Geography – GK Questions

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.

Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, located on the Danube River near the borders with Austria and Hungary. It is one of Europe's smallest capitals by population but a major economic hub in Central Europe.

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.

Eskers are long, winding ridges of sand and gravel deposited by meltwater streams flowing within or under glaciers. They indicate former ice flow directions. Eskers are common in Scandinavia, Canada, and parts of North America.

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.

India has the largest youth population (15-24 years) in the world, with over 250 million young people. This demographic dividend offers economic potential if supported by education, skills, and employment opportunities.

The Yamuna River is called the 'Lifeline of Haryana' as it provides water for irrigation, drinking, and industry through the Western Yamuna Canal. The river supports agriculture in the fertile plains of Haryana and Delhi.

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.

Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, located on the Sava River. Known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, museums, and cultural festivals, Zagreb is a major economic and educational hub in Southeastern Europe.

The Lehmann discontinuity is named after Danish seismologist Inge Lehmann, who discovered Earth's solid inner core in 1936. The discontinuity at about 5,150 km depth marks the boundary between the liquid outer core and solid inner core.

Karnataka is the largest producer of sunflower in India, contributing about 30% of national production. Major sunflower-growing districts are Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Davangere. Sunflower oil is a healthy cooking oil rich in vitamin E.

Maharashtra has the highest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in India, contributing about 15% of national GDP. Mumbai, the financial capital, drives the state's economy through finance, entertainment, IT, and manufacturing sectors.

The Huang He (Yellow River) is called 'China's Sorrow' due to its history of catastrophic floods caused by silt deposition raising the riverbed. Massive dam projects like the Xiaolangdi Dam now help control flooding and generate hydropower.

The Naga Hills form part of the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland and Manipur. They are an extension of the Eastern Himalayas and part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The hills are home to diverse Naga tribes with rich cultural heritage.

All three—National Chambal, Bhitarkanika, and Sultanpur—are important habitats for the Indian monitor lizard. This large reptile is an indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems. Conservation focuses on reducing habitat loss and human conflict.

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is the largest lake in the Alps (580 sq km), shared by Switzerland and France. Located at 372 m elevation, it is fed by the Rhône River. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and cities like Geneva and Lausanne.

Tea Showers are pre-monsoon rainfall in Assam during March-April that help in tea leaf growth. These showers are caused by convective activity and moisture from the Bay of Bengal. They are crucial for Assam's tea industry, which produces about 50% of India's tea.

The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which then connects to the Mediterranean via the Dardanelles. It divides Istanbul into European and Asian sides. The strait is a critical maritime route and strategic chokepoint.

India's first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) project is planned in Rajasthan. SMRs are compact nuclear reactors (under 300 MW) offering flexibility and safety. They support India's goal of 22.4 GW nuclear capacity by 2031.