Introduction

Vajiram & Ravi: Institute for IAS Examination, offering a comprehensive Prelims Test Series for 2025, designed to prepare candidates for the IAS examination efficiently.

Geography and Rivers

Q1: River Yamuna

• Source: The river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, located in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 3,329 meters above sea level.

• Length: The Yamuna spans a total length of 1,375 km, making it one of the longest rivers in India.

• Tributaries:

  • Right bank: Major tributaries include Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Tons, and Ken, contributing significantly to its water flow.

  • Left bank: Hindan, Rind, Sengar, and Varuna are also key tributaries that enrich the river's basin.

• The note mentions an incorrect statement regarding the Son River, which serves as an important tributary to the Ganges. This detail is crucial for understanding regional hydrology.

Ports and Straits

Q2: Ports and Straits

• Mormugao Port: Located on India’s west coast in Goa, Mormugao is a significant port catering to iron ore exports and serves as a major hub for cargo ships.

• Taganrog Port: Positioned on the Sea of Azov in Russia, it acts as a key transport point for cargo along the coasts of the Black and Caspian Seas.

• Significant Straits:

  • Strait of Gubal: Connects the Gulf of Suez with the Red Sea, facilitating maritime trade in the region.

  • Dardanelles Strait: Links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, playing a critical role in navigation between Europe and Asia.

  • Bosphorus Strait: Separates Europe from Asia, it serves as a vital waterway for shipping and strategic military routes.

  • Kerch Strait: Connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, crucial for shipping routes along Russia's southern coast.

• Correct Order: The series details the order of these straits: Gubal - Dardanelles - Bosphorus - Kerch, which is important for maritime geography.

Volcanoes

Q3: Volcanoes

• Mount Ulawun: A prominent stratovolcano in Papua New Guinea, known for its explosive eruptions and composed primarily of basaltic to andesitic lava, it is part of the Bismarck volcanic arc, emphasizing the geological nature of Pacific island formations.

• Sylingarfell: Correctly matched as a fissure volcano found in Iceland, recognized for its unique geological characteristics and contribution to understanding volcanism in rift zones.

Deccan Volcanism

Q4: Deccan Volcanism

• Deccan Traps: A large volcanic province in India, marked by extensive basaltic lava flows, significant eruptions occurred around 65-60 million years ago which coincided with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. This area provides insights into volcanic activity and its role in shaping the Earth’s environment.

• Flora Development: The volcanic activity during this period contributed to the development of tropical rainforests, highlighting the interplay between geology and ecology following major eruptions.

River Basins

Q5: River Basins

• Tapi Basin: Covers an area of 65,145 sq.km, predominantly situated in Maharashtra. It is framed by the Western Ghats which play a significant role in the monsoon rainfall distribution.

• Pennar Basin: Encompassing 55,213 sq.km, this basin straddles Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, crucial for agriculture and regional hydrology.

• Mahi Basin: Spanning 34,842 sq.km across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat; the Mahi River is unique in its westward flow, which is atypical for Indian rivers.

• Sabarmati Basin: Covered area of 21,674 sq.km, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat, it is vital for irrigation and water supply in arid regions.

• Order of size: The order of size among these river basins is noted as: Tapi > Pennar > Mahi > Sabarmati, which is essential for understanding regional water resources.

Alternative Methods of Paddy Plantation

Q10: Techniques

• Drum Seeding: An innovative mechanized planting method that uses pre-germinated seeds, increasing efficiency in planting and reducing time.

• Mat-type Transplanting: Involves raising seedlings in trays, which minimizes labor and increases yield by reducing transplant shock.

• Flooded Transplanting: A traditional method which, while labor-intensive, is still widely used in regions where water availability aligns with paddy requirements, emphasizing agricultural practices.

Amendments in Policies and Legislative Frameworks

Q11: Arthashastra

• Kautilya’s Contributions: The Arthashastra outlines the comprehensive role of the state in the economy, advocating for significant government involvement in economic affairs and strategies for resource management.

• State Control Over Agricultural Productivity: Details management of estates and labor practices, underscoring the connection between governance and agrarian outputs.

Shivalinga Swamy

Q12: Contributions

• Acknowledged for his Kannada play “Pavitra Khadi”, Swamy’s work promoted the ideals of self-reliance and the Khadi movement during India’s struggle for independence, influencing cultural and socio-political spheres.

Current Affairs and India's Commitments

Q20: Special Leave Petition

• Rooted in the Government of India Act of 1935, Article 136 of the Constitution provides the Supreme Court with the jurisdiction to grant special leave for appeals in exceptional cases, crucial for upholding justice. Q37: Forest Conservation Act

• This law requires central approval for decisions pertaining to forest lands, highlighting the government’s role in environmental protection and sustainable management. Q40: Dams and Environmental Impact

• Negative Effects: Recognized concerns include loss of biodiversity and potential health issues from stagnant waters, which are critical for environmental policy discussions. Q42: PM YASASVI Scheme

• The scheme focuses on the educational empowerment of vulnerable groups in India, aiming to bridge the gap in access to quality education and fostering inclusivity.

Conclusion

The document summarizes a test series emphasizing crucial geographical, historical, and legislative concepts relevant to the IAS examination, covering the significance of natural resources, environmental changes, and current events that impact policy in India.