Q1. Which country is known as the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’
(a) Japan
(b) Korea
(c) Taiwan
(d) Netherlands
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) Korea
Explanation: Korea is traditionally referred to as the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’ due to its serene natural beauty and peaceful landscapes, especially during sunrise.
Q2. Country known as the Sugar Bowl of the World is
(a) Cuba
(b) India
(c) Burma
(d) Norway
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) Cuba
Explanation: Cuba earned the title ‘Sugar Bowl of the World’ because of its large-scale sugarcane cultivation and dominance in global sugar exports during the 20th century.
Q3. The shortest route from New Delhi to Vancouver is
(a) New Delhi-Bangkok-Tokyo-Vancouver
(b) New Delhi-London-New York-Vancouver
(c) New Delhi-Paris-New York-Vancouver
(d) New Delhi-Moscow-New York-Vancouver
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) New Delhi-Moscow-New York-Vancouver
Explanation: The shortest air route from New Delhi to Vancouver follows a great circle path, passing through Moscow and New York, minimizing distance and flight time due to the curvature of the Earth.
Q4. Grenada is situated in
(a) Pacific Ocean
(b) Indian Ocean
(c) Caribbean Sea
(d) Mediterranean Sea
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) Caribbean Sea
Explanation: Grenada is a small island country located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, near the southern end of the Grenadines island chain. It is part of the West Indies and is known for its volcanic origin and tropical climate. The Caribbean Sea lies between North and South America and is home to many island nations.
Q5. The North Atlantic Sea route is regarded as an important international trade route because
(a) It is the oldest sea route
(b) It connects two industrially developed parts of the world
(c) Trade winds will help the shipping
(d) There are lesser number of sea storms in this water way
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (b) It connects two industrially developed parts of the world
Explanation: The North Atlantic Sea route links North America and Western Europe, both of which are highly industrialized regions. This route facilitates heavy trade traffic, including raw materials, manufactured goods, and energy resources, making it economically vital.
Q6. Which of the following pairs is correct ?
City – River
(a) Baghdad – Tigris
(b) Bonn – Danube
(c) Rome – Seine
(d) Paris – Tiber
Answer: (a) Baghdad – Tigris
Explanation:
Baghdad is situated on the Tigris River, which flows through Iraq. The other options are incorrect:
- Bonn lies on the Rhine, not Danube
- Rome is on the Tiber, not Seine
- Paris is on the Seine, not Tiber
Q7. Which of the following two continents are just like the mirror images of each other ?
(a) South America and Africa
(b) South America and North America
(c) South America and Australia
(d) Europe and Asia
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (a) South America and Africa
Explanation: The east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa appear to fit together like puzzle pieces, supporting the theory of continental drift. They are often described as mirror images.
Q8. The temperature and the rainfall of a particular city were recorded as follows:
(Jan–Dec: Temp 39–63°F, Rainfall 1.5–2.6 inches)
The name of the city should be
(a) New Delhi
(b) New York
(c) Tashkent
(d) London
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (d) London
Explanation: The moderate temperature range and consistent rainfall throughout the year match the climatic pattern of London, which has cool summers and mild winters with regular precipitation.