Rajasthan Geography

Natural Disasters, Famine and Desertification

50,000+ Questions

Previous Year Papers

Detailed Solutions

Hindi & English

EASY

Which of the following is the etymological origin of the word 'Marusthal' used in the context of desert geography?

It implies a land of shifting sands.

It translates to 'Dead Land' (Mrit Bhoo-bhag).

It refers to high-altitude plateaus.

It is a term for a rocky desert plateau.

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: It translates to 'Dead Land' (Mrit Bhoo-bhag).
Core Concept: Historical and linguistic terminology of deserts.

MEDIUM

Consider the following statements regarding the Disaster Management governance in Rajasthan:

The Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Apada Prabandhan Adhiniyam) was implemented in Rajasthan on August 1, 2007.
Both the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) were established on the same date.
The District Collector is the Chairperson of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, and 3

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.
Core Concept: The administrative structure of Disaster Management in Rajasthan follows a clear hierarchy with specific establishment dates and leadership roles.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Administrative Roles:
- The Chief Minister serves as the Chairperson for the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), not the District Collector.
- The District Collector serves as the Chairperson for the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
Timeline Consistency:
- The Disaster Management Act was implemented on August 1, 2007.
- Both SDMA and DDMA were established on September 6, 2007, ensuring simultaneous roll-out at the state and district levels.

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Trap: Always differentiate between the State-level (Chief Minister) and District-level (Collector) chairpersons. Exams often swap these roles in multiple-statement questions to test clarity.

HARD

Consider the following statements regarding the classification of disasters:

'Jvariya Tarange' (Ocean waves) are classified as an Aquatic Disaster.
'Anachchhadan' (Denudation) is an Atmospheric Disaster.
'Jvalamukhi' (Volcano) is a Physical Disaster.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, and 3

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.
Core Concept: Classification accuracy requires differentiating between earth-surface (physical) and atmospheric processes.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Analysis of Statements:
- Statement 1 is correct; ocean-based events belong to the Aquatic category.
- Statement 2 is incorrect; Denudation involves geological erosion and wear, making it a Physical Disaster, not atmospheric.
- Statement 3 is correct; volcanoes are geological events, fitting the Physical Disaster category.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Term	Category	Classification Logic
Anachchhadan	Physical	Erosion/Weathering processes
Jvariya Tarange	Aquatic	Hydro-force/Tide related
Jvalamukhi	Physical	Crustal magma activity

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Trap: Denudation often confuses students because erosion can be caused by wind (atmospheric). However, in geography classification, the act of denudation is a geomorphological (physical) event.

EASY

The term 'Disaster' (Apada) is etymologically derived from which of the following languages?

Latin

Greek

French

German

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is French.
Core Concept: The word Disaster traces its origins to the French language, where it serves as a compound term combining two distinct etymological roots.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Etymological Roots:
- The term is a combination of the prefix 'Des' (meaning 'Bad') and the root 'Aster' (meaning 'Stars').
- Historically, this reflects a conceptual link between astronomical events and terrestrial misfortune.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Language Origin	Term	Primary Meaning
French	Disaster	Sudden destruction caused by natural forces
Greek	Astron	Star or Celestial Body
Latin	Natura	Birth or Nature

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Pitfall: In competitive exams, candidates often confuse terms derived from Latin or Greek with those of French origin. Remember: Disaster is specifically linked to French etymology.

Memorable Trivia: The literal translation of 'Disaster'—'Bad Stars'—highlights ancient beliefs where celestial movements were thought to influence earthly catastrophes.

MEDIUM

Match the following government welfare schemes with their primary implementation objective:

Scheme	Primary Objective
A. Saubhagya Yojana	1. Financial inclusion and assistance
B. Ujjwala Yojana	2. 100% rural electrification
C. PM Jan-Dhan Yojana	3. Providing 'Pucca' houses
D. PM Awas Yojana	4. LPG gas supply

Select the correct matching code:

A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Saubhagya Yojana: Focuses on achieving 100% rural electrification across the nation.
Ujjwala Yojana: Specifically designed to provide LPG gas supply to underprivileged households to reduce indoor air pollution.
PM Jan-Dhan Yojana: The primary vehicle for financial inclusion by opening bank accounts for the unbanked population.
PM Awas Yojana: A mission-critical scheme aimed at providing 'Pucca' house facilities to eligible beneficiaries.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Related Infrastructure Scheme	Primary Focus Area
Jal Jeevan Mission	Drinking Water Supply
Swachh Bharat Mission	Sanitation Improvement
PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana	Skill Development

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Pitfall: Candidates often confuse Ujjwala (Gas) with general energy schemes. Remember Ujjwala relates to Clean Cooking Fuel.

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MEDIUM

Which of the following statements regarding the structural types of deserts is INCORRECT?

Hamada deserts are dominated by bare rock surfaces.

Erg deserts are characterized by vast sand dunes.

Reg deserts are exclusively made of solid, unbroken bedrock.

The structural classification is based on the dominant surface material.

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: Reg deserts are exclusively made of solid, unbroken bedrock.
Core Concept: Identifying incorrect structural definitions.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Reg vs Hamada: While Hamada consists of exposed bedrock, Reg is specifically defined as a mixed desert containing gravel, pebbles, and sand. Suggesting it is 'exclusively solid bedrock' is a factual error.

PSI - 13.9.2021

MEDIUM

The Border Area Development Programme is related to which districts of the state?

Sirohi, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur

Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer

Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer

Sirohi, Dungarpur, Banswara, Jhalawar

Explanation

Border Area Development Programme: Started in 1993-94 under 100 percent central assistance, this programme focuses on the development of infrastructure (road construction, electrification, drinking water, etc.). Currently, this programme is being run in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar districts.

HARD

Assertion (A): Deserts are characterized by extreme environmental conditions, leading to their definition as 'Dead Land'.
Reason (R): Any region experiencing less than 25 cm of rainfall is classified as a desert regardless of its temperature or latitude.

Select the correct answer code:

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(A) is true but (R) is false

(A) is false but (R) is true

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Core Concept: The etymological definition ('Dead Land') and the climatic definition (< 25 cm rainfall) are distinct concepts.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Assertion Analysis: The term 'Marusthal' (Dead Land) reflects a cultural or historical perspective of the land's inability to support typical human civilization or agriculture.
Reason Analysis: The rainfall criteria of < 25 cm is a hydrologic standard. While both statements are factual, the rainfall limit explains why a place is a desert (scientific), not why it is called 'Dead Land' (linguistic/cultural).

📊 Fact Spotlight

Term	Linguistic Origin	Scientific Criteria
Marusthal	Sanskrit/Hindi ('Mrit Bhoo-bhag')	-
Desert	-	Precipitation < 25 cm

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Pitfall: In Assertion-Reasoning questions, ensure the Reason actually causes the Assertion. Here, the definition as 'Dead Land' is the subjective interpretation of the climate, not caused by the rainfall number itself.

MEDIUM

If a research expedition identifies a region in the mid-latitudes with moderate to low precipitation, how would it be classified based on the standard climatic classification of deserts?

Hot Desert

Semi-hot Desert

Cold Desert

Hamada

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: Semi-hot Desert.
Core Concept: Applying climatic classification to geographical scenarios.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Classification: Deserts are categorized by latitude. Hot = Equator/Low latitude; Semi-hot = Mid-latitude; Cold = High latitude/Polar. Therefore, a mid-latitude desert fits the 'Semi-hot' category.

EASY

Consider the following statement:
"The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) focuses exclusively on natural disasters."

Is this statement correct based on the administrative framework of Rajasthan?

Yes, it only covers natural disasters.

No, it covers both natural and human-made disasters.

No, it only covers human-made disasters.

No, it is handled by the Central Government only.

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is No, it covers both natural and human-made disasters.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Scope of Authority:
- The mandate of the SDMA is broad, encompassing the prevention and mitigation of both natural (e.g., floods, droughts) and human-made disasters.
- This comprehensive approach is essential for a robust governance framework to ensure public safety and minimize infrastructure damage.

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MEDIUM

Consider the following statements regarding the factors of desertification in Rajasthan:

In South-Eastern Rajasthan, deforestation is one of the primary drivers of desertification.
In South-Eastern Rajasthan, excessive agricultural practices also contribute to desertification.
Urbanization is the primary cause of desertification in Western Rajasthan.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, and 3

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Regional Analysis:
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Deforestation and excessive agriculture are the recognized drivers in South-Eastern Rajasthan.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Urbanization is a primary cause in Eastern Rajasthan, whereas Western Rajasthan is dominated by physical factors like lack of rainfall and wind erosion.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Region	Primary Driver Context
Western	Aridity (Wind/Rainfall)
Eastern	Demographic (Urban/Pop growth)
South-Eastern	Land/Forest degradation

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Exam Trap: Distinguishing between Eastern (Urbanization-led) and South-Eastern (Agriculture/Forestry-led) causes is a common question format.

HARD

Assertion (A): The Aravalli Afforestation Programme is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Reason (R): This programme was specifically initiated in 1992 to improve the ecological health of the Aravalli hills.

Select the correct answer code:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

A is true but R is false.

A is false but R is true.

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Core Concept: International funding (JICA) and the program start date/objective are distinct facts.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

The Aravalli Afforestation Programme (1992):
- Funding Source: The financial backing comes from JICA (Japan), making the assertion true.
- Objective: The goal was indeed to promote afforestation in the Aravalli region to combat desertification, making the reason true.
- Reasoning: While both are true, the statement about the funding source does not explain why it was initiated in 1992, or vice-versa. They are independent valid facts regarding the program.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Feature	Detail
Start Date	1992
Primary Funding	JICA (Japan)
Region	Aravalli Hill Range

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Pitfall: In Assertion-Reasoning questions, if two facts are both correct but don't cause/effect each other, the 'not the correct explanation' option is almost always the answer.

III Grade (Sanskrit) - 27.02.2023

MEDIUM

Maximum intensity of famine occurs in... district.

Jaisalmer

Pali

Jalore

Barmer

Explanation

In 2023, 2 districts (Jalore and Nagaur) were declared famine-affected due to crop damage caused by floods, and 13 other districts were declared famine-affected due to drought.

Sangrahalayadhyaksha - 19.06.2024

MEDIUM

Which of the following is the most important process of desertification/land degradation after wind erosion?

Water Erosion

Waterlogging

Vegetation Degradation

Over-irrigation

Explanation

The new edition of the 'Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas' was released on World Day to Combat Desertification on 17 June 2021. It is published by the Space Applications Centre located in Ahmedabad. In the year 2018-19, 62.06 percent of the total geographical area of Rajasthan is undergoing desertification and land degradation. According to 2018-19, in Rajasthan, wind erosion is 43.37%, vegetation degradation is 7.64%, and water erosion is 6.21%.

कॉलेज व्याख्याता (सारणी)-30.5.2019

MEDIUM

From which year did the Modified Area Development Programme start?

1978-79

1980-81

1985-86

1974-75

Explanation

Modified Area Development Approach (MADA): Started in 1978-79, under this programme, 36036 villages of 13 districts (Sirohi, Bhilwara, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Tonk, Dholpur, Sawaimadhopur, Jaipur, Pali, and Alwar) are benefiting from tribal educational development, handloom, durrie, weaving, wood work and minor irrigation programmes.

MEDIUM

Consider the following disasters:

Heatwaves (Loo)
Subsidence (Avatalan)
Tsunami
Frost (Pala)

Which of the above are classified as 'Atmospheric Disasters' (Vayumandaliya Apada)?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 4 only

1, 3, and 4

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is 1 and 4 only.
Core Concept: Atmospheric disasters are events driven primarily by meteorological processes and changes in the atmosphere, such as Heatwaves and Frost.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Classification Logic:
- Heatwaves (Loo) and Frost (Pala) originate directly from variations in atmospheric temperature and pressure, placing them in the Atmospheric category.
- Subsidence (Avatalan) relates to the sinking of the ground surface, making it a Physical Disaster.
- Tsunami is generated by seismic or underwater disturbances, classifying it as an Aquatic Disaster.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Disaster Category	Key Examples	Primary Driver
Atmospheric	Lightning, Drought, Cyclone	Meteorological factors
Aquatic	Floods, Ocean Storms	Hydro-dynamic forces
Physical	Volcano, Denudation	Geomorphological processes
Biological	Viruses, Protozoa, Worms	Organic/Pathogenic agents

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Common Trap: Do not confuse Ocean Storms (Aquatic) with Cyclones (Atmospheric). While both involve wind and pressure, the classification strictly depends on the primary medium and origin stated in the source.

Memorable Trivia: Denudation is classified as a physical disaster because it involves the wearing away of the Earth's surface through geological agencies.

MEDIUM

Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

The UNCCD draft was officially prepared on June 17, 1994.
The convention came into force on December 26, 1996.
The organization consists of exactly 197 member nations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Only 1 and 2

Only 2 and 3

Only 1 and 3

1, 2, and 3

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.
Core Concept: The UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) established the foundational dates and membership structure that govern global efforts against desertification.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Formation Facts:
- The drafting was completed on June 17, 1994, which is why this date is globally significant.
- The implementation (becoming effective) occurred on December 26, 1996.
Structural Facts:
- Membership currently stands at 197 members, comprising 193 nations and 4 other entities.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Event/Fact	Date/Detail	Significance
Draft Preparation	June 17, 1994	Origin of UNCCD
Effective Date	December 26, 1996	Start of global compliance
Total Members	197	Global participation count
Theme of COP-16	Our Land, Our Future	Current Policy Focus

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Exam Trap: Do not confuse the 'Draft Date' (June 17) with the 'Effective Date' (December 26). The draft date is also observed as the 'World Day to Combat Desertification'.

JEN (यांत्रिकी) डिप्लोमा - 13.12.2020

MEDIUM

In which year was the Maru Vikas Board (Desert Development Board) established?

1967

1968

1969

1966

Explanation

The Maru Vikas Board (Desert Development Board) was established in the year 1966.

EASY

According to the ISRO 2016 report, which factor is the single largest contributor to desertification in Rajasthan, accounting for 44.41% of the affected area?

Vegetation Degradation

Water Erosion

Wind Erosion

Rocky/Barren Land

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: Wind Erosion (Vayu Aparadan).
Core Concept: Understanding the geography of the Thar Desert clarifies why wind erosion is the dominant force.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Geographical Context: Rajasthan, specifically the western region, is characterized by sand dunes and arid conditions, making Wind Erosion the primary driver of soil loss.
Statistical Dominance: At 44.41%, it overshadows other factors like water erosion or vegetation loss.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Driver	Impact %
Wind Erosion	44.41%
Vegetation Degradation	7.62%
Water Erosion	6.18%
Rocky/Barren Land	3.07%

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Memorable Trivia: Whenever questions regarding desertification causes in Rajasthan arise, always prioritize Wind Erosion (the aeolian factor) as the most potent influence.

Exam Trap: Do not confuse 'Wind Erosion' with 'Water Erosion', which is typically higher in hilly or river-fed regions rather than the vast desert tracts.

MEDIUM

Match the Hindi terms for disasters with their correct English equivalents as used in classification:

Hindi Term	English Equivalent
A. Avatalan	1. Drought
B. Sookha	2. Subsidence
C. Olavrishti	3. Landslides
D. Bhu-skhalan	4. Hailstorms

Select the correct code:

A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

Explanation

🌟 Quick Verification

Direct Answer: The correct answer is A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
Core Concept: Knowing the precise terminology in both languages is essential for identification in bilingual exam papers.

🧠 Concept Blueprint

Terminology Check:
- Avatalan = Subsidence.
- Sookha = Drought.
- Olavrishti = Hailstorms.
- Bhu-skhalan = Landslides.

📊 Fact Spotlight

Disaster	Hindi Term	Category
Lightning	Tadit Sanjha	Atmospheric
Earthquake	Bhukamp	Physical
Flood	Baadh	Aquatic
Viruses	Vishanu	Biological

💡 Exam Strategy & Trivia

Tip

Memorable Trivia: The prefix 'Bhu-' in Hindi often relates to Earth/Ground (Bhukamp, Bhu-skhalan), which is a useful mnemonic for Physical Disasters.

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All Chapters

Rajasthan Geography

Districts and Divisions of Rajasthan

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