1. (Q501) The longest national highway in India is:
(A) NH 2
(B) NH 7
(C) NH 44
(D) NH 8
✅ Ans: (C) NH 44
Explanation: NH 44, stretching ~3,745 km from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, is India’s longest national highway, integrating former NH 7 segments. Geography of India highlights its north-south connectivity.
2. (Q502) The Brahmaputra river is known as “Yarlung Tsangpo” in:
(A) India
(B) China
(C) Nepal
(D) Bhutan
✅ Ans: (B) China
Explanation: The Brahmaputra, called Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet (China), flows into India as the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh. Geography of India traces its trans-Himalayan course.
3. (Q503) Which of the following is a tributary of the Yamuna?
(A) Ghaghara
(B) Chambal
(C) Kosi
(D) Son
✅ Ans: (B) Chambal
Explanation: The Chambal, originating in the Vindhya Range, is a major tributary of the Yamuna, joining it in Uttar Pradesh. Ghaghara, Kosi, and Son are Ganga tributaries. Geography of India classifies river systems.
4. (Q504) The southernmost point of India, Indira Point, is located in:
(A) South Andaman
(B) Great Nicobar
(C) Little Nicobar
(D) Minicoy
✅ Ans: (B) Great Nicobar
Explanation: Indira Point (6°45′N) in Great Nicobar is India’s southernmost point, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geography of India defines its latitudinal extent.
5. (Q505) The origin of the Godavari River is at:
(A) Trimbak
(B) Nashik
(C) Mahabaleshwar
(D) Panchgani
✅ Ans: (A) Trimbak
Explanation: The Godavari originates at Trimbak in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, near Nashik, flowing eastward to the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India traces its peninsular course.
6. (Q506) Which Indian river flows through a fault valley?
(A) Narmada
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Yamuna
(D) Godavari
✅ Ans: (A) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada flows through a fault (rift) valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, forming an estuary at the Arabian Sea. Geography of India highlights its geological uniqueness.
7. (Q507) The International Date Line roughly follows:
(A) 0° Longitude
(B) 90°E Longitude
(C) 180° Longitude
(D) 90°W Longitude
✅ Ans: (C) 180° Longitude
Explanation: The International Date Line, zigzagging around 180° longitude, separates one calendar day from another in the Pacific Ocean. World Geography explains its global timekeeping role.
8. (Q508) Which state is the leading producer of black pepper in India?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Karnataka
(D) Andhra Pradesh
✅ Ans: (A) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala, with its humid climate and Western Ghats slopes, leads in black pepper production, known as the “King of Spices.” Geography of India notes its spice economy.
9. (Q509) The largest inland river island in the world, Majuli, is located in:
(A) Assam
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) West Bengal
(D) Sikkim
✅ Ans: (A) Assam
Explanation: Majuli, in Assam’s Brahmaputra River, is the world’s largest river island, though shrinking due to erosion, known for its Vaishnavite culture. Geography of India highlights its significance.
10. (Q510) The Damodar River is a tributary of:
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (A) Ganga
Explanation: The Damodar, known as “Bengal’s Sorrow,” joins the Ganga via the Hooghly in West Bengal, managed for flood control. Geography of India details its drainage system.
11. (Q511) The river which flows through a rift valley and forms an estuary is:
(A) Godavari
(B) Krishna
(C) Narmada
(D) Ganga
✅ Ans: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada flows through a rift valley and forms an estuary at the Arabian Sea, unlike the delta-forming Godavari, Krishna, or Ganga. Geography of India explains its coastal morphology.
12. (Q512) Which of the following rivers flows through the Rajasthan desert?
(A) Ghaggar
(B) Luni
(C) Banas
(D) All of the above
✅ Ans: (D) All of the above
Explanation: The Ghaggar, Luni, and Banas flow through Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, with Luni being the most significant, ending in the Rann of Kutch. Geography of India notes their arid drainage.
13. (Q513) The landmass of India forms part of which continent?
(A) Asia
(B) Europe
(C) Africa
(D) Australia
✅ Ans: (A) Asia
Explanation: India is part of the Asian continent, located on the Indian tectonic plate, which collided with Eurasia to form the Himalayas. Geography of India defines its continental position.
14. (Q514) The westernmost point of India is:
(A) Indira Col
(B) Guhar Moti
(C) Kanyakumari
(D) Rann of Kutch
✅ Ans: (B) Guhar Moti
Explanation: Guhar Moti in Gujarat, near Sir Creek (68°7′E), is India’s westernmost point in the Kutch region. Geography of India clarifies its longitudinal extent.
15. (Q515) The mountain pass connecting Leh to Manali is:
(A) Zojila
(B) Rohtang Pass
(C) Nathu La
(D) Shipki La
✅ Ans: (B) Rohtang Pass
Explanation: Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh connects Manali to Leh, a vital route through the Pir Panjal Range. Geography of India notes its high-altitude accessibility.
16. (Q516) Loktak Lake is located in:
(A) Assam
(B) Manipur
(C) Tripura
(D) Meghalaya
✅ Ans: (B) Manipur
Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur, a Ramsar site, is famous for its phumdis and Keibul Lamjao National Park. Geography of India highlights its ecological uniqueness.
17. (Q517) The Cardamom Hills are part of:
(A) Western Ghats
(B) Eastern Ghats
(C) Vindhya Range
(D) Satpura Range
✅ Ans: (A) Western Ghats
Explanation: The Cardamom Hills in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are part of the Southern Western Ghats, known for spice cultivation. Geography of India describes their biodiversity.
18. (Q518) The Khasi Hills are part of:
(A) Nagaland
(B) Manipur
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Mizoram
✅ Ans: (C) Meghalaya
Explanation: The Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, part of the Shillong Plateau, are known for high rainfall and tribal culture. Geography of India notes their northeastern geography.
19. (Q519) Which Indian state has the longest international border?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) West Bengal
(D) Uttar Pradesh
✅ Ans: (C) West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal has the longest international border (~2,217 km) with Bangladesh, followed by states like Arunachal Pradesh (China). Geography of India maps India’s boundaries. [Note: Sample lists Arunachal Pradesh; corrected to West Bengal per Majid Husain.]
20. (Q520) Which of the following rivers does NOT flow into the Bay of Bengal?
(A) Krishna
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Narmada
(D) Godavari
✅ Ans: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada flows into the Arabian Sea, while Krishna, Mahanadi, and Godavari drain into the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India classifies their drainage patterns.
21. (Q521) Which river is the major water source for the Sardar Sarovar Project?
(A) Mahi
(B) Narmada
(C) Tapi
(D) Sabarmati
✅ Ans: (B) Narmada
Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat harnesses the Narmada River for irrigation, hydropower, and water supply. Geography of India details its regional impact.
22. (Q522) Which state is known as the “Land of Five Rivers”?
(A) Punjab
(B) Haryana
(C) Himachal Pradesh
(D) Rajasthan
✅ Ans: (A) Punjab
Explanation: Punjab, named for its five rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum), is known for its fertile plains and agriculture. Geography of India highlights its historical name.
23. (Q523) Which Indian state shares its boundary with the maximum number of states?
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Chhattisgarh
(D) Bihar
✅ Ans: (B) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh borders eight states (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar) and Delhi. Geography of India notes its central location.
24. (Q524) The Konkan coast lies in:
(A) Gujarat
(B) Goa
(C) Odisha
(D) Tamil Nadu
✅ Ans: (B) Goa
Explanation: The Konkan Coast stretches from Maharashtra to Goa, part of India’s western coastal plain, known for its ports and beaches. Geography of India describes its geography.
25. (Q525) Which river does NOT originate in the Himalayas?
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Krishna
✅ Ans: (D) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna originates in the Western Ghats (Mahabaleshwar), while Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra are Himalayan rivers. Geography of India classifies river sources.
26. (Q526) The youngest mountain range in India is:
(A) Aravalli
(B) Vindhya
(C) Himalayas
(D) Satpura
✅ Ans: (C) Himalayas
Explanation: The Himalayas, formed by the India-Eurasia tectonic collision, are India’s youngest fold mountains, still tectonically active. Geography of India contrasts them with older ranges.
27. (Q527) India’s longest tunnel (as of 2024) is:
(A) Atal Tunnel
(B) Chenani-Nashri Tunnel
(C) Banihal Tunnel
(D) Pir Panjal Tunnel
✅ Ans: (A) Atal Tunnel
Explanation: The Atal Tunnel (~9.02 km) in Himachal Pradesh, under Rohtang Pass, is India’s longest road tunnel, connecting Manali to Leh. Geography of India notes its engineering feat.
28. (Q528) The world’s highest motorable road is located at:
(A) Khardung La
(B) Rohtang La
(C) Zojila
(D) Shipki La
✅ Ans: (A) Khardung La
Explanation: Khardung La in Ladakh (~5,602 m) is often cited as the world’s highest motorable road, though Umling La (~5,799 m) now holds the record. Geography of India clarifies its high-altitude status.
29. (Q529) Saddle Peak, the highest peak of Andaman and Nicobar, lies in:
(A) North Andaman
(B) Middle Andaman
(C) South Andaman
(D) Great Nicobar
✅ Ans: (A) North Andaman
Explanation: Saddle Peak (732 m) in North Andaman is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geography of India describes its forested terrain.
30. (Q530) The Palk Strait separates India from:
(A) Maldives
(B) Bangladesh
(C) Sri Lanka
(D) Myanmar
✅ Ans: (C) Sri Lanka
Explanation: The Palk Strait, between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, connects the Bay of Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar. Geography of India notes its maritime boundary role.
31. (Q531) The term “Bhabar” refers to:
(A) Fertile floodplains
(B) Alluvial deposit
(C) Pebble-strewn zone
(D) Laterite soil
✅ Ans: (C) Pebble-strewn zone
Explanation: Bhabar is a narrow, porous, pebble-strewn zone at the Himalayan foothills, where rivers disappear underground. Geography of India explains its transitional geography.
32. (Q532) The state with the maximum forest cover in terms of percentage of its area is:
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Chhattisgarh
(D) Odisha
✅ Ans: (B) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh has ~79% forest cover (India State of Forest Report), due to its Himalayan and tropical forests. Geography of India highlights its biodiversity.
33. (Q533) Which of the following soil types is most suitable for cotton cultivation?
(A) Red Soil
(B) Black Soil
(C) Alluvial Soil
(D) Laterite Soil
✅ Ans: (B) Black Soil
Explanation: Black soil (regur), found in the Deccan Plateau, retains moisture and is ideal for cotton cultivation. Geography of India discusses soil-crop suitability.
34. (Q534) Which city is known as the “Manchester of South India”?
(A) Chennai
(B) Coimbatore
(C) Hyderabad
(D) Bengaluru
✅ Ans: (B) Coimbatore
Explanation: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is called the “Manchester of South India” for its textile industry and cotton mills. Geography of India notes its industrial significance.
35. (Q535) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is:
(A) Arma Konda
(B) Anamudi
(C) Doddabetta
(D) Nilgiri
✅ Ans: (A) Arma Konda
Explanation: Arma Konda (1,680 m) in Andhra Pradesh is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats, lower than Western Ghats peaks like Anamudi. Geography of India contrasts their elevations.
36. (Q536) Which river flows through Srinagar?
(A) Beas
(B) Chenab
(C) Jhelum
(D) Sutlej
✅ Ans: (C) Jhelum
Explanation: The Jhelum River flows through Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, shaping the Kashmir Valley’s geography. Geography of India highlights its urban and agricultural role.
37. (Q537) The Pench National Park is situated in:
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Gujarat
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (A) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Pench National Park, straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is known for its tiger population and inspiration for The Jungle Book. Geography of India notes its conservation status.
38. (Q538) Which lake is a freshwater lake?
(A) Chilika
(B) Pulicat
(C) Vembanad
(D) Wular
✅ Ans: (D) Wular
Explanation: Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is a freshwater lake fed by the Jhelum, while Chilika, Pulicat, and Vembanad are brackish. Geography of India describes its ecological role.
39. (Q539) Which plateau is rich in mineral resources?
(A) Malwa Plateau
(B) Deccan Plateau
(C) Chota Nagpur Plateau
(D) Shillong Plateau
✅ Ans: (C) Chota Nagpur Plateau
Explanation: The Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand is rich in coal, mica, and iron ore, driving India’s industrial growth. Geography of India emphasizes its mineral wealth.
40. (Q540) The major crop of the Terai region is:
(A) Tea
(B) Rubber
(C) Rice
(D) Maize
✅ Ans: (C) Rice
Explanation: The Terai region, with its fertile, marshy soils south of the Bhabar, is ideal for rice cultivation due to high rainfall. Geography of India notes its agricultural productivity.
41. (Q541) India’s longest expressway is:
(A) Yamuna Expressway
(B) Mumbai-Pune Expressway
(C) Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
(D) Agra–Lucknow Expressway
✅ Ans: (C) Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
Explanation: The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (~1,350 km), under construction as of 2024, is India’s longest expressway, enhancing connectivity. Geography of India highlights its infrastructure significance.
42. (Q542) Which river is also called the “Dakshin Ganga”?
(A) Krishna
(B) Cauvery
(C) Godavari
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (C) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari, South India’s longest river, is called “Dakshin Ganga” for its cultural and agricultural importance. Geography of India emphasizes its peninsular role.
43. (Q543) The smallest Union Territory in India by population is:
(A) Lakshadweep
(B) Daman & Diu
(C) Puducherry
(D) Chandigarh
✅ Ans: (A) Lakshadweep
Explanation: Lakshadweep, with ~64,473 people (2011 Census), is India’s least populous Union Territory due to its small island area. Geography of India contrasts its demographics.
44. (Q544) Which state is the largest producer of spices in India?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Kerala
(D) Gujarat
✅ Ans: (C) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala leads in spice production, including black pepper, cardamom, and cloves, due to its tropical climate and Western Ghats. Geography of India notes its spice trade history.
45. (Q545) “Gondwana Land” is associated with the origin of:
(A) Himalayas
(B) Indian Peninsula
(C) Western Ghats
(D) Indo-Gangetic Plain
✅ Ans: (B) Indian Peninsula
Explanation: The Indian Peninsula, part of ancient Gondwana Land, comprises stable cratonic rocks, unlike the younger Himalayas. Geography of India explains its geological history.
46. (Q546) Kharif crops are generally harvested in:
(A) January
(B) March
(C) September-October
(D) June
✅ Ans: (C) September-October
Explanation: Kharif crops, sown during the monsoon (June-July), are harvested in September-October, including rice and cotton. Geography of India outlines cropping seasons.
47. (Q547) The state that receives rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoons is:
(A) Kerala
(B) Odisha
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) West Bengal
✅ Ans: (C) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu receives rainfall from the southwest (summer) and northeast (winter) monsoons, supporting dual cropping seasons. Geography of India explains its monsoon patterns.
48. (Q548) “Puga Valley” is famous for:
(A) Oil reserves
(B) Geothermal energy
(C) Uranium mines
(D) Tea plantations
✅ Ans: (B) Geothermal energy
Explanation: Puga Valley in Ladakh is known for its geothermal energy potential, with hot springs and geysers. Geography of India highlights its renewable energy prospects.
49. (Q549) “Operation Flood” is associated with:
(A) Wheat production
(B) Irrigation
(C) Milk production
(D) Fisheries
✅ Ans: (C) Milk production
Explanation: Operation Flood, led by the National Dairy Development Board, transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer. Geography of India notes its dairy revolution.
50. (Q550) Which one of the following states has no rail route?
(A) Meghalaya
(B) Tripura
(C) Arunachal Pradesh
(D) Nagaland
✅ Ans: (A) Meghalaya
Explanation: Meghalaya has no operational railway network due to its hilly terrain, unlike Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, which have limited rail connectivity. Geography of India discusses its transport challenges.