Indian mineral geography: In which zone is the highest concentration of India’s mineral deposits found, as commonly referenced in general studies? Focus on the broad zone label used in standard GK (Chota Nagpur–Odisha belt context). Choose the correct zone.

What is being asked? The zone with the most concentrated mineral resources in India.

Concept/Approach
Standard GK sources describe the country’s richest mineral belt as the eastern/north-eastern plateau belt—the Chota Nagpur Plateau and adjoining Odisha belt—with abundance of coal, iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, etc.

Common pitfalls
Confusing the ‘‘north-eastern zone’’ label with the administrative North-East states; here it refers to the eastern/north-eastern plateau mineral belt (Jharkhand–Odisha–Chhattisgarh–West Bengal region) used in GK shorthand.

Final Answer
Northeastern zone