Geography – Medium Level – GK Questions

India and Sri Lanka have discussed a Palk Strait road-rail bridge/tunnel project to restore connectivity between the two nations, reviving the ancient Ram Setu route.

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi is the largest protected area in the national capital (32 sq km). Located on the Delhi-Haryana border, it supports leopards, nilgai, and diverse bird species. The sanctuary is part of the Northern Aravalli leopard corridor.

The Repetti discontinuity is named after Italian-American seismologist Luigi Repetti. It marks a boundary within Earth's mantle at about 660 km depth, separating the upper and lower mantle based on mineral phase changes.

Gujarat is the largest producer of groundnut oil in India, contributing about 40% of national production. Major groundnut-growing districts are Junagadh, Rajkot, and Amreli. Groundnut oil is a key cooking oil in Western India.

The Indus River is called the 'River of Peace' due to the Indus Water Treaty (1960) between India and Pakistan, which has survived multiple conflicts. The treaty allocates waters of the Indus system and is considered a model of water diplomacy.

The Mizo Hills are located in Mizoram, forming part of the Patkai Range extension. They are covered by tropical evergreen forests and support diverse tribal communities. The hills receive heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon.

All three—National Chambal, Bhitarkanika, and Chilika—are important habitats for the Indian softshell turtle. This freshwater turtle is found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands across India. Conservation focuses on reducing bycatch and habitat protection.

Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland is the largest lake in the United Kingdom (392 sq km). It is the largest lake in the British Isles by surface area. The lake supports fishing, tourism, and is an important wetland for migratory birds.

India's first commercial battery energy storage system (BESS) project was commissioned in Andhra Pradesh by AES Corporation. BESS supports grid stability and renewable energy integration. India aims to deploy 50 GWh of battery storage by 2030.

Kalesar National Park in Haryana is the largest national park in the state (100 sq km). Located in the Shivalik Hills, it supports leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. The park is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

India is the largest producer of onions globally, contributing about 25% of world production. Major producing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Onions are a key vegetable crop with significant economic and political importance.

Millets are called 'Climate-Smart Crops' due to their drought tolerance, low water requirement, and ability to grow in poor soils. They support food security in changing climate conditions. The UN's International Year of Millets (2023) promoted their cultivation.

Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, USA, is the world's tallest active geyser, with eruptions reaching 90-120 meters. Though unpredictable, it has been erupting frequently since 2018. Old Faithful is more regular but shorter.

Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary in Punjab is the largest protected area in the state (186 sq km). Located in the Thar Desert fringe, it is famous for the endangered blackbuck and chinkara. The sanctuary supports desert-adapted wildlife.