Medium Level – GK Questions

Answer: True

The Patkai Hills form part of the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh, 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 tribal communities.

Answer: All of these

All three—National Chambal, Bhitarkanika, and Chilika—are important habitats for the Indian otter. This semi-aquatic mammal is an indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on reducing pollution and protecting riverine habitats.

Answer: Lake Vostok

Lake Vostok is the largest subglacial lake in Antarctica (12,500 sq km), buried under 4 km of ice. Discovered by satellite radar, it may contain unique microbial life isolated for millions of years. Research on the lake helps understand extremophile life.

Answer: Gujarat

India's first commercial green hydrogen project was launched in Gujarat by Reliance Industries. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and is crucial for decarbonizing industries like steel and cement. India aims to become a global green hydrogen hub.

Answer: Desert National Park

Desert National Park in Rajasthan is the largest national park in the state (3,162 sq km). Located in the Thar Desert, it is famous for the Great Indian Bustard, blackbuck, and desert fox. The park showcases unique desert ecosystems.

Answer: True

India is the largest producer of tomatoes globally, contributing about 12% of world production. Major producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha. Tomatoes are a key vegetable crop used in cooking and processed foods.

Answer: Pulses

Pulses are called the 'Crop of Peace' due to their role in food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. They fix nitrogen in soil, reducing fertilizer needs. The UN declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, recognizing their importance.

Answer: Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is the world's largest salt flat (10,582 sq km). Formed by the transformation of prehistoric lakes, it contains about half the world's lithium reserves. During the rainy season, it becomes a giant mirror reflecting the sky.

Answer: Sundarbans

Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is the largest national park in the state (1,330 sq km). It is part of the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger and estuarine crocodiles.

Answer: True

The Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) is named after Croatian seismologist Andrija Mohorovičić, who discovered it in 1909. It marks the boundary between Earth's crust and mantle, identified by a sudden increase in seismic wave velocity.

Answer: Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest producer of mustard (rapeseed) in India, contributing about 40% of national production. Major mustard-growing districts are Bharatpur, Alwar, and Sawai Madhopur. Mustard oil is a key cooking oil in North India.

Answer: Nile

The Nile River is called the 'River of Life' in Egypt as it has sustained civilization for over 5,000 years. Its annual floods deposited fertile silt, enabling agriculture. The Aswan High Dam now controls flooding and generates hydropower.

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.