme focusing on participatory groundwater management and improving water use efficiency. While it involves supply-side measures (like check dams where appropriate), its primary focus is on demand-side management, community participation, behavioral change, and strengthening institutional arrangements in identified water-stressed areas across seven states. It’s not exclusively about constructing new structures.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While arid regions face water scarcity, the most severe over-exploitation of groundwater (highest number of over-exploited blocks) is found not just in arid western India but significantly in the alluvial plains of North-Western India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi) and parts of Southern peninsular India, driven largely by intensive agriculture (irrigation). Low rainfall contributes, but intensive extraction is the primary driver of over-exploitation in these specific zones.

Solution: b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding geothermal energy potential and exploration in India: The Puga Valley in Ladakh is considered one of the most promising sites for geothermal energy development in India due to its high heat flow characteristics. Geothermal energy extraction in India primarily relies on harnessing steam from volcanic geysers similar to those found in Iceland or Yellowstone. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing a policy that provides viability gap funding exclusively for geothermal power projects located in the Himalayan region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct. Puga Valley in Ladakh is recognized internationally as having significant geothermal potential, characterized by high geothermal gradients and surface manifestations like hot springs and fumaroles. It has been a key focus area for exploration and potential development. Statement 2 is incorrect. India’s geothermal potential is primarily associated with tectonic activity (like the Himalayan collision zone) and areas with high heat flow from the Earth’s interior, manifesting as hot springs and hydrothermal systems. It does not rely on large-scale volcanic geyser systems like those in Iceland or Yellowstone. Exploration focuses on tapping hot water or steam from underground reservoirs. Statement 3 is incorrect. While MNRE supports renewable energy including geothermal, there isn’t a widely known, specific policy providing viability gap funding exclusively for geothermal projects only in the Himalayas. Support mechanisms for renewables are generally broader or project-specific, and geothermal development is still in nascent stages with exploration happening in various regions (e.g., Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, Cambay basin in Gujarat) beyond just the Himalayas. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct. Puga Valley in Ladakh is recognized internationally as having significant geothermal potential, characterized by high geothermal gradients and surface manifestations like hot springs and fumaroles. It has been a key focus area for exploration and potential development. Statement 2 is incorrect. India’s geothermal potential is primarily associated with tectonic activity (like the Himalayan collision zone) and areas with high heat flow from the Earth’s interior, manifesting as hot springs and hydrothermal systems. It does not rely on large-scale volcanic geyser systems like those in Iceland or Yellowstone. Exploration focuses on tapping hot water or steam from underground reservoirs. Statement 3 is incorrect. While MNRE supports renewable energy including geothermal, there isn’t a widely known, specific policy providing viability gap funding exclusively for geothermal projects only in the Himalayas. Support mechanisms for renewables are generally broader or project-specific, and geothermal development is still in nascent stages with exploration happening in various regions (e.g., Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, Cambay basin in Gujarat) beyond just the Himalayas.

#### 4. Question

• Consider the following statements regarding geothermal energy potential and exploration in India:

• The Puga Valley in Ladakh is considered one of the most promising sites for geothermal energy development in India due to its high heat flow characteristics.

• Geothermal energy extraction in India primarily relies on harnessing steam from volcanic geysers similar to those found in Iceland or Yellowstone.

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing a policy that provides viability gap funding exclusively for geothermal power projects located in the Himalayan region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct. Puga Valley in Ladakh is recognized internationally as having significant geothermal potential, characterized by high geothermal gradients and surface manifestations like hot springs and fumaroles. It has been a key focus area for exploration and potential development.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. India’s geothermal potential is primarily associated with tectonic activity (like the Himalayan collision zone) and areas with high heat flow from the Earth’s interior, manifesting as hot springs and hydrothermal systems. It does not rely on large-scale volcanic geyser systems like those in Iceland or Yellowstone. Exploration focuses on tapping hot water or steam from underground reservoirs.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While MNRE supports renewable energy including geothermal, there isn’t a widely known, specific policy providing viability gap funding exclusively for geothermal projects only in the Himalayas. Support mechanisms for renewables are generally broader or project-specific, and geothermal development is still in nascent stages with exploration happening in various regions (e.g., Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, Cambay basin in Gujarat) beyond just the Himalayas.

Solution: a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Match the following places/features with their descriptions: List I (Place/Feature) – List II (Description) A. Banihal Pass – 1. Mountain pass connecting Kashmir Valley with Jammu region B. Zoji La – 2. High pass connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh (Leh) region C. Pahalgam – 3. Scenic town on the Lidder River, base for the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir D. Sea of Marmara – 4. Inland sea on the North Anatolian Fault, site of frequent earthquakes near Istanbul How many of the above pairs is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: c) Banihal Pass – “connecting Kashmir Valley with Jammu region”: Banihal Pass (elevation ~2,832 m) in the Pir Panjal range is indeed the traditional gateway between the Jammu region (south of Pir Panjal) and the Kashmir Valley (north of Pir Panjal). The Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km long, opened in 1956) runs beneath Banihal Pass on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, facilitating year-round road connectivity. This pass historically was the main route linking “mainland India” to the Kashmir valley. Zoji La – “connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh”: Zoji La (about 3,528 m) is a high mountain pass on the Great Himalayan range that connects Sonamarg (in the Kashmir Valley) to Drass and further to Ladakh (Kargil/Leh). It lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1) and is a crucial route into Ladakh. In winter it’s snowed shut, cutting Ladakh off, which is why India is now building tunnels to bypass Zoji La. Pahalgam – “town on Lidder River, base for Amarnath Yatra”: Yes, Pahalgam in Kashmir is a picturesque town by the Lidder River. It’s at the confluence of Lidder with a stream from Sheshnag Lake. Pahalgam is world-famous as a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra – pilgrims trek from Pahalgam (via Chandanwari) to the Amarnath Cave. Sea of Marmara – “inland sea on NAF, earthquake-prone near Istanbul”: The Sea of Marmara is indeed an inland sea within Turkey, lying on the path of the North Anatolian Fault which is a major seismic fault line. This fault has caused many large quakes that struck the region (e.g. 1999 İzmit quake). Marmara separates Istanbul’s European and Asian sides and is notorious for earthquake risk in that area. Incorrect Solution: c) Banihal Pass – “connecting Kashmir Valley with Jammu region”: Banihal Pass (elevation ~2,832 m) in the Pir Panjal range is indeed the traditional gateway between the Jammu region (south of Pir Panjal) and the Kashmir Valley (north of Pir Panjal). The Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km long, opened in 1956) runs beneath Banihal Pass on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, facilitating year-round road connectivity. This pass historically was the main route linking “mainland India” to the Kashmir valley. Zoji La – “connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh”: Zoji La (about 3,528 m) is a high mountain pass on the Great Himalayan range that connects Sonamarg (in the Kashmir Valley) to Drass and further to Ladakh (Kargil/Leh). It lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1) and is a crucial route into Ladakh. In winter it’s snowed shut, cutting Ladakh off, which is why India is now building tunnels to bypass Zoji La. Pahalgam – “town on Lidder River, base for Amarnath Yatra”: Yes, Pahalgam in Kashmir is a picturesque town by the Lidder River. It’s at the confluence of Lidder with a stream from Sheshnag Lake. Pahalgam is world-famous as a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra – pilgrims trek from Pahalgam (via Chandanwari) to the Amarnath Cave. Sea of Marmara – “inland sea on NAF, earthquake-prone near Istanbul”: The Sea of Marmara is indeed an inland sea within Turkey, lying on the path of the North Anatolian Fault which is a major seismic fault line. This fault has caused many large quakes that struck the region (e.g. 1999 İzmit quake). Marmara separates Istanbul’s European and Asian sides and is notorious for earthquake risk in that area.

#### 5. Question

Match the following places/features with their descriptions:

List I (Place/Feature) – List II (Description) A. Banihal Pass – 1. Mountain pass connecting Kashmir Valley with Jammu region B. Zoji La – 2. High pass connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh (Leh) region C. Pahalgam – 3. Scenic town on the Lidder River, base for the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir D. Sea of Marmara – 4. Inland sea on the North Anatolian Fault, site of frequent earthquakes near Istanbul

How many of the above pairs is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: c)

• Banihal Pass – “connecting Kashmir Valley with Jammu region”: Banihal Pass (elevation ~2,832 m) in the Pir Panjal range is indeed the traditional gateway between the Jammu region (south of Pir Panjal) and the Kashmir Valley (north of Pir Panjal). The Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km long, opened in 1956) runs beneath Banihal Pass on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, facilitating year-round road connectivity. This pass historically was the main route linking “mainland India” to the Kashmir valley.

• Zoji La – “connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh”: Zoji La (about 3,528 m) is a high mountain pass on the Great Himalayan range that connects Sonamarg (in the Kashmir Valley) to Drass and further to Ladakh (Kargil/Leh). It lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1) and is a crucial route into Ladakh. In winter it’s snowed shut, cutting Ladakh off, which is why India is now building tunnels to bypass Zoji La.

• Pahalgam – “town on Lidder River, base for Amarnath Yatra”: Yes, Pahalgam in Kashmir is a picturesque town by the Lidder River. It’s at the confluence of Lidder with a stream from Sheshnag Lake. Pahalgam is world-famous as a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra – pilgrims trek from Pahalgam (via Chandanwari) to the Amarnath Cave.

Sea of Marmara – “inland sea on NAF, earthquake-prone near Istanbul”: The Sea of Marmara is indeed an inland sea within Turkey, lying on the path of the North Anatolian Fault which is a major seismic fault line. This fault has caused many large quakes that struck the region (e.g. 1999 İzmit quake). Marmara separates Istanbul’s European and Asian sides and is notorious for earthquake risk in that area.

Solution: c)

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