1. With reference to the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, consider the following statements:
- The HKH region spans across nine countries and supports a third of the global mountain population.
- Snowmelt from the HKH region contributes over 50% of the annual river flow in the region.
- The region is often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast glacier reserves.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 3 only]
Notes:
The HKH region does indeed span across nine countries and supports a significant portion of the world’s mountain population, making statement 1 correct. However, statement 2 is incorrect, as snowmelt from the HKH region contributes around 23%, not over 50% of the annual river flow. Finally, statement 3 is also correct, as the HKH region is often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its large glacier reserves.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the yak and its role in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region:
- Yaks are native to both the terai and mountain regions of Nepal and play a vital role in agriculture and transport.
- Yak herding traditions in the Nepal Himalayas are predominantly maintained by indigenous communities such as the Sherpa and Tamang.
- The system of transhumance associated with yak herding has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:- Yaks indeed are vital to both the terai and mountain regions of Nepal for agriculture and transport. They provide meat, milk, fibre, manure, and draught power.
- The Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai, and Limbu communities predominantly maintain yak herding traditions in the Nepal Himalayas.
- The system of transhumance associated with yak herding has been acknowledged by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
3. Dal Lake, that was recently seen in news, is surrounded by which mountain range?
[A] Pir Panjal Range
[B] Karakoram Range
[C] Shivalik Range
[D] Dhauladhar Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pir Panjal Range]
Notes:
A tourist shikara recently overturned in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir due to strong winds, throwing a tourist family and a boatman into the water. Dal Lake is a mid-altitude urban lake in Srinagar, surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains. It plays a major role in Kashmir’s tourism and is often called the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel.” The lake is also known as the Lake of Flowers. The lake is also famous for its floating market, where vendors use wooden boats called shikaras to sell goods to tourists.
4. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary lies on which mountain range?
[A] Aravalli
[B] Satpura
[C] Vindhya
[D] Western Ghats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aravalli ]
Notes:
Delhi’s forest and wildlife department will install 45 motion-based camera traps in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to monitor and collect data on wildlife. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is in the South Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range, on the Delhi-Haryana border. It forms part of the Southern Ridge and connects with the Indo-Gangetic Plain, making it rich in biodiversity. The sanctuary is a key segment of the North Aravalli Leopard Wildlife Corridor, which begins at Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, passes through Haryana districts, and reaches the Delhi Ridge.
5. Lewis Glacier, which was seen in news due to its rapid melting, is located on which mountain?
[A] Mount Everest
[B] Mount Elbrus
[C] Mount Kilimanjaro
[D] Mount Kenya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mount Kenya]
Notes:
Climate change is rapidly melting glaciers on Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain. Lewis Glacier, once a major ice mass, has shrunk drastically and may disappear by 2030. The Lewis Glacier is located on Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is an extinct stratovolcano and Africa’s second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro. The glacier’s retreat highlights the severe impact of global warming on Africa’s high-altitude ice.
6. In the light of recent findings on glacier loss, consider the following statements:
- The Rwenzori Mountains are located in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are caused by the sudden release of water from a glacier-dammed lake.
- Glaciers are responsible for about 70% of the world’s freshwater resources.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All Three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All Three]
Notes:- The Rwenzori Mountains are located in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Correct: They are known for their unique biodiversity and glacial landscapes.
- Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are caused by the sudden release of water from a glacier-dammed lake. Correct: GLOFs can lead to catastrophic flooding downstream.
- Glaciers are responsible for about 70% of the world’s freshwater resources. Correct: Glaciers are crucial in providing freshwater to millions globally.
7. Makhonjwa Mountains, जो एक यूनेस्को विश्व धरोहर स्थल है, ये किन दो देशों के बीच स्थित हैं?
[A] दक्षिण अफ्रीका और लेसोथो
[B] दक्षिण अफ्रीका और एस्वाटिनी
[C] दक्षिण अफ्रीका और नामीबिया
[D] दक्षिण अफ्रीका और बोत्सवाना
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [दक्षिण अफ्रीका और एस्वाटिनी]
Notes:
यूनेस्को विश्व धरोहर स्थल “Makhonjwa Mountains” जिसे Barberton Green-Stone Belt के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, दक्षिण अफ्रीका और एस्वाटिनी के बीच स्थित छोटी पहाड़ियों और पर्वतों की एक श्रृंखला है, जिनकी ऊँचाई लगभग 1800 मीटर है। ये पहाड़ Kaapvaal Craton के पूर्वी किनारे पर स्थित हैं। यह क्षेत्र अपने सोने के भंडार और कोमाटीइट्स नामक असामान्य प्रकार की अल्ट्रामैफिक ज्वालामुखी चट्टानों के लिए भी प्रसिद्ध है, जिसका नाम कोमाटी नदी के नाम पर रखा गया है, जो इस क्षेत्र से होकर बहती है।
8. In the context of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, consider the following statements:
- Shivaji broke away from Bijapur to establish an independent kingdom, initiating the Maratha Confederacy.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Father of the Indian Navy, built forts to protect Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, recognizing naval power’s importance.
- He was referred to as the ‘Mountain Rat’ and gained widespread recognition for his guerrilla warfare methods.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Shivaji broke away from Bijapur to establish an independent kingdom, initiating the Maratha Confederacy. Correct: Shivaji broke away from Bijapur to form an independent kingdom, marking the start of the Maratha Confederacy. He established a strong government with a well-trained army and efficient administration. In 1674, he was formally crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Father of the Indian Navy, built forts to protect Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, recognizing naval power’s importance. Correct: Chhatrapati Shivaji, known as the Father of the Indian Navy, was the first to recognize the significance of a naval force and built forts to defend the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
- He was referred to as the ‘Mountain Rat’ and gained widespread recognition for his guerrilla warfare methods. Correct: He was referred to as the ‘Mountain Rat’ and gained widespread recognition for his guerrilla warfare methods.
9. Bale Mountain National Park किस देश में स्थित है?
[A] इथियोपिया
[B] केन्या
[C] सूडान
[D] दक्षिण सूडान
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [इथियोपिया]
Notes:
Bale Mountain National Park इथियोपिया में स्थित IUCN श्रेणी II का राष्ट्रीय उद्यान है। यह उद्यान इथियोपिया के हाइलैंड्स में Bale पर्वत और Sanetti पठार को कवर करता है। इसे यूनेस्को विश्व धरोहर की अस्थायी सूची में शामिल किया गया था। इस राष्ट्रीय उद्यान की वनस्पति और पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र अफ्रोमोंटेन आवासों से बनते हैं। यह क्षेत्रीय जलवायु में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है क्योंकि यह पर्याप्त मात्रा में ओरोग्राफिक वर्षा आकर्षित करता है, जो यहां की पशुपालन और कृषि उत्पादन के लिए आवश्यक है।
10. Consider the following:
- Carpathian Mountains
- Dinaric Alps
- Caucasus mountains
- Apennine Mountains
Which of the following is the correct order of the above from west to east?
[A] 1 2 3 4
[B] 4 2 1 3
[C] 2 1 4 3
[D] 3 4 1 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [4 2 1 3]
Notes:- Apennine Mountains – Located in Italy, running along the length of the Italian Peninsula.
- Dinaric Alps – Found along the western Balkans, mainly in countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania.
- Carpathian Mountains – Stretch across Central and Eastern Europe, covering parts of Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, and Romania.
- Caucasus Mountains – Located further east, forming a natural boundary between Europe and Asia, covering Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
