UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Himalayas- Northern Mountains | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

​Ans: (c)
​The Andes mountain range, one of the longest and highest mountain ranges in the world, runs along the western edge of South America. To determine how many of the listed countries—Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Venezuela—it passes through, let’s evaluate each country:

• Bolivia: The Andes run through western Bolivia, with significant features like the Altiplano and peaks such as Illimani. Bolivia is definitely included.
• Brazil: Brazil is primarily located in eastern South America, with its terrain dominated by the Amazon Basin and highlands. The Andes do not extend into Brazil, as they are confined to the western side of the continent.
• Colombia: The Andes enter northern South America and run through western Colombia, forming ranges like the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Central. Colombia is included.
• Ecuador: The Andes pass through central Ecuador, with notable peaks like Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. Ecuador is included.
• Paraguay: Paraguay lies east of the Andes, primarily consisting of lowlands and the Chaco region. The Andes do not extend into Paraguay.
• Venezuela: The Andes extend into western Venezuela, forming the Cordillera de Mérida, which includes peaks like Pico Bolívar. Venezuela is included.

Thus, the Andes pass through Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. That’s four countries.

Ans: (c)
All three statements are classic evidences of continental drift by Wegener:
I: Similar rock formations found on the coasts of Brazil and Western Africa suggest they were once joined.
II: Similar mineral deposits (like gold in Ghana) found on both sides of the Atlantic imply a common origin.
III: The Gondwana system of sediments found in India has close geological counterparts in Africa, South America, Antarctica, and Australia.

Ans: (b)

• Gomati joins Ganga first (westmost).
• Then Ghaghara, followed by Gandak.
• Kosi joins Ganga farthest to the east.

Thus, the correct west-to-east order is: Gomati → Ghaghara → Gandak → Kosi 

Ans: (d)

Statement 1: Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and the Sahyadri Ranges (Incorrect)
Amarkantak Hills lie at the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, not the Sahyadri (Western Ghats).
Statement 2: Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range (Incorrect)
Biligirirangan Hills are located in Karnataka and lie at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats, not the Satpura Range.
Statement 3: Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats (Incorrect)
Seshachalam Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, located in Andhra Pradesh, not the Western Ghats.

Thus, the correct Answer is (d) None

Ans: (b)

1. Namcha Barwa — Garhwal Himalaya (Incorrect)

• Namcha Barwa is located in Arunachal Pradesh, near the easternmost bend of the Himalayas.
• It belongs to the Eastern Himalayas, not the Garhwal Himalaya (which is in Uttarakhand).

2. Nanda Devi — Kumaon Himalaya (Correct)

• Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak in India, lies in Uttarakhand, part of the Kumaon Himalaya range.

3. Nokrek — Sikkim Himalaya (Incorrect)

• Nokrek Peak is in Meghalaya, part of the Garo Hills, and not associated with the Sikkim Himalaya.

Thus , correct answer is (b) 2 only

Ans: (d) 

• Siachen Glacier lies in the eastern Karakoram range in the northernmost part of India, within the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• It is located to the north of Nubra Valley, which serves as the access route to the glacier from the Indian side.
• It is not east of Aksai Chin (Aksai Chin lies to the east of Siachen).
• It is north-east of Leh, but not directly east.
• It is south-east of Gilgit, not north of it.

Thus, the correct answer is (d) North of Nubra Valley