1. The largest freshwater lake in the world by volume is:
(A) Lake Superior
(B) Lake Victoria
(C) Lake Baikal
(D) Lake Tanganyika
✅ Ans: (C) Lake Baikal
Explanation: Lake Baikal in Russia holds the largest volume of freshwater (~23,615 cubic km) due to its immense depth (~1,642 m). World Geography by Majid Husain highlights its formation in a rift valley and its status as the deepest lake globally.
2. Which of the following is the largest peninsula in the world?
(A) Arabian Peninsula
(B) Indian Peninsula
(C) Iberian Peninsula
(D) Scandinavian Peninsula
✅ Ans: (A) Arabian Peninsula
Explanation: The Arabian Peninsula, covering ~3.2 million sq.km, is the largest peninsula, encompassing countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen. World Geography notes its arid climate and significant oil reserves.
3. Which Indian river is known as the “Lifeline of Gujarat”?
(A) Sabarmati
(B) Narmada
(C) Tapi
(D) Mahi
✅ Ans: (B) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River is called the “Lifeline of Gujarat” due to its role in irrigation, hydropower (via Sardar Sarovar Dam), and water supply. Geography of India emphasizes its westward flow through Gujarat.
4. Which country is known as the “Land of Thousand Lakes”?
(A) Canada
(B) Finland
(C) Sweden
(D) Norway
✅ Ans: (B) Finland
Explanation: Finland, with over 187,000 lakes, earns the title “Land of Thousand Lakes.” World Geography describes its glacial landscape, which formed these numerous water bodies.
5. The Tropic of Capricorn does NOT pass through which country?
(A) Brazil
(B) Argentina
(C) Australia
(D) South Africa
✅ Ans: (A) Brazil
Explanation: The Tropic of Capricorn passes through southern continents like Australia, South Africa, and Argentina but not Brazil, which lies mostly north of it. World Geography provides a map of its path.
6. Which country has the largest number of islands?
(A) Indonesia
(B) Philippines
(C) Sweden
(D) Japan
✅ Ans: (C) Sweden
Explanation: Sweden has the most islands (~267,570), primarily in its archipelagos. World Geography notes its Baltic Sea coastline and island tourism, surpassing Indonesia (~17,500 islands).
7. The capital of Brazil is:
(A) Rio de Janeiro
(B) São Paulo
(C) Brasília
(D) Salvador
✅ Ans: (C) Brasília
Explanation: Brasília, a planned city, is Brazil’s capital since 1960, designed for administrative efficiency. World Geography highlights its modernist architecture and central location.
8. Which Indian river originates from the Gangotri Glacier?
(A) Yamuna
(B) Ganga
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Indus
✅ Ans: (B) Ganga
Explanation: The Ganga originates as Bhagirathi from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, becoming the Ganga at Devprayag. Geography of India details its sacred and ecological significance.
9. Which soil type is most prevalent in the Indo-Gangetic Plains?
(A) Laterite Soil
(B) Red Soil
(C) Alluvial Soil
(D) Black Soil
✅ Ans: (C) Alluvial Soil
Explanation: Alluvial soil, deposited by rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, dominates the Indo-Gangetic Plains, supporting intensive agriculture. Geography of India notes its fertility and widespread use.
10. Which Indian state has the highest literacy rate?
(A) Kerala
(B) Mizoram
(C) Goa
(D) Himachal Pradesh
✅ Ans: (A) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala consistently ranks highest in literacy (~94% as per recent data), attributed to its robust education system. Geography of India emphasizes its social development model.
11. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated from the mainland by:
(A) Palk Strait
(B) Gulf of Mannar
(C) Andaman Sea
(D) Bay of Bengal
✅ Ans: (D) Bay of Bengal
Explanation: The Bay of Bengal lies between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and mainland India. Geography of India describes its strategic and ecological importance.
12. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Assam”?
(A) Brahmaputra
(B) Subansiri
(C) Barak
(D) Teesta
✅ Ans: (A) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra causes frequent floods in Assam due to its high discharge and shifting channels. Geography of India details its impact on agriculture and settlements.
13. Which planet has the shortest day?
(A) Jupiter
(B) Mars
(C) Venus
(D) Mercury
✅ Ans: (A) Jupiter
Explanation: Jupiter has the shortest day (~9.93 hours) due to its rapid rotation. World Geography explains its gaseous composition and fast spin compared to other planets.
14. The ‘Great Rift Valley’ is located primarily in:
(A) South America
(B) East Africa
(C) Central Asia
(D) Australia
✅ Ans: (B) East Africa
Explanation: The Great Rift Valley stretches from Ethiopia to Mozambique, formed by tectonic activity. World Geography highlights its lakes (e.g., Tanganyika) and volcanic features.
15. Which Indian river has the largest catchment area in peninsular India?
(A) Godavari
(B) Krishna
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Narmada
✅ Ans: (A) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari has the largest catchment area (~312,812 sq.km) among peninsular rivers, supporting extensive agriculture. Geography of India details its drainage basin.
16. The smallest country in the world by area is:
(A) Monaco
(B) Vatican City
(C) Vatican City
(D) Nauru
✅ Ans: (B) Vatican City
Explanation: Vatican City, at 0.44 sq.km, is the smallest country globally, located within Rome. World Geography notes its religious and diplomatic significance.
17. Which Indian state is the largest producer of tea?
(A) Assam
(B) West Bengal
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Kerala
✅ Ans: (A) Assam
Explanation: Assam produces the largest quantity of tea (~55% of India’s total), particularly in the Brahmaputra Valley. Geography of India highlights its plantation economy.
18. Jim Corbett National Park is located in:
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Uttarakhand
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Assam
✅ Ans: (B) Uttarakhand
Explanation: Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest tiger reserve, is in Uttarakhand, known for its Project Tiger initiative. Geography of India notes its biodiversity.
19. The Satpura Range is primarily located in:
(A) North India
(B) Central India
(C) South India
(D) Northeast India
✅ Ans: (B) Central India
Explanation: The Satpura Range spans central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, forming a watershed. Geography of India describes its geological structure.
20. The Western Ghats are composed primarily of:
(A) Sedimentary rocks
(B) Basalt rocks
(C) Granite rocks
(D) Limestone rocks
✅ Ans: (B) Basalt rocks
Explanation: The Western Ghats, formed from Deccan Traps, are primarily basaltic due to volcanic activity. Geography of India notes their role in monsoon interception.
21. Which of the following is a warm ocean current?
(A) Benguela Current
(B) Humboldt Current
(C) Agulhas Current
(D) West Australian Current
✅ Ans: (C) Agulhas Current
Explanation: The Agulhas Current, along Africa’s east coast, is a warm current influencing regional climate. World Geography contrasts it with cold currents like Benguela.
22. The Indian city closest to the Equator is:
(A) Chennai
(B) Kochi
(C) Thiruvananthapuram
(D) Mumbai
✅ Ans: (C) Thiruvananthapuram
Explanation: Thiruvananthapuram, in Kerala, is the southernmost major city, closest to the Equator (~8.5°N). Geography of India notes its tropical climate.
23. Which Indian state does NOT share a border with Nepal?
(A) Uttarakhand
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Bihar
(D) Assam
✅ Ans: (D) Assam
Explanation: Assam borders Bhutan and Bangladesh but not Nepal, unlike Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Geography of India provides border details.
24. Periyar National Park is located in:
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Kerala
(C) Karnataka
(D) Andhra Pradesh
✅ Ans: (B) Kerala
Explanation: Periyar National Park, known for its tiger and elephant reserves, is in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Geography of India highlights its biodiversity hotspot status.
25. The world’s largest active volcano is:
(A) Mount Vesuvius
(B) Mauna Loa
(C) Mount Etna
(D) Kilauea
✅ Ans: (B) Mauna Loa
Explanation: Mauna Loa in Hawaii is the largest active volcano by volume and area. World Geography describes its shield volcano characteristics.
26. The oldest mountain range in India is:
(A) Himalayas
(B) Aravallis
(C) Western Ghats
(D) Eastern Ghats
✅ Ans: (B) Aravallis
Explanation: The Aravallis, in Rajasthan, are India’s oldest mountain range, formed during the Precambrian era. Geography of India notes their eroded structure.
27. Which river forms a gorge in the Himalayas?
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Indus
✅ Ans: (C) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra forms the Tsangpo Gorge, one of the deepest gorges, in the Himalayas. Geography of India details its trans-Himalayan course.
28. Which is the largest saltwater lake in India?
(A) Chilika Lake
(B) Sambhar Lake
(C) Pulicat Lake
(D) Vembanad Lake
✅ Ans: (A) Chilika Lake
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is India’s largest saltwater lake, a Ramsar site for migratory birds. Geography of India emphasizes its ecological importance.
29. Narcondam Island, known for its dormant volcano, is in:
(A) Andaman Islands
(B) Nicobar Islands
(C) Lakshadweep
(D) Minicoy
✅ Ans: (A) Andaman Islands
Explanation: Narcondam Island, with a dormant volcano, lies in the Andaman group. Geography of India notes its unique ecosystem and isolation.
30. Which Indian river originates from the Manasarovar Lake region?
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Indus
(D) Brahmaputra
✅ Ans: (C) Indus
Explanation: The Indus originates near Manasarovar Lake in Tibet, flowing through Ladakh. Geography of India traces its transboundary course.
31. The Maldives islands are formed by:
(A) Coral atolls
(B) Volcanic rocks
(C) Sand dunes
(D) Limestone cliffs
✅ Ans: (A) Coral atolls
Explanation: The Maldives consist of coral atolls formed over submerged volcanic bases. World Geography describes their low elevation and vulnerability to sea-level rise.
32. Which lake is the source of the Amazon River?
(A) Lake Titicaca
(B) Lake Maracaibo
(C) Lake Lauricocha
(D) Lake Junin
✅ Ans: (C) Lake Lauricocha
Explanation: Lake Lauricocha in Peru is considered the source of the Amazon’s main tributary, the Marañón. World Geography traces the Amazon’s complex headwaters.
33. Which Indian state has the largest number of national parks?
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Assam
(C) Uttarakhand
(D) Rajasthan
✅ Ans: (A) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the most national parks (~9), including Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Geography of India notes its rich biodiversity.
34. The latitude 23.5° S is also known as:
(A) Tropic of Cancer
(B) Tropic of Capricorn
(C) Arctic Circle
(D) Antarctic Circle
✅ Ans: (B) Tropic of Capricorn
Explanation: The Tropic of Capricorn is at 23.5°S, marking the southern boundary of the tropics. World Geography explains its solar significance.
35. Which is India’s deepest port?
(A) Visakhapatnam
(B) Chennai
(C) Gangavaram
(D) Krishnapatnam
✅ Ans: (C) Gangavaram
Explanation: Gangavaram Port in Andhra Pradesh is India’s deepest port, handling large vessels. Geography of India highlights its modern infrastructure.
36. The Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) passes through:
(A) France
(B) Spain
(C) Ghana
(D) Brazil
✅ Ans: (C) Ghana
Explanation: The Greenwich Meridian passes through Ghana in Africa, defining UTC. World Geography notes its global timekeeping role.
37. The K2 peak is located in:
(A) Himalayas
(B) Karakoram Range
(C) Hindu Kush
(D) Zanskar Range
✅ Ans: (B) Karakoram Range
Explanation: K2, the second-highest peak, is in the Karakoram Range, straddling India-Pakistan. World Geography discusses its climbing challenges.
38. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on:
(A) Krishna
(B) Godavari
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Cauvery
✅ Ans: (A) Krishna
Explanation: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, one of India’s largest, is on the Krishna River in Telangana. Geography of India notes its irrigation benefits.
39. Which river flows through the Thar Desert?
(A) Luni
(B) Sabarmati
(C) Mahi
(D) Narmada
✅ Ans: (A) Luni
Explanation: The Luni River, a seasonal river, flows through the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Geography of India describes its saline nature and limited flow.
40. The “Coral Triangle” is located in:
(A) Caribbean Sea
(B) Southeast Asia
(C) Mediterranean Sea
(D) South Pacific
✅ Ans: (B) Southeast Asia
Explanation: The Coral Triangle, spanning Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia, is the global center of marine biodiversity. World Geography highlights its coral reefs.
41. The Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on:
(A) Sutlej
(B) Beas
(C) Ravi
(D) Chenab
✅ Ans: (A) Sutlej
Explanation: Bhakra Nangal Dam, a major multipurpose project, is on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh. Geography of India notes its hydropower and irrigation roles.
42. The Tehri Dam is located on:
(A) Ganga
(B) Bhagirathi
(C) Alaknanda
(D) Yamuna
✅ Ans: (B) Bhagirathi
Explanation: Tehri Dam, India’s highest, is on the Bhagirathi River, a Ganga tributary, in Uttarakhand. Geography of India discusses its environmental debates.
43. Which Indian city is known as the “Silicon Valley of India”?
(A) Hyderabad
(B) Bengaluru
(C) Chennai
(D) Pune
✅ Ans: (B) Bengaluru
Explanation: Bengaluru is India’s IT hub, earning the title “Silicon Valley of India.” Geography of India highlights its economic and technological growth.
44. The boundary between India and Bangladesh is known as:
(A) Radcliffe Line
(B) McMahon Line
(C) Durand Line
(D) International Border
✅ Ans: (A) Radcliffe Line
Explanation: The Radcliffe Line, drawn in 1947, defines the India-Bangladesh border. Geography of India notes its complex enclaves, now simplified.
45. Which of the following is a hot desert?
(A) Gobi Desert
(B) Atacama Desert
(C) Antarctic Desert
(D) Arctic Desert
✅ Ans: (B) Atacama Desert
Explanation: The Atacama Desert in Chile is a hot desert, known as the driest place on Earth. World Geography contrasts it with cold deserts like the Gobi.
46. The point where two rivers meet is called:
(A) Delta
(B) Estuary
(C) Confluence
(D) Tributary
✅ Ans: (C) Confluence
Explanation: A confluence is where two rivers join, like the Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad. World Geography defines key fluvial terms.
47. Which ocean current cools the western coast of South America?
(A) Humboldt Current
(B) Brazil Current
(C) Agulhas Current
(D) Gulf Stream
✅ Ans: (A) Humboldt Current
Explanation: The Humboldt (Peru) Current, a cold current, cools South America’s west coast, supporting rich fisheries. World Geography explains its climatic impact.
48. The Kaveri River disputes involve which states?
(A) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
(B) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
(C) Kerala and Karnataka
(D) Maharashtra and Karnataka
✅ Ans: (A) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Kaveri water dispute primarily involves Karnataka (upstream) and Tamil Nadu (downstream). Geography of India details its legal and political complexities.
49. The main mineral found in the Kolar region is:
(A) Iron ore
(B) Gold
(C) Copper
(D) Bauxite
✅ Ans: (B) Gold
Explanation: Kolar in Karnataka is famous for its gold mines, though largely depleted now. Geography of India notes its historical mining significance.
50. The Shivalik Hills are located in:
(A) Peninsular India
(B) Central India
(C) Himalayan Foothills
(D) Northeast India
✅ Ans: (C) Himalayan Foothills
Explanation: The Shivalik Hills, the outermost Himalayan range, span states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Geography of India describes their young, fragile geology.