UPSC Geography PYQ 2025

13.

Consider the following pairs:

Region — Country

I. Mallorca : Italy

II. Normandy : Spain

III. Sardinia : France

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Correct Answer:

✅ (d) None

Explanation:

I. Mallorca : Italy — Incorrect

Mallorca is an island of Spain, part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

II. Normandy : Spain — Incorrect

Normandy is a region in northern France, not Spain.

III. Sardinia : France — Incorrect

Sardinia is an island of Italy, located in the Mediterranean Sea.

12.

Consider the following pairs:

Country — Resource-rich in

I. Botswana : Diamond

II. Chile : Lithium

III. Indonesia : Nickel

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Correct Answer:

✅ (c) All the three

Explanation:

I. Botswana – Diamond ✔️

Botswana is one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds.

Diamond mining is a major contributor to its economy.

The country recently discovered the second-largest diamond in the world.

II. Chile – Lithium ✔️

Chile lies in the Lithium Triangle (Chile–Argentina–Bolivia).

It is one of the top global producers of lithium, used in batteries.

III. Indonesia – Nickel ✔️

Indonesia possesses the largest nickel reserves in the world.

It is a major supplier of nickel for electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel production.

11.

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days.

Statement II:

When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(d) Neither I nor II

✅ Correct Answer:

(a) I only

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct

Anadyr (Russia) and Nome (USA) lie on opposite sides of the International Date Line in the Bering region.

Although they are geographically very close (separated by a few hundred kilometres across the Bering Sea), they are almost a full day apart in time.

Hence, people in both places can be waking up at similar clock times but on different calendar days.

✔️ Statement I is correct.

Statement II – Incorrect

Anadyr lies ahead of Nome in time.

If it is Monday in Anadyr, it is actually Sunday in Nome, not Tuesday.

Therefore, the statement reverses the actual time difference.

❌ Statement II is incorrect.

10.

Consider the following countries:

I. United Kingdom

II. Denmark

III. New Zealand

IV. Australia

V. Brazil

How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?

(a) All the five

(b) Only four

(d) Only two

✅ Correct Answer: (d) Only two

Explanation:

It was a difficult and controversial question.

I. United Kingdom — YES (More than four)

Includes overseas territories like Bermuda, Caribbean islands, Gibraltar, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha, Pitcairn Islands, etc.

Time zones range from UTC−8 to UTC+1 ✔️ More than four time zones

II. Denmark — YES (More than four)

Mainland Denmark: UTC+1

Faroe Islands: UTC+0

Greenland: UTC−1 to UTC−4 ✔️ More than four time zones

III. New Zealand — NO

Main NZ: UTC+12

Chatham Islands: UTC+12:45

Tokelau: UTC+13 ➡️ Total only 3 time zones, not more than four.

IV. Australia — NO

Mainland: 3 time zones (UTC+8, +9:30, +10)

External territories (Cocos, Christmas, Norfolk Islands) add variations,

but UPSC convention counts only 3 time zones for Australia. ❌ Not more than four.

V. Brazil — NO

Brazil officially has 4 time zones (UTC−2 to UTC−5).

Question asks for more than four, so it does not qualify.

✅ Final Answer:

(d) Only two

India is one of the founding members of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

(a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran

(b) India to Central Asia via China

(d) India to Europe through Azerbaijan

Correct Answer:

(a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran

Explanation:

Source- Wikipedia

The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal transport network (ship–rail–road).

It aims to connect India with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe through Iran.

The corridor begins at Indian ports (Mumbai) → goes to Iran (Chabahar / Bandar Abbas) → moves through Central Asia (Azerbaijan, Russia) → reaches Europe.

It is designed to reduce transport cost and time compared to the traditional Suez Canal route.

Consider the following statements:

I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface.

II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature.

III. Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and III only

(b) I and II only

(d) II and III only

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct.

Without the atmosphere, Earth would lose heat rapidly to space. The average surface temperature would be around –18°C, well below the freezing point of water.

Statement II – Correct.

The atmosphere traps heat through the greenhouse effect, helping maintain a livable average temperature of about 15°C.

Statement III – Correct.

Gases like carbon dioxide, water vapour, and methane absorb and re-radiate outgoing infrared radiation, preventing excessive heat loss.

All three statements correctly describe the role of the atmosphere in regulating Earth’s temperature.

Memory Trick:

“No atmosphere = frozen Earth;

Greenhouse gases = heat blanket.”

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock.

Statement II:

Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water.

Statement III:

Clay is not at all porous.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct.

Chalk is highly permeable, while clay is least permeable.

Statement II – Correct.

Chalk is porous, meaning it has many tiny pores that allow water to pass through, which explains its high permeability.

Statement III – Incorrect.

Clay is porous, but its pores are extremely small, so water cannot pass through easily.

Therefore, clay is impermeable, not because it lacks pores, but because the pores are very fine.

✔ Hence, only Statement II correctly explains Statement I.

Memory Trick:

“Chalk: porous + permeable; Clay: porous but plugged.”

What is the meaning of Porous, Permeable, and Plugged?

Correct Answer:

These terms describe how water moves through rocks or soil.

Explanation:

1. Porous

Meaning: A material that has tiny spaces (pores) between its particles.

These spaces can hold water or air.

Example: Chalk has many pores.

👉 Porous = has spaces

2. Permeable

Meaning: A material that allows water to pass through easily.

For permeability, pores must be connected.

👉 Permeable = water can flow through

3. Plugged (in geological sense)

Meaning: Pores are present but blocked or extremely fine, so water cannot move through.

This is why clay, though porous, is impermeable.

👉 Plugged = pores exist but water cannot pass

Simple Comparison (for memory):

Porous → Has holes

Permeable → Holes are connected

Plugged → Holes blocked

Great question—this is exactly the kind of concept UPSC loves 🔥

Let’s make it **crystal clear + super easy to remember**.

---

## 🧠 Step 1: Core Idea (Understand First)

👉 **Permeability depends on connectivity of pores, not just presence of pores.**

* Chalk → pores + connected → water flows ✅

* Clay → pores + NOT connected (very tiny) → water stuck ❌

---

## 📌 Step 2: Evaluate Statements (Exam Thinking)

### Statement I ✅

✔ Chalk = highly permeable

✔ Clay = least permeable

👉 This is correct.

---

### Statement II ✅

✔ Chalk is porous → has spaces

✔ These pores are connected → water passes

👉 This explains why chalk is permeable.

---

### Statement III ❌

❌ “Clay is not porous” → WRONG

✔ Clay **is porous**, but pores are **very tiny + not connected properly**

👉 So water cannot pass easily → appears impermeable.

---

## ✅ Final Answer Logic

👉 Only Statement II is correct

👉 And it explains Statement I

✔ Correct option: **(c)**

---

🎯 Step 3: Ultra-Simple Concept (1 Line Each)

* **Porous** → Has spaces 🕳️

* **Permeable** → Water can flow 🚰

* **Clay** → Spaces exist but blocked 🚫

---

## 🧩 Step 4: Visual Imagination Trick

Think like this:

* 🧀 **Chalk = Sponge / Cheese**

→ Big holes + connected

→ Water goes through easily

* 🧱 **Clay = Tight mud wall**

→ Tiny holes

→ Water gets stuck

---

## 🧠 Memory Trick (Exam Ready)

👉 **“Chalk = Channels open, Clay = Channels closed.”**

OR your version (refined):

👉 **“Chalk: porous + permeable | Clay: porous but plugged.”**

---

## 📖 Expected Questions for UPSC

1. Which factor mainly determines permeability?

(a) Number of pores

(b) Size and connectivity of pores

(d) Hardness

✅ Answer: (b)

👉 Connectivity matters most.

---

2. Why is clay impermeable?

(a) No pores

(b) Large pores

(d) High temperature

✅ Answer: (c)

---

3. Which rock is both porous and permeable?

(a) Clay

(b) Chalk

(d) Basalt

✅ Answer: (b)

---

## 🧠 Final 5-Second Revision

👉 **Porous ≠ Permeable**

👉 **Chalk → pores connected → water flows**

👉 **Clay → pores tiny → water stuck**

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans.

Statement II:

In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Correct Answer:

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct

In January (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), land cools much faster than oceans.

As a result, isotherms bend equatorward over land (showing lower temperatures) and poleward over oceans (showing relatively higher temperatures).

Statement II – Correct

During winter, oceans retain heat longer than land because of their higher specific heat capacity.

Therefore, air over oceans remains warmer than air over continents.

Link between the two:

The warmer oceanic air and colder continental air cause the observed bending of isotherms, making Statement II the correct explanation of Statement I.

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.

Statement II:

Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct.

Subtropical and temperate regions, especially around 30° latitude, have deserts and semi-arid regions with strong dry winds (like trade winds and westerlies) that carry large amounts of dust. Hence, atmospheric dust concentration is higher than in equatorial (humid, rain-washed air) and polar regions (cold, low dust activity).

Statement II – Incorrect.

Subtropical and temperate regions do not have less dry winds; in fact, they experience strong dry winds which help in lifting and transporting dust particles.

Memory Trick:

“Dry winds = Dusty skies → Subtropics dusty, Equator rainy.”

Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift?

I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa.

II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.

III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) I and III only

(b) I and II only

(d) II and III only

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct.

The geological similarity between the ancient rock belts of Brazil and Western Africa is a classic evidence supporting continental drift.

Statement II – Correct.

The gold deposits of Ghana are geologically linked to the Brazilian plateau, indicating that both landmasses were once joined before drifting apart.

Statement III – Correct.

The Gondwana system of sediments is found in India, Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and Madagascar, proving the existence of a single southern supercontinent.

Continental Drift Theory (CDT)

For a UPSC aspirant, understanding the Continental Drift Theory, is essential as it laid the foundation for modern Geomorphology.

Proposed formally by Alfred Wegener in 1912, here are the top three facts you must know for both Prelims and Mains:

1. The Core Concept: Pangaea and Panthalassa

Wegener proposed that all landmasses were once united as a single supercontinent called Pangaea (meaning "all earth"), which existed about 335 million years ago.

This supercontinent was surrounded by a massive mega-ocean called Panthalassa.

Breakup: Around 200 million years ago, Pangaea began to split into two major blocks: Laurasia (northern part) and Gondwanaland (southern part), separated by a shallow sea known as the Tethys Sea.

Significance: Understanding this split explains the eventual formation of modern continents and the unique geological features (like the Himalayas) formed when these fragments later collided.

2. Multi-Disciplinary Supporting Evidence

UPSC often asks for specific evidence used to justify the theory. Wegener used four main categories of "proof":

Jigsaw Fit: The "matching" shorelines of South America and Africa (specifically the "Bulge of Brazil" and the "Gulf of Guinea").

Rocks of Same Age: Radiometric dating shows 2,000-million-year-old rock belts in Brazil matching those in Western Africa.

Fossil Correlation: Identical fossils of the freshwater reptile Mesosaurus and the plant Glossopteris were found on continents separated by vast oceans, suggesting they were once contiguous.

Tillite (Glacial Deposits): Sedimentary rocks formed from ancient glaciers are found across India, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia, indicating these regions once shared a polar climate.

3. The Flawed Mechanism and Its Evolution

This is a critical "critical evaluation" point for Mains.

While Wegener's evidence was strong, his explanation of how continents moved was rejected.

Wegener's Force: He proposed the Polar-fleeing force (centrifugal force due to Earth's rotation) and Tidal force (gravitational pull of the sun/moon) were responsible for the movement.

Scientists later proved these forces are far too weak to move continents.

Evolution to Plate Tectonics: The gap in CDT was later filled by Arthur Holmes’ Convection Current Theory (1930s) and Harry Hess’ Seafloor Spreading (1960s).

These modern mechanisms (mantle convection, ridge push, and slab pull) eventually evolved into the universally accepted

Theory of Plate Tectonics

[many people contributed].

Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022–23:

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?

(a) I and II only

(b) II and III only

(d) I, II and III

Correct Answer:

(d) I, II and III

Explanation:

Statement I – Correct.

India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally, contributing more than 60% [70% global production] of global trade.

Statement II – Correct.

More than 30 varieties of turmeric are cultivated across over 20 Indian states.

Statement III – Correct.

Major turmeric-producing states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

National Turmeric Board operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Agriculture.

It is one of six commodity-specific boards under this Ministry (the others being for tea, coffee, rubber, spices, and tobacco), established to provide focused institutional support for the turmeric sector.

Headquarters Location:

The permanent headquarters of the board is located in Nizamabad, Telangana, which is a major turmeric-producing region often called the "Turmeric Capital of India".

The board was officially notified in October 2023 and inaugurated in January 2025.

Core Objectives: The board's primary mandate is to focus on the holistic development and growth of the turmeric sector, from cultivation to export.

Memory Trick:

“India leads Turmeric in ALL – Production, Varieties, and States

2. Consider the following water bodies:

I. Lake Tanganyika

II. Lake Tonlé Sap

III. Patos Lagoon

Through how many of them does the equator pass?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Correct Answer:

(d) None

Difficult question because except lake Tanganyika other lake are not famous.

Explanation:

Lake Tanganyika – ❌ Located entirely south of the Equator (approximately 3°S to 9°S).

Lake Tonlé Sap – ❌ Located in Cambodia, around 13°N latitude, far north of the Equator.

Patos Lagoon – ❌ Located in southern Brazil, around 30°S latitude.

Hence, the Equator does not pass through any of the water bodies.

1.Consider the following countries:

I. Bolivia

II. Brazil

III. Colombia

IV. Ecuador

V. Paraguay

VI. Venezuela

Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(d) Only five

Correct Answer:

Explanation:

It was an easy question because andes is one of the most important Mountain range.

Bolivia – ✔️ Andes Mountains pass through Bolivia.

Brazil – ❌ Andes do not pass through Brazil; Brazil lies east of the Andes.

Colombia – ✔️ Andes extend into Colombia (Northern Andes).

Ecuador – ✔️ Andes pass through Ecuador.

Paraguay – ❌ No part of the Andes passes through Paraguay.

Venezuela – ✔️ The northern extension of the Andes passes through Venezuela.

So, the Andes Mountains pass through Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela → 4 countries.

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IAS PCS PYQ

UPSC Geography PYQ 2025

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