1.

The Lagos Treaty created

(a) BRICS

(b) ECOWAS

(c) APEC

(d) MERCOSUR

2.

1. Grand Channel is between Great Nicobar Islands and Sumatra islands of Indonesia.

2. Coco Strait is between North Andaman Islands and Coco Islands of Myanmar.

(a) Only (1) is true

(b) Only (2) is true

(c) Both (1) & (2) are true

(d) Neither (1) Nor (2) is true

·     

3.

Which of the following statements relating to Dharwar geological system are correct?

I. They belong to Archaean geological period.

II. They are metamorphosed sedimentary rocks.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

4.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Supreme Court:

1. International Commercial Arbitration can be initiated in it.

2. Its Original jurisdiction is exclusive.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

5.

Consider the following:

1. It has natural golden colour.

2. Its fabric is highly smoothy.

3. Its threads are often thicker than those of other silks.

How many of the above are correct w.r.t. Tasar Silk ?.

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

6.

Assertion (A): Bangalore receives a much higher average annual rainfall than of Mangalore.

Reason (R): Bangalore has the benefit of receiving rainfall both from southwest and northeast monsoons. 

(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A is false but R is true

7.

Which of the following is/are incorrect w.r.t. “Sloth bears”?.

1. They are myrmecophagous.

2. Their IUCN Conservation Status is Vulnerable.

3. They hibernate.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

8.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Aravalli:

1.   It is a fold mountain.

2.  It is the oldest mountain range of India.

3.  Banas, Luni, and Sabarmati run through this.

4.  Its highest point is Mount Abu.

Which of the above statements is correct?

(a) 2 and 4

(b) 1 and 3

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9.

1. It is celebrated on 25th January every year.

2. It is celebrated to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. National Voters’ Day?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

10.

Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities is signed between India and

(a) Pakistan

(b) China

(c) Bangladesh

(d) Iran

·     

11.

In what context Laxman Naskar v. Union of India (2000) case was in news recently?.

(a) Grounds for Remission

(b) Grounds for Bail

(c) Custodial torture

(d) Handling women in Police Stations

12.

Consider the following statements in the context of the Treaty of Yandaboo.

I. It resulted at the end of the First Anglo Burmese War.

II. After the Treaty, British controlled Assam.

Which of the above statements is/are true?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

o  

13.

Consider the following statements.

I. Nokrek is the highest peak in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

II. Namcha Barwa is situated in Garhwal Himalaya.

Which of the above statements is/are true?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

14.

Shumang Leela is a traditional form of theatre in

(a) Manipur

(b) Odisha

(c) Nagaland

(d) Rajasthan

15.

Which of the following is/are incorrect w.r.t. “Nitrogen”?.

1. The boiling point of nitrogen is very less.

2. It makes up the greatest portion of the gases we breathe in.

3. It is used to make fire compressor systems.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

16.

ISRO’s Aditya-L1 successfully placed in a halo orbit around L1 point. Recent headline news. Consider the following statements.

I. The distance of L1 from the earth is approximately 1% of the earth-sun distance.

II. L1 is an unstable Lagrange point.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

(a) Only I    

(b) Only II       

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

17.

With reference to ‘Himalayas’, which of the following statements is/are correct?.

1. The Himalayas are formed of parallel fold ranges, of which the oldest range is The Great Himalayan Range.

2. The Himadri Range is the newest mountain range in India.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

18.

1. It is a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher.

2. It was first used during the Kargil War.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Pinaka?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

19.

Consider the following.

1. Palolem beach

2. Sinquerim Beach

3. Agonda beach

4. Lawson''s Bay Beach

How many of the above is/are in Goa?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All the four

20.

Arrange the following hills of southern India from North to South?

1. Nilgiri

2. Cardamom

3. Nallamala

4. Anaimalai

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 3, 1, 4, 2

(b) 4, 3, 1, 2

(c) 1, 3, 4, 2

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4

·     

21.

Consider the following statements. 

1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. 

2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 

3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?   

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 3 

(c) Only 2 and 3

(d) Only 1 and 3

22.

What is Insat-3DS?.

(a) It is a part of a series of climate Observatory Satellites.

(b) It is a part of a series of Communication Satellites.

(c) It is a part of a series of Earth Observation Satellites.

(d) It is a part of a series of Scientific Spacecraft.

23.

The Kumaon Himalaya is situated between

(a) Indus and Satluj

(b) Kali and Tista

(c) Satluj and Kali

(d) Tista and Brahmputra

24.

W.r.t. Conservation status of Snow Leopard, how many of the following is/are true?.

1. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

2. CITES: Appendix I

3. Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None if these

25.

Agasthyagama edge, seen in news, is

(a) kangaroo lizard

(b) purple frog

(c) electric fish

(d) flightless bird

EXPLANATIONS

1.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/burkina-mali-niger-quit-west-african-bloc-ecowas/article67786621.ece   

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ecowas-west-africa-niger-coup-explained-8882492/

B

2.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also known as the Emerald Islands. The Coco Strait is between the North Andaman Islands and the Coco Islands of Myanmar. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ''a hundred thousand islands''.

The Grand Channel is located between the Great Nicobar Islands and the Sumatra Islands of Indonesia. The Great Channel is located six degrees north of the equator and is popularly known as the ''Six Degree Channel''.

A

3.

• Dharwar system is the result of weathering of the Archaean rocks. The weathering produced sediments and formed the oldest sedimentary strata.  Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is a metamorphosed sedimentary rock-system. Metamorphic rocks form when rocks are subjected to high heat, high pressure, hot mineral-rich fluids or some combination of these factors. The form of igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks are changed. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• These rocks do not contain any fossils.
• These rocks are of economic importance because they possess valuable minerals like high-grade iron-ore, manganese, copper, lead, gold, etc.
• They are found predominantly in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Jharkhand.

C 

4.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arbitration-agreements-in-unstamped-contracts-valid-says-constitution-bench/article67635090.ece

• The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India. 
• Article 124 of the Constitution states that “There shall be a Supreme Court of India.” 
• The Supreme Court came into existence on January 26, 1950, with the coming into force of the Constitution.
• On January, 28, 1950, two days after India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic, the Supreme Court was inaugurated.
• The Supreme Court initially functioned from the old Parliament House till it moved to the present building located on Tilak Marg, New Delhi, in 1958.
• The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the present building of the Supreme Court of India on August 4, 1958. 
• Number of Judges:
• The original Constitution of 1950 envisaged a Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and 7 puisne Judges, leaving it to Parliament to increase this number. 
• Considering the increase in workload, Parliament increased the number of Judges from 8 in 1950 to 11 in 1956, 14 in 1960, 18 in 1978, 26 in 1986, 31 in 2009, and 34 in 2019 (current strength). 
• Today, the judges sit in benches of two and three and come together in larger benches of 5 and more (Constitution Bench) to decide any conflicting decisions between benches of the Supreme Court or any substantial questions concerning the interpretation of the Constitution.
• The proceedings of the Supreme Court are conducted in English.
• Powers and Functions:
• The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
• It serves both as the final court of appeals and the final interpreter of the Constitution.
• Its exclusive original jurisdiction extends to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other, or between two or more States, if and insofar as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
• In addition, Article 32 of the Constitution gives extensive original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
• It is empowered to issue directions, orders, or writs, including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari, to enforce them. 
• The Supreme Court has been conferred with the power to direct the transfer of any civil or criminal case from one High Court to another High Court or from a Court subordinate to another High Court.
• Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, International Commercial Arbitration can also be initiated in the Supreme Court.
• The appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court can be invoked by a certificate granted by the High Court concerned under Article 132(1), 133(1) or 134 of the Constitution in respect of any judgement, decree, or final order of a High Court in both civil and criminal cases, involving substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution. 
• Appeals also lie to the Supreme Court in civil matters if the High Court concerned certifies:
• that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance, and
• that, in the opinion of the High Court, the said question needs to be decided by the Supreme Court. 
• In criminal cases, an appeal lies to the Supreme Court if the High Court
• has on appeal reversed an order of acquittal of an accused person and sentenced him to death or to imprisonment for life or for a period of not less than 10 years, or
• has withdrawn for trial before itself any case from any Court subordinate to its authority and has in such trial convicted the accused and sentenced him to death or to imprisonment for life or for a period of not less than 10 years, or
• certified that the case is a fit one for appeal to the Supreme Court. 
• Parliament is authorised to confer on the Supreme Court any further powers to entertain and hear appeals from any judgement, final order or sentence in a criminal proceeding of a High Court.
• The Supreme Court also has a very wide appellate jurisdiction over all Courts and Tribunals in India in as much as it may, in its discretion, grant special leave to appeal under Article 136 of the Constitution from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order in any cause or matter passed or made by any Court or Tribunal in the territory of India.
• The Supreme Court has special advisory jurisdiction in matters which may specifically be referred to it by the President of India under Article 143 of the Constitution. 
• Election Petitions under Part III of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, are also filed directly in the Supreme Court.
• Under Articles 129 and 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has been vested with power to punish for contempt of Court, including the power to punish for contempt of itself. 
• The Supreme Court can reconsider its final judgment or order by way of a curative petition on limited grounds after the dismissal of the review petition.
• As the highest court in India, the Supreme Court’s judgments are binding on all other courts in the country. 

B

5.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/january-28-2024-current-affairs

B

6.

Bangalore receives lesser rainfall than Mangalore. Mangalore is located on a windward slope and receives 2000 mm of rainfall, whereas Bangalore present in rain shadow area receives less than 500 mm of water.

D  

7.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/january-26-2024-current-affairs

Sloth bears are found in Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan and Nepal, predominantly in lowland areas.

Sloth bears primarily eat termites and ants, and unlike other bear species, they routinely carry their cubs on their backs.

They are also very fond of honey, hence their alternative name of “honey bear”.

Sloth bears do not hibernate.

Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus

Habitat: It is a forest-dwelling member of the family Ursidae (comprises 8 species of bears) that inhabits tropical or subtropical regions of India and Sri Lanka.

A

8.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/mining/aravallis-broken-beyond-repair-63812#:~:text=8%20million%20tonnes%20of%20minerals,made%20it%20even%20more%20broken.

Aravalli Range

• It is a mountain range located in northwestern India.
• It is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world.
• It runs approximately 670 km (430 mi) in a south-west direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat.
• The range contains a series of ridges and peaks, which have widths between 6 miles and 60 miles, and elevations that vary between 1,000 and 3,000 feet.
• The highest point of the Aravalli range is Guru Shikhar, which stands at an elevation of 5,650 feet on Mount Arbuda. 
• It is 15 km from Mount Abu, which is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range.
• Rivers: Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely the Banas and Sahibi rivers, which are tributaries of the Yamuna, as well as the Luni River, which flows into the Rann of Kutch. 
• The Aravalli acts as the edge which separates the Thar desert from the plains and plateaus of eastern Rajasthan.
• Formation:
• It is part of the Aravalli-Delhi orogenic belt, which is a large and complex geological structure formed due to the collision of tectonic plates during the Proterozoic era.
• It is part of the Indian Shield, that was formed from a series of cratonic collisions.
• In ancient times, Aravalli were extremely high, but since have worn down almost completely by millions of years of weathering. 
• The range is rich in mineral resources like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
• It is divided into two sections: the Sambhar-Sirohi ranges, taller and including Guru Shikhar; and the Sambhar-Khetri ranges, consisting of three ridges that are discontinuous.
• There are several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that fall within the belt of Aravalli Hills. Sariska National Park, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, and Mount Abu Sanctuary are among them.

D 

9.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/world/earth-like-tectonic-plates-on-ancient-venus-may-explain-its-carbon-dioxide-nitrogen-rich-atmosphere-92513

C 

10.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pakistan-conduct-annual-exchange-of-list-of-nuclear-installations/article67695206.ece

A 

11.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/sc-overturns-remission-bilkis-bano-rapists-9099776/

A

12.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/my-view/treaty-of-yandabo-assam-accord-and-assam-an-academic-discussion-9558/   https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/reconsidering-the-free-movement-regime-explained/article67773825.ece

C 

13.

Namcha Barwa is considered as the Eastern point of the Himalayas. It is located on the extreme east of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The height of Namcha Barwa is about 7782 m. Brahmaputra River takes a U turn on reaching Namcha Barwa.

A

14.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/january-31-2024-current-affairs

A

15.

Read - Which of the following is/are correct w.r.t. “Nitrogen”?.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/alabamas-new-execution-method-what-is-nitrogen-hypoxia/articleshow/107190740.cms?from=mdr

https://www.thoughtco.com/nitrogen-facts-606568

D 

16.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/lagrange-points-three-body-problem-aditya-l1-isro/article67360328.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isros-aditya-l1-successfully-placed-in-a-halo-orbit-around-l1-point/article67712914.ece#:~:text=Aditya%2DL1%2C%20the%20first%20Indian,Dhawan%20Space%20Centre%20in%20Sriharikota.&text=Subsequently%2C%20ISTRAC%20carried%20out%20four,September%203%20and%20September%2015.

C 

17.

Read Statement 2 as below.

2. The Himadri Range is the northernmost range and the most continuous range of the Himalayas.

On the basis of folds and age of formation, the Himalayas is divided into four parallel structural areas –

1. Trans Himalaya

2. Great Himalaya

3. the Middle Himalayas

4. Shiwalik

·  The northernmost range is called the Great Himalayas and is also the oldest of all the ranges of Himalayas (Oligocene period-25-40 million years ago). The Great Himalayan range is made up of erosion material from the rising Himalaya. Running parallel to this is the Lower Himalayan Range, which has an elevation between 2,000–5,000 m.   The Himadri Range is the newest mountain range in India and is a type of New Fold Mountain. Himadri is also known as ‘Greater Himalayas’. It is famous for the highest of the peaks and glaciers. This is the highest mountain range of the Himalayan Range System. The world''s highest peak, Mount Everest along with other near-highest peaks (Godwin Austin or K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, etc), are part of the Himadri range. They are home to many famous glaciers like Gangotri, Satopanth, etc.

·  After this, the Middle Himalayas (mid-Miocene- 14 million years ago) and Shiwalik (Pliocene era- 5-1.7 million years ago) the newest range among them were formed.

• The Himalayas Mountain range began to form between 40 and 50 million years ago. 225 million years ago India was a large island situated off the Australian coast and separated from Asia by the Tethys Ocean. The two large landmasses, India and Eurasia, driven by plate movement, collided.
• The Aravalli Mountain range is as old as 370 million years. It is the oldest range of Fold Mountains in India.
• The Western Ghat hill ranges, in terms of geological age, are much older than the Himalayas. Geologic evidence indicates that they were formed during the break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwana some 150 million years ago.
• The "Vindhyan Supergroup" is one of the largest and thickest sedimentary successions in the world. The earliest known multicellular fossils of eukaryotes (filamentous algae) have been discovered from the Vindhya basin dating back to 1.6 to 1.7 billion years ago.

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/seven-major-mountain-ranges-of-india-969214-2017-04-03

C

18.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/south-american-nations-showing-interest-in-pinaka-drdo-working-on-developing-it-with-strike-ranges-up-to-200-km-13621732.html

C

19.

https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/the-1612-built-and-decomissioned-aguada-central-jail-in-goa-turned-into-an-interactive-museum/article67528304.ece

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/in-season-record-89-turtle-nests-nurtured-at-agonda-galgibaga/articleshow/100085688.cms

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1756806

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/sand-erosion-at-rk-beach-in-visakhapatnam-due-to-man-made-structures-and-cyclones-raises-safety-concerns/article67611554.ece

Shivrajpur beach in Gujarat,

Kasarkod in Karnataka,

Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh,

Golden in Odisha, and

Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar.

Lawson''s Bay Beach – Vishakapatnam

As of October 2022, 12 beaches in India have been awarded this prestigious certification, namely:

Golden Beach – Odisha

Shivrajpur Beach – Gujarat

Kappad Beach – Kerala

Ghoghla Beach – Diu

Radhanagar Beach – Andaman and Nicobar

Kasarkod Beach – Karnataka

Padubidri Beach – Karnataka

Rushikonda Beach – Andhra Pradesh

Kovalam Beach – Tamil Nadu

Eden Beach – Puducherry

Minicoy Thundi Beach – Lakshwadeep

Kadmat Beach – Lakshadweep

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-blue-flag-certification-awarded-to-eight-indian-beaches-6722252/ 

C

20.

Hills of Peninsular India

Some of the major hills of Peninsular India:

1.    Western Ghats

2.    Eastern Ghats

3.    Nilgiri Hills

4.    Palani Hills

5.    Anaimalai Hills

6.    Cardamom Hills

Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri range, is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, stretching from the state of Gujarat in the north to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some of the major hills of the Western Ghats and their key highlights:

·         Anamudi: Located in the state of Kerala, Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, with an elevation of 2,695 meters. It is known for its unique montane rainforest ecosystem and is home to many endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr and the lion-tailed macaque.

·         Mullayanagiri: Located in the state of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka with an elevation of 1,930 meters.

·         Doddabetta: Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, with an elevation of 2,637 meters.

·         Brahmagiri: Located in the state of Karnataka, Brahmagiri is a range of hills that form a part of the Western Ghats. It is known for the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

·         Agumbe: Located in the state of Karnataka, Agumbe is a hill station that is known for its high rainfall and rich biodiversity. It is also known as the “Cherrapunji of the South”.

·         Matheran: Located in the state of Maharashtra. It is a popular weekend getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune.

Eastern Ghats

The hills of Eastern Ghats in Peninsular India is a mountain range that runs parallel to the eastern coast of India, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. While not as well-known as the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are an important ecological hotspot and are home to a number of scenic hills. Here are some of the major hills of the Eastern Ghats and their key highlights:

·         Mahendragiri: The highest peak of the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, located on the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Mahendragiri has an elevation of 1501 meters (4928 feet) above sea level. It is believed to be the site where Lord Parshurama performed penance, and is home to many ancient temples and shrines.

·         Nallamala Hills: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Nallamala Hills are a range of hills that are known for their rich biodiversity. They are home to many species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

·         Javadi Hills: Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, the Javadi Hills are a range of hills. They are home to many ancient temples and shrines, as well as a number of tribal communities.

·         Simlipal: Simlipal is a hill range located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and is known for its biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts. It is home to the Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

·         Kondakarla Ava: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is home to a number of waterfalls, streams, and lakes, and is a popular destination for nature lovers.

·         Papi Hills: Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Papi Hills are a range of hills that are known for their unique rock formations. They are also home to a number of tribal communities and traditional fishing villages.

·         Seshachalam Hills: Seshachalam Hills are a range of hills located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and the Tirupati district of Tamil Nadu.

·         Sispara Peak: Located in the state of Odisha, Sispara Peak is a hill that is known for its rich biodiversity and unique montane rainforest ecosystem. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri langur and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Nilgiri Hills

The Nilgiri Hills, located in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, are a range of mountains known for their breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Here are some of the major hills of the Nilgiris and their key highlights:

·         Doddabetta: The highest peak of the Nilgiri Hills is Doddabetta Peak, which is located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Doddabetta Peak has an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,650 feet) above sea level, and it is the highest point in the Nilgiri mountain range. The name Doddabetta means “big mountain” in the local Kannada language.

·         Mukurthi National Park: Located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, Mukurthi National Park is a protected area that is known for its unique shola-grassland ecosystem and rich biodiversity. It is home to many species of flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat.

·         Ooty Hill Station: Ooty Hill Station, also known as Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund, is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level and is known for its cool and pleasant climate throughout the year.

·         Coonoor Hill Station: Coonoor Hill Station is a picturesque town located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) above sea level and is known for its natural beauty, tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture.

·         Silent Valley National Park: Silent Valley National Park is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is named “Silent Valley” because of the absence of cicadas, which are known for their loud and persistent calls. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur.

Anaimalai Hills

One of the important ranges of hills of peninsular India is the Anaimalai Hills, also known as the Elephant Hills. It is a range of mountains located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in South India. The highest peak of Anaimalai Hills is Anamudi, which is located in Kerala and is also the highest peak in South India.

Anamudi is also significant because it is one of the major water catchment areas in South India. The mountain range is the origin of several major rivers in the region, including the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Chalakudy, and Thootha rivers.

The hills are made up of several smaller ranges, each with its own name and unique features. Here are some of the key highlights of the different hills of the Anaimalai range:

·         Anamudi Peak: Located in the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India, and is situated at an altitude of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level.

·         Meesapulimala: Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, and is situated at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,661 feet) above sea level. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

·         Mannamalai: Mannamalai is a hill located in the Palani Hills range of the Anaimalai Hills.

·         Velliangiri Mountains: Velliangiri Mountains, also known as the Kailash of the South, is a mountain range located near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

·         Thirumoorthy Hills: Thirumoorthy Hills is a hill range located in the Anaimalai Hills.

Palani Hills

Another important range of hills of peninsular India is Palani Hills, which is a mountain range located in the Western Ghats of South India. The range extends from the state of Kerala in the west to Tamil Nadu in the east, covering an area of about 2,068 square kilometers. Palani Hills is named after the town of Palani, which is located in the foothills of the range. The mountain range is known for its unique flora and fauna, and cultural and historical significance.

·         Kodaikanal: The highest peak in the Palani Hills is Palaniappa Peak, also known as Kodaikanal Peak. It is located at an elevation of 2,133 meters (6,998 feet) above sea level and is the highest point in the Palani Hills mountain range.

·         Palani Murugan Temple: The Palani Murugan Temple is an ancient temple located in the Palani Hills, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India.

·         Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the Palani Hills, known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful surroundings.

·         Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary covers an area of 736.87 square kilometers and is situated between the towns of Kodaikanal and Dindigul. The sanctuary is home to several endangered and endemic species such as the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Indian rock python, Malabar giant squirrel, and several species of birds and butterflies.

·         Perumal Peak: Perumal Peak is located at an altitude of 2,440 meters (8,005 feet) above sea level and is the highest peak in the Perumalai Hills.

Hills of the Western Ghats from North to South

Here is a list of some of the major hills of the Western Ghats, from north to south:

1.    Satpura Range: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat

2.    Satmala Hills: Located in Maharashtra

3.    Harishchandra Range: Located in Maharashtra

4.    Baba Budan Hills: Located in Karnataka

5.    Nilgiri Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka

6.    Anaimalai Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu and Kerala

7.    Anai Mudi: Located in Kerala

8.    Agasthyamalai: Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu

9.    Cardamom Hills: Located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Hills of Eastern Ghats from North to South

Here is a list of some of the major hills of the Eastern Ghats, from north to south:

1.    Mahendragiri Hills: Located in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

2.    Simlipal Hills: Located in Odisha.

3.    Ansupa Hills: Located in Odisha.

4.    Dhauli Hills: Located in Odisha.

5.    Nallamala Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh.

6.    Palakonda Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh.

7.    Papi Hills: Located in Andhra Pradesh.

8.    Javadi Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

9.    Shevaroy Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.

10. Pachaimalai Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.

11. Javvadhu Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.

12. Kolli Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.

13. Kalrayan Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.

14. Sirumalai Hills: Located in Tamil Nadu.

A

21.

The Indian Himalayan Region is spread across 12 Indian States (namely Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, two districts of Assam namely Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong and Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal). (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)

Western Ghats are spread over six states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)

Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lake in India and spreads over the two states namely the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

B 

22.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/insat-3ds-satellite-flagged-off-to-sriharikota/article67785551.ece

A

23.

Kumaon Himalayas, west-focal part of the Himalayas in northern India, broadening 200 miles (320 km) from the Sutlej River east to the Kali River. At heights over 14,000 feet (4,300 meters), snow covers the mountains consistently. Ice sheets and snowmelt feed the headstreams of the Ganges River in deluges that race through canyons and steep-sided gorges. Kumaon is one of the two areas and regulatory divisions of the Indian territory of Uttarakhand, the other being Garhwal. It incorporates the locales of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar. It is limited on the north by Tibet, on the east by Nepal, on the south by the province of Uttar Pradesh, and on the west by the Garhwal area. The individuals of Kumaon are known as Kumaonis and communicate in the Kumaoni language. Verifiably known as Manaskhand and afterward Kurmanchal, the Kumaon district has been administered by a few Hindu administrations throughout history; most prominently the Katyuris and the Chands. The Kumaon division was set up in 1816 when the British recovered this area from the Gorkhas, who had attached the recent Kingdom of Kumaon in 1790. The division at first comprised of three areas, Kumaon, Terai, and Garhwal, and shaped the northernmost wilderness of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces in British India, that later turned out to be North-Western Provinces in 1836, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh in 1902, and United Provinces in 1937.

C

24.

https://www.livemint.com/news/india-says-its-elusive-snow-leopard-population-is-at-718-11706632981602.html

Snow Leopard:

• It is a large, long-haired Asian cat, classified as either Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia in the family Felidae. 
• Geographic Range:
• Snow leopards live across a vast area in northern and central Asia''s high mountains, including the Himalayan region.
• In the Himalayas, they live in high alpine areas, mostly above the tree line and up to 18,000 feet in elevation.
• They are found in 12 countries, including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Russia, and Mongolia.
• In India, it is seen in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Features:
• Measuring from nose to tail, the length of an average adult is 1000 to 1300 mm.
• They have thick grey and yellow-tinged fur, with solid spots on their head, neck, and lower limbs and rosettes over the rest of the body.
• They also have very long, thick tails that they use for balancing on rocks and wrapping around their bodies for protection from the cold. 
• Their short forelimbs and long hind limbs make them very agile, and they can jump as much as 50 feet in length.
• They are solitary, and the only prolonged social contact occurs while females are raising their cubs.
• Conservation status:
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I 
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I

ü C 

25.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/scientists-discover-new-kangaroo-lizard-species-from-western-ghats/article67792494.ece

A