Important Questions: Life In The Desert - UPSC MCQ

Ladakh is a region located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges.
Indus River:
The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia, originating in the Tibetan Plateau in China. It flows through Ladakh, along with other regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Sindh, before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Importance:
The Indus River has immense significance for the region's ecology and economy. It provides water for irrigation, supports diverse ecosystems, and is an essential source of livelihood for the local communities. Additionally, the river has historical and cultural importance, as it was the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
In conclusion, the Indus River is the river that flows in Ladakh. Its presence plays a vital role in the region's geographical, ecological, and cultural aspects.

The climate of the Ladakh desert is extremely cold and dry due to its high altitude which varies from about 3,000 m in Kargil to more than 8,000 m in Karakoram. The air at this altitude is so thin that the heat of the sun can be felt intensely. The day temperatures in summer are just above zero degrees and the night temperatures are below -30C. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures below -40C most of the time. There is very little rainfall in this region. It is as low as 10 cm every year. The area experiences freezing winds and burning hot sunlight. There is always a chance of sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

Ladakh is in a rain-shadow region and so don't receive monsoon winds thereby summer is dry but whatever little precipitation occurs is in the form of snowfall during freezing winter months. the rainfall in ladakh is as low as 10 cm per year. this is because ladakh is in rain shadow area of himalayas.

The correct answer is C as Ladakh is a cold desert in India. It lies in the Great himalayas on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir. It has the mighty Karakoram Range in the North and in the south, it is bound by the  Zanskar mountains

The correct answer is A as LA in ladakh is a mountain pass . moreover Ladhak means land of high passes

The Sahara and its oases and plateaus hold life of all kinds. Beyond the above vegetation, you can expect to find figs, oranges, acacia trees, tobacco plants, oleander, peyote cactus, and many more shrubs, trees, plants and cacti.

Shahtoosh  "king of fine wools") is a fine type of wool made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope. It is also a metonym for a type of Kashmir shawl traditionally made of shahtoosh wool.

Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya mountains.
- Ladakh is a region located in the northernmost part of India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The region is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Himalayas.
- The Himalayas are one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, with many peaks exceeding 8,000 meters in height.
- When air masses from the Indian Ocean move towards the Himalayas, they are forced to rise due to the steep slopes of the mountains.
- As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
- As a result, the southern slopes of the Himalayas receive heavy rainfall, while the northern slopes, including Ladakh, lie in the rain shadow.
- In the rain shadow, the air descends, leading to a dry and arid climate.
- Ladakh is known for its cold desert climate, with very little rainfall and low humidity.
- The lack of rainfall in Ladakh is primarily due to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Himalaya.

Yak milk and meat provide as food to some of the local people in Ladakh. The Yak's thick hair is used to weave warm blankets. Yak dung provides fuel in the treeless areas of Leh.

The capital of Ladakh is Leh. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Ladakh is a region located in the northern part of India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Leh is the largest town and the capital of Ladakh.
- Leh is situated at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet above sea level.
- It is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and adventure sports.
Therefore, the capital of Ladakh is Leh (Option A).

Ladakh is a cold desert lying in the Great Himalayas, on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir. The Karakoram Range in the north and the Zanskar mountains in the south enclose it. Several rivers flow through Ladakh, Indus being the most important among them.

Dras is widely recognized as the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Dras is popularly known as 'The Gateway to Ladakh'

The altitude in Ladakh varies from about 3000m in Kargil to more than 8,000m in the Karakoram.

A place in the desert with natural supply of fresh water is called oasis. Some oasis serve as a permanent source of water supply for the people living in deserts. Oasis also have sufficient water to support a variety of plants. People may settle around these water bodies and grow date palms and other crops.

Ladakh is the region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir of India. it lies between kunlun mountain range to great Himalayas. Ladakh means the land of high passes and is known for culture and mountainous beauty. the other name of Ladakh is khapa-Chan which means land of Snow or snow land .

Rohtang La, Lungalacha La, Bare!ache La and Tanglang La.

Tafilalt, also spelled Tafilet or Tafilalet, largest Saharan oasis of Morocco, in the southeastern part of the country. The oasis comprises the fortified villages of Erfoud, Arab Sebbah du Ziz, Rissani, Seffalat, Aoufous, and Jorf, together with palm groves stretching 30 miles (50 km) along the Wadi Ziz.

Climate of Ladakh:
- Ladakh is a high-altitude region located in the northern part of India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The climate of Ladakh is primarily influenced by its high altitude and mountainous terrain.
- The region experiences a cold desert climate due to its location in the Himalayas.
- The average elevation of Ladakh is around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level, which contributes to its unique climate.
- The climate in Ladakh is characterized by extreme temperature variations and low precipitation.
- The summers are short and mild, while winters are long, cold, and freezing.
- The temperature during the winter months can drop to sub-zero levels, often reaching -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) or even lower.
- The region receives very little rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the driest places in India.
- The arid climate of Ladakh is a result of its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, which blocks moisture-laden winds from reaching the region.
- Due to the low humidity and high altitude, the air in Ladakh is dry, which can cause discomfort and dehydration.
- The lack of vegetation and sparse population in Ladakh further contribute to the dryness of the region.
- The cold and dry climate of Ladakh makes it a popular destination for adventure tourism, especially during the summer months when the weather is relatively mild.
Conclusion:
The climate of Ladakh is best described as cold and dry due to its high altitude, mountainous terrain, and location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with freezing winters and mild summers. The lack of rainfall and low humidity contribute to the arid nature of Ladakh.

Endangered species are ones which are plants or animals that is seriously at the risk of extinction. The IUCN has mentioned the Chiru or the Tibetan antelope as an endangered species for sharp decrease in the animal numbers due to illegal POACHING. They are hunted for their extremely soft,light and warm under fur which is usually obtained after death. It is used to make luxury shawls.

Shey in Ladakh is famous for:
- Monastery: Shey is known for its beautiful monastery, which is one of the main attractions in the region. The Shey Monastery is a Buddhist monastery and is home to a large statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha, which is one of the largest metal statues in Ladakh.
- Mosque: Shey is not known for a mosque. It is primarily a Buddhist region, and the main religious structures in Shey are Buddhist monasteries.
- Church: Shey is not known for a church. Christianity is not the predominant religion in Ladakh, so there are no significant churches in the area.
- Temple: Shey is not known for a temple. While there are Hindu temples in other parts of Ladakh, Shey is primarily a Buddhist region and does not have any prominent Hindu temples.
Therefore, the correct answer is A: Monastery. Shey in Ladakh is famous for its beautiful monastery and the large statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha.