Answer: C

Explanation:

Lakshadweep is located near the Malabar coast of Kerala. This group of islands is made up of small coral islands. Earlier they were known as Lakadive, Minicoy and Amindive. In the year 1973, they were named Lakshadweep. Hence, statements 1 and 2 both are correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Lakshadweep is spread over a small area of 32 sq km. Kavaratti Island is the administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep. A wide variety of flora and fauna are found on this group of islands. Pitali Island, which is not inhabited by humans, has a bird sanctuary. Pitali Island was declared a bird sanctuary in the year 1987. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including frigatebirds, terns, boobies and gannets. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Andaman and Nicobar islands are a chain of islands spread from north to south in the Bay of Bengal. This group of islands is very important for its large size and number. There is a great diversity in the flora and fauna found in these islands. These islands are located near the equator and have an equatorial climate and are covered with dense forests. Hence, all the statements are correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The eastern coastal plains, especially the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers are made up of alluvial soil. Alluvial soil contains varying proportions of sand, silt and clay. The size of the soil particles increases as we move up the valley from the mouth of the river. Coarse-grained soils are found in the upper part of the river valley, such as near slope fractures. Such soils are usually found in the plains at the foot of mountains such as Dwar, 'Cho' region and Terai. Hence, all three statements are correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Black soils are black in colour and are also called 'Regar' soils. Black soils are considered suitable for cotton cultivation and are also known as black cotton soils. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is believed that climate and parent rocks have contributed significantly in the formation of black soil. This type of soil is found in the northwestern parts of the Deccan Plateau (Basalt) region and is composed of lava-forming rocks. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

These soils are found on the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Hence, statement 3 is correct.