Geography – Medium Level – GK Questions

Answer: True

The Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas) are the southernmost and youngest range of the Himalayas, formed 2-20 million years ago. They are composed of unconsolidated sediments and are prone to landslides. The Shivaliks extend from Jammu to Assam.

Answer: All of these

All three—National Chambal, Bhitarkanika, and Sultanpur—are important habitats for the Indian python. This large non-venomous snake is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Conservation focuses on reducing human-snake conflict.

Answer: Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) is the largest lake in Australia (9,500 sq km when full), located in South Australia. It is usually dry and fills only during heavy rainfall. The lake is a sacred site for Aboriginal people and an important wetland for birds.

Answer: Gujarat

India's first commercial carbon capture and utilization project was established in Gujarat by ONGC. It captures CO2 from industrial emissions for enhanced oil recovery. Carbon capture technology is crucial for India's net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Answer: Manas

Manas National Park in Assam is the largest national park in the state (950 sq km). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. The park is named after the Manas River and supports rare species like the Golden Langur.

Answer: True

India is the largest producer of castor oil seeds globally, contributing about 80% of world production. Major producing states are Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. Castor oil is used in pharmaceuticals, lubricants, and biodiesel.

Answer: Periyar

The Periyar River is called the 'Lifeline of Kerala' as it provides water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. It is the longest river in Kerala (244 km) and supports the state's agriculture and industry. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is located on its banks.

Answer: Spain

Spain has the most UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (53 as of 2024), followed by Russia and the USA. Biosphere Reserves promote sustainable development and conservation. India has 18 Biosphere Reserves including Nilgiri, Sundarbans, and Gulf of Mannar.

Answer: All of these

All three sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu—Vedanthangal, Point Calimere, and Guindy—are important habitats for the Indian gray hornbill. This bird is an indicator of forest health and plays a key role in seed dispersal.

Answer: True

Peaty soil forms in areas of high rainfall and humidity where organic matter accumulates faster than it decomposes. Found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Bihar. It is acidic, dark in color, and suitable for paddy and jute cultivation.

Answer: Port Blair

Port Blair is the only major port in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located on South Andaman Island. It serves as the administrative capital and a strategic naval base. The port handles passenger and cargo traffic for the islands.

Answer: True

The ionosphere is a region within the thermosphere (60-1,000 km altitude) containing ionized particles that reflect radio waves, enabling long-distance communication. It is affected by solar activity and causes auroras near the poles.

Answer: Gir

Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in the world. Conservation efforts have increased their population from about 20 in 1913 to over 600 today. The park also supports leopards, antelopes, and diverse bird species.

Answer: Suriname

Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America by area (163,820 sq km). Located on the northeastern coast, it was a Dutch colony until 1975. The country is covered by tropical rainforest and has rich biodiversity.

Answer: Koyna

The Koyna Dam is built on the Koyna River, a tributary of the Krishna, in Maharashtra. It is part of the Koyna Hydroelectric Project, India's largest hydroelectric power station (1,960 MW). The dam is located in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Answer: Maize

Maize (corn) is known as the 'Queen of Cereals' due to its high yield potential and versatility. It is used for food, fodder, and industrial products. India is among the top maize producers globally, with Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra leading.

Answer: True

Bardoli Chheerha is a local pre-monsoon wind in Assam that brings moisture from the Bay of Bengal. It occurs in April-May and helps in tea cultivation. These winds are part of the complex monsoon system affecting Northeast India.

Answer: Godavari

The Godavari River is called the 'Sorrow of Andhra Pradesh' due to its history of flooding in coastal districts. The river originates in Maharashtra and flows through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Flood control projects have mitigated its destructive impact.

Answer: Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh shares international borders with three countries: China (Tibet), Myanmar, and Bhutan. Sikkim borders China, Bhutan, and Nepal. Jammu & Kashmir (now UT) borders Pakistan and China. West Bengal borders Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Answer: Melghat

Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is the largest national park in the state (1,677 sq km). Located in the Satpura Range, it supports tigers, leopards, and diverse flora. The reserve is named after the confluence of seven rivers ('Melghat').