UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India?

1. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity 
2. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills
3. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers
   
   

Select the answer using the code given below:

Explanation:  

The Peninsular Block of India is one of the oldest and most stable landmasses of the Indian subcontinent. It  is mainly composed of ancient crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks. However, it has also experienced  vertical movements, faulting and tilting, which have influenced its coasts, plateaus, residual hills and river valleys. 

• The western coast of India shows evidence of submergence. This is reflected in features such as  estuaries and backwaters along parts of the west coast. The submergence is linked to tectonic movements and faulting along the western margin of the Peninsular Block. So, statement 1 is correct.
• The Peninsular Block has several residual mountain ranges and hills formed due to long denudation of  ancient rocks. The Veliconda hills of the Eastern Ghats and Mahendragiri hills in Odisha are examples of  such residual hill ranges associated with the Peninsular region. So, statement 2 is correct.
• Deep, V-shaped valleys are generally associated with youthful rivers flowing through high-gradient  terrain, especially in mountainous regions. Most Peninsular rivers flow over an old, stable and mature  landmass, and they usually have broad, shallow valleys rather than deep V-shaped valleys. So, statement  3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.