Solved UPSC Prelims Geography PYQs With Explanation 2025
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
(c) Only four
(d) Only five
1. Ans-c
Explanation
The Andes Mountains form the largest continental range of mountains in the world. They extend about 4,500 miles along the western coast of South America. The Andes Mountains go through seven countries in the continent of South America. Ranging from north to south they are Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The Andes Mountain range has many very high peaks. The only higher mountains in the world are the Himalayas in Asia. The highest mountain in the Andes range is Mount Aconcagua in Argentina: it measures almost 23,000 feet high,
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
(c) All the three
(d) None
2. Ans-d
Explanation
Lake Tanganyika is situated in central Africa and is recognized as one of the deepest and oldest freshwater lakes in the world. It lies along the 6.25° S latitude, south of the Equator
Lake Tonle Sap, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Cambodia,It is located at the latitude of 13°N, lying north to the equator
Patos Lagoon, known locally as Lagoa dos Patos, is a significant coastal lagoon in southern Brazil and ranks among the largest lagoons in South America. This lagoon lies around 30° south of the Equator.
3. 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
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III
3. Ans-d
Explanation
India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh ha was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (over 75% of global turmeric production).
Hence, statement 1 is correct
More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Hence, statements 2&3 are incorrect
India has more than 62% share of world trade in turmeric. During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD was exported . The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia.
4. 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
(c) I, II and III
(d) II and III only
4. Ans-c
Explanation
Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift
The Matching of Continents (Jig-Saw-Fit)
The shorelines of Africa and South America facing each other have a remarkable and unmistakable match. It may be noted that a map produced using a computer programme to find the best fit of the Atlantic margin was presented by Bullard in 1964. It proved to be quite perfect. The match was tried at 1,000- fathom line instead of the present shoreline
Rocks of Same Age Across the Oceans
The radiometric dating methods developed in the recent period have facilitated correlating the rock formation from different continents across the vast ocean. The belt of ancient rocks of 2,000 million years from Brazil coast matches with those from western Africa. The earliest marine deposits along the coastline of South America and Africa are of the Jurassic age. This suggests that the ocean did not exist prior to that time.
Hence, statement 1 is correct
Tillite
It is the sedimentary rock formed out of deposits of glaciers. The Gondawana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. At the base, the system has thick tillite indicating extensive and prolonged glaciation. Counterparts of this succession are found in Africa, Falkland Island, Madagascar, Antarctica and Australia. Overall resemblance of the Gondawana-type sediments clearly demonstrates that these landmasses had remarkably similar histories. The glacial tillite provides unambiguous evidence of palaeoclimates and also of drifting of continents
Hence, statement 3 is correct
Placer Deposits
The occurrence of rich placer deposits of gold in the Ghana coast and the absolute absence of source rock in the region is an amazing fact. The gold bearing veins are in Brazil and it is obvious that the gold deposits of the Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.
Hence, statement 2 is correct
Distribution of Fossils
When identical species of plants and animals adapted to living on land or in fresh water are found on either side of the marine barriers, a problem arises regarding accounting for such distribution. The observations that Lemurs occur in India, Madagascar and Africa led some to consider a contiguous landmass ‘Lemuria’ linking these three landmasses. Mesosaurus was a small reptile adapted to shallow brackish water. The skeletons of these are found only in two localities: the Southern Cape province of South Africa and Iraver formations of Brazil. The two localities are presently 4,800 km apart with an ocean in between them.
5. 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 doesnot explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
5. Ans-c
Explanation
Dust Particles Atmosphere has a sufficient capacity to keep small solid particles, which may originate from different sources and include sea salts, fine soil, smoke-soot, ash, pollen, dust and disintegrated particles of meteors. Dust particles are generally concentrated in the lower layers of the atmosphere; yet, convectional air currents may transport them to great heights. The higher concentration of dust particles is found in subtropical and temperate regions due to dry winds in comparison to equatorial and polar regions. Dust and salt particles act as hygroscopic nuclei around which water vapour condenses to produce clouds.
Hence, statement 1 is correct & statement 2 is incorrect
6. 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 doesnot explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
6. Ans-a
Explanation
The lines drawn on maps joining the places of equal temperature relative to sea level are called isotherms
In January, the sun shines vertically overhead near the tropic of Capricorn. Hence, it is summer in southern hemisphere and winter in the northern hemisphere.
Isotherms are generally parallel to the latitude. Generally, isotherms are straight but they bend at the junction of continents and oceans due to differential heating and cooling of land and water. The deviation from this general trend is more pronounced in January than in July, especially in the northern hemisphere.
In January, isotherms suddenly bend poleward while passing through warm portions of oceans and bend equatorward while passing through cold portions of the oceans in January in northern hemisphere while the trend is opposite in July.
Hence, statement 1 is correct
In the northern hemisphere the land surface area is much larger than in the southern hemisphere. Hence, the effects of land mass and the ocean currents are well pronounced. This can be seen on the North Atlantic Ocean. The presence of warm ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic drift, make the Northern Atlantic Ocean warmer and the isotherms bend towards the north. Over the land the temperature decreases sharply and the isotherms bend towards south in Europe.
Hence, statement 2 is correct & explains statement 1
The distribution of surface air temperature in the month of January
7. 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
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
7. Ans-c
Explanation
Chalk is characterized by its high porosity and permeability, which enables it to easily absorb water. Its structure consists of numerous small pores that allow water to pass through effortlessly. On the other hand, clay possesses exceptionally fine pores that render it nearly impermeable. Although it is not entirely devoid of porosity, the minuscule size of its pores significantly restricts water flow, making it much less permeable than chalk.
Hence, only Statement II is correct and it explains Statement I.
8. 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
(c) I, II and III
(d) II and III only
8. Ans-d
Explanation
The atmosphere functions as a protective blanket of air enveloping the Earth, effectively retaining the heat necessary to maintain a livable environment—often referred to as Goldilocks’ planet. Within the atmosphere, certain gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, are capable of absorbing the sun’s infrared radiation. This process helps to prevent surface temperatures from plummeting during the night, when the sun is absent.
Additionally, the atmosphere regulates the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface. This is why regions with thicker layers of atmosphere, such as the poles, receive less solar energy, despite receiving the same radiation as equatorial regions.
Without the atmosphere, surface temperatures on Earth would experience extreme fluctuations, reaching up to 100 degrees Celsius during the day and dropping to near freezing at night, similar to the conditions observed on the moon. This freezing impact would be particularly pronounced in areas where sunlight strikes at an angle, such as the poles and temperate regions, while equatorial regions may still experience temperatures above freezing, as evidenced by the north and south poles of the moon.
Hence statement 1 is incorrect
Consequently, the assertion in statement I is incorrect. Conversely, the greenhouse effect describes the mechanism by which certain gases trap heat close to the Earth’s surface, contributing to a warmer temperature than would otherwise exist.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor.
Hence, statement 3 is correct.
9. Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor, as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
9. Ans-c
Explanation
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is being implemented for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since December 2014. The scheme is important in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative to the rural farmers of the country. The scheme is also continued under umbrella scheme Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna from 2021 to 2026 with a budget outlay of Rs.2400 crore. The RGM will result in enhanced productivity and benefit of the programme, percolating to all cattle and buffaloes of India especially with small and marginal farmers. This programme will also benefit women in particular since over 70% of the work involved in livestock farming is undertaken by women.
Objectives:
a) To enhance productivity of bovines and increasing milk production in a sustainable manner using advance technologies.
b) To propagate use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
c) To enhance Artificial insemination coverage through strengthening breeding network and delivery of Artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep.
d) To promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
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
(c) Only three
(d) Onl
10. Ans-c
Explanation
Countries with more than four time zones
France (13 Time Zones)
Russia (11 Time Zones)
The United States (11 Time Zones)
Australia (9 Time Zones)
The United Kingdom (9 Time Zones)
Canada (6 Time Zones)
Denmark (5 Time Zones)
New Zealand (5 Times Zones)
Brazil (4 Times Zones)
11. Consider the following statements :
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.
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
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
11. Ans-a
Explanation
Anadyr is a port town and the administrative center of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located at the mouth of the Anadyr River at the tip of a peninsula .
It was founded in 1889 as the easternmost outpost of the Russian Empire.
The Port Of Nome is in western Alaska. The city is located on the southern Seward Peninsula coast on Norton Sound of the Bering Sea.
The time difference between Nome, Alaska, and Anadyr is 20 hours. Anadyr is 20 hours ahead of Nome.
Hence Statement 1 is correct & Statement 2 is incorrect
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
(c) All the three
(d) None
12. Ans-c
Explanation
Botswana is now the largest diamond exporter in the world by value, and the second largest by volume
Chile has the world’s largest lithium reserves (36%) and is the second-largest global producer (32%)
Indonesia leads the global nickel mining and smelting industry, producing nearly half of the world’s refined nickel and two-thirds of its mined nickel, primarily on the islands of Sulawesi and Maluku.
All three are correctly matched
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
(c) All the three
(d) None
13. Ans-c
Explanation
Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain, and the seventh largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hence 1st pair is incorrectly matched
Normandyis a geographical and cultural region in northwestern Europe
Normandy comprises mainland Normandy (a part of France) and insular Normandy (mostly the British Channel Islands)
Hence 2nd pair is incorrectly matched
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and one of the twenty regions of Italy.
Hence 3rd pair is incorrectly matched