hpas 2025 geography

HPAS 2025 Geography Topic-Wise Solutions

HPAS 2025 Geography Topic-Wise Solutions

Question 4

Marble Falls pertain to:

  • (A) The Narmada system
  • (B) The Tapi system
  • (C) The Krishna system
  • (D) The Kaveri system
Correct Answer: (A) The Narmada system
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Detailed Explanation: The Dhuandhar Waterfall is famously known as the Marble Falls. It is formed by the Narmada River plunging over beautiful white marble rocks at Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh. (Trick: The people of MP are very dynamic/Dhuandhar!).

🌊 Indian Waterfalls: Records & Master Revision
Record TitleWaterfall NameHeight / River / State
Highest WaterfallKunchikal Waterfall455m (1493 ft) | Varahi River | Karnataka
2nd Highest WaterfallBarehipani Waterfall399m | Budhabalanga River | Odisha
Largest by WidthJog Waterfall(Gerosoppa falls/Mahatma Gandhi falls)Sharavati River | Karnataka
Largest by VolumeShivasamudramKaveri River | Karnataka
🧠 State-Wise Memory Tricks for Waterfalls
🎭 Karnataka (Trick Keyword: “Natak” / Drama)
  • Jog Waterfall: When people are jogging, they do a lot of drama (natak) to look cool.
  • Barkana Waterfall: When you instigate (bhadkana) someone, they do drama (natak).
  • Magod Waterfall: A child in its mother’s lap (Maa ki god) does drama (natak).
  • Hebbe Falls: The movie “Heyy Babyy” featured a baby doing drama (natak).
  • Gokak Waterfall (Ghataprabha River): Wherever there is Lord Shiva (Shivasamudram), there is also his bull/cow (Gokak) → Both in Karnataka.
πŸ¦… Odisha (Trick Keyword: “Ud” / Fly)
  • Barehipani Waterfall: If you fly too much (jyada udoge), you will have to fetch water (bharegi pani).
  • Joranda Falls: If you throw an egg (anda) with force (jor), it will fly (ud).
  • Khandadhar Waterfall: If people are divided into segments (khand), they will fly away (ud).
☁️ Meghalaya (Trick Keywords: “No Megh” / Rain)
  • Nohkalikai Waterfall: Highest plunge-type waterfall in India. “Noh” sounds like saying “No Megh” (No more clouds/rain) because Meghalaya gets too much rain.
  • Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters / Mawsmai): Features 7 distinct streams. Starts with “Noh” → Meghalaya. Mawsmai sounds like Mawsynram (highest rainfall area).
  • Kynrem Waterfall: “Rem/Rim” sounds like “Rimjhim” (drizzling rain) → Meghalaya.
🌿 Jharkhand (Trick Keyword: “Jhaadiyon” / Bushes)
  • Rajrappa Waterfall: If you eat too many Gol-gappas (rhymes with Raj-rappa), you will lose your balance and fall into the bushes (Jhaadiyon).
  • Hundru Waterfall (Subarnarekha River): If you drive a Honda (sounds like Hundru) too fast, you will fall into the bushes (Jhaadiyon).
🐟 Kerala & 🏏 Tamil Nadu
  • Meenmutty (Kerala):Meen” means fish, and the map of Kerala looks exactly like a fish.
  • Soochipara (Kerala): Eating bitter gourd (Karela → Kerala) makes a person’s temper (para) shoot up.
  • Thalaiyar (Tamil Nadu):Thala” is the nickname for MS Dhoni (CSK → Chennai/Tamil Nadu).
  • Hogenakkal (Tamil Nadu): Cheaters (nakal) hide chits in the drawstring (naada) of their pants → Naada/Nadu.
πŸ‘‘ Maharashtra, Andhra, Telangana & Others
  • Vajrai & Thoseghar (Maharashtra): Only great (mahan) people can lift the Vajra weapon, and Mahan places have very big homes (ghar). Pune Falls is also here.
  • Talakona (Andhra Pradesh): Who cannot open a lock? (Tala koni khol payega?) A blind person (Andha vyakti → Andhra).
  • Kuntala (Telangana): To eat fried food (tala), you must fry it in oil (tel → Telangana).
  • Sahasradhara (Uttarakhand & MP): “Sahasra” = thousand streams. Needs a lot of space, so it occupies two states!
⭐ Other Notable Waterfalls
WaterfallStateKey Detail / Trick
Chitrakote (Chitrakoot)ChhattisgarhFormed by the Indravati River. Known as the “Niagara Falls of India” due to its incredible horseshoe shape and width.
DudhsagarGoaFormed by the Mandovi River. Trick: You go to Goa to see the sea (Sagar).
DudumaOdisha & APTrick: A blind person (Andhra) flew away (Ud gaya -> Odisha) with the milk (Doodh).
Kempty FallsUttarakhandHighly famous tourist waterfall located near Mussoorie.
KapildharaMadhya PradeshLocated on the Narmada River.
ChuliyaRajasthanLocated on the Chambal River.
PalaniHimachal PradeshLocated in the Kullu Valley.
VantawngMizoramHighest uninterrupted waterfall in Mizoram.
Question 5

Baghelkhand region is located to the east of:

  • (A) The Malwa Plateau
  • (B) The Maikal Range
  • (C) The Chota Nagpur Plateau
  • (D) The Telangana Plateau
Correct Answer: (B) The Maikal Range
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Detailed Explanation: The Baghelkhand region is situated in central India, primarily covering northeastern Madhya Pradesh and adjacent southern parts of Uttar Pradesh. Geographically, it is located to the east of the Maikal Range (which forms the eastern extension of the Satpura mountain system) and the Vindhya Range.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Analyzing the Given Options
Geographical FeatureRelative Location & Facts
(A) Malwa PlateauLocated in western Madhya Pradesh. Baghelkhand is far to the east of the Malwa plateau.
(B) Maikal RangeForms the eastern link of the Satpura ranges in MP and Chhattisgarh. Baghelkhand lies directly to its east/northeast.
(C) Chota Nagpur PlateauLocated primarily in Jharkhand. This plateau lies to the east of Baghelkhand (meaning Baghelkhand is to its west).
(D) Telangana PlateauLocated far to the south in the Deccan peninsula, making it geographically irrelevant to the central highlands.
🧠 Mental Map: West to East Alignment of Plateaus

Examiners frequently ask students to arrange the Central Indian plateaus from West to East. Memorize this exact sequence:

Mewar → Malwa → Bundelkhand → Baghelkhand → Chota Nagpur

  • Mewar (Marwar) Plateau: Eastern Rajasthan (East of Aravallis).
  • Malwa Plateau: Western Madhya Pradesh (Volcanic origin, black soil).
  • Bundelkhand: Spans UP and MP borders (Ancient granite/gneiss rocks, drought-prone).
  • Baghelkhand: East of Bundelkhand/Maikal, separating the Ganga basin from the Mahanadi basin.
  • Chota Nagpur: Jharkhand/Odisha/WB (The mineral heartland of India).

⭐ Memory Trick: “Meena Makes Bundles of Bags for Chota Nagpur” (Mewar, Malwa, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Chota Nagpur).

πŸ”„ Similar Previous Year Question (PYQ)

UPSC CSE / State PSC (Similar PYQ): Arrange the following relief features of India from West to East:
(1) Bundelkhand Plateau
(2) Malwa Plateau
(3) Baghelkhand Plateau
(4) Chota Nagpur Plateau

Correct Answer: (2) Malwa, (1) Bundelkhand, (3) Baghelkhand, (4) Chota Nagpur

Exam Connection: This sequence completely validates the position of Baghelkhand as an eastern feature of the central highlands, coming right before Chota Nagpur.

Question 16

Cocos plate is located between :

  • (A) Central America and Pacific plate
  • (B) Asiatic and Pacific plate
  • (C) South America and Pacific plate
  • (D) Phillippine and Indian plate
Correct Answer: (A) Central America and Pacific plate
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Detailed Explanation: The Cocos plate is a minor oceanic tectonic plate located beneath the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Central America. It lies exactly between the massive Pacific Plate to the west and the North American and Caribbean plates (Central America) to the east.

🌍 Master List: Important Minor Tectonic Plates
Minor PlateGeographical Location
Cocos PlateBetween Central America and the Pacific Plate.
Nazca PlateBetween South America and the Pacific Plate. (Often confused with Cocos)
Juan de Fuca PlateBetween the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate (off the coast of Washington/Oregon, USA).
Scotia PlateBetween the South American Plate and the Antarctic Plate (far south).
Philippine PlateBetween the Asiatic (Eurasian) and Pacific Plates.
Arabian PlateEncompasses mostly the Saudi Arabian landmass.
Caribbean PlateCovers the Caribbean Sea region and parts of Central America.
Caroline PlateLocated between the Philippine and Indian Plates (North of New Guinea).
🧠 Memory Trick: West Coast Plates (North to South)

Examiners frequently ask you to match plates with their Americas coastal locations, or arrange them from North to South. Remember this phrase:

“Juan Cooks Nachos South”

  • JuanJuan de Fuca Plate (Furthest North – North America)
  • CooksCocos Plate (Middle – Central America)
  • NachosNazca Plate (South – South America)
  • SouthScotia Plate (Furthest South – Near Antarctica)
πŸ”„ Similar Previous Year Question (PYQ)

UPSC CSE / State PSC (Similar PYQ): The Nazca Plate is a tectonic plate located between which of the following?
(A) North America and Pacific Plate
(B) South America and Pacific Plate
(C) Central America and Pacific Plate
(D) Asia and Pacific Plate

Correct Answer: (B) South America and Pacific Plate

Exam Connection: A classic distractor question! Students often mix up Cocos (Central America) and Nazca (South America). Use the “Juan Cooks Nachos” trick to never get this wrong again.

Question 36

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Tropical humid climates exist between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
Statement II: Mediterranean type of climate occurs around Mediterranean Sea.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

  • (A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • (B) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • (C) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect
  • (D) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct
Correct Answer: (A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Statement I is CORRECT: Tropical humid climates (Koeppen’s ‘A’ climate group) exist continuously in the belt between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5Β° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5Β° S). Because the sun is practically overhead throughout the year in this latitudinal belt, the region experiences consistently high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall.

Statement II is CORRECT: The Mediterranean type of climate is indeed named after and most prominently found around the Mediterranean Sea (Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia). It is famously characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

🌦️ High-Yield Climatic Zones Revision
Climate TypeLatitudinal Extent / RegionKey Characteristics
Tropical Wet (Equatorial)10Β° N to 10Β° SNo distinct dry season or winter. High uniform temperature and heavy precipitation throughout the year (e.g., Amazon Basin, Congo Basin).
Tropical Monsoon10Β° to 25Β° N and SDistinct wet and dry seasons. Heavy rainfall in summer due to the seasonal reversal of winds (e.g., Indian Subcontinent, SE Asia).
Mediterranean30Β° to 45Β° N and S
(Western margins of continents)
Winter rainfall. Highly suited for citrus fruit cultivation and viticulture (grapes/wine-making).
Hot Desert15Β° to 30Β° N and S
(Western margins of continents)
Extremely low rainfall, subsiding air masses, and a very high diurnal (daily) temperature range (e.g., Sahara, Atacama, Thar).
πŸ›‘ Exam Trap Alert: Mediterranean Climate Locations

While the Mediterranean climate is obviously found around the Mediterranean Sea, examiners frequently trick students by asking about its other global locations. Remember that it occurs on the western margins of continents in BOTH hemispheres!

  • North America: Central and Southern California.
  • South America: Central Chile.
  • Africa: Cape Town (Southwestern tip of South Africa).
  • Australia: Southern and Southwestern Australia (Adelaide, Perth).

⭐ Crucial Concept: The Mediterranean climate is caused by the seasonal shifting of planetary wind belts. They come under the influence of dry trade winds in summer and rain-bearing westerlies in winter.

Question 45

Arrange the following uplands of peninsular India from South to North :
(1) Palghat
(2) Javadi Hills
(3) Bhorghat
(4) Rajmahal Hills.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (1), (2), (3), (4)
  • (B) (2), (3), (4), (1)
  • (C) (3), (4), (2), (1)
  • (D) (4), (3), (2), (1)
Correct Answer: (A) (1), (2), (3), (4)
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Solution contents pending update…

Question 56

Arrange the following tectonic plates of world from North to South :
(1) Scotia plate
(2) Cocos plate
(3) Nazca plate
(4) Juan De Fuca plate.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (1), (3), (2), (4)
  • (B) (4), (3), (2), (1)
  • (C) (4), (2), (1), (3)
  • (D) (4), (2), (3), (1)
Correct Answer: (D) (4), (2), (3), (1)
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Solution contents pending update…

Question 67

Consider the following statements :
(1) The cool dry season lasts from mid-September to mid-December in India.
(2) The cyclones in October form over the Bay of Bengal between 8Β° and 14Β° N.
(3) The Coromandel coastal region receives more than 90 percent of its rainfall during summer season.
(4) October and November months represent a primary rainy season in Kerala.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (3) and (4) only
  • (B) (2) and (4) only
  • (C) (1) and (2) only
  • (D) (1) and (3) only
Correct Answer: (C) (1) and (2) only
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Solution contents pending update…

Question 73

Consider the following statements :
(1) Soil is important for life on earth.
(2) Removal of land surface by ice is known as erosion.
(3) Clay and loam soil is used to make pots.
(4) Clayey soil is used to grow cotton crop.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (1) and (2) only
  • (B) (2) and (4) only
  • (C) (1) and (3) only
  • (D) (1) and (4) only
Correct Answer: (A) (1) and (2) only
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Solution contents pending update…

Question 76

Consider the following statements:
(1) Atacamia is a coastal desert.
(2) Rubel-Khali is a cold desert.
(3) Sahara desert annually receives more than 50 cm of rainfall.
(4) Cold deserts generally have 2-25Β°C annual temperature.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (2) and (4) only
  • (B) (1) and (4) only
  • (C) (1) and (3) only
  • (D) (2) and (3) only
Correct Answer: (B) (1) and (4) only
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Solution contents pending update…

Question 86

Match List I with List II:
List-I (Place): (a) Phagwara, (b) Gokak, (c) Kullu, (d) Mandya.
List-II (Industry): (i) Silk Textile Industry, (ii) Woollen Textile Industry, (iii) Sugar Industry, (iv) Cotton Textile Industry.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
  • (B) (iv) (ii) (i) (iii)
  • (C) (iv) (ii) (iii) (i)
  • (D) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)
Correct Answer: (D) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Solution contents pending update…

Question 87

Match List I with List II:
List-I (Range): (a) The Aravalli Range, (b) The Satpura Range, (c) The Western Ghats, (d) The Eastern Ghats.
List-II (Peak): (i) Gali Konda, (ii) Guru Shikhar, (iii) Kalsubai, (iv) Dhupgarh.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • (A) (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)
  • (B) (ii) (iii) (i) (iv)
  • (C) (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)
  • (D) (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
Correct Answer: (A) (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Correct Matching is (A): (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)

  • The Aravalli Range: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) is the highest peak, located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
  • The Satpura Range: Dhupgarh (1,350 m) is the highest point, located near Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The Western Ghats (Northern section): Kalsubai (1,646 m) is the highest peak in Maharashtra, located in the Sahyadris.
  • The Eastern Ghats: Gali Konda (1,643 m) is a highly prominent peak in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
⛰️ Master List: Indian Mountain Ranges & Their Highest Peaks
Mountain Range / RegionHighest PeakState / Union Territory
Karakoram RangeK2 (Godwin Austen)POK / Ladakh (Highest in undivided India)
Himalayas (in India)KanchenjungaSikkim (Highest undisputed peak in India)
Aravalli RangeGuru ShikharRajasthan
Vindhya RangeSadbhawna Shikhar (Goodwill Peak)Madhya Pradesh
Satpura RangeDhupgarhMadhya Pradesh
Western Ghats (Overall)AnamudiKerala (Also the highest peak in South India)
Eastern Ghats (Overall)Jindhagada Peak (Arma Konda)Andhra Pradesh
Nilgiri HillsDoddabettaTamil Nadu
Andaman & Nicobar IslandsSaddle PeakNorth Andaman
Naga HillsMount SaramatiNagaland
Garo HillsNokrek PeakMeghalaya
🧠 Memory Tricks for Peaks & Ranges
  • Aravalli (Guru Shikhar): The Aravallis are the oldest fold mountains in India. Old people are wise like a Guru.
  • Satpura (Dhupgarh): “Satpura” implies seven layers. To reach the sunlight (Dhup) through seven layers, you have to go to the very top!
  • Nilgiri (Doddabetta): “Dodda” means big in Kannada, and “Betta” means hill. The Big Hill of the blue mountains.
  • Western Ghats in MH (Kalsubai): “Bai” is a very common respectful term for women in Maharashtra. Kalsubai is the “Everest of Maharashtra”.
  • Andaman (Saddle Peak): You need a Saddle to ride a horse across the islands.
πŸ”„ Similar Previous Year Question (PYQ)

State PSC (Similar PYQ): Which of the following is the highest peak of South India (Peninsular India)?
(A) Doddabetta
(B) Anamudi
(C) Mahendragiri
(D) Kalsubai

Correct Answer: (B) Anamudi

Exam Connection: This is the most frequently asked geography trap! Students often choose Doddabetta (highest of the Nilgiris), but Anamudi (located in the Anaimalai Hills, Western Ghats) is the absolute highest point south of the Himalayas.

Question 96

Match List I with List II:
List-I (Name of Peak): (a) Mt. Whitney, (b) Mt. Logan, (c) Ben Nevis, (d) Mont Blanc.
List-II (Country): (i) Canada, (ii) U.S.A., (iii) France, (iv) Scotland.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • (A) (i) (ii) (iv) (iii)
  • (B) (i) (ii) (iv) (iii)
  • (C) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
  • (D) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
Correct Answer: (A) (i) (ii) (iv) (iii)
πŸ’‘ Detailed Explanation

Correct Factual Matching: (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(iii)
*Note: The option choices provided in the original question paper contain typographical errors. Here is the accurate geographical matching:

  • Mt. Whitney: The highest peak in the contiguous U.S.A. (located in the Sierra Nevada range, California).
  • Mt. Logan: The highest peak in Canada (and the second-highest in all of North America after Denali).
  • Ben Nevis: The highest mountain in Scotland (and the entire United Kingdom).
  • Mont Blanc: The highest mountain in the Alps, located primarily in France (on the French-Italian border).
πŸ”οΈ Master List: Famous Global Peaks for Prelims
Name of PeakCountry / RegionKey Distinction
Mt. EverestNepal / China (Tibet)Highest peak in the World / Asia.
Mt. AconcaguaArgentinaHighest peak in South America (Andes).
Mt. Denali (McKinley)U.S.A. (Alaska)Highest peak in North America.
Mt. KilimanjaroTanzaniaHighest peak in Africa (A dormant volcano).
Mt. ElbrusRussiaHighest peak in Europe (Caucasus Mountains).
Mt. VinsonAntarcticaHighest peak in Antarctica.
Mt. KosciuszkoAustraliaHighest peak on the Australian mainland.
Mt. FujiJapanHighest peak in Japan (An active stratovolcano).
🧠 Pop-Culture Memory Tricks for Question 96
  • Mt. Logan (Canada): Think of Marvel’s Wolverine! His real name is Logan, and he is famously Canadian.
  • Mt. Whitney (U.S.A.): Whitney Houston was one of the greatest American singers of all time.
  • Mont Blanc (France): “Blanc” literally translates to “White” in French (The White Mountain). Also, Montblanc is a famous European luxury pen brand.
  • Ben Nevis (Scotland): “Ben” is a very traditional and common British/Scottish name.
πŸ”„ Similar Previous Year Question (PYQ)

UPSC CSE (Similar PYQ): Match the following peaks with their respective continents:
1. Aconcagua — (a) Africa
2. Kilimanjaro — (b) South America
3. Elbrus — (c) North America
4. Denali — (d) Europe

Correct Matching: 1-(b), 2-(a), 3-(d), 4-(c)

Exam Connection: Examiners love the “Seven Summits” (the highest peaks of the seven continents). Knowing Denali (North America) and Elbrus (Europe) instantly helps eliminate wrong options in these types of matching questions.

Leave a Comment