1. Which of the following are examples of mass marine migrations?
- Pacific salmon returning to freshwater rivers to spawn
- Leatherback turtles crossing oceans to nesting beaches
- Krill swarms migrating vertically in Antarctic waters
Select the correct code:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Pacific salmon undertake mass migrations from oceans to freshwater rivers for spawning. Leatherback turtles cross entire oceans to reach nesting beaches. Antarctic krill migrate vertically in large swarms for feeding and survival. All three are documented examples of mass marine migrations involving vast movement and aggregation of individuals.
2. Which of the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in China?
- Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan
- Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan and Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries are UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in China. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in Tanzania, Africa, and is not located in China. Hence, only 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.
3. Consider the following statements regarding India’s economic performance after the 1991 reforms:
- India’s GDP growth accelerated to an average of 6–7% annually, about double the pre-1991 rate.
- The poverty ratio declined sharply from about 45% in 1993 to around 22% by 2011.
- Services, particularly IT and outsourcing, became key growth drivers.
- India surpassed China and South Korea in per capita GDP by the late 1990s.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2, and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] Only 1, 3, and 4
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2, and 3]
Notes:
After 1991 reforms, India’s GDP growth averaged 6–7%, nearly double the earlier rate. Poverty decreased from about 45% (1993) to 22% (2011), and the services sector—especially IT and outsourcing—grew markedly. India did not surpass China or South Korea in per capita GDP in the 1990s; both remained ahead. Thus, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect.
4. Consider the following rivers encountered during Alexander the Great’s campaign in northwestern India:
- Hydaspes
- Hyphasis
- Acesines
- Indus
Which of the following represents the correct sequence of these rivers from west to east?
[A] 4 1 3 2
[B] 4 3 1 2
[C] 1 3 2 4
[D] 3 4 2 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [4 3 1 2]
Notes:
The correct west to east sequence is Indus (4), Acesines/Chenab (3), Hydaspes/Jhelum (1), and Hyphasis/Beas (2). The Indus lies furthest west, followed by the Chenab, then Jhelum—site of Alexander's famous battle with Porus—and finally the Beas, which marked the limit of his eastward campaign.
5. Which ministry has launched the ‘Apna Ghar’ initiative to support truck drivers during long journeys?
[A] Ministry of Urban Development
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
[D] Ministry of Transport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas]
Notes:
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the ‘Apna Ghar’ initiative to support truck drivers during long journeys. A total of 368 ‘Apna Ghar’ units with 4,611 beds have been set up by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at highway fuel stations. These units provide dormitory beds, restaurants or dhabas, clean toilets, bathing facilities, cooking spaces, and purified drinking water. The initiative aims to ensure safe, hygienic, and comfortable resting spaces for truckers across national and state highways.
6. At Bhamragad, which three rivers meet, making it notable for its unique geographical location?
[A] Indravati, Pearl Kota, Pamul Gautami
[B] Wardha, Kanhan, Wainganga
[C] Godavari, Pranhita, Painganga
[D] Krishna, Bhima, Seena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indravati, Pearl Kota, Pamul Gautami]
Notes:
Bhamragad, located in Maharashtra, is known for the confluence of the Indravati, Pearl Kota, and Pamul Gautami rivers in the Dandkaranya forest, making the area rich in biodiversity with significant ecological importance.
7. Which of the following rivers originates from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra?
[A] Saraswati
[B] Godavari
[C] Krishna
[D] Purna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krishna]
Notes:
Mahabaleshwar is the origin of the Krishna River along with Koyna, Venna, Savitri, and Gayatri. Krishna is one of India’s longest rivers and is vital for irrigation, agriculture, and water supply in Maharashtra and neighboring states.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary:
- It is situated at the confluence of the Anner and Manjar rivers.
- It is part of the larger Satpura Range ecosystem.
- The area of the sanctuary is more than 200 km².
- The sanctuary was established in 1969 in Maharashtra.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2 and 4
[C] 2 and 4 only
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the confluence of the Anner and Manjar rivers (1), is part of the Satpura Range ecosystem (2), and was established in 1969 in Maharashtra (4). However, statement 3 is incorrect as the area of the sanctuary is 176 km², which is less than 200 km².
9. At which location, known as Pritisangam, do the Koyna and Krishna rivers meet in Maharashtra?
[A] Chandrapur
[B] Nashik
[C] Pune
[D] Karad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karad]
Notes:
Pritisangam is the confluence of the Koyna and Krishna rivers at Karad, Maharashtra. Both rivers originate from Mahabaleshwar. The site holds spiritual significance and is associated with Lord Rama in local legend, making it both a geographic and cultural landmark.
10. At the confluence of which rivers is the Kurnur Dam located?
[A] Krishna and Panchganga
[B] Mula and Mutha
[C] Bori and Harna
[D] Tapi and Purna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bori and Harna]
Notes:
Kurnur Dam is located at the confluence of the Bori and Harna rivers in Maharashtra, primarily serving Akkalkot region’s water supply needs. The dam supports irrigation, drinking water, and helps maintain local biodiversity.
