Geography PYQ Notes 1

Geography PYQ Theory and Analyses 2011-2022 (Sample)

Table of Contents
Mediterranean Sea ............................................................................................................................. 2
Theory ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Jet Stream ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Conditions to form tropical cyclone .................................................................................................. 4
South East Asia .................................................................................................................................... 5
Waterbodies and Surrounding Countries .......................................................................................... 6
Turkish Peninsula ................................................................................................................................ 9
Tropical Savannah Region ................................................................................................................. 10
Climatic Types According to Koeppen .............................................................................................. 11
ABYSSINIAN PLATEAU: ...................................................................................................................... 12
ATLAS MOUNTAINS:.......................................................................................................................... 12
GUIANA HIGHLANDS: ........................................................................................................................ 13
OKAVANGO BASIN: ........................................................................................................................... 13
Solar Flares on Earth ......................................................................................................................... 14
Cosmological Models ........................................................................................................................ 17
Cosmic microwave background (CMD): .......................................................................................... 17
Doppler-shift or Redshift and Blueshift:.......................................................................................... 18
Climate Types ................................................................................................................................... 18
Methane............................................................................................................................................ 20
Dew Formation ................................................................................................................................. 22
Agricultural Produce Market Committee: ........................................................................................ 22
Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 ............................................................................................ 23
Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 .................................................................... 23
Food Products Order, 1956 and the Meat and Food Products Order, 1973 .................................... 23
Agriculture: WTO .............................................................................................................................. 24
Peace clause ..................................................................................................................................... 25

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 Geography PYQ Notes 2

41 Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open [2015 –
I]
out to the Mediterranean Sea?
(a) Syria
(b) Jordan
(c) Lebanon
(d) Israel

Answer: b

Mediterranean Sea

• The Mediterranean Sea is the intercontinental sea that separates Europe from
Africa.
• The countries bordered the Mediterranean Sea are Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya,
Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.
• Jordan does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea, as it is bounded by
Syria and Israel towards the side of the Mediterranean Sea.

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 Geography PYQ Notes 3

37 Consider the following statements: [2020 –

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. I]
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10 C lesser than that
of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: c

Theory

• Jet streams occur in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Hence statement
1 is not correct.
• Extra-tropical cyclones may not always have an eye, whereas mostly mature storms
have well-developed eyes.
o Rapidly intensifying storms may develop an extremely small, clear, and circular
eye, sometimes referred to as a pinhole eye. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is warmer and not colder inside the eye of the tropical cyclone.
o The warmer temperature is what drives the storm. Hence statement 3 is not
correct.

Jet Stream

o Jet streams are the strong air streams present in the upper troposphere.
o They are relatively narrow belts of swift-moving winds having velocity in
the range of 100km/hr to 900km/hr.
o Jet streams follow curved and meandering path and such path is because of
Coriolis effect

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 Geography PYQ Notes 4

o And due to the tendency of large-scale system to conserve the angular

momentum.
o They are very strong winds.

Conditions to form tropical cyclone

o Large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C.

o Presence of the Coriolis force enough to create a cyclonic vortex.
o Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
o A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
o Upper divergence above the sea level system.

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 Geography PYQ Notes 5

179 What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South- [2014 –
East Asia as one proceeds from south to north? I]
1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 4-2-1-3
(b) 3-2-4-1
(c) 3-4-1-2
(d) 4-3-2-1

Answer: c

South East Asia

• Jakarta-Singapore-Bangkok-Hanoi is the correct sequence of occurrence of the

following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north.

Country Capital Currency National

Animal
Thailand Bangkok Thai Baht Elephant
Vietnam Hanoi Vietnamese Water
dong Buffalo
Indonesia Jakarta Indonesian Komodo
rupiah dragon
Singapore Singapore Singapore Lion
dollar

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 Geography PYQ Notes 6

46 Consider the following pairs: [2019 –

Sea: Bordering country I]
1. Adriatic Sea: Albania
2. Black Sea: Croatia
3. Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan
4. Mediterranean Sea: Morocco
5. Red Sea: Syria
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1,2 and 4 only
(b) 1,3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1,2,3,4 and 5

Answer: b

Waterbodies and Surrounding Countries

The Adriatic Sea is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan peninsula.

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 Geography PYQ Notes 7

The countries with coasts on the Adriatic Sea are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,
Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Trick to Remember - Incredibly Slimy Cockroach Bit My Aunt

o I - Italy

o S - Slovenia

o C - Croatia

o B - Bosnia and Herzegovina

o M - Montenegro

o A - Albania

Black Sea is a large inland sea situated at the southeastern extremity of Europe. It is bordered
by Ukraine to the north, Russia to the northeast, Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south,
and Bulgaria and Romania to the west. Black Sea is not bordered by
Croatia. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

• Trick to Remember - BuRGURT [ Add T to Burger]

Bu-Bulgaria
R–Russia
G–Georgia
U–Ukraine
R–Romania
T – Turkey

Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, variously classed as the world's largest
lake or a full-fledged sea.

• It is an endorheic basin (a basin without outflows) located between Europe and Asia.

• It is bounded by Kazakhstan to the northeast, Russia to the northwest, Azerbaijan to

the west, Iran to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southeast. Hence, statement 3
is correct.

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 Geography PYQ Notes 8

o Trick to Remember - TARIK

▪ T = Turkmenistan

▪ A = Azerbaijan

▪ R = Russia

▪ I = Iran

▪ K = Kazakhstan

Mediterranean Sea is an intercontinental sea that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the
west to Asia on the east and separates Europe from Africa.

• The countries surrounding the Mediterranean in clockwise order are Spain, France,
Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania,
Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and
Morocco. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

o Trick to Remember

▪ Asian Part: SILCy (Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus)

▪ African Part: TAMEL (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Libya)

▪ European Part: BOSS ki SASTI MoMo in Greece and FranC (Bosnia,

Spain, Albania, Slovenia, Turkey, Italy, Montenegro, Monacco, Greece,
France, Croatia)

▪ Countries bordering Syria: TIJIL (Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon)

Red Sea is a narrow strip of water extending south-eastward from Suez, Egypt, for about
1,930 km to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which connects with the Gulf of Aden and thence with
the Arabian Sea.

• The six countries bordering the Red Sea proper are - Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt,
Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. Red Sea is not bordered by Syria. Hence, statement 5 is
not correct.

o Trick to Remember

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 Geography PYQ Notes 9

▪ DESSEY (Djibouti, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Egypt, Yemen)

38 Turkey is located between [2014 –

(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea I]
(b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

Answer: b

Turkish Peninsula

• Turkish peninsula is surrounded by four seas:- the Mediterranean to the south, the
Aegean to the west, the Sea of Marmara between the European and Asian
landmasses, and the Black Sea to the north.
• Turkey lies partly in Asia and partly in Europe.
• Capital - Ankara
• Currency - Turkish lira
• President - Recep Tayyip Erdogan

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 Geography PYQ Notes 10

150 Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical [2012 –
Savannah Region? I]
(a) Rainfall throughout the year
(b) Rainfall in winter only
(c) An extremely short dry season
(d) A definite dry and wet season

Answer: d

Tropical Savannah Region

• Savannas - also known as tropical grasslands - are found to the north and south of
tropical rainforest biomes.
• It is also known as Tropical wet and dry in the Koeppen classification.
o The largest expanses of savanna are in Africa, where much of the central part
of the continent, for example, Kenya and Tanzania, consists of tropical
grassland.
o Savanna grasslands can also be found in Brazil in South America.
• Savanna regions have two distinct seasons - a wet season and a dry season.
o There is very little rain in the dry season.
o In the wet season, vegetation grows, including lush green grasses and wooded
areas.
o As you move further away from the equator and its heavy rainfall, the
grassland becomes drier and drier - particularly in the dry season.
• Savanna vegetation includes scrub, grasses, and occasional trees, which grow near
water holes, seasonal rivers or aquifer

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 Geography PYQ Notes 11

Climatic Types According to Koeppen

Group Type Letter Characteristics
Code
A - Tropical Tropical wet Af No dry season
Humid Climate
Tropical monsoon Am Monsoonal, short dry season

Tropical wet and Aw Winter dry season

dry
B - Dry Climate Subtropical BSh Low-latitude semi-arid or dry
steppe
BWh Low-latitude arid or dry
Subtropical
Bsk Mid-latitude semi-arid or dry
desert

BWk Mid-latitude arid or dry

Mid-latitude
steppe

Mid-latitude
desert
C – Warm Humid Cfa No dry season, warm summer
temperate [Mid– subtropical
Cs Dry hot summer
latitude] Climate
Mediterranean
Cfb No dry season, warm and cool
Marine west summer
coast
D – Cold Snow- Humid Df No dry season, severe winter
forest Climates continental
Dw Winter dry and very severe
Subarctic
E – Cold Climates Tundra ET No true summer

Polar ice cap EF Perennial ice

H – Highland Highland H Highland with snow cover

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 Geography PYQ Notes 12

151 Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? [2013 –

(a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia I]
(b) Atlas Mountains : North-Western Africa
(c) Guiana Highlands : South-Western Africa
(d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia

Answer: b

ABYSSINIAN PLATEAU:

1. Abyssinian Plateau is situated in Ethiopia (Africa).

2. It is also known by other names like Altipiano Etiopico, Amhara Plateau, Ethiopian
Massif, and Ethiopian Plateau.
3. Ethiopia was once called Abyssinia, hence the name Abyssinian Plateau.
4. The plateau is 1290-3000 m above sea level.
5. A number of rivers cross the plateau, the most prominent being the Blue Nile, rising
from Lake Tana.

ATLAS MOUNTAINS:

1. The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range located in the Maghreb, also known
as Northwest Africa, the Greater Maghreb, and historically as the Barbary Coast.
2. The Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines get separated from the Sahara Desert by
the Atlas Mountains.
3. Toubkal (4167 m) is the highest peak of this mountain range and is situated
in Morocco. Apart from Morocco, the mountains are located in Algeria and Tunisia.
4. Berber populations are native to the Atlas Mountains.

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 Geography PYQ Notes 13

GUIANA HIGHLANDS:

1. The Guiana Highlands are located to the north of Amazon and to the south of the
Orinoco River, in South America.
2. The Guiana Highlands cover parts of Venezuela, Guianas, Brazil, and Colombia.
3. The eastern part of the Amazon lowland separates the Brazilian and Guiana
Highlands.
4. The highlands comprise a basement of rolling hilly mountains, low mountains, and
tabular plateaus.
5. The highest elevation of the Guiana Highlands is Mount Roraima (2772 m).

OKAVANGO BASIN:

1. The Okavango Basin covers the portions of the following Southwestern African
countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
2. The basin derives its name from the chief stream in the basin, the Okavango River.
The Okavango River forms the Okavango delta in Botswana.
3. The basin is formed by the confluence of the Cuito and Cubango rivers.
4. The Nwako salt pan lies to the south of the basin and the Makdadikgadi salt pan lies
to the southeast of the basin.

6 If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following 2022
-1
are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur in equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5. Forest fires could
take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions
could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below

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(a) 1, 2, 4 & 5 only

(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer: c

Solar Flares on Earth

A solar flare is an intense localized eruption of electromagnetic radiation in the Sun's

atmosphere.

• Flares occur in active regions and are often, but not always, accompanied by coronal
mass ejections, solar particle events, and other solar phenomena.
• Solar flares occur in a power-law spectrum of magnitudes; an energy release of
typically 1020 joules of energy suffices to produce a clearly observable event, while a
major event can emit up to 1025 joules.
• Solar flares affect all layers of the solar atmosphere (photosphere, chromosphere, and
corona).
• The plasma medium is heated to tens of millions of kelvins, while electrons, protons,
and heavier ions are accelerated to near the speed of light.
• Flares produce electromagnetic radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum at all
wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma rays.
• Most of the energy is spread over frequencies outside the visual range; the majority
of the flares are not visible to the naked eye and must be observed with special
instruments.
• Flares occur in active regions often around sunspots, where intense magnetic fields
penetrate the photosphere to link the corona to the solar interior.
• Flares are powered by the sudden release of magnetic energy stored in the corona.
The same energy releases may produce coronal mass ejections (CMEs), although the
relationship between CMEs and flares is still not well understood.

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• The frequency of occurrence of solar flares varies with the 11-year solar cycle. It can
range from several per day during solar maximum to less than one every week during
solar minimum. Additionally, more powerful flares are less frequent than weaker
ones.
• Impact of Solar Flares and CMEs on Earth
o Not all solar flares reach Earth, but solar flares/storms, solar energetic particles
(SEPs), high-speed solar winds, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that come
close can impact space weather in near-Earth space and the upper
atmosphere.
o The large solar flare is projected to strike satellites in the Earth’s upper
atmosphere. Thus, it affects GPS navigation, mobile phone transmissions, and
satellite TV. The flares might potentially disrupt power grids and electrical
networks in various regions of the planet. Hence statement 1 and 3 is correct.
o Solar flares can temporarily alter the upper atmosphere creating disruptions.
But it does not cause Tsunamis. It only affects the upper atmosphere. Hence
statement 2 is correct.
o Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. Hence statement 6 is correct.
o The high-energy particles emitted by the flare could also cause certain atoms
in the Earth’s atmosphere to glow, leading to auroras in Central Europe as well
as North America. The phenomenon could only be seen if the weather is
clear. Hence statement 4 is correct.
o There is no causal link between the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the
deadly forest fires. There is a common misconception that solar storms are
associated with extreme geological and atmospheric effects on Earth. The sun
cannot produce solar flares or CMEs that physically burn the landscape, if it
did, I doubt complex life would have had much of a chance at evolving over the
last few billion years if our planet was constantly being sterilized. Hence
statement 4 is incorrect.
o The scientists found that solar flares and storms heated and expanded the
atmosphere and that these effects could extend to the satellites’ orbits. The
density of atmospheric gases increases, slowing the satellites and causing

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them to lose altitude by a few kilometres per day. Hence statement 6 is

correct.
o Solar flares allow interference with the short-wave radios that are being used,
emitting more rays allowing people to get more of a sunburn during this time
frame. Hence statement 7 is correct.
• A study by NASA of polar flights during a solar storm in 2003 showed that passengers
received about 12 percent of the annual radiation limit recommended by the
International Committee on Radiological Protection. The exposures were greater than
on typical flights at lower latitudes, and confirmed concerns about commercial flights
using polar routes.

147 Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for [2012 –
the continued expansion of universe? I]
1. Detection of microwaves in space

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2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space

3. Movement of asteroids in space
4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) None of the above can be cited as evidence
Answer: a

Cosmological Models

• Big Bang Theory:

o The Big Bang Theory is the prevailing cosmological model for the birth of the
universe.
o It states that at some moment all of space was contained in a single point of
very high-density and high-temperature state from which the universe has
been expanding in all directions ever since.
o According to this theory, the universe, ever since its birth, is expanding in all
directions.
o In 1964, the cosmic microwave background radiation was discovered, which
was crucial evidence in favour of the Big Bang model.
o Other evidence such as cosmological redshift, gravitational waves, etc. has
added weight to the big bang theory.
• Evidence for the continued expansion of the universe:

Cosmic microwave background (CMD):

• A sensitive radio telescope shows a faint background glow. This glow is strongest
in the microwave region of the radio spectrum, and hence it is called a cosmic
microwave background.

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• As CMB is the radiation left over from an early stage in the development of the
Universe, its discovery is considered a landmark test for the Big Bang model of the
Universe. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Doppler-shift or Redshift and Blueshift:

▪ Redshift and Blueshift describe how light changes as objects in space (such as stars
or galaxies) move closer or farther away from us. The concept is key to charting
the universe’s expansion.
▪ When an object moves away from us (Doppler-shifted to lower frequencies), the
light is shifted to the red end of the spectrum, as its wavelengths get longer.
▪ If an object moves closer (Doppler-shifted to higher frequencies), the light moves
to the blue end of the spectrum, as its wavelength gets shorter.
▪ American astronomer Edwin Hubble was the first to describe the redshift
phenomenon (galactic redshift) and tie it to an expanding universe (galaxies are
drifting apart). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

162 "Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea [2015 –
breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, I]
then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over." Which of
the following regions is described in the above passage?
(a) Savannah
(b) Equatorial
(c) Monsoon
(d) Mediterranean

Answer: b

Climate Types

• Equatorial climate:
o Rainforests are located in the equatorial climate region.

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o They are hot and wet all year-round with a humid climate.
o The temperatures are constant throughout the year with little variation.
o The annual rainfall is high as it rains almost every day.
o Equatorial type of climate is found in the Amazon basin in South America,
Congo basin in Africa, Guinea coast in Africa, and much of the Indo-Malaysian
region, eastern Central America, some islands in the Caribbean Sea, western
Colombia, and eastern Madagascar.
o This type of climate is located till 5 degrees to 10 degrees on either side of the
equator.

• Warm Temperate Western Margin Climate:

o It is also called a Mediterranean type of climate because most of the areas
falling under this climate are situated around the Mediterranean Sea.
o This climate has developed between 300C and 450C latitudes in both the
hemispheres in the western part of the continents.
o The climate of Central Chile is of temperate Mediterranean type of climate.
o This climate region includes Southern Italy, Greece, Western Turkey, Syria,
Lebanon, Western Israel, North Coastal Africa, central and Southern California
in the USA, Central Chile in South America, Cape Town area in South Africa,
and the coastal zones of Southern and Southwest Australia.
o Summers are warm and bright and winters are mild and cool.
• Monsoon type of climate:
o It is best developed in the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos,
Cambodia, parts of Vietnam, and south China and northern Australia.
o This type of climate is characterized by the onshore wet monsoon in summer
and offshore dry monsoon in winter.
o The basic cause of monsoon climates is the difference in the rate of heating
and cooling of land and sea.
• Sudan or Savannah Climate:
o It is a transitional type of climate found between the equatorial forests and
the trade wind hot deserts.

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o It is confined within the tropics and is best developed in Sudan in the Africa
Continent.
o Sudan Climate includes West Africa Sudan, East Africa, and southern Africa
north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
o In South America, there are two distinct regions of savanna north and south of
the equator, namely the llanos of the Orinoco basin and the campus of the
Brazilian Highlands.
o The Australian Savanna is located south of the monsoon strip and north of the
Tropic of Capricorn.
o It is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year ranging between
240C and 270C.

34 Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of methane [2019 –
hydrate? I]
1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these
deposits.
2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under
the seafloor.
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Methane

• Large but poorly known amounts of methane are trapped in the sediments beneath
the sea floor frozen into a form of water ice called methane hydrate.

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• Methane hydrate is an "ice" that only occurs naturally in subsurface

deposits where temperature and pressure conditions are favourable for its
formation.
• Four earth environments have the temperature and pressure conditions suitable for
the formation and stability of methane hydrate. These are:
1. sediment and sedimentary rock units below Arctic permafrost;
2. sedimentary deposits along continental margins;
3. deep-water sediments of inland lakes and seas; and,
4. under Antarctic ice. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• At low temperatures the methane hydrates on the sea floor are stable, but if the
water and the sea floor become warmer, then the hydrates can break down.
The microorganisms present there then oxidises the resulting methane gas to form
the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Thus, owing to melting of ice, global warming might trigger the release of methane
gas from these deposits hence having a significant impact in climate change.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Methane is relatively short-lived in the atmosphere; a molecule of methane
is oxidized to water and carbon dioxide within a decade or so, mainly by reaction with
another trace gases. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Thus, there is concerted effort to reduce methane emissions in order to reduce the
greenhouse effect.

35 Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night? [2019 –

(a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth's surface. I]
(b) Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation.
(c) The Earth's surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
(d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.

Answer: b

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Dew Formation

• When the moisture is deposited in the form of water droplets on cooler surfaces of
solid objects (rather than nuclei in air above the surface) such as stones, grass blades
and plant leaves, it is known as dew.
• The ideal conditions for its formation are
o clear sky,
o calm air,
o high relative humidity, and
o cold and long night
• For the formation of dew, it is necessary that the dew point is above the freezing
point.
• When the sky is clear and the trees and plants are cooler at nights, there is more
evaporation of water and hence more dew formation.

But when sky is cloudy, the trees and plants do not get cool in the night and hence there is
less dew formation because on a cloudy night, the clouds send the heat (earth’s radiation)
back to the ground so the ground never gets cold enough for the dew to be formed.

105 In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the [2015 –
(a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955 I]
(b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act enacted by States
(c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937
(d) Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat and Food\ Products Order, 1973

Answer: b

Agricultural Produce Market Committee:

• Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) under the State Government

regulates the notified agricultural produce and livestock.
• Agriculture is a State subject under Schedule 7 of the Indian Constitution.

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• The whole geographical area in the State is divided and declared as a market
area (Yard Mandis) wherein the markets are managed by the Market Committees
constituted by the State Governments.
• Once a particular area is declared a market area and falls under the jurisdiction of a
Market Committee, no person or agency is allowed freely to carry on wholesale
marketing activities.
• Buyers, too, need to obtain individual licenses from each APMC to transact.
• It is a part of government policy toward food security, remunerative prices to
farmers, and fair prices to consumers.

Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955

• The ECA has been used by the Government to regulate the production, supply, and
distribution of a whole host of commodities it declares ‘essential to make them
available to consumers at fair prices.

Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937

The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 is an Indian law that regulates the
grading and marking of agricultural produce to ensure their quality and prevent fraud in the
market. The objective of the act is to establish a uniform system of grading and marking for
agricultural produce, including fruits, vegetables, and other products. The act covers both
domestic and export markets and applies to both fresh and processed products.

Food Products Order, 1956 and the Meat and Food Products Order, 1973

The Food Products Order, 1956 and the Meat and Food Products Order, 1973 are two
important laws in India that regulate the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food
products.

The Food Products Order, 1956 was enacted to regulate the production and sale of certain
food products that are considered essential to public health. The order specifies the quality
standards for these products and requires that they be labelled with information about their
ingredients, nutritional value, and manufacturing date. The food products covered under this
order include milk and milk products, edible oils and fats, and infant food.

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The Meat and Food Products Order, 1973 was enacted to regulate the production,
processing, and sale of meat and meat products in India. The order specifies the hygiene
standards for slaughterhouses, processing units, and storage facilities, and requires that meat
and meat products be labelled with information about their origin, processing date, and
ingredients. The order also prohibits the sale of certain types of meat, such as beef and pork,
in certain states of India where they are considered taboo.

Both these orders are enforced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

245 The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of [2015 –

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news I]
frequently in the context of the affairs of the
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organisation
(d) United Nations Environment Programme

Answer: c

Agriculture: WTO

• The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary

and Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news frequently in the
context of the affairs of the World Trade Organisation.

World Trade Organisation (WTO)

• WTO is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade
between nations.
• It was created by Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-94) with a membership
of 164 members representing 98 percent of world trade.
• It was established on 1 January 1995 with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

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 Geography PYQ Notes 25

• The WTO’s agreements are often called the Final Act of the Uruguay Round of
Multilateral Trade Negotiations, signed in Marrakesh, Morocco on 15 April 1994.
• The WTO superseded the GATT as the umbrella organization for international trade.

Agreement on Agriculture

• It came into force on 1 January 1995.

• The preamble to the Agreement recognizes that the agreed long-term objective of
the reform process initiated by the Uruguay Round to establish a fair and market-
oriented agricultural trading system.
• The reform program comprises specific commitments to reduce support and
protection in the areas of domestic support, export subsidies, and market access,
and through the establishment of strengthened and more operationally effective
GATT rules and disciplines.
• The Agreement also takes into account non-trade concerns, including food
security and the need to protect the environment, and provides special and
differential treatment for developing countries, including an improvement in the
opportunities and terms of access for agricultural products of particular export
interest to these Members.

Peace clause

• The Agreement on Agriculture contains a “due restraint” or “peace

clause” which regulates the application of other WTO agreements to subsidies in
respect of agricultural products.
• The provisions provide that Green Box domestic support measures cannot be the
subject of countervailing duty action or other subsidy action under the WTO
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, nor can they be subject to
actions based on non-violation nullification or impairment of tariff concessions
under the GATT.
• Further, in so far as the support provided to individual products does not exceed that
decided in the 1992 marketing year, these measures are exempt from other subsidy
action or nullification or impairment action. Export subsidies conforming to the

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 Geography PYQ Notes 26

Agreement on Agriculture are, to the extent relevant, covered by corresponding

provisions.
• The peace clause remains in effect for a period of nine years.

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