31. Which of the following atmospheric phenomena contribute to good rainfall in India?
- Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Indian Ocean during the Monsoon
- Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) enhances monsoon rainfall when positioned over the Indian Ocean. Similarly, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), characterized by warmer western Indian Ocean waters, also strengthens monsoon rains in India. Both these phenomena independently contribute to increased rainfall during the monsoon season over the Indian subcontinent.
32. Consider the following statements:
- The winds blow from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal towards the land during retreating monsoons.
- Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh receive most rainfall during retreating monsoons.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The South West Monsson Season is marked by the onset and advance of monsoon. The winds blow from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal towards the land. Winds move back from the mainland to the Bay of Bengal. This is the season of the retreating monsoons. The southern parts of India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh receive rainfall in this season.
33. Consider the following statements:
- Majuli in the Ganga River is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.
- The rivers in their lower course split into numerous channels due to the deposition of silt called Riverine Island.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None of the above ]
Notes:
The rivers in their lower course split into numerous channels due to the deposition of silt. These channels are known as distributaries. Majuli, in the Brahmaputra River, is the largest inhabited riverine Island in the world.
34. Consider the following statements:
- The Bhagirathi is joined by the Alaknanda at Devaprayag in Uttarakhand.
- The Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi rise in the Nepal Himalaya.
- At Haridwar, the Ganga emerges on to the plains.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 amd 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The headwaters of the Ganga, called the ‘Bhagirathi’ is fed by the Gangotri Glacier and joined by the Alaknanda at Devaprayag in Uttarakhand. At Haridwar, the Ganga emerges from the mountains on to the plains. The Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi rise in the Nepal Himalaya. They are the rivers, which flood parts of the northern plains every year, causing widespread damage to life and property, whereas, they enrich the soil for agricultural use.
35. Consider the following statements:
- The River Chambal is famous for its badland topography.
- The River Ghaghara enters the Ganga plain in Champaran district of Bihar.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
The Chambal is famous for its badland topography called the Chambal ravines. The Gandak enters the Ganga plain in Champaran district of Bihar and joins the Ganga at Sonpur near Patna. Badlands are type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water. They are characterised by steep sloped minimal vegetation, lack of a substantial regolith and high drainage density.
36. Consider the following statements:
- The Mahanadi rises near Sihawa in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
- It runs through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- Fifty three per cent of the drainage basin of the Mahanadi lies in Odisha.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
The Mahanadi rises near Sihawa in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh and runs through Odisha to discharge its water into the Bay of Bengal. It is 851 km long and its catchment area spreads over 1.42 lakh sq. km. Some navigation is carried on in the lower course of this river. Fifty three per cent of the drainage basin of this river lies in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, while 47 per cent lies in Odisha.
37. Consider the following:
- Krishna
- Kaveri
- Godavari
Arrange the following Peninsular rivers in ascending order of their length:
[A] 2 < 3 < 1
[B] 3 < 1 < 2
[C] 3 < 2 < 1
[D] 2 < 1 < 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2 < 1 < 3]
Notes:
The Godavari is the largest Peninsular river system, it is 1,465 km long. The Krishna is the second largest east flowing Peninsular. Its total length is 1,401 km. The length of Kaveri is 800 km.
38. Consider the following pairs regarding rivers and their sources of origin in India:
- Shetruniji river : Dalkahwa in Amreli district
- Vaitarna river : Trimbak hills in Nasik district
- Kalinadi river : Hubli, Dharwar
- Bedti river : Belgaum district
- Dhadhar river : Ghantar village in Panchmahal district
Which of the above are correctly matched?
[A] Only 1, 3, and 5
[B] Only 1, 2, and 5
[C] Only 3, 4, and 5
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1, 2, and 5]
Notes:
Shetruniji river originates near Dalkahwa in Amreli district, and Dhadhar river rises near Ghantar village in Panchmahal district. Vaitarna river originates from Trimbak hills in Nasik district. However, Kalinadi rises in Belgaum district, and Bedti originates near Hubli, Dharwar, hence only statements 1, 2, and 5 are correct matches.
39. Consider the following statements regarding the Himalayan mountain chain:
- The Himalayas protect the Indian subcontinent from cold northern winds.
- These cold and chilly winds originate near the Arctic Circle.
- The Himalayas help to trap the monsoon winds within the subcontinent.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] All of the above
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All of the above]
Notes:
The Himalayas serve as a natural barrier, protecting the Indian subcontinent from cold winds that originate near the Arctic Circle and traverse central and eastern Asia. Additionally, the Himalayas trap the monsoon winds, compelling them to release their moisture over the subcontinent, which is essential for the region’s rainfall patterns.
40. Consider the following:
- Central parts of India
- Northern parts of southern Peninsula
- Tamil Nadu Coast
- Southern Andhra Pradesh
- Southeast Karnataka
- Southeast Kerala
Which of the above mentioned regions of India receive winter rainfall?
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 3, 4, 5, and 6
[C] Only 1, 2, and 3
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above ]
Notes:
Central parts of India and northern parts of southern Peninsula also get winter rainfall occasionally. Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the north-eastern parts of India also have rains between 25 mm and 50 mm during these winter months. During October and November, northeast monsoon while crossing over the Bay of Bengal, picks up moisture and causes torrential rainfall over the Tamil Nadu coast, southern Andhra Pradesh, southeast Karnataka and southeast Kerala.
