1. (Q801) The Indian Standard Meridian passes through which of the following cities?
(A) Bhopal
(B) Ujjain
(C) Mirzapur
(D) Allahabad
✅ Ans: (C) Mirzapur
Explanation: The Indian Standard Meridian (82°30′ E) passes through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, defining Indian Standard Time (IST), +5:30 hrs from GMT. Geography of India confirms its location near Allahabad but specifically through Mirzapur.
2. (Q802) The Vindhya Range lies mainly in:
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Gujarat
✅ Ans: (B) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Vindhya Range, a major divide between North and South India, is primarily in Madhya Pradesh, extending into parts of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Geography of India details its central Indian location.
3. (Q803) The Narmada River rises from:
(A) Amarkantak Plateau
(B) Aravalli Hills
(C) Satpura Hills
(D) Vindhyan Hills
✅ Ans: (A) Amarkantak Plateau
Explanation: The Narmada originates at Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, flowing west through a rift valley. Geography of India traces its source, distinguishing it from rivers like the Son, which also starts here.
4. (Q804) Which of the following rivers flows westward?
(A) Ganga
(B) Godavari
(C) Krishna
(D) Tapi
✅ Ans: (D) Tapi
Explanation: The Tapi (Tapti) River, originating in the Satpura Range, flows west into the Arabian Sea, unlike the east-flowing Ganga, Godavari, and Krishna. Geography of India classifies its drainage pattern.
5. (Q805) The city of Varanasi is situated on the bank of which river?
(A) Yamuna
(B) Ganga
(C) Ghaghara
(D) Son
✅ Ans: (B) Ganga
Explanation: Varanasi, a spiritual hub in Uttar Pradesh, lies on the banks of the Ganga River, known for its ghats and cultural significance. Geography of India highlights its riverine setting.
6. (Q806) The National Waterway No. 1 connects:
(A) Allahabad and Haldia
(B) Kolkata and Mumbai
(C) Kakinada and Puducherry
(D) Kochi and Kozhikode
✅ Ans: (A) Allahabad and Haldia
Explanation: National Waterway No. 1 (NW-1) spans the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system from Allahabad (Prayagraj) to Haldia, facilitating inland transport. Geography of India maps its route.
7. (Q807) Which of the following passes is located in the Pir Panjal Range?
(A) Banihal
(B) Rohtang
(C) Zojila
(D) Shipki La
✅ Ans: (A) Banihal
Explanation: Banihal Pass in Jammu & Kashmir, part of the Pir Panjal Range, connects the Kashmir Valley to the outer Himalayas. Geography of India notes its strategic role, distinguishing it from Zojila (Zaskar Range) or Rohtang (Great Himalayas).
8. (Q808) Which one of the following is a major wheat-producing state?
(A) Andhra Pradesh
(B) Karnataka
(C) Punjab
(D) Kerala
✅ Ans: (C) Punjab
Explanation: Punjab, with its fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, is a leading wheat-producing state, benefiting from irrigation and Rabi season conditions. Geography of India highlights its agricultural prominence.
9. (Q809) Chilika Lake is located in:
(A) Andhra Pradesh
(B) West Bengal
(C) Odisha
(D) Tamil Nadu
✅ Ans: (C) Odisha
Explanation: Chilika Lake, a brackish lagoon in Odisha, is India’s largest coastal lagoon, known for its biodiversity and Ramsar status. Geography of India describes its coastal ecology.
10. (Q810) The Great Indian Desert lies mostly in:
(A) Punjab
(B) Haryana
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Gujarat
✅ Ans: (C) Rajasthan
Explanation: The Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) is primarily in Rajasthan, extending into parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. Geography of India details its arid expanse west of the Aravallis.
11. (Q811) Which of the following is a tributary of the Yamuna River?
(A) Chambal
(B) Ghaghara
(C) Gandak
(D) Kosi
✅ Ans: (A) Chambal
Explanation: The Chambal, originating in the Vindhyas, is a major Yamuna tributary, while Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi join the Ganga. Geography of India classifies river systems.
12. (Q812) The city located on the banks of the Musi River is:
(A) Hyderabad
(B) Mumbai
(C) Kochi
(D) Bengaluru
✅ Ans: (A) Hyderabad
Explanation: Hyderabad, Telangana, lies on the Musi River, which flows through its historic and modern districts. Geography of India notes its riverine geography.
13. (Q813) The longest river of Peninsular India is:
(A) Krishna
(B) Narmada
(C) Godavari
(D) Cauvery
✅ Ans: (C) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari (~1,465 km), originating at Trimbak in Maharashtra, is the longest peninsular river, followed by the Krishna (~1,400 km). Geography of India confirms its length.
14. (Q814) Which one of the following rivers is known as the “Sorrow of Bengal”?
(A) Damodar
(B) Teesta
(C) Kosi
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (A) Damodar
Explanation: The Damodar River, due to its frequent flooding in West Bengal, is called the “Sorrow of Bengal,” though flood control measures have mitigated its impact. Geography of India notes its historical flooding.
15. (Q815) Which state is the leading producer of coffee in India?
(A) Kerala
(B) Karnataka
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Andhra Pradesh
✅ Ans: (B) Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka, particularly the Coorg region, leads in coffee production (~70% of India’s total), favored by its Western Ghats climate. Geography of India highlights its plantation economy.
16. (Q816) Which of the following is the largest saltwater lake in India?
(A) Kolleru
(B) Wular
(C) Chilika
(D) Pulicat
✅ Ans: (C) Chilika
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha, a brackish lagoon, is India’s largest coastal saltwater lake by area, though Sambhar is the largest inland saline lake. Geography of India clarifies its coastal status.
17. (Q817) Which of the following hills is not located in the Eastern Ghats?
(A) Nallamala Hills
(B) Shevaroy Hills
(C) Cardamom Hills
(D) Javadi Hills
✅ Ans: (C) Cardamom Hills
Explanation: Cardamom Hills are part of the Western Ghats in Kerala, while Nallamala, Shevaroy, and Javadi Hills are in the Eastern Ghats. Geography of India distinguishes these ranges.
18. (Q818) The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?
(A) 7
(B) 8
(C) 9
(D) 10
✅ Ans: (B) 8
Explanation: The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. Geography of India corrects the sample’s error (9) per standard mapping.
19. (Q819) Which state is known as the “Land of Rising Sun” in India?
(A) Arunachal Pradesh
(B) Nagaland
(C) Sikkim
(D) Assam
✅ Ans: (A) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh, India’s easternmost state (~97°25′E), is called the “Land of Rising Sun” as it receives the first sunrise in India. Geography of India highlights its geographical position.
20. (Q820) The Lakshadweep Islands are located in which sea?
(A) Bay of Bengal
(B) Arabian Sea
(C) Indian Ocean
(D) Andaman Sea
✅ Ans: (B) Arabian Sea
Explanation: Lakshadweep, a group of coral atolls, lies in the Arabian Sea, west of Kerala. Geography of India specifies its maritime location, distinct from the Andaman Sea.
21. (Q821) Which of the following states does NOT have an international border?
(A) Sikkim
(B) Chhattisgarh
(C) Mizoram
(D) Jammu & Kashmir
✅ Ans: (B) Chhattisgarh
Explanation: Chhattisgarh is landlocked with no international border, while Sikkim, Mizoram, and Jammu & Kashmir share borders with Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, or Pakistan. Geography of India maps state boundaries.
22. (Q822) The “Queen of the Satpuras” is:
(A) Panchgani
(B) Pachmarhi
(C) Lonavala
(D) Mount Abu
✅ Ans: (B) Pachmarhi
Explanation: Pachmarhi, a hill station in Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Range, is known as the “Queen of the Satpuras” for its scenic beauty. Geography of India notes its tourism appeal.
23. (Q823) The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join at:
(A) Rudraprayag
(B) Karnaprayag
(C) Devprayag
(D) Vishnuprayag
✅ Ans: (C) Devprayag
Explanation: The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge at Devprayag in Uttarakhand, forming the Ganga River, a sacred confluence. Geography of India details its Himalayan origin.
24. (Q824) Which river does NOT form a delta?
(A) Ganga
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Narmada
(D) Godavari
✅ Ans: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada forms an estuary at the Arabian Sea, not a delta, unlike the Ganga, Mahanadi, and Godavari, which form deltas at the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India explains its estuarine mouth.
25. (Q825) Saddle Peak is the highest point in:
(A) Lakshadweep
(B) North Andaman
(C) Little Nicobar
(D) Great Nicobar
✅ Ans: (B) North Andaman
Explanation: Saddle Peak (~732 m) in North Andaman is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geography of India highlights its insular topography.
26. (Q826) “Ravines” are a typical feature found in the basin of:
(A) Mahanadi
(B) Chambal
(C) Krishna
(D) Kosi
✅ Ans: (B) Chambal
Explanation: Ravines, eroded badlands, are characteristic of the Chambal Basin in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, formed by water erosion. Geography of India describes their geomorphic features.
27. (Q827) The largest river system of Peninsular India is:
(A) Krishna
(B) Godavari
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Narmada
✅ Ans: (B) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari, with its extensive drainage basin (~1,465 km), is the largest river system in Peninsular India, surpassing Krishna and Mahanadi. Geography of India details its reach.
28. (Q828) The city of Kanpur is located on the banks of which river?
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Gomti
(D) Ghaghara
✅ Ans: (A) Ganga
Explanation: Kanpur, an industrial hub in Uttar Pradesh, lies on the banks of the Ganga River, supporting its economic activities. Geography of India notes its riverine location.
29. (Q829) The term “Doab” refers to:
(A) The origin of a river
(B) The delta of a river
(C) Land between two rivers
(D) Mouth of a river
✅ Ans: (C) Land between two rivers
Explanation: “Doab” refers to the fertile land between two rivers, such as the Ganga-Yamuna Doab in North India. Geography of India defines this physiographic term.
30. (Q830) The Satpura Range is located between:
(A) Ganga and Yamuna
(B) Godavari and Krishna
(C) Narmada and Tapi
(D) Mahanadi and Godavari
✅ Ans: (C) Narmada and Tapi
Explanation: The Satpura Range lies south of the Narmada and north of the Tapi, forming a central Indian divide. Geography of India maps its location.
31. (Q831) Which one of the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
(A) Narmada
(B) Kosi
(C) Yamuna
(D) Godavari
✅ Ans: (A) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, unlike the Kosi, Yamuna, or Godavari. Geography of India highlights its geological uniqueness.
32. (Q832) The soil found in the Deccan Trap region is:
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Laterite soil
(C) Black soil
(D) Red soil
✅ Ans: (C) Black soil
Explanation: Black soil (regur), formed from weathered basalt in the Deccan Trap, is prevalent in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, ideal for cotton. Geography of India explains its volcanic origin.
33. (Q833) Which one of the following rivers does not originate in India?
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Godavari
✅ Ans: (C) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra originates in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, entering India in Arunachal Pradesh, unlike the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, which originate in India. Geography of India traces its transboundary flow.
34. (Q834) The Lonar Crater Lake is located in:
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Maharashtra
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Karnataka
✅ Ans: (B) Maharashtra
Explanation: Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra, formed by a meteorite impact, is a unique saline soda lake. Geography of India highlights its geological significance.
35. (Q835) Which is the highest mountain peak in South India?
(A) Anamudi
(B) Doddabetta
(C) Agasthyamalai
(D) Nilgiri
✅ Ans: (A) Anamudi
Explanation: Anamudi (~2,695 m) in Kerala’s Western Ghats is the highest peak in South India, surpassing Doddabetta (~2,637 m) in the Nilgiris. Geography of India confirms its elevation.
36. (Q836) The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is in which state?
(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Uttarakhand
(C) Sikkim
(D) Arunachal Pradesh
✅ Ans: (B) Uttarakhand
Explanation: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site in Uttarakhand, surrounds India’s second-highest peak, known for its biodiversity. Geography of India notes its conservation status.
37. (Q837) Which of the following rivers does not join the Ganga?
(A) Chambal
(B) Yamuna
(C) Gandak
(D) Cauvery
✅ Ans: (D) Cauvery
Explanation: The Cauvery, a peninsular river, flows into the Bay of Bengal independently, while Chambal, Yamuna, and Gandak are part of the Ganga system. Geography of India classifies their drainage.
38. (Q838) Which river is known as the “Lifeline of Gujarat”?
(A) Tapi
(B) Sabarmati
(C) Mahi
(D) Narmada
✅ Ans: (D) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada, with projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam, is called the “Lifeline of Gujarat” for its irrigation and hydropower contributions. Geography of India highlights its economic role.
39. (Q839) Loktak Lake is famous for:
(A) Coral Reefs
(B) Floating islands
(C) Migratory birds
(D) Shipyard
✅ Ans: (B) Floating islands
Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur is renowned for its phumdis (floating islands), hosting Keibul Lamjao, the world’s only floating national park. Geography of India notes its unique ecosystem.
40. (Q840) The Indira Gandhi Canal originates at:
(A) Bhakra Dam
(B) Harike Barrage
(C) Pong Dam
(D) Ranjit Sagar Dam
✅ Ans: (B) Harike Barrage
Explanation: The Indira Gandhi Canal, irrigating Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, originates at Harike Barrage in Punjab, where the Sutlej and Beas converge. Geography of India details its irrigation network.
41. (Q841) The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by:
(A) Ten Degree Channel
(B) Nine Degree Channel
(C) Duncan Passage
(D) Palk Strait
✅ Ans: (A) Ten Degree Channel
Explanation: The Ten Degree Channel (~10°N latitude) separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India maps its insular geography.
42. (Q842) Which Indian river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’?
(A) Kosi
(B) Teesta
(C) Ghaghara
(D) Gandak
✅ Ans: (A) Kosi
Explanation: The Kosi River, known for frequent course changes and flooding in Bihar, is called the “Sorrow of Bihar.” Geography of India highlights its flood-prone nature.
43. (Q843) The city known as the “Silicon Valley of India” is:
(A) Hyderabad
(B) Chennai
(C) Pune
(D) Bengaluru
✅ Ans: (D) Bengaluru
Explanation: Bengaluru, Karnataka, is called the “Silicon Valley of India” for its IT industry and tech hubs. Geography of India notes its economic significance.
44. (Q844) Which of the following is a lagoon lake?
(A) Loktak
(B) Vembanad
(C) Sambhar
(D) Wular
✅ Ans: (B) Vembanad
Explanation: Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a brackish backwater lagoon, supports tourism and biodiversity, unlike freshwater Loktak or Wular. Geography of India classifies its coastal nature.
45. (Q845) The major producer of Mica in India is:
(A) Chhattisgarh
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Karnataka
✅ Ans: (C) Jharkhand
Explanation: Jharkhand, particularly the Chhota Nagpur Plateau, is India’s leading mica producer, contributing to its mineral wealth. Geography of India notes its resource dominance.
46. (Q846) The Shiwalik Hills are located:
(A) Northernmost Himalayas
(B) Southernmost Himalayas
(C) Middle Himalayas
(D) None of these
✅ Ans: (B) Southernmost Himalayas
Explanation: The Shiwalik Hills form the southernmost, outermost range of the Himalayas, lying south of the Lesser Himalayas. Geography of India describes their foothill location.
47. (Q847) Which is the southernmost point of India?
(A) Cape Comorin
(B) Indira Point
(C) Rameswaram
(D) Kanyakumari
✅ Ans: (B) Indira Point
Explanation: Indira Point in the Nicobar Islands (~6°45′N) is India’s southernmost point, while Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari) is the mainland’s southernmost point. Geography of India clarifies this distinction.
48. (Q848) The Khasi tribe belongs to which Indian state?
(A) Nagaland
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Manipur
✅ Ans: (C) Meghalaya
Explanation: The Khasi tribe, known for their matrilineal society, is primarily in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills, a culturally rich region. Geography of India notes its tribal geography.
49. (Q849) The easternmost longitude of India is:
(A) 97°25′E
(B) 68°7′E
(C) 82°30′E
(D) 93°15′E
✅ Ans: (A) 97°25′E
Explanation: The easternmost longitude of India (~97°25′E) is in Arunachal Pradesh, near Kibithu, marking the country’s eastern boundary. Geography of India defines its longitudinal extent.
50. (Q850) The Andaman Islands are a group of:
(A) Volcanic Islands
(B) Sedimentary Islands
(C) Coral Islands
(D) Alluvial Islands
✅ Ans: (A) Volcanic Islands
Explanation: The Andaman Islands, unlike the coral-based Lakshadweep, are primarily volcanic in origin, formed by tectonic activity in the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India distinguishes their geological formation.