Geography – GK Questions

Sedimentary rocks form through deposition, compaction, and cementation of sediments like sand, silt, and organic matter. Examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale. They often contain fossils and are found in layers (strata).

The Silver Revolution refers to the growth in egg and poultry production in India during the 1970s-80s. It was driven by improved breeds, feed, and management practices. India is now among the top egg producers globally.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. It is a strategically vital chokepoint for global oil shipments. The name means 'Gate of Tears' in Arabic due to dangerous navigation conditions.

As of 2026, India has 28 states and 8 union territories. The last reorganization was in 2019 when Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two union territories: J&K and Ladakh. Delhi and Puducherry have legislative assemblies among UTs.

The Dhuandhar Falls are formed by the Narmada River near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The name means 'smoke cascade' due to the mist created by the falling water. The falls are about 30 meters high and a popular tourist attraction.

The Godavari River, at 1,465 km, is the longest river in peninsular India. It originates in Maharashtra (Trimbakeshwar) and flows through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is called 'Dakshin Ganga'.

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, located on the Spree River. It is a major cultural, political, and economic hub in Europe. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city from 1961-1989, is now a symbol of reunification.

The Earth's core is primarily composed of iron (about 85%) and nickel (about 10%), with lighter elements like sulfur and oxygen. The outer core is liquid, generating Earth's magnetic field through convection. The inner core is solid due to extreme pressure.

Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton in India, contributing about 30% of national production. Major cotton-growing regions include Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat. India is the largest cotton producer globally, with Gujarat and Maharashtra leading.

Ladakh is the largest union territory in India by area (59,146 sq km), formed in 2019 after the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a high-altitude cold desert with stunning landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and strategic importance on the China border.

The Seine River flows through Paris, France. It is about 777 km long and empties into the English Channel at Le Havre. The Seine has been vital for trade and culture, with iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower along its banks.

The Cardamom Hills are part of the southern Western Ghats, located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They are named after the cardamom spice grown there. The hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

West Bengal has the largest area under mangrove forests in India, primarily in the Sundarbans. Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that grow in coastal intertidal zones. They protect coastlines from erosion and provide habitat for diverse wildlife.

The Andes in South America is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching about 7,000 km along the western coast. It passes through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

India's average annual rainfall is approximately 1,100 mm, but distribution is highly uneven. Mawsynram receives over 11,000 mm, while Jaisalmer gets less than 200 mm. The Southwest Monsoon contributes about 75% of the annual rainfall.

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five oceans, covering about 14 million sq km. It is located around the North Pole and is largely covered by sea ice. It is surrounded by Eurasia and North America.

Koyna Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra is India's largest hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 1,960 MW. Located on the Koyna River, it has four stages of power generation. It is a pumped-storage project critical for grid stability.

Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest saltwater lake (brackish water lagoon) in India, covering about 1,100 sq km. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second-largest in the world. It is a Ramsar site and home to migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins.

Paris is the capital and largest city of France, located on the Seine River. It is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Iconic landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

India is the second-largest producer of wheat in the world after China, producing about 110 million tonnes annually. Major wheat-producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. Wheat is a staple Rabi crop in North India.