1. The Earth’s shape is best described as
(A) Perfect Sphere
(B) Ellipsoid
(C) Geoid
(D) Hemisphere
✅ Ans: (C) Geoid
Explanation: The Earth is not a perfect sphere but a geoid, slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. Majid Husain’s World Geography emphasizes that the geoid is the most accurate representation, accounting for gravitational variations.
2. Which planet is known as the Earth’s twin?
(A) Mars
(B) Venus
(C) Mercury
(D) Jupiter
✅ Ans: (B) Venus
Explanation: Venus is called Earth’s twin due to its comparable size, mass) and composition. However, World Geography notes its extreme surface conditions, with high temperatures and a thick CO₂ atmosphere, distinguishing it from Earth.
3. Which is the largest ocean in the world?
(A) Indian Ocean
(B) Atlantic Ocean
(C) Pacific Ocean
(D) Arctic Ocean
✅ Ans: (C) Pacific Ocean
Explanation: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean, covering about one-third of Earth’s surface. Majid Husain’s World Geography highlights its vast expanse and features like the Ring of Fire.
4. Which is the deepest oceanic trench?
(A) Tonga Trench
(B) Puerto Rico Trench
(C) Java Trench
(D) Mariana Trench
✅ Ans: (D) Mariana Trench
Explanation: The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific, is the deepest trench, reaching about 11,000 meters. World Geography describes it as a subduction zone where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Mariana Plate.
5. Salinity of ocean water is highest in:
(A) Pacific Ocean
(B) Indian Ocean
(C) Dead Sea
(D) Mediterranean Sea
✅ Ans: (C) Dead Sea
Explanation: The Dead Sea has extremely high salinity (~34%) due to high evaporation and no outlet. Majid Husain’s World Geography explains that this makes it a hypersaline lake, not a true sea, unlike the listed oceans.
6. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of China”?
(A) Yangtze
(B) Hwang Ho
(C) Mekong
(D) Amur
✅ Ans: (B) Hwang Ho
Explanation: The Hwang Ho (Yellow River) is called the “Sorrow of China” due to its frequent flooding, caused by heavy siltation. World Geography notes its historical impact on Chinese agriculture and settlements.
7. The Tropic of Cancer does NOT pass through which Indian state?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Tripura
(C) Gujarat
(D) Odisha
✅ Ans: (D) Odisha
Explanation: The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight Indian states, including Rajasthan, Tripura, and Gujarat, but not Odisha, which lies south of the tropic. Geography of India provides a detailed map for reference.
8. The highest mountain peak in the world is:
(A) Mount Everest
(B) K2
(C) Kanchenjunga
(D) Makalu
✅ Ans: (A) Mount Everest
Explanation: Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters, is the highest peak globally, located in the Himalayas. Majid Husain’s World Geography discusses its geological formation due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
9. Which river is known as ‘Dakshin Ganga’?
(A) Godavari
(B) Krishna
(C) Cauvery
(D) Narmada
✅ Ans: (A) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari is called ‘Dakshin Ganga’ due to its extensive length and cultural significance in South India. Geography of India highlights its role in irrigation and agriculture in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
10. Which of the following is a land-locked country?
(A) Peru
(B) Afghanistan
(C) Myanmar
(D) Somalia
✅ Ans: (B) Afghanistan
Explanation: Afghanistan is land-locked, surrounded by countries like Pakistan and Iran, with no access to the sea. World Geography notes its rugged terrain and strategic location in Central Asia.
11. Which is the smallest Union Territory of India by area?
(A) Daman and Diu
(B) Lakshadweep
(C) Chandigarh
(D) Puducherry
✅ Ans: (B) Lakshadweep
Explanation: Lakshadweep, with an area of about 32 sq.km, is India’s smallest Union Territory. Geography of India describes its coral island geography and ecological significance.
12. Black soil is most suitable for the cultivation of:
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Cotton
(D) Wheat
✅ Ans: (C) Cotton
Explanation: Black soil, rich in clay and moisture-retaining capacity, is ideal for cotton cultivation, especially in the Deccan Plateau. Geography of India explains its formation from basaltic lava.
13. Which state has the highest forest cover in India?
(A) Chhattisgarh
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Arunachal Pradesh
(D) Odisha
✅ Ans: (B) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India by area, as per recent Forest Survey reports cited in Geography of India. Its diverse forests include teak and sal species.
14. Which of the following rivers is not a tributary of the Ganga?
(A) Gandak
(B) Kosi
(C) Son
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (D) Mahanadi
Explanation: The Mahanadi flows independently into the Bay of Bengal, while Gandak, Kosi, and Son are tributaries of the Ganga. Geography of India details the Ganga’s extensive river system.
15. India’s longest river which flows entirely within India is:
(A) Godavari
(B) Krishna
(C) Narmada
(D) Ganga
✅ Ans: (A) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari, at ~1,465 km, is the longest river entirely within India, unlike the Ganga, which originates in India but flows through Bangladesh. Geography of India emphasizes its peninsular significance.
16. Which mountain range separates Europe from Asia?
(A) Himalayas
(B) Alps
(C) Ural
(D) Carpathians
✅ Ans: (C) Ural
Explanation: The Ural Mountains form the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia, running through Russia. World Geography describes their low elevation and geological history.
17. The capital of Kazakhstan is:
(A) Tashkent
(B) Astana (Nur-Sultan)
(C) Bishkek
(D) Almaty
✅ Ans: (B) Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Explanation: Astana, renamed Nur-Sultan, is Kazakhstan’s capital. World Geography notes its modern development and strategic location in Central Asia.
18. Which is the largest desert in the world?
(A) Sahara
(B) Gobi
(C) Kalahari
(D) Atacama
✅ Ans: (A) Sahara
Explanation: The Sahara Desert, spanning ~9.2 million sq.km across North Africa, is the largest hot desert. World Geography discusses its arid climate and nomadic lifestyles.
19. The Indian Standard Time (IST) is how many hours ahead of GMT?
(A) 4 hrs 30 min
(B) 5 hrs 30 min
(C) 6 hrs
(D) 5 hrs
✅ Ans: (B) 5 hrs 30 min
Explanation: IST is UTC+5:30, based on the 82.5°E meridian. Geography of India explains its adoption for national time standardization.
20. Which Indian state is known as the “Land of Five Rivers”?
(A) Haryana
(B) Punjab
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Bihar
✅ Ans: (B) Punjab
Explanation: Punjab is named for its five rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum), tributaries of the Indus. Geography of India highlights its fertile alluvial plains.
21. River Narmada flows westward into:
(A) Bay of Bengal
(B) Arabian Sea
(C) Rann of Kutch
(D) Gulf of Mannar
✅ Ans: (B) Arabian Sea
Explanation: The Narmada flows westward through a rift valley into the Arabian Sea. Geography of India notes its unique westward drainage among peninsular rivers.
22. Which of the following rivers does NOT form a delta?
(A) Mahanadi
(B) Godavari
(C) Krishna
(D) Narmada
✅ Ans: (D) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada forms an estuary, not a delta, due to its steep gradient and fast flow. Geography of India contrasts this with delta-forming rivers like Godavari.
23. Which pass connects Srinagar to Leh?
(A) Rohtang Pass
(B) Zojila Pass
(C) Nathu La
(D) Shipki La
✅ Ans: (B) Zojila Pass
Explanation: Zojila Pass, in the Himalayas, connects Srinagar to Leh, critical for Ladakh’s accessibility. Geography of India describes its strategic importance.
24. ‘Mumbai High’ is famous for:
(A) Ship-building
(B) Oil exploration
(C) Fishing
(D) Coal mining
✅ Ans: (B) Oil exploration
Explanation: Mumbai High, in the Arabian Sea, is India’s largest offshore oil field. Geography of India details its contribution to India’s energy sector.
25. The Sundarbans is known for:
(A) Mangrove forests
(B) Tropical grasslands
(C) Coral reefs
(D) Alpine meadows
✅ Ans: (A) Mangrove forests
Explanation: The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Geography of India emphasizes its ecological role.
26. In India, laterite soil is found in:
(A) Punjab
(B) Gujarat
(C) Kerala
(D) Haryana
✅ Ans: (C) Kerala
Explanation: Laterite soil, formed in high-rainfall areas, is prevalent in Kerala, suitable for crops like cashew. Geography of India explains its leaching process.
27. The largest lake in India is:
(A) Wular
(B) Dal
(C) Chilika
(D) Vembanad
✅ Ans: (D) Vembanad
Explanation: Vembanad Lake in Kerala is India’s largest lake by area, known for its backwater tourism. Geography of India notes its ecological and economic significance.
28. Which type of climate is experienced in Mumbai?
(A) Tropical wet
(B) Tropical wet and dry
(C) Semi-arid
(D) Humid subtropical
✅ Ans: (A) Tropical wet
Explanation: Mumbai has a tropical wet climate with heavy monsoon rains and high humidity. Geography of India classifies it under the Am type in Köppen’s system.
29. Which river originates from Amarkantak Plateau?
(A) Godavari
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Narmada
(D) Krishna
✅ Ans: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada originates at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, flowing westward. Geography of India describes its rift valley course.
30. What is the capital of Australia?
(A) Sydney
(B) Melbourne
(C) Canberra
(D) Perth
✅ Ans: (C) Canberra
Explanation: Canberra is Australia’s planned capital city, chosen for its neutral location. World Geography notes its administrative significance.
31. Indian Standard Time is calculated from which meridian?
(A) 75°E
(B) 82.5°E
(C) 90°E
(D) 68°E
✅ Ans: (B) 82.5°E
Explanation: IST is based on the 82.5°E meridian, passing through Mirzapur. Geography of India explains its role in time standardization.
32. The Indian desert is located in:
(A) Punjab
(B) Gujarat
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Haryana
✅ Ans: (C) Rajasthan
Explanation: The Thar Desert, India’s only desert, is primarily in Rajasthan. Geography of India discusses its arid climate and nomadic lifestyle.
33. The only active volcano in India is located at:
(A) Nicobar Islands
(B) Lakshadweep
(C) Barren Island
(D) Minicoy
✅ Ans: (C) Barren Island
Explanation: Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hosts India’s only active volcano. Geography of India notes its recent eruptive activity.
34. Which of the following is not a Himalayan river?
(A) Yamuna
(B) Sutlej
(C) Narmada
(D) Ganga
✅ Ans: (C) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada is a peninsular river, unlike the Himalayan rivers Yamuna, Sutlej, and Ganga. Geography of India contrasts their origins.
35. Which Indian state has the longest coastline?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Gujarat
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (C) Gujarat
Explanation: Gujarat has India’s longest coastline (~1,600 km), vital for ports like Kandla. Geography of India highlights its maritime significance.
36. The highest dam in India is:
(A) Hirakud
(B) Bhakra Nangal
(C) Tehri
(D) Sardar Sarovar
✅ Ans: (C) Tehri
Explanation: Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River is India’s highest dam (~260.5 m). Geography of India discusses its role in hydropower and flood control.
37. Which Indian state is the largest producer of coffee?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Karnataka
(D) Andhra Pradesh
✅ Ans: (C) Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka, particularly Coorg, produces the majority of India’s coffee, especially Arabica and Robusta. Geography of India notes its plantation economy.
38. Which city is known as the “Manchester of India”?
(A) Delhi
(B) Ahmedabad
(C) Mumbai
(D) Ludhiana
✅ Ans: (B) Ahmedabad
Explanation: Ahmedabad is called the “Manchester of India” for its textile industry. Geography of India highlights its historical cotton mills.
39. The capital city of Canada is:
(A) Toronto
(B) Ottawa
(C) Montreal
(D) Vancouver
✅ Ans: (B) Ottawa
Explanation: Ottawa is Canada’s capital, chosen for its neutral location. World Geography notes its administrative and cultural role.
40. What is the latitude of the Equator?
(A) 0°
(B) 23.5°N
(C) 45°
(D) 90°S
✅ Ans: (A) 0°
Explanation: The Equator is at 0° latitude, dividing Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. World Geography explains its climatic significance.
41. Which state is known as the “Spice Garden of India”?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Karnataka
(D) Assam
✅ Ans: (A) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala is the “Spice Garden of India” for producing spices like pepper and cardamom. Geography of India highlights its plantation agriculture.
42. Which country has the largest number of volcanoes?
(A) Japan
(B) Indonesia
(C) USA
(D) Philippines
✅ Ans: (C) USA
Explanation: The USA, with active volcanoes in Alaska and Hawaii, has the most volcanoes globally. World Geography discusses its tectonic activity.
43. The equator passes through how many continents?
(A) 3
(B) 4
(C) 5
(D) 6
✅ Ans: (A) 3
Explanation: The Equator passes through Africa, South America, and Asia (via Indonesia). World Geography clarifies its geographical extent.
44. Which of the following Indian rivers flows westward?
(A) Yamuna
(B) Krishna
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Tapi
✅ Ans: (D) Tapi
Explanation: The Tapi flows westward into the Arabian Sea, like the Narmada. Geography of India contrasts it with east-flowing peninsular rivers.
45. The ‘Duncan Passage’ separates:
(A) North and South Andaman
(B) Andaman and Nicobar
(C) Little Andaman and South Andaman
(D) Car Nicobar and Little Nicobar
✅ Ans: (B) Andaman and Nicobar
Explanation: The Duncan Passage lies between South Andaman and Little Andaman, part of the Andaman-Nicobar separation. Geography of India details its location.
46. Which state is the largest producer of rice in India?
(A) Punjab
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) West Bengal
✅ Ans: (D) West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal leads in rice production due to its fertile Gangetic plains and monsoon climate. Geography of India notes its agricultural dominance.
47. The international boundary between India and Pakistan is called:
(A) Line of Control
(B) McMahon Line
(C) Radcliffe Line
(D) Durand Line
✅ Ans: (C) Radcliffe Line
Explanation: The Radcliffe Line, drawn in 1947, defines the India-Pakistan border. Geography of India explains its historical context.
48. Which is the second highest peak in the world?
(A) Nanga Parbat
(B) Lhotse
(C) K2
(D) Annapurna
✅ Ans: (C) K2
Explanation: K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), at 8,611 meters, is the second highest peak, located in the Karakoram Range. World Geography discusses its climbing challenges.
49. Which is the longest river in the world?
(A) Amazon
(B) Nile
(C) Yangtze
(D) Mississippi
✅ Ans: (B) Nile
Explanation: The Nile, at ~6,650 km, is the longest river, flowing through northeastern Africa. World Geography notes its historical and economic importance.
50. The capital of South Africa is:
(A) Johannesburg
(B) Cape Town
(C) Pretoria
(D) Durban
✅ Ans: (C) Pretoria
Explanation: Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital, one of three capitals. World Geography clarifies its governmental role.