Thursday 28 April 2016

UPSC IAS 2016 NOTIFICATION RELEASED

UPSC - 2016 Notification released


 
UPSC has released notification for civil services 2016 and Indian Forest Services exam 2016

  • Approximately 1079 vacancies (100 less than last year)
  •  vacancies for PH this time - 34 posts 
  • Last Date to apply - 27th May 2016
  • link for online application is upsconline.nic.in
  • Apply as early as possible to avoid last minute Hurry and note that Exam centres are for FIRST COME FIRST SERVE (Allotment) basis
  • Preliminary examination Date: 7th August 2016 

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INDIAN FOREST SERVICE EXAM 2016 NOTIFICATION RELEASED

Notification appendix for syllabus and Age Criteria for CIVIL SERVICES(preliminary) EXAMINATION

upsc has released civil services preliminary 2016 notification

Saturday 9 April 2016

Public Administration notes Hand written(Delhi)

Physical Geography of India NCERT



7 April 2016

1. Which of the following factors indicate the regional variations in climate of India?
1. Pattern of winds
2. Rhythm of seasons
3. Temperature
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation:
The climate of India has many regional variations expressed in the pattern of winds, temperature and rainfall, rhythm of seasons and the degree of wetness or dryness. These regional diversities may be described as sub-types of monsoon climate.

2. High diurnal range of temperature is observed in which of the following regions?
1. Thar Desert
2. Tawang
3. Andaman Islands
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: a
Explanation:
In Kerala and in the Andaman Islands, the difference between day and night temperatures may be hardly seven or eight degree Celsius. But in the Thar Desert, if the day temperature is around 50°C, at night, it may drop down considerably upto 15°-20°C. Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) does not have extreme diurnal temperature.
3. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Tura               -         Khasi hills
2. Mawsynram   -         Garo hills
3. Drass             -         Jammu Kashmir
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 3
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: a
Explanation:
While Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya receive rainfall over 1,080 cm in a year. Tura situated in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya may receive an amount of rainfall in a single day which is equal to 10 years of rainfall at Jaisalmer, Drass (Jammu and Kashmir) experience very cold temperature in India.
4. Consider the following statements
1. North India completely lies in subtropical zone while southern part lies in tropical zone.
2. Area North of Tropic of cancer experiences small daily and annual range of temperature compared to tropic of cancer.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation: 
the Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of India in east-west direction. Thus, northern part of the India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual range. Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature.

5. Consider the following statements 

1. Himalayas shield India from cold winds originating from Antarctic Circle and also trap monsoon winds.
2. Areas located on same latitude always have same temperature.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation: 
The lofty Himalayas in the north along with its extensions act as an effective climatic divide. The towering mountain chain provides an invincible shield to protect the subcontinent from the cold northern winds. These cold and chilly winds originate near the Arctic Circle and blow across central and eastern Asia. The Himalayas also trap the monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their moisture within the subcontinent.

6. Which of the following factors is/are influenced by relief of India?
1. Amount of rainfall but not distribution of rainfall.
2. Air pressure
3. Speed of wind
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: c
Explanation:
The physiography or relief of India also affects the temperature, air pressure, direction and speed of wind and the amount and distribution of rainfall. The windward sides of Western Ghats and Assam receive high rainfall during June-September whereas the southern plateau remains dry due to its leeward situation along the Western Ghats.

7. Which of the following factors cause difference in local climate of India?
1. Jet Streams
2. Western Disturbances
3. Tropical depressions
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation:
the differences in local climates of India, is influenced by following three factors:
(i) Distribution of air pressure and winds on the surface of the earth. (ii) Upper air circulation caused by factors controlling global weather and the inflow of different air masses and jet streams. (iii) Inflow of western cyclones generally known as disturbances during the winter season and tropical depressions during the south-west monsoon period into India, creating weather conditions favourable to rainfall.

8. Which of the following has below mentioned features?
1.  It influences Central and west Asia along 9-13 km altitude.
2. One part of it has important influence on winter weather.
3. It blows roughly parallel to Tibetian highlands
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Western Disturbances
b.Jet Stream
c.Tropical Depression
d.Loo winds
Answer: b
Explanation:
All of Western and Central Asia remains under the influence of westerly winds along the altitude of 9-13 km from west to east. These winds blow across the Asian continent at latitudes north of the Himalayas roughly parallel to the Tibetan highlands.  These are known as jet streams. Tibetan highlands act as a barrier in the path of these jet streams. As a result, jet streams get bifurcated One of its branches blows to the north of the Tibetan highlands, while the southern branch blows in an eastward direction, south of the Himalayas. It is believed that this southern branch of the jet stream exercises an important influence on the winter weather in India.
9. Consider the following statements 

1. Increase in night temperature indicates the arrival of western cyclonic disturbances.
2. Tropical cyclones that originate in Indian Ocean are brought to Bay of Bengal by westerly Jet stream.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: a
Explanation:  The western cyclonic disturbances which enter the Indian subcontinent from the west and the northwest during the winter months originate over the Mediterranean Sea and are brought into India by the westerly jet stream. An increase in the prevailing night temperature generally indicates an advance in the arrival of western cyclonic disturbances. Tropical cyclones originate over the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

10. Consider the following statements 

1. ITCZ is zone of divergence located at equator which moves Northwards during summer.
2. ITCZ movement to the Indian Subcontinent in summer causes withdrawal of westerly jet stream.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: b
Explanation: 
The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low pressure zone located at the equator where trade winds converge, and so, it is a zone where air tends to ascend. In July, the ITCZ is located around 20°N-25°N latitudes (over the Gangetic plain), sometimes called the monsoon trough. Meteorologists have found an interrelationship between the northward shift of the equatorial trough (ITCZ) and the withdrawal of the westerly jet stream from over the North Indian Plain. It is generally believed that there is a cause and effect relationship between the two.

Physical Geography of India NCERT Questions

STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY SET 2 (PRELIMS 2016)

For the Civil Services IAS Exam Geography has vast and it covers most sections of the General Studies for the IAS Prelims Exam. The geography is scientific in its orientation and hence the IAS Aspirants having Arts background find it very difficult to prepare the geography for the IAS Prelims Exam
Q1. Q.28. Which of the following is/are contributions of Himalayas?
1. Climate divide
2. Physical barrier
3. Cultural Divide
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.    Only 1
b.    Only 1 and 2
c.    Only 2 and 3
d.    1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Himalayas stand almost like a strong and long wall between the Indian subcontinent and the Central and East Asian countries. Himalayas are not only the physical barrier, they are also a climatic, drainage and cultural divide.

Q2. Consider the following statements 
1. Cold desert lies between Greater Himalayas and Karakoram Range.
2. Kashmir valley lies between Greater Himalayas and Pirpanjal Range.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c
Explanation:  The north-eastern part of the Kashmir Himalayas is a cold desert, which lies between the Greater Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. Between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range, lies the world famous valley of Kashmir and the famous Dal Lake.

Q3. Which of the following is/are true about Kashmir Himalayas?
1. Kashmir Himalayas is famous for Karewas.
2. Kashmir Himalayas consists of Karakoram range, Ladakh range, Zaskar range and Pirpanjal range.
3. Charar-e-Sharif, a famous place of pilgrimage is also located here.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.    Only 1
b.    Only 1 and 2
c.    Only 2 and 3
d.    1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Kashmir or Northwestern Himalayas comprise a series of ranges such as the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar and Pir Panjal. Some famous places of pilgrimage such as Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Cave, Charar -e-Sharif, etc. are also located here. The Kashmir Himalayas are also famous for Karewa formations, which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran, a local variety of saffron.

Q4. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
            PASS                    RANGE
1.     Zoji la            -        Greater Himalayas
2.    Banihal la        -        Pir Panjal
3.    Photu la        -        Ladakh Range
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.    Only 1
b.    Only 1 and 2
c.    Only 2 and 3
d.    1,2 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation: Important passes of the region are Zoji La on the Great Himalayas, Banihal on the Pir Panjal, Photu La on the Zaskar and Khardung La on the Ladakh range.
Q5. Which of the following fresh water lakes are located in Kashmir himalayas?
1. Dal lake
2.Wular Lake
3. Pangong Tso
Select the correct answer from the following codes
  1. Only 1
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 2 and 3
  4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation: Some of the important fresh lakes such as Dal and Wular and salt water lakes such as Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are also in this region. 
Q6. Karewas are
  1. Longitudinal valleys useful for Zaffron cultivation
  2. Thick deposits of glacial clay useful for Zaffron cultivation
  3. Geosynclinal depression useful for Zaffron cultivation
  4. Fluvial landform useful for Zaffron cultivation
Answer: b
Explanation: Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with moraines.
Q7. Which of the following is/are feature of Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas?
1. Dun formations
2. Region is known for 5 famous Prayags.
3. All three ranges of Himalayas are prominent in this section
Select the correct answer from the following codes
  1. Only 1
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 2 and 3
  4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The two distinguishing features of this region from the point of view of physiography are the ‘Shiwalik’ and ‘Dun formations’. Region consists of longitudinal valleys known as ‘duns’.
All the three ranges of Himalayas are prominent in this section also. These are the Great Himalayan range, the Lesser Himalayas (which is locally known as Dhaoladhar in Himachal Pradesh and Nagtibha in Uttaranchal) and the Shiwalik range from the North to the South.
Q8. Consider the following statements
 1. Bugyals are nomadic groups of Greter Himalayas.
2. Siachen Glacier is located in Ladakh range.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation:  In the Great Himalayan range, the valleys are mostly inhabited by the Bhotia’s. These are nomadic groups who migrate to ‘Bugyals’ (the summer glasslands in the higher reaches) during summer months and return to the valleys during winters. Siachen Glacier is located in Karakoram range.
Q9. Which of the following physical/ climatic factors favoured tea plantation in Darjeeling?
1. Moderate slope
2. Thick soli cover with high organic content
3. Mild winters
Select the correct answer from the following codes
  1. Only 1
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 2 and 3
  4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The British, taking advantage of the physical conditions of Darjeeling Himalayas such as moderate slope, thick soil cover with high organic content, well distributed rainfall throughout the year and mild winters, introduced tea plantations in this region.
Q10. Which of the following is/are true about Shiwaliks formation?
1. It is formation of mountain.
2. They are part of Himalayan arc still being uplifted due to ramming of Indian plate.
3. They have considerable height and are great for growing crops like tea and coffee.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
  1. Only 1
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 2 and 3
  4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation: The Sivalik Hills is a mountain range of the outer Himalayas also known as Manak Parbat in ancient times. Shivalik literally means 'tresses of Shiva’. This range is about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) long enclosing an area that starts almost from the Indus and ends close to the Brahmaputra, with a gap of about 90 kilometres (56 mi) between the Teesta and Raidak rivers in Assam. The width of the Sivalik Hills varies from 10 to 50 km (6.2 to 31.1 mi), their average elevation is 1,500 to 2,000 m (4,900 to 6,600 ft).

Physical Geography of India



8 April 2016

In Civil Services IAS Exam, Geography has important place because of the large number of questions used to be asked by UPSC in IAS Prelims Exam. Particularly the subject also gives an edge to other subjects like Environment and Ecology and some parts of its syllabus also much correlation with Science and Technology.
For the aspirants of IAS Prelims Exam, here, we have provide Multiple Choice Questions of Indian Geography which will help aspirants to gain strength during their Preparation of IAS Prelims Exam 2016
1. Which of the following is/are true about Darjeeling, Shimla and Himalayas?
1. It is known for Duar formations.
2. Various types of orchids are famous here.
3. Higher reaches are inhabited by Lepcha tribes.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation:
The higher reaches of this region are inhabited by Lepcha tribes while the southern part, particularly the Darjiling Himalayas, has a mixed population of Nepalis, Bengalis and tribals from Central India. The ‘duar formations’ are important, which have also been used for the development of tea gardens. Sikkim and Darjiling Himalayas are also known for their scenic beauty and rich flora and fauna, particularly various types of orchids.

2. Which of the following is/are important rivers of Arunachal Himalayas?
1. Kangtu
2. Kameng
3. Subansiri
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: c
Explanation:
Important mountain peaks of the region are Kangtu and Namcha Barwa. Some of the important rivers are the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Dihang, the Dibang and the Lohit. These are perennial with the high rate of fall, thus, having the highest hydro-electric power potential in the country.
3. Which of the following is/are not tribal communities of Arunachal Himalayas?
1. Bhotia
2. Lepcha
3. Nagas
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.1, 2 and 3
d.None
Answer: b
Explanation:
An important aspect of the Arunachal Himalayas is the numerous ethnic tribal community inhabiting in these areas. Some of the prominent ones from west to east are the Monpa, Daffla, Abor, Mishmi, Nishi and the Nagas. Most of these communities practise Jhumming.

4. Which one of the following Himalayas is aligned in North- South direction?
a.Eastern Himalayas
b.Arunachal Himalayas
c.Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
d.Himachal and Uttranchal Himalayas
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Eastern Hills and Mountains are part of the Himalayan mountain system having their general alignment from the north to the south direction. They are known by different local names. In the north, they are known as Patkai Bum, Naga Hills, the Manipur hills and in the south as Mizo or Lushai hills.
5. Which of the following is/are physiographic significance of Manipur?
1. Loktak lake
2. Molassis basin
3. Barak river
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation:
The Barak is an important river in Manipur and Mizoram. The physiography of Manipur is unique by the presence of a large lake known as ‘Loktak’ lake at the centre, surrounded by mountains from all sides. Mizoram which is also known as the ‘Molassis basin’ which is made up of soft unconsolidated deposits.

6. Consider the following statements 

1. Heavy materials of rocks and boulders deposited by river forms Bhabar.
2. Swampy and marshy land facilitating natural vegetation is Bhangar.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: a
Explanation: 
Bhabar is a narrow belt ranging between 8-10 km parallel to the Shiwalik foothills at the break-up of the slope. As a result of this, the streams and rivers coming from the mountains deposit heavy materials of rocks and boulders, and at times, disappear in this zone. South of the Bhabar is the Tarai belt, with an approximate width of 10-20 km where most of the streams and rivers re-emerge without having any properly demarcated channel, thereby, creating marshy and swampy conditions known as the Tarai. This has a luxurious growth of natural vegetation and houses a varied wild life.
7. Consider the following statements
1. Khadar is old alluvial deposits south of tarai belt.
2. Bhangar is new alluvial deposits south of Tarai belt.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation: 
The south of Tarai is a belt consisting of old and new alluvial deposits known as the Bhangar and Khadar respectively. These plains have characteristic features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional landforms such as sand bars, meanders, oxbow lakes and braided channels.

8. Consider the following statements
1. Haryana and Delhi form water divide between Indus and Ganga river system.
2. Brahmaputra river takes 900 turn southward at Dhubri.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c
Explanation: 
The states of Haryana and Delhi form a water divide between the Indus and the Ganga river systems. As opposed to this, the Brahmaputra River flows from the northeast to the southwest direction before it take an almost 90° southward turn at Dhubri before it enters into Bangladesh.

9. Consider the following statements 

1. Patlands are lavacapped flat land masses subjected to denudation for long period.
2. Karnataka plateau and Malwa plateau are examples of patlands.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c
Explanation:
The Peninsular India is made up of a series of patland plateaus such as the Hazaribagh plateau, the Palamu plateau, the Ranchi plateau, the Malwa plateau, the Coimbatore plateau and the Karnataka plateau, etc. Patlands is local name for lava-capped flat land masses like table whose top layer is flat and resistant and slopes are very steep.

10. Which of the following is/are true about peninsular plateau?
1. Elevation of plateau is from west to east.
2. It is the oldest and most stable landmass of India.
3. It is characterised by presence of black soil in western and north western part of India.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation:
peninsular plateau is one of the oldest and the most stable landmass of India. The general elevation of the plateau is from the west to the east, which is also proved by the pattern of the flow of rivers. The western and northwestern part of the plateau has an emphatic presence of black soil.

11. Consider the following statements 

1. Peninsular plateau has hardily undergone upliftment and submergence.
2. North western part of plateau has complex relief of ravines and gorges.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: b
Explanation:
Peninsular plateau has undergone recurrent phases of upliftment and submergence accompanied by crustal faulting and fractures. These spatial variations have brought in elements of diversity in the relief of the peninsular plateau. The northwestern part of the plateau has a complex relief of ravines and gorges. The ravines of Chambal, Bhind and Morena are some of the well-known examples.

12. Consider the following statements 

1. Deccan plateau is bordered by Delhi ridge in the North West.
2. Peninsular Plateau is bordered by Maikal range and Mahadeo hills in North.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:d
Explanation: 
The Deccan Plateau  is bordered by the Western Ghats in the west, Eastern Ghats in the east and the Satpura, Maikal range and Mahadeo hills in the north. Peninsular plateau is the irregular triangle. Delhi ridge in the northwest, (extension of Aravalis), the Rajmahal hills in the east, Gir range in the west and the Cardamom hills in the south constitute the outer extent of the peninsular plateau.