Question 1

In Indian industrial geography, which region is popularly known as the Ruhr of India because of its dense concentration of coalfields, power projects and heavy industries?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Indian geography often uses industrial nicknames such as Ruhr of India to highlight regions that resemble famous industrial areas in other countries. Ruhr is a heavily industrialised coal and steel belt in Germany, so this question checks whether the learner remembers which Indian river valley plays a similar role in terms of coal, power generation and heavy industry. Given Data / Assumptions: • The question asks which region is called the Ruhr of India. • Four major Indian industrial regions are listed as options. • Only one region is a coal rich river valley with a very high density of heavy industries. Concept / Approach: The Ruhr of India must be an area where coal mining, thermal and hydel power generation, iron and steel plants and engineering units are strongly concentrated. Standard geography texts clearly associate this nickname with the Damodar Valley region in eastern India, where the Damodar River and surrounding coalfields provide the basis for a classic heavy industrial belt. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Damodar River flows mainly through Jharkhand and West Bengal and that its valley contains many rich coalfields. Step 2: Remember that the Damodar Valley Corporation has developed a series of dams and power projects, and that several major steel and engineering plants lie in this belt. Step 3: Compare this pattern with the Ruhr region in Germany, which is also a coal based heavy industrial valley, and recognise that this similarity is the reason for the nickname Ruhr of India. Verification / Alternative check: A quick check in reliable school or exam reference books confirms that the Damodar Valley region, and not the other options, is described as the Ruhr of India. The remaining options refer to important industrial corridors, but none is primarily a coalfield based river valley with the same classic profile. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Mumbai–Pune industrial region) is a diverse coastal industrial corridor with ports, petrochemicals and services, rather than a coal based river valley. Option C (Chennai–Bengaluru industrial region) is known for automobiles, textiles and information technology, but not for dense coalfields similar to the Ruhr. Option D (Delhi–Kanpur industrial region) is an important manufacturing belt in north India, but it does not match the typical coal and heavy industry pattern of the Ruhr. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes choose Mumbai–Pune simply because it is very famous, without focusing on the coalfield based nature of the Ruhr comparison. • Some students also confuse Ruhr of India with the older phrase Sorrow of Bengal, which refers to flooding by the Damodar River, not to its industrial role. Final Answer: Therefore, the region known as the Ruhr of India is the Damodar Valley region.

Question 2

At which Indian location do two important rivers, the Narmada and the Son, originate, with one river flowing westwards to the Arabian Sea and the other flowing north east to join the Ganga system that drains into the Bay of Bengal?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Many competitive exam questions on Indian rivers test the learner's memory of important river sources and the directions in which they flow. Amarkantak, a plateau region in central India, is famous because more than one important river system originates there and then flows towards different seas, which makes it a favourite examination point. Given Data / Assumptions: • The question asks for a place where two important Indian rivers originate. • One of these rivers flows northwards and finally joins a river that empties into the Bay of Bengal. • The other river flows westwards and ultimately reaches the Arabian Sea. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the river system of the Narmada and the Son. The Narmada originates in the Maikala ranges near Amarkantak and flows westwards through a rift valley to the Arabian Sea. The Son, also rising near Amarkantak, flows generally north east, joins the Ganga in Bihar and thereby becomes part of the Ganga–Bay of Bengal drainage system. So we must identify the common source region where both arise. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Narmada River has its source near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows westwards into the Arabian Sea. Step 2: Remember that the Son River also rises in the Amarkantak region and then flows north east across the plateau to meet the Ganga in Bihar. Step 3: Conclude that Amarkantak is the unique place where one river system drains to the Arabian Sea and another river system drains to the Bay of Bengal. Verification / Alternative check: Standard Indian geography maps clearly show both Narmada and Son sources near Amarkantak, while the other places in the options are sources of different single rivers. Thus, only Amarkantak matches the condition of two important rivers with opposite drainage directions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Badrinath) is associated with Himalayan sources of the Alaknanda, not with Narmada and Son. Option C (Mahabaleshwar) is a source region for the Krishna River and some west flowing streams, but not for the Narmada and Son pair. Option D (Nasik) is connected with the origin of the Godavari, and it does not satisfy the condition of two rivers flowing to different seas from one place. Common Pitfalls: • Learners may mix up various plateau towns and mark Mahabaleshwar or Nasik because they remember those as river sources. • Confusion also arises between different Himalayan pilgrim towns such as Badrinath and their river origins, so it is important to visualise the physical map of central India. Final Answer: The place where the Narmada and Son originate and then flow towards different seas is Amarkantak.

Question 3

Among the following Indian states, which has the longest coastline along the sea when measured by total length?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Knowledge of the relative length of state coastlines is an important part of Indian geography because it links directly with ports, fisheries, coastal climate and trade. While Gujarat has the longest coastline among all Indian states, exam questions often restrict the options to a smaller group of coastal states, and the learner must pick the longest coastline among those specific choices. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four coastal states are listed in the options: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. • The question asks which of these has the maximum total length of coastline. • We assume standard Survey of India or similar reference measurements for coastline length. Concept / Approach: The key idea is simple recall of approximate coastline lengths. Andhra Pradesh has a long stretch along the eastern coast on the Bay of Bengal, with several ports and fishing centres. Its coastline is longer than that of Maharashtra on the Arabian Sea and also longer than the coastlines of Odisha and Tamil Nadu in most standard data tables used for school and exam purposes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Andhra Pradesh extends for a long distance along the Bay of Bengal between Odisha in the north and Tamil Nadu in the south. Step 2: Compare this with Maharashtra, which has a relatively shorter stretch of Konkan coast on the Arabian Sea. Step 3: Note that Odisha has a smaller coastal arc than Andhra Pradesh and that Tamil Nadu, although coastal on both the Bay of Bengal and the Palk Strait, still has a shorter coastline than Andhra Pradesh according to standard figures. Verification / Alternative check: Reference tables in geography texts show Andhra Pradesh with a coastline of roughly 970 kilometres, which exceeds the lengths given for Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. Because the question restricts you to these four states, Andhra Pradesh clearly comes out as the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Maharashtra) has an important but shorter Konkan coastline along the Arabian Sea and does not exceed the length of the Andhra coast. Option C (Odisha) has a significant but smaller frontage on the Bay of Bengal, famous for the Mahanadi delta and Chilika Lake, yet it is still shorter than Andhra Pradesh. Option D (Tamil Nadu) has a long coast including the Coromandel coast and the Gulf of Mannar, but standard data still place Andhra Pradesh ahead of it in total length. Common Pitfalls: • Many learners quickly think of Tamil Nadu because it touches both the Bay of Bengal and areas near the Arabian Sea, but total length is what matters, not the number of water bodies. • Some students also remember Maharashtra due to Mumbai being a very large port, even though the actual coastline length is less. Final Answer: Among the given options, the state with the longest coastline is Andhra Pradesh.

Question 4

Which one of the following waterfalls in India has the greatest vertical height among the options given?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Lists of the highest waterfalls in India are frequently asked in examinations because they connect physical geography with tourism and hydropower potential. Several famous waterfalls are given in the options, and the learner must know which one has the maximum overall height in metres among these choices. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four Indian waterfalls are mentioned: Barchipani Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Meenmutty Falls and Jog Falls. • The question asks which of these has the greatest total height. • We rely on widely accepted geographical data that rank waterfalls by vertical drop. Concept / Approach: According to standard reference lists, Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka is among the tallest waterfalls in India, with a height of over 400 metres. Meenmutty Falls and Jog Falls are also very high, but they are ranked below Kunchikal in most height based tables. Barchipani or Barehipani Falls is tall, yet still does not exceed Kunchikal in total height in commonly used exam sources. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Kunchikal Falls is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and is widely described as one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Step 2: Remember that Jog Falls, though very famous and spectacular, has a lower height than Kunchikal when measured from top to bottom. Step 3: Compare Meenmutty and Barchipani with Kunchikal and note that standard height rankings place Kunchikal at a higher position. Verification / Alternative check: Geography tables in exam oriented books list Kunchikal Falls with a height of about 455 metres, which is higher than the heights commonly quoted for Meenmutty, Jog and Barchipani. Thus, among the four options, Kunchikal clearly has the maximum vertical drop. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Barchipani Falls) is a tall waterfall but is ranked below Kunchikal in most standard height lists. Option C (Meenmutty Falls) in Kerala is also very high and impressive but still not as high as Kunchikal according to commonly cited figures. Option D (Jog Falls) is one of the most famous waterfalls of India, yet its total height is lower than that of Kunchikal, so it cannot be the correct answer for the highest among these. Common Pitfalls: • Because Jog Falls is widely known from pictures and tourism posters, many learners mark it automatically without comparing actual height data. • Another mistake is to assume that fame in tourism automatically means greatest height, which is not always true. Final Answer: The waterfall with the greatest height among the options is Kunchikal Falls.

Question 5

Which Indian city is popularly referred to as the Zero Mile Centre of India because it is considered very close to the geographical centre of the country?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Indian geography often uses symbolic points such as standard meridians and notional centres of the country. The term Zero Mile Centre of India is linked with colonial era measurements of distance from a central reference point. This question checks if the learner knows which city carries this traditional label in maps and general knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four major Indian cities are listed: Kanpur, Allahabad, New Delhi and Nagpur. • The question asks which city is known as the Zero Mile Centre of India. • Zero Mile here refers to a historic pillar from which distances were measured, not to latitude or longitude zero. Concept / Approach: Nagpur in Maharashtra has a famous Zero Mile stone that was erected by the British to mark the centre of India for distance measurement purposes. Many general knowledge books therefore describe Nagpur as the geographical centre or Zero Mile Centre of India, although the exact mathematical centre can be defined in different ways by modern methods. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Zero Mile monument is located in Nagpur and is linked with old Great Trigonometrical Survey measurements. Step 2: Observe that New Delhi, although the national capital, is not used as the Zero Mile reference in this traditional sense. Step 3: Note that Kanpur and Allahabad are important cities in Uttar Pradesh with other historical roles, but the Zero Mile label is associated specifically with Nagpur. Verification / Alternative check: Standard GK references and tourism information on Nagpur mention the Zero Mile stone and describe the city as near the geographical centre of India. Other cities in the options do not have this specific monument or traditional designation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Kanpur) is an important industrial city on the Ganga basin, but it has no special Zero Mile pillar recognised nationally. Option B (Allahabad or Prayagraj) is famous for the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, not for a Zero Mile centre. Option C (New Delhi) is the seat of government and the location of the standard meridian time reference, but the traditional Zero Mile monument is not situated there. Common Pitfalls: • Many learners are tempted by New Delhi because they assume the national capital must also be the central reference point. • Some students confuse Zero Mile in India with Zero Mile stones used inside individual states or cities for local distance measurement. Final Answer: The city popularly known as the Zero Mile Centre of India is Nagpur.

Question 6

In Indian agriculture, Gujarat is especially noted for the large scale cultivation of which of the following cash crops?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Different Indian states specialise in different crops because of variations in soil, climate, irrigation and historical cropping patterns. Gujarat is frequently mentioned in exam questions because of its long history of textile industries and the cash crops that support them. This item checks whether the learner can connect Gujarat with the correct dominant crop. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four crops are listed: cotton, sugarcane, saffron and jute. • The question asks which crop Gujarat is noted for. • We assume a focus on area and intensity of cultivation rather than minor experimental crops. Concept / Approach: Gujarat has extensive black soil tracts and a climate suited to cotton cultivation. The state has many ginning, spinning and textile units that depend on local cotton. Sugarcane, saffron and jute are important in other regions, but they are not the crop most strongly associated with Gujarat in standard school geography and competitive exam material. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Gujarat and Maharashtra are classic cotton growing states using black regur soil. Step 2: Connect Gujarat's cotton fields with its well known textile centres such as Ahmedabad. Step 3: Compare this with the typical growing regions for the other crops and see that they do not match Gujarat as strongly. Verification / Alternative check: Agricultural statistics and maps routinely show Gujarat among the leading states in area and production of cotton in India. By contrast, the main belts for sugarcane, saffron and jute lie in other parts of the country. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Sugarcane) is widely grown in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and parts of south India, but Gujarat is not primarily famous for sugarcane. Option C (Saffron) is a high value spice concentrated mainly in Jammu and Kashmir under very specific climatic conditions, not in Gujarat. Option D (Jute) is associated mainly with the Ganga delta region in West Bengal and neighbouring areas, rather than with Gujarat. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners casually pick sugarcane because it is a common cash crop, ignoring the strong cotton and textile link for Gujarat. • Confusing major producing states for each crop is a frequent issue, so it helps to connect each crop with one or two key states mentally. Final Answer: Gujarat is especially noted for the cultivation of cotton.

Question 7

The Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS), planned as an important tiger corridor reserve, will come up in which Indian state?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Conservation related questions in Indian geography often ask about the locations of important national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary is a relatively new protected area proposed to strengthen tiger corridors in central India. This question checks whether the learner knows in which state this sanctuary will be located. Given Data / Assumptions: • The sanctuary is named Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS). • Four states are given as options: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. • The wording will come up suggests that the project was recently approved at the time of framing the question. Concept / Approach: Ghodazari is associated with Chandrapur district in the Vidarbha region, which lies in the state of Maharashtra. The area is important as a corridor for tigers moving between existing reserves such as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. Connecting the name Ghodazari with central Indian tiger landscapes leads directly to Maharashtra rather than the other states in the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Chandrapur and the surrounding forests, including Ghodazari, belong to Maharashtra. Step 2: Recognise that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are further south on the Western and Eastern Ghats and are known for different sanctuaries such as Bandipur, Nagarhole or Mudumalai. Step 3: Note that Odisha is on the eastern coast with sanctuaries like Simlipal and Bhitarkanika, which are geographically distinct from the Ghodazari landscape. Verification / Alternative check: Reports on wildlife corridors in central India clearly mention that the Maharashtra government approved Ghodazari as a new sanctuary in Chandrapur district. No such approval under this name is associated with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu or Odisha. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Karnataka) is associated with many important reserves, but Ghodazari is not one of them. Option C (Tamil Nadu) has sanctuaries in the Nilgiris and Eastern Ghats, yet none named Ghodazari. Option D (Odisha) is known for parks like Simlipal and Nandankanan, not for the Ghodazari corridor sanctuary. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes guess Karnataka because they link tigers mainly with the Western Ghats, overlooking central Indian reserves. • The unfamiliar name Ghodazari can also cause random guessing if students have not revised newer sanctuaries by state. Final Answer: The Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary will come up in Maharashtra.

Question 8

Which Indian state is currently the highest producer of bajra (pearl millet) in terms of total output?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Questions on crop geography often ask about the leading producer states for major cereals and millets. Bajra, or pearl millet, is an important hardy crop grown in semi arid regions of India. Knowing which state leads in bajra production helps connect climate, soil and cropping patterns for exam preparation. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four states are offered as options: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. • The question asks for the highest producer of bajra. • We assume production is measured over recent typical years, not a single unusual season. Concept / Approach: Bajra thrives in dry, sandy or loamy soils with low rainfall, conditions that are widespread in Rajasthan. Large areas of the state, especially in the western and central parts, are devoted to bajra cultivation. As a result, Rajasthan consistently appears as the leading state for pearl millet production in agricultural statistics and exam oriented summaries. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Rajasthan has extensive semi arid and arid tracts where bajra is a major staple crop. Step 2: Compare this with Gujarat and Haryana, which also grow bajra but on a smaller total area than Rajasthan. Step 3: Note that Uttar Pradesh is more strongly associated with wheat, sugarcane and rice, rather than with leading bajra production. Verification / Alternative check: Government and textbook tables on crop production consistently show Rajasthan as the top state for bajra among the options listed. Gujarat, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh typically appear as secondary producers for this crop. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Gujarat) grows bajra but has a lower total production than Rajasthan. Option C (Uttar Pradesh) focuses more on irrigated crops like wheat and sugarcane and is not the leading bajra producer. Option D (Haryana) has important bajra growing pockets but covers a smaller geographic area than Rajasthan, so its output is lower. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes choose Haryana or Gujarat because they are familiar with bajra from those states in daily life. • Another mistake is to forget that Rajasthan is the largest state in area and has vast tracts suited to millets, which naturally increases total production. Final Answer: The highest bajra producing state among the options is Rajasthan.

Question 9

According to standard Indian geography data, the percentage of irrigated land in India is approximately equal to which of the following values?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Irrigation is a key topic in Indian geography because it directly affects crop reliability, rural livelihoods and food security. Many exam questions ask about the approximate percentage of agricultural land under irrigation in India to test whether learners can recall broad national level figures rather than exact decimal values. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four percentage values are provided: 66 percent, 35 percent, 71 percent and 22 percent. • The question asks which figure best represents the percentage of irrigated land in India. • We assume that the figure should match commonly quoted averages in school and competitive exam material. Concept / Approach: Historically, only a fraction of India's net sown area has reliable irrigation from canals, tube wells and other sources. Many geography texts and economic surveys state that about one third of the agricultural land is irrigated, which is close to 35 percent. This means most agriculture remains dependent on monsoon rainfall, a key point in understanding Indian farming. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall from your studies that irrigation covers roughly one third of the total cropped area in India. Step 2: Translate one third into a percentage, which is around 33 to 35 percent. Step 3: Compare the options and see that 35 percent is the only value close to this commonly cited range. Verification / Alternative check: Economic survey summaries and exam guides repeatedly mention that around 34 to 35 percent of agricultural land in India is irrigated. The much higher values such as 66 or 71 percent do not match these official figures, and 22 percent is clearly too low. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (66 percent) is almost two thirds of all land and would imply a very high level of irrigation that India has not reached. Option C (71 percent) is even higher and is inconsistent with the frequent statement that a large part of agriculture still depends on rainfall. Option D (22 percent) underestimates irrigation and does not match the one third approximation used in textbooks. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes mark a higher percentage because they focus on irrigated regions and forget the vast rain fed areas of central and eastern India. • Others guess at random between 22 and 35 percent, so it is important to remember that about one third of the land is irrigated. Final Answer: The percentage of irrigated land in India is approximately 35%.

Question 10

The Salal Hydroelectric Project (Salal Dam) has been constructed on which of the following rivers of the Indus river system?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Large dams and hydroelectric projects are common topics in Indian geography and general studies, especially in relation to river basins and water sharing treaties. Salal Dam, also known as the Salal Hydroelectric Project, is an important project in Jammu and Kashmir. This question tests whether the learner can correctly link Salal with the appropriate river of the Indus system. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four rivers are listed: Ravi, Sutlej, Ganges and Chenab. • The question asks on which river the Salal Project is built. • We assume typical exam knowledge of major hydro projects and their rivers. Concept / Approach: Salal Dam is a run of the river hydroelectric project located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is built on the Chenab River, one of the main western rivers of the Indus system that flows through the Jammu region before entering Pakistan. Remembering this association helps in questions related to both geography and current affairs. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Salal is in the Jammu region and is linked with western Himalayan rivers. Step 2: Remember that the Chenab River flows through this area, while the Ravi and Sutlej follow slightly different routes. Step 3: Confirm from standard dam lists that Salal Hydroelectric Project is constructed on the Chenab River. Verification / Alternative check: Lists of major Indian hydel projects consistently describe Salal as a 690 megawatt run of the river project on the Chenab in Reasi district. No reliable reference associates the Salal Project with the Ravi, Sutlej or Ganga. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Ravi) has other projects such as Ranjit Sagar Dam, but not Salal. Option B (Sutlej) is famous for projects like Bhakra Nangal, but Salal is not one of them. Option C (Ganges) is the main river of the Indo Gangetic plain and has several barrages and projects, but Salal is located in the Chenab basin of the Indus system. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes confuse Salal with Bhakra or other major north Indian dams and incorrectly link it to the Sutlej. • Another mistake is to mark the Ganga whenever any famous dam is mentioned, without recalling the specific basin details. Final Answer: The Salal Hydroelectric Project is built on the Chenab River.

Question 11

In physical geography, landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep are all examples of which broader geomorphic process?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Earth surface processes constantly shape and reshape landscapes. Physical geography distinguishes between processes that move material and those that simply break it down. Terms such as landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep describe different types of downslope movement of rock and soil, and they are grouped under a single broader category that learners are expected to know. Given Data / Assumptions: • The phenomena listed are landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep. • Four possible process categories are given: runoff, soil formation, mechanical weathering and mass movement. • The task is to select the most appropriate overarching category for these examples. Concept / Approach: Mass movement, also called mass wasting, refers to the downslope movement of soil, rock debris or earth material under the influence of gravity, with or without the direct action of running water. Landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep are classic examples of different types of mass movement. Runoff refers to flowing surface water, soil formation describes the development of soil horizons, and mechanical weathering focuses on breaking rock into smaller pieces without moving it downslope. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify what all four examples have in common: in each case, material moves downslope due to gravity. Step 2: Recall the definition of mass movement as gravity driven movement of rock and soil from higher to lower ground. Step 3: Match this concept with the options and see that mass movement is the only category that fits all the named processes. Verification / Alternative check: Standard physical geography texts group landslides, mudflows, slumps and soil creep together under the heading of mass wasting or mass movement. The other categories are treated as separate processes that may interact with mass movement but are not the same concept. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Runoff) refers to water flowing over the land surface; although runoff can trigger landslides, the term itself does not describe the movement of rock and soil. Option B (Soil formation) is about how soil develops from parent rock through weathering and organic processes, not about movement downslope. Option C (Mechanical weathering) breaks rocks into smaller fragments in place but does not include the actual transport of these fragments by gravity. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners confuse weathering and mass movement, assuming that any change to rock is weathering, even when large blocks slide downslope. • Others focus on water involvement and choose runoff, forgetting that gravity is the main driving force in mass movement. Final Answer: Landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep are all examples of mass movement.

Question 12

In the physical geography of India, what is the main difference between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats with respect to their mountain ranges?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats are two major mountain systems that frame the Indian peninsula. Exam questions often compare them in terms of location, continuity and elevation. Understanding their contrasting physical characteristics helps learners interpret climate, rainfall patterns and river courses on Indian maps. Given Data / Assumptions: • The question asks for the main difference between the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. • Four possible aspects are listed: continuity, proximity to the coast, ending in the Nilgiri Hills and height. • We are looking for the most fundamental contrast commonly highlighted in textbooks. Concept / Approach: The Western Ghats form a more or less continuous, steep escarpment running parallel to the west coast with relatively few major gaps. In contrast, the Eastern Ghats are highly discontinuous and broken; they are cut by several large rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, and appear as separate hill groups rather than a single continuous wall. This difference in continuity is repeatedly emphasised in Indian geography. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Visualise the Western Ghats as a long, almost unbroken chain close to the Arabian Sea coast. Step 2: Visualise the Eastern Ghats as scattered hill ranges and plateaus along the Bay of Bengal side, interrupted by river valleys and gaps. Step 3: Conclude that continuity or lack of continuity is the principal difference tested here. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks commonly state that the Western Ghats are continuous, while the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and dissected by rivers. Other aspects such as proximity to the coast and ending in the Nilgiris are either shared or less distinctive by comparison. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Proximity to the coast) is not a strong differentiator because both systems lie close to their respective coasts, even though the Western Ghats are generally nearer. Option C (Ending in the Nilgiri Hills) is misleading because both the Eastern and Western Ghats meet in the Nilgiri region, so this is a point of contact rather than a difference. Option D (Height) does show some differences, with parts of the Western Ghats being higher on average, but continuity is the more fundamental and widely taught contrast. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes overemphasise the height difference and select height instead of continuity. • Others forget that both mountain systems interact at the Nilgiris and therefore mistakenly treat that point as a difference rather than a similarity. Final Answer: The main difference is in their continuity, with the Western Ghats being much more continuous than the broken Eastern Ghats.

Question 13

On the surface of the Earth, each degree of latitude corresponds approximately to what distance in kilometres?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Understanding latitude and longitude is essential for map reading and navigation. A standard fact used in many questions is the approximate ground distance represented by one degree of latitude, which helps in estimating distances north or south on the globe. This value is nearly constant because lines of latitude are parallel circles around the Earth. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four approximate distances are provided: 112 km, 111 km, 110 km and 101 km. • The question asks which distance corresponds most closely to one degree of latitude. • We assume a spherical Earth approximation commonly used in geography teaching. Concept / Approach: Because the Earth is almost spherical, the distance between successive parallels of latitude is roughly the same everywhere. The generally accepted average distance for one degree of latitude is about 111 kilometres. In more detailed references, this value varies slightly with latitude, but for school and exam purposes 111 km is taken as the correct figure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the commonly memorised rule that one degree of latitude is approximately 111 kilometres. Step 2: Compare this remembered value with the options given. Step 3: Choose 111 km as it exactly matches the standard approximation. Verification / Alternative check: Most geography texts explicitly state that the distance between two parallels of latitude one degree apart is about 111 km. Even when small variations are discussed, they still remain close to this value, confirming 111 km as the best choice among options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (112 km) is slightly higher than the typical rounded value and is not used as the standard approximation. Option C (110 km) is slightly lower and again does not match the widely memorised 111 km figure. Option D (101 km) is too small and clearly inconsistent with basic reference data. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners confuse the distance for longitude with that for latitude, even though only latitude has a nearly constant spacing. • Others round too aggressively to 110 km, but exams usually expect the more accurate 111 km answer. Final Answer: Each degree of latitude corresponds to approximately 111 km.

Question 14

According to the National Forest Policy of India, what proportion of the total national geographical area should ideally be under forests?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The National Forest Policy provides broad guidelines for conserving and expanding forest cover in India. A widely quoted target from this policy concerns the percentage of the country's area that should be under forests or tree cover. Many exam questions ask candidates to recall this percentage because it reflects the long term environmental vision for the country. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four percentage values are given as options: 30.3 percent, 33.3 percent, 38.3 percent and 42.3 percent. • The question asks which value matches the National Forest Policy target for forest cover in the country as a whole. • We are not being asked about the current forest cover, only the policy goal. Concept / Approach: The National Forest Policy of 1988 states that one third of the total land area of the country should ideally be under forest or tree cover. One third expressed as a percentage is approximately 33.3 percent. For hilly and mountainous regions, the target is even higher, but for the country as a whole the key number to remember is about one third. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the policy goal is one third of the land area under forests. Step 2: Convert one third into a percentage, which is approximately 33.3 percent. Step 3: Match this with the options and pick 33.3 percent as the closest representation of one third. Verification / Alternative check: Official summaries of the National Forest Policy clearly mention that 33 percent of the country's area should be under forest or tree cover. Other percentages such as 30.3 or 38.3 percent do not appear as the main national level target in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (30.3 percent) is lower than the one third benchmark and does not reflect the stated policy goal. Option C (38.3 percent) and option D (42.3 percent) are substantially above one third and therefore do not correspond to the official target figure. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners confuse the target for the whole country with that for hilly regions, where a higher proportion is suggested. • Others misremember the exact number and choose nearby percentages; remembering one third helps anchor the correct option easily. Final Answer: The National Forest Policy envisages about 33.3% of the country's geographical area under forest or tree cover.

Question 15

Which Indian state has the highest number, about 55,770, of fully covered tribal habitations with safe drinking water, followed by Odisha and Jharkhand?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Questions that mix geography with social development often use specific figures from government reports. One such statistic relates to tribal habitations that are fully covered with safe drinking water. This question asks which state leads with about 55,770 such habitations, with Odisha and Jharkhand following behind in the ranking. Given Data / Assumptions: • The focus is on fully covered tribal habitations with safe drinking water. • The approximate number given is 55,770 for the leading state. • Odisha and Jharkhand are mentioned as the next states in sequence, which can help confirm the context. Concept / Approach: Government data placed Madhya Pradesh at the top in terms of the number of fully covered tribal habitations with safe drinking water, with a figure around 55,770. Odisha and Jharkhand followed with slightly lower numbers. Thus, among the states listed, the correct answer must be Madhya Pradesh. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh have large tribal populations and many tribal habitations. Step 2: Connect the specific figure of roughly 55,770 fully covered habitations with Madhya Pradesh based on government reports. Step 3: Verify mentally that Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Manipur have smaller tribal populations compared with Madhya Pradesh and are not cited with this exact statistic. Verification / Alternative check: Press releases and exam ready notes on drinking water in tribal areas specifically name Madhya Pradesh as having about 55,770 fully covered tribal habitations. Odisha and Jharkhand are mentioned as second and third, which supports the identification of Madhya Pradesh as the leading state. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Tamil Nadu) has significant development in drinking water, but it does not have the maximum number of tribal habitations with this coverage. Option B (Kerala) has high social indicators but a relatively smaller tribal population and therefore fewer tribal habitations in this specific context. Option C (Manipur) is a north eastern state with tribal communities but is much smaller in area and population than Madhya Pradesh, so it cannot match the 55,770 figure. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes guess a southern state like Tamil Nadu or Kerala because they associate those states with strong social welfare schemes in general. • Others may not connect the figure with tribal habitations and forget that central India, especially Madhya Pradesh, has a very large tribal population base. Final Answer: The state with about 55,770 fully covered tribal habitations with safe drinking water is Madhya Pradesh.

Question 16

The Union Territories of India get representation in which of the following bodies of the Indian Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The political geography of India includes not only states but also Union Territories, which are directly administered by the Union government. A common exam question asks how these Union Territories are represented in the Parliament of India. Understanding this helps clarify the structure of democratic representation at the national level. Given Data / Assumptions: • The question focuses on representation of Union Territories. • The options mention Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, both A and B and the Supreme Court. • We assume the question refers to the normal constitutional arrangements in place. Concept / Approach: Union Territories send elected members to the Lok Sabha, the House of the People, just as states do, though the number of seats is smaller. In addition, some Union Territories such as Delhi and Puducherry also have representation in the Rajya Sabha, the Council of States. Thus, collectively, Union Territories are represented in both Houses of Parliament. The Supreme Court is not a representative body in this sense, so that option can be excluded. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that people living in Union Territories elect members to the Lok Sabha. Step 2: Remember that certain Union Territories are also allocated seats in the Rajya Sabha by law. Step 3: Combine these facts to conclude that Union Territories have representation in both Houses of Parliament, and select the option that encodes this. Verification / Alternative check: Constitutional provisions and standard polity summaries explicitly state that Union Territories have seats in the Lok Sabha and that some Union Territories also send members to the Rajya Sabha. No reference suggests that Union Territories are represented in the Supreme Court as a political body; judges are appointed, not elected as representatives. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Lok Sabha) is partially correct but incomplete because it ignores Rajya Sabha representation. Option B (Rajya Sabha) alone is also incomplete because not all representation is confined to the upper house; many Union Territories have only Lok Sabha seats. Option D (Supreme Court) is incorrect because the Court is a judicial body whose judges are appointed and do not represent territories in a legislative sense. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners choose only Lok Sabha because they remember that it is the directly elected house, overlooking that certain Union Territories also have Rajya Sabha seats. • Others may guess Rajya Sabha due to the phrase Council of States without reviewing the exact constitutional arrangements for Union Territories. Final Answer: Union Territories get representation in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, so the correct option is Both A and B.

Question 17

India is the largest producer in the world of which of the following fruits?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Agricultural geography and economic statistics often appear in general knowledge questions, especially relating to India's position in global production of important crops and fruits. This question asks which fruit India leads in producing when compared with other countries of the world. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four fruits are listed: apples, grapes, oranges and bananas. • The question asks which fruit India is the largest producer of globally. • We use typical recent patterns where India is consistently near the top for certain fruits. Concept / Approach: India has very high production of bananas due to favourable tropical and subtropical climates in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. While India also produces significant quantities of grapes and oranges, global production of these fruits is shared among many countries. Apples are dominated by temperate countries such as China. Bananas are the fruit where India is widely recognised as the largest or one of the largest producers in the world. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that bananas are the most widely grown fruit crop across many Indian states. Step 2: Compare this with apples, which are grown in limited quantities mainly in Himalayan states. Step 3: Note that grapes and oranges are important but have strong competitors in other countries, whereas bananas consistently place India at or near the top in production lists. Verification / Alternative check: International agricultural statistics generally rank India as the largest or one of the top producers of bananas by volume, often at number one. By contrast, India does not hold the top global position in apples, grapes or oranges, even though it produces them in significant quantities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Apples) are produced in hill states, but China and some other temperate countries far exceed India in apple production. Option B (Grapes) have important vineyards in India, yet countries like Italy, Spain and France are major global producers. Option C (Oranges) are grown in India, but Brazil and the United States, for example, are much larger producers in many datasets. Common Pitfalls: • Learners sometimes select apples or grapes based on personal familiarity with those fruits rather than actual production data. • Others may underestimate banana cultivation in India because it is spread across many states and not limited to a single famous region. Final Answer: India is the largest producer in the world of bananas.

Question 18

In environmental geography, desertification refers primarily to which of the following long term changes in vegetation cover?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Desertification is an important global environmental issue that appears frequently in geography and environmental science questions. It is closely linked with climate change, unsustainable land use and loss of productivity in dryland regions. Understanding the correct meaning of desertification helps learners grasp why international efforts focus on combating land degradation. Given Data / Assumptions: • The options describe different possible changes in vegetation: forests degrading or improving to various biomes or to sparse cover. • The question asks which description best represents desertification. • We assume the standard definition used by the United Nations and geography texts. Concept / Approach: Desertification is the process by which fertile land in arid, semi arid and dry sub humid areas becomes increasingly degraded, losing vegetation, soil moisture and productivity, and gradually taking on desert like characteristics. It involves degradation, not improvement, and results in more sparse and stressed vegetation, not in the development of healthy new biomes such as taiga or tundra. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the word degrading, which correctly suggests loss of quality and cover, rather than improvement. Step 2: Recognise that desertification leads to thin, patchy or almost absent vegetation cover where more robust vegetation previously existed. Step 3: Select the option that describes forest degrading into very sparse vegetation, matching the idea of land moving towards desert like conditions. Verification / Alternative check: Definitions from environmental agencies describe desertification as land degradation in dry areas, where vegetation cover becomes more sparse and soils become less productive. None of these definitions talk about forests improving into new healthy biomes; they emphasise loss and decline instead. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Forest degrading to dense taiga) is incorrect because taiga is a cold coniferous forest biome, not a degraded desert like state. Option B (Forest improving to tundras) uses the word improving, which conflicts with the concept of degradation, and tundra is a specific polar biome, not a consequence of desertification in drylands. Option C (Forest improving to deserts) again incorrectly suggests improvement and also treats deserts as a positive outcome, which is the opposite of the problem of desertification. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners focus only on the word desert and pick options that mention deserts explicitly without considering whether the process is actually degrading or improving. • Others may confuse natural biome transitions over long geological time with human induced land degradation, which is the focus of desertification studies. Final Answer: Desertification most accurately refers to forest degrading to sparse vegetation and similar forms of land degradation.

Question 19

The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is located in which Indian state?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India has several marine protected areas that safeguard coral reefs, mangroves and marine biodiversity. The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is especially important as one of the first marine parks in the country. Exam questions frequently ask in which state this park is located to test knowledge of coastal conservation geography. Given Data / Assumptions: • The park is described as being in the Gulf of Kutch. • Four coastal states are offered as options: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. • We assume familiarity with the location of the Gulf of Kutch on the Indian map. Concept / Approach: The Gulf of Kutch is an inlet of the Arabian Sea located along the coast of Gujarat in western India. Therefore, any marine national park in the Gulf of Kutch must lie within the state of Gujarat. The other options correspond to different coastal regions and seas, not to the Gulf of Kutch. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Visualise the map of India and identify the Gulf of Kutch on the north western coast along Gujarat. Step 2: Recall that India's first Marine National Park, with coral reefs and mangroves, was established in this gulf along the Gujarat coast. Step 3: Match this information with the options and select Gujarat as the correct state. Verification / Alternative check: Geography and environment reference books clearly describe the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch as located in Jamnagar district of Gujarat. The other states listed are associated with different marine areas such as the Gulf of Mannar or the Bay of Bengal, not with the Gulf of Kutch. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Tamil Nadu) lies on the south eastern coast near the Bay of Bengal and the Palk Strait and is associated with the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, not the Gulf of Kutch. Option C (Kerala) faces the Arabian Sea further south but does not contain the Gulf of Kutch or this specific marine national park. Option D (West Bengal) borders the Bay of Bengal and contains the Sundarbans, which is a mangrove forest area rather than the Gulf of Kutch. Common Pitfalls: • Some learners may confuse the Gulf of Kutch with other marine protected areas in Tamil Nadu or the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • Others may only remember that it is a marine park and guess states randomly without anchoring themselves on the exact location of the gulf. Final Answer: The Marine Gulf of Kutch National Park is situated in Gujarat.

Question 20

The Buddh International Circuit, which hosts international motor racing events, is located near which Indian city?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In recent years, questions on Indian geography and general knowledge have begun to include modern infrastructure such as international sports venues. The Buddh International Circuit is a purpose built motor racing track that has hosted Formula One and other international events. Knowing its location combines elements of geography, infrastructure and sports awareness. Given Data / Assumptions: • Four cities are listed as options: Gandhinagar, Greater Noida, Guwahati and New Delhi. • The question asks near which city the Buddh International Circuit is located. • We assume familiarity with the National Capital Region and its satellite towns. Concept / Approach: The Buddh International Circuit is situated in the Greater Noida area of Uttar Pradesh, which is part of the National Capital Region. Although it is close to New Delhi, the actual site and administrative location fall under Greater Noida, not the city of Delhi itself. Gandhinagar is the capital of Gujarat, and Guwahati is a major city in Assam; neither has this racing circuit. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall news and sports coverage that mention Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Step 2: Note that while the circuit is often described as being near Delhi, its official location is in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida area. Step 3: Select Greater Noida from the options as the best match. Verification / Alternative check: Event information for Formula One and other races lists the Buddh International Circuit as being at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in the National Capital Region. Neither Gandhinagar nor Guwahati has a circuit with this name, and New Delhi is mentioned only as a nearby major city, not as the precise location. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Gandhinagar) is in Gujarat and is not associated with this racing track. Option C (Guwahati) is in Assam in north eastern India and has no connection with the Buddh International Circuit. Option D (New Delhi) is geographically close but is not the actual site of the circuit; the track lies in Greater Noida in the neighbouring state. Common Pitfalls: • Many learners choose New Delhi because international events there are often marketed as happening in or near Delhi, leading to casual confusion. • Others may not differentiate between the broader National Capital Region and the specific satellite city of Greater Noida. Final Answer: The Buddh International Circuit is located near Greater Noida.

Indian Geography Questions