60th-62nd Prelims 2017

Explanation:

The mid-latitude grasslands located in South America are called Pampas. This plain lies south of the Brazilian Plateau and is also known as the La Plata plain. The Paraná and Paraguay rivers and their tributaries contribute to its formation. Pampas are flat and fertile temperate grasslands. Other temperate grasslands include prairies in North America, velds in southern Africa, and steppes in Eurasia. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The Great Victorian Desert is located in Australia and is the largest desert in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia is the world's smallest and least populated continent, located in the Southern Hemisphere with the Tropic of Capricorn passing through its middle. Its east-west extent and location make it a dry continent. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

Coolgardie in Australia is world-famous for gold mining. Notable coal mining areas include the Appalachian region (USA), Donetz region (Ukraine), and Rur Valley (Germany). Copper mining is significant in the Chukokkama Mountains (Chile) and Katanga region (Congo). Gold mining in addition to Coolgardie is also prominent at Kalgoorlie (Australia) and Johannesburg and Kimberley (South Africa). [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

Particulate matter refers to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. When there is an undesirable change in the amount or proportion of gases due to human or natural activities, and additional toxic gases or particulate matter are mixed in, it results in air pollution. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The Dead Sea has the highest average salinity among seas at approximately 23.8%. While Turkey's Van Lake has the highest salinity globally at 33%. The average salinity of oceans is about 3.5%. Salinity is the ratio of the weight of dissolved substances to the weight of seawater, and rivers play a major role in transporting salts to the oceans. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The correct match is: Bangalore - Aircraft industry; Korba - Aluminum industry; Jamshedpur - Iron and Steel industry; Malanjkhand - Copper industry. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The Golden Quadrilateral is part of the National Highways Project in India. It connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata by road, covering a total length of 5,846 km. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The Dravidian race is primarily concentrated in South India. It is classified under the broader Negro-Australoid grouping in anthropological terms. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The Nilgiri Hills form a topographical knot where the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats converge. Its highest peak is Doddabetta (2,637 m), the second-highest in southern India. Ooty (Utkamandalam) is located in the Nilgiris. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

Khetri in Rajasthan is renowned for its copper industry. Rajasthan leads the country in estimated reserves and production of copper, with major mining centers at Khetri-Singhana and Kho-Dariwa Bhagoni. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier near Gomukh in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, where it is known as the Bhagirathi. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi converge at Devprayag to form the Ganga. The Alaknanda originates from the Satopanth Glacier. The Ganga then emerges from the mountains near Haridwar and enters the plains. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

The Bailadila mining area is located in Chhattisgarh, where Hematite type of iron ore is mined. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Explanation:

In India, saffron is produced only in limited areas of Jammu (Kishtwar) and Kashmir (Pampur). Globally, Spain is the largest producer of saffron. Saffron is an aromatic plant; the stigma of its flower is used as a spice. Its native region is Southern Europe. Loamy soil is suitable for saffron cultivation. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]