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Topics / Geography

Indian Geography Natural Resources

Asked 34 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2025

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Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified. III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2025Geography
AI and II only
BII and III only
CI and III only
DI, II and III

Explanation

India has indeed joined the Minerals Security Partnership, emphasizing the country's commitment to ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals. The amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in 2023 granting the Central Government the authority to conduct exclusive auctions for mining leases and composite licenses for specific critical minerals enhances the regulation and management of these resources.

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Statement II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2025Geography
ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
CStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
DStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Explanation

Some rare earth elements are indeed used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors due to their unique properties. Additionally, certain rare earth elements exhibit phosphorescent properties, making them valuable for various applications.

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories. Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2025Geography
ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
CStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
DStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Explanation

In India, State Governments do have the power to make rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals located in their territories. This makes Statement I incorrect. On the other hand, Statement II is correct as the Central Government does have the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law.

Consider the following: 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders. How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

2024Geography
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll three
D

Explanation

Cashew, papaya, and red sanders are all native trees to India. Cashew is native to northeastern Brazil but was introduced to India by the Portuguese. Papaya is believed to have originated in southern Mexico and Central America but has been cultivated in India for centuries. Red sanders, also known as red sandalwood, is native to the southern regions of India.

Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?

2023Geography
AAluminium
BCopper
CIron
DTitanium

Explanation

Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of titanium. Titanium is a strong and lightweight metal widely used in aerospace, medical implants, and other industries due to its corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio.

About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by

2023Geography
AArgentina
BBotswana
Cthe Democratic Republic of the Congo
DKazakhstan

Explanation

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the world's largest producer of cobalt, accounting for about three-fourths of global production. Cobalt is a crucial component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles.

In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)? 1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India. 2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks. 3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas. 4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.

2022Geography
A1 2 and 3
B3 and 4 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 4

Explanation

The Coal Controller's Organization (CCO) in India plays a crucial role in providing Coal Statistics for the government, monitoring the development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks, and addressing objections related to the acquisition of coal-bearing areas. This organization ensures transparency and efficiency in the coal sector by overseeing these key functions.

In medieval India, the term 'Fanam' referred to:

2022Geography
AClothing
BCoins
COrnaments
DWeapons

Explanation

In medieval India, the term 'Fanam' referred to coins. Fanam was a unit of currency used during the medieval period, particularly by the South Indian kingdoms. It was a gold coin that held significant value in trade and commerce during that time.

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India Government bodies only can process or export monazite. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2022Geography
A1, 2 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 4 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Monazite is a mineral that is a source of rare earth elements and contains thorium. It is found in the coastal sands of India. In India, only government bodies are authorized to process or export monazite due to its strategic importance.

Consider the following statements: 1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. 2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. 3. In India most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. 4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. 5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2021Geography
A1 2 4 and 5
B3 4 and 5
C1 3 and 4
D1 2 3 and 5

Explanation

Tamarind trees are native to tropical Africa but widely cultivated in South Asia. In India, tamarind is mainly collected as minor forest produce. Both moringa and tamarind seeds have potential for biofuel production, contributing to India's exports.

With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements: 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2021Geography
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1 2 and 3

Explanation

Palm oil is not native to Southeast Asia but originates from West Africa. It is used as a raw material in industries producing lipstick and perfumes. Additionally, palm oil can be utilized in the production of biodiesel, making statements 2 and 3 correct.

Consider the following statements: 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 3. 'Rare earth minerals' are present on seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2021Geography
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1 2 and 3

Explanation

Seabed mineral exploration in international waters is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), not the Global Ocean Commission. India has been granted licences by the ISA for seabed mineral exploration. Rare earth minerals have been found on the seafloor in international waters, making statement 2 and 3 correct.

Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as 'State Butterfly'?

2016Geography
AArunachal Pradesh
BHimachal Pradesh
CKarnataka
DMaharashtra

Explanation

In June 2015, the government of Maharashtra declared the Blue Mormon butterfly as the State butterfly, marking the first time such a declaration was made in the country.

In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

2015Geography
ATropical moist deciduous forest
BTropical rain forest
CTropical thorn scrub forest
DTemperate forest with grasslands

Explanation

Teak is a dominant tree species in India's tropical moist deciduous forests. These forests are located in the Sahyadris, the north-eastern parts of the peninsula, and along the foothills of the Himalayas. Teak and sal trees are commonly found in these forests.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: List-I (Board): A. Coffee Board B. Rubber Board C. Tea Board D. Tobacco Board List-II (Headquarters): 1. Bengaluru 2. Guntur 3. Kottayam 4. Kolkata

2008Geography
AA-2; B-4; C-3; D-1
BA-1; B-3; C-4; D-2
CA-2; B-3; C-4; D-1
DA-1; B-4; C-3; D-2

Explanation

In this question, you are required to match the different boards with their respective headquarters. The correct match is Coffee Board with Bengaluru, Rubber Board with Kottayam, Tea Board with Kolkata, and Tobacco Board with Guntur. The correct answer option is (b), where A is matched with 1, B with 3, C with 4, and D with 2.

How much is one barrel of oil approximately equal to

2008Geography
A131 litres
B159 1itres
C257 litres
D321 litres

Explanation

One barrel of oil is approximately equivalent to 159 litres.

Dalbergia species is associated with which one of the following?

2007Geography
ACashewnut
BCoffee
CTea
DRosewood

Explanation

Rosewood is the correct answer associated with Dalbergia species. Dalbergia species are utilized as food plants and provide fragrant wood for aromatic oils.

With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy 2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers 3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol

2007Geography
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The by-products of the sugar industry have various useful applications. Bagasse can be utilized as a source of biomass fuel to generate energy. Additionally, molasses can be used in the production of ethanol. However, it is not used as a feedstock for the manufacturing of synthetic chemical fertilizers. The correct statements are that bagasse can be used for biomass fuel and molasses for ethanol production.

Shahgarh area in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan was in news in the year 2006 because of which one of the following?

2007Geography
AFinding high quality gas reserves
BFinding uranium deposits
CFinding zinc deposits
DInstallation of wind power units

Explanation

In 2006, the Shahgarh area in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan gained attention for the discovery of high-quality gas reserves, located at a depth of 3,161 meters in an exploratory well drilled in the Shahgarh block.

Which one of the following companies is associated with the exploration and commercial production of oil in Barmer-Sanchor basin of Rajasthan?

2006Geography
ACairn Energy
BUnocal Corporation
CReliance Energy Ventures
DOil and Natural Gas Commission

Explanation

Cairn Energy PLC is the company linked to the exploration and commercial production of oil in the Barmer-Sanchore basin of Rajasthan.

For which one of the following, is Satara well known?

2005Geography
AThermal Power Plant
BWind Energy Plant
CHydro-electric Plant
DNuclear Power Plant

Explanation

Satara is renowned for its Thermal Power Plant.

Assertion (A): India does not export natural rubber. Reason (R): About 97% of India's demand for natural rubber is met from domestic production.

2004Geography
ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

India ranks as the fourth largest consumer of rubber globally, with a total consumption of 631,000 tons in 2001, following the USA and Japan. The country's high domestic consumption of rubber leads to a situation where India does not typically export natural rubber. However, small amounts may be exported to fetch better prices.

Which one of the following is the correct decreasing sequence in terms of the value (in rupees) of the minerals produced in India in the year 2002-03?

2004Geography
AMetallic minerals–Fuel minerals–Non-metallic minerals
BFuel minerals–Metallic minerals–Non metallic minerals
CMetallic minerals–Non-metallic minerals Fuel minerals
DFuel minerals–Non-metallic minerals–Metallic minerals

Explanation

In the year 2002-03, the correct decreasing sequence of the value (in rupees) of minerals produced in India is Fuel minerals, Metallic minerals, Non-metallic minerals.

Which one among the following covers the highest percentage of forest area in the world?

2003Geography
ATemperate coniferous forests
BTemperate deciduous forests
CTropical monsoon forests
DTropical rain forests

Explanation

Temperate coniferous forests have the largest percentage of forest area coverage globally.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I (Minerals): A. Minerals Oil B. Copper C. Manganese D. Bauxite List-II (Major producer): 1. Zambia 2. Guyana 3. Venezuela 4. Gabon

2000Geography
AA-3; B-1; C-4; D-2
BA-3; B-1; C-2; D-4
CA-1; B-3; C-2; D-4
DA-1; B-3; C-4; D-2

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match the minerals with their major producers. The correct matching is: Mineral oil is mainly produced in Venezuela, copper in Zambia, manganese in Gabon, and bauxite in Guyana. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a): A-3; B-1; C-4; D-2.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I (Timber): A. Cedar, B. Douglas Fir, C. Mahogany, D. Teak. List-II (Country): 1. Myanmar, 2. Canada, 3. Mexico, 4. Honduras.

1999Geography
AA-3; B-2; C-1; D-4
BA-3; B-2; C-4; D-1
CA-2; B-3; C-4; D-1
DA-2; B-3; C-1; D-4

Explanation

In the given question, you had to match different types of timber with the countries they are commonly found in. The correct matches are Cedar with Canada, Douglas Fir with Mexico, Mahogany with Honduras, and Teak with Myanmar. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is option (c), where Cedar is matched with Canada, Douglas Fir with Mexico, Mahogany with Honduras, and Teak with Myanmar.

Among the forest areas marked 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the map, those which were threatened in 1997 by a serious epidemic include:

1998Geography
Ateak forests of 3 and 4
Boak forests of 1 and sal forests of 2
Csal forests of 3
Dsandalwood forests of 4

Explanation

In 1997, a serious epidemic threatened the sal forests in some areas of India. The forest areas marked 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the map were affected by this epidemic. The correct option is (c) sal forests of 3.

Commercial production of mineral oil has started in which one of the areas of India, labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the map?

1998Geography
A1
B2
C3
D4

Explanation

The commercial extraction of mineral oil has commenced in the offshore region denoted as area 1 on the map of India.

The discovery of Oak flora in 1966 added a new chapter to the history of Indian Sericulture. Which one of the following states is the leading producer of Oak tasar silk?

1998Geography
AAssam
BBihar
CManipur
DOrissa

Explanation

After the discovery of Oak flora in 1966, Manipur emerged as the top producer of Oak tasar silk.

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

1997Geography
ATeak : Jammu and Kashmir
BDeodar : Madhya Pradesh
CSandalwood : Kerala
DSundari : West Bengal

Explanation

The correct pair among the options given is (d) Sundari : West Bengal. Sundari trees can be found in the mangrove forests of Sundarban in West Bengal. The other pairs provided do not have the correct matching of tree species with their respective states or regions.

Which one of the following countries is the largest producer of fuel wood in the world?

1997Geography
AIndonesia
BRussia
CIndia
DChina

Explanation

Based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the top producer of fuel wood in the world with a production of 305485093 cubic meters. Following India are China with 191042128 cubic meters, Indonesia with 73719856 cubic meters, and Russia with 47000000 cubic meters.

In India, which one of the following States has the largest inland saline wetland?

1996Geography
AGujarat
BHaryana
CMadhya Pradesh
DRajasthan

Explanation

In India, which of the following states has the biggest inland saline wetland? a) Gujarat b) Haryana c) Madhya Pradesh d) Rajasthan Correct Answer: (d) Original: Denotified tribe in India refers to tribes who were originally listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, also known as Vimukta Jati. Rewritten: The term "Denotified tribe" in India refers to tribes that were initially categorized under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, also known as Vimukta Jati.

The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts denoted:

1995Geography
Aa fine variety of Indian Muslim
Bivory
Cdamsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
Dpepper

Explanation

In ancient Sanskrit texts, the term 'Yavanapriya' referred to pepper, which was a favored commodity of the Indo-Greeks known as Yavanas.

Monoculture of commercially viable trees is destroying the unique natural profile. Thoughtless exploitation of timber, deforesting vast tracts for palm cultivation, destruction of mangroves, illegal logging by tribals and poaching only compounds the problem. Fresh water pockets are fast drying up due to deforestation and destruction of mangroves. The place referred to in this quotation is:

1995Geography
ASundarban
BKerala coast
COrissa coast
DAndaman and Nicobar Island

Explanation

The destruction of unique natural landscapes due to the monoculture of commercially viable trees and other harmful activities is a serious issue. Timber exploitation, deforestation for palm cultivation, mangrove destruction, illegal logging, and poaching are exacerbating the problem. Deforestation and mangrove destruction are also leading to the rapid drying up of freshwater sources. The place mentioned in the quotation is Sundarban in West Bengal, known for its mangrove forests and tiger population.