India’s geographical location provides strategic advantages due to its position between which two major regions, influencing trade, climate, and defense?
A Africa and Europe
B South Asia and Southeast Asia
C North America and Europe
D Central Asia and Australia
India lies between South and Southeast Asia, influencing monsoon winds, international trade routes, cultural exchange, and strategic defense positioning in the Indian Ocean region.
Which of the following statements best describes the physiographic significance of the Himalayan mountain system in India?
A Isolated peaks in central India
B Acts as a climatic barrier and source of major rivers
C Forms desert regions in north India
D Low-lying hills of east India
The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia, influence monsoon patterns, and give rise to rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, crucial for agriculture and water resources.
Why are the Northern Plains of India considered highly fertile and densely populated regions?
A Formed by volcanic eruptions
B Annual deposition of alluvium from Himalayan rivers
C Arid soil and low rainfall
D Mountainous terrain
Sediments carried by rivers from the Himalayas enrich the soil, creating fertile plains that support intensive agriculture and dense human settlements.
The Peninsular Plateau of India is characterized by which of the following features that distinguish it from northern plains?
A Young fold mountains
B Ancient crystalline rocks and tablelands
C Fertile alluvial soil
D Extensive glaciers
Peninsular Plateau consists of old, hard crystalline rocks, elevated plateaus, and rounded hills, in contrast to the alluvial plains of northern India.
Which factor primarily influences the climate of India and causes the distinct wet and dry seasons experienced across the country?
A Altitude only
B Monsoon winds and latitude
C River systems
D Desert soils
India’s tropical location and monsoon winds bring seasonal rainfall, creating wet (southwest monsoon) and dry (winter) seasons across the subcontinent.
Western disturbances influence the climate of northern India in which way, particularly affecting agriculture?
A Causes snowfall and winter rain
B Triggers desertification
C Reduces monsoon rainfall
D Increases temperature in summer
Western disturbances originating from the Mediterranean bring winter rain and snowfall in north India, replenishing soil moisture and aiding rabi crops like wheat.
Which local wind is characterized by hot, dry air flowing from northwest India during summer months?
A Loo
B Foehn
C Cyclone
D Monsoon
Loo is a strong, hot, dry wind in northwestern India during summer, affecting agriculture and health, and causing high daytime temperatures.
Which type of soil in India is predominantly found in the black cotton soil region and is highly suitable for cotton cultivation?
A Alluvial
B Black
C Red
D Laterite
Black soil, rich in clay and moisture-retentive, is ideal for cotton and other crops; it is mainly found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka.
Which soil type is highly leached, acidic, and commonly found in high rainfall areas like Kerala and Western Ghats?
A Black soil
B Laterite soil
C Alluvial soil
D Desert soil
Laterite soils form in high rainfall, humid regions through intense weathering, are poor in nutrients, and are suitable for plantation crops like tea and coffee.
Which river system is classified as a Himalayan river and supports extensive irrigation in the Indo-Gangetic plains?
A Narmada
B Ganga
C Godavari
D Kaveri
The Ganga, a perennial Himalayan river, carries sediment-rich waters that create fertile plains and support irrigation and agriculture across northern India.
Which characteristic distinguishes Peninsular rivers like Godavari and Krishna from Himalayan rivers?
A Seasonal flow and originating from mountains
B Flow through old crystalline rocks and mostly seasonal
C Braided channels and perennial flow
D Glacier-fed rivers
Peninsular rivers flow over hard, ancient rocks, have shorter courses, and are primarily rain-fed, making them seasonal compared to glacier-fed Himalayan rivers.
Which Indian coastal plain is narrower and bordered by mountains, causing steep gradient rivers and rapid drainage?
A Eastern coastal plain
B Western coastal plain
C Ganga plains
D Sundarbans delta
Western coastal plains are narrow due to proximity to Western Ghats, causing rivers to be short, steep, and rapidly draining into the Arabian Sea.
Which island group of India is formed primarily by coral deposits and is located in the Bay of Bengal?
A Andaman and Nicobar Islands
B Lakshadweep
C Maldives
D Sundarbans
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are oceanic islands with volcanic origin, rich in coral reefs, and significant for biodiversity and strategic maritime location.
The Lakshadweep islands are primarily made up of which type of formation that supports rich marine ecosystems?
A Volcanic rocks
B Coral reefs
C Sand dunes
D Alluvial deposits
Lakshadweep islands are coral atolls formed on submarine banks, supporting marine biodiversity, fisheries, and eco-tourism activities.
Which climatic factor is primarily responsible for the heavy rainfall received on India’s western coast during June to September?
A Western disturbances
B Southwest monsoon winds and orographic effect
C Cyclones in Bay of Bengal
D Local convectional rains
Moist southwest monsoon winds rise over Western Ghats, cool, and condense, producing heavy rainfall and influencing agriculture and forest ecosystems.
Which Indian region experiences extreme summer heat and the influence of the Loo wind?
A Thar Desert and northwestern plains
B Western Ghats
C Eastern coastal plains
D Himalayas
Hot, dry Loo winds affect Rajasthan and surrounding plains, causing high temperatures and impacting crop production and human health during summer.
Which soil type is formed by alluvial deposition in river plains and supports cultivation of rice, wheat, and sugarcane?
A Black soil
B Alluvial soil
C Laterite soil
D Desert soil
Alluvial soils are fertile, found in northern plains and river deltas, replenished by river sediments, suitable for intensive agriculture.
Which soil conservation measure is most effective in hilly regions to prevent soil erosion?
A Contour bunding and terrace farming
B Overgrazing
C Deforestation
D Mining
Terrace farming and contour bunding reduce runoff, prevent soil erosion on slopes, conserve water, and increase agricultural productivity in hilly terrain.
Which river in India is considered a west-flowing Peninsular river forming estuaries before entering the Arabian Sea?
A Godavari
B Narmada
C Ganga
D Krishna
Narmada flows through a rift valley, forms estuaries on the west coast, and contrasts with east-flowing rivers that form deltas.
Why is the Western Ghats considered a biodiversity hotspot in India?
A Desert-like vegetation
B High rainfall, varied elevation, and endemic species
C Glacier-fed rivers
D Arid climate
Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall, have diverse microclimates and soil types, supporting rich biodiversity, including endemic plants and animals.
Which factor most significantly influences the formation of deltaic regions along India’s eastern coast?
A River deposition and gentle coastal slope
B Mountain erosion
C Glacier melting
D Volcanic activity
Sediment-laden east-flowing rivers like Ganga, Mahanadi, and Godavari deposit alluvium on gentle slopes, forming fertile deltas supporting dense agriculture.
Which type of forest is predominantly found in northeastern India due to high rainfall and tropical climate?
A Tropical evergreen
B Deciduous
C Desert
D Coniferous
Northeastern India’s high rainfall and warm climate support dense tropical evergreen forests rich in flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity.
Which type of Peninsular plateau soil is suitable for plantation crops such as tea, coffee, and rubber?
A Alluvial
B Laterite
C Black
D Desert
Laterite soils form under high rainfall and warm temperatures, are acidic, and support plantation crops like tea, coffee, and rubber in southern India.
Which Himalayan river is known for its perennial flow, braided channels, and contribution to fertile plains?
A Brahmaputra
B Mahanadi
C Godavari
D Tapi
Brahmaputra carries high sediment load, forms braided channels, and deposits fertile alluvium in Assam plains, supporting agriculture and settlements.
Which factor primarily contributes to the formation of red soils in the Peninsular region of India?
A Low rainfall and weathering of crystalline rocks
B Glacier action
C Volcanic activity
D River deposition
Red soils develop in areas with moderate rainfall, weathered ancient rocks, and adequate drainage, suitable for crops like pulses and millets.
Which of the following rivers flows through the Indo-Gangetic plains and has extensive canal networks for irrigation?
A Godavari
B Yamuna
C Narmada
D Kaveri
Yamuna is a major Himalayan river feeding irrigation canals, providing water to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi plains, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Which factor differentiates east-flowing Peninsular rivers from west-flowing rivers in India?
A Length, drainage pattern, and delta formation
B Glacier-fed only
C Flow through deserts only
D Urban areas only
East-flowing rivers are longer, deposit sediment to form deltas, while west-flowing rivers are shorter, steep, and form estuaries.
Which Indian state has the highest concentration of tiger reserves under Project Tiger for wildlife conservation?
A Madhya Pradesh
B Rajasthan
C Gujarat
D Punjab
Madhya Pradesh hosts numerous tiger reserves, balancing conservation and ecological sustainability, and protecting apex predators and associated biodiversity.
Which climatic condition causes the retreating southwest monsoon and dry weather over most of India during October to February?
A Winter monsoon from north-east
B Cyclones
C Loo wind
D Western disturbances only
The northeast monsoon brings dry, cool air to India, affecting rainfall patterns, particularly in the interior and southern regions.
Which feature distinguishes the Himalayan rivers from Peninsular rivers in terms of flow and sediment load?
A Perennial, braided, high sediment load vs seasonal, low sediment
B Short, dry vs long, wet
C Glacier-fed vs monsoon-fed
D Deltas vs estuaries only
Himalayan rivers are perennial and carry heavy sediments from mountains; Peninsular rivers are mostly seasonal with less sediment, influencing agriculture and hydrology.
Which type of local wind in India brings cold winter weather to northwestern plains?
A Loo
B Fohn
C Northeastern chill
D Cyclonic
Northeastern winds in winter bring cold air from Central Asia to northwestern India, affecting temperature, agriculture, and human comfort.
Which factor primarily determines the type and fertility of soils in India?
A Parent rock, climate, vegetation, and topography
B Latitude only
C River direction only
D Urbanization only
Soil formation depends on underlying rocks, climate, vegetation cover, and relief, affecting fertility, agriculture, and vegetation distribution across India.
Which soil conservation method is effective on steep slopes in the Western Ghats to prevent erosion?
A Contour farming
B Flood irrigation
C Overgrazing
D Deforestation
Contour farming reduces water runoff, prevents soil loss on slopes, and enhances moisture retention, particularly in hilly regions of Western Ghats.
Which river system in India is prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall in catchment areas and high sediment deposition?
A Brahmaputra
B Tapi
C Godavari
D Kaveri
Brahmaputra’s steep Himalayan catchment, heavy monsoon rains, and braided channels lead to frequent flooding, impacting agriculture and settlements in Assam.
Which type of vegetation is predominant in the Thar Desert due to arid conditions?
A Tropical evergreen
B Xerophytic desert shrubs
C Mangroves
D Alpine forests
Arid Thar Desert supports drought-resistant xerophytic shrubs and sparse vegetation, adapted to high temperatures, low rainfall, and sandy soils.
Which soil type is most suitable for paddy cultivation in coastal plains due to high water retention?
A Laterite
B Alluvial
C Black
D Desert
Coastal alluvial soils are fertile, retain water, and support water-intensive crops like rice, especially in deltaic regions like Ganga and Godavari.
Which factor significantly affects the distribution of flora and fauna across India?
A Climate, soil, relief, and water availability
B Urbanization only
C Latitude only
D Monsoon only
Vegetation and wildlife adapt to temperature, rainfall, soil types, and terrain; biodiversity is high in regions with favorable conditions and low in deserts or high mountains.
Which river is known as the “Dakshin Ganga” due to its extensive basin and irrigation potential?
A Godavari
B Krishna
C Kaveri
D Mahanadi
Godavari’s large basin and perennial flow support irrigation and agriculture in peninsular India, earning the nickname “Dakshin Ganga.”
Which Indian islands are strategically located near major international shipping lanes in the Bay of Bengal?
A Andaman and Nicobar
B Lakshadweep
C Maldives
D Sri Lanka
Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ location in Bay of Bengal provides strategic maritime importance, naval bases, and monitoring of trade routes.
Which factor is primarily responsible for the fertile soils of the Indo-Gangetic plains?
A River alluvium and periodic flooding
B Volcanic lava deposits
C Desert sands
D Glacial moraines
Regular deposition of silt and nutrients from rivers like Ganga and Yamuna enhances soil fertility, supporting dense agriculture and settlements.
Which vegetation type dominates the northeastern states due to high rainfall and warm temperatures?
A Tropical evergreen
B Grasslands
C Desert scrub
D Coniferous forests
High rainfall and tropical climate in northeast India foster dense evergreen forests rich in biodiversity, including endemic species.
Which soil type is most suitable for cotton cultivation in the Deccan Plateau region?
A Black soil
B Red soil
C Laterite
D Desert soil
Black soil retains moisture, is rich in clay, and is ideal for cotton and other cash crops, prevalent in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Which river in India has a west-flowing course through a rift valley and forms estuaries at the Arabian Sea?
A Narmada
B Godavari
C Ganga
D Brahmaputra
Narmada flows through a rift valley, is west-flowing, and empties into the Arabian Sea, forming estuaries unlike most east-flowing rivers forming deltas.
Which factor is responsible for the wide variation in rainfall between India’s western and eastern coastal plains?
A Orographic effect and monsoon direction
B Desertification
C Glacier melting
D Latitude only
Western Ghats intercept southwest monsoon winds causing heavy rainfall; eastern coastal plains receive moderate rainfall due to rain shadow effect.
Which Indian mountain range acts as a barrier against cold Central Asian winds and influences northern India’s winter climate?
A Himalayas
B Western Ghats
C Eastern Ghats
D Aravalli
Himalayas block cold northwesterly winds from Central Asia, moderating temperatures and contributing to snow accumulation and river systems.
Which factor is most critical in determining the type of soil in the Peninsular region?
A Parent rock and climate
B Urban development
C River length
D Population density
Ancient crystalline rocks and climatic conditions influence the formation of red, black, and laterite soils in the Peninsular region.
Which climatic phenomenon causes uneven distribution of rainfall across India, leading to droughts in Rajasthan and floods in Assam?
A Monsoon variability
B Cyclones only
C Desertification
D Earthquakes
Variations in southwest monsoon intensity and distribution cause arid conditions in Rajasthan and heavy floods in Assam, affecting agriculture and water resources.
Which Indian region is known for coniferous forests due to cold climate and high elevation?
A Western Himalayas
B Eastern Ghats
C Deccan Plateau
D Thar Desert
Cold, high-altitude Western Himalayas support coniferous forests like pine, deodar, and spruce, adapted to harsh climatic conditions.
Which river forms a large delta in eastern India, supporting extensive rice cultivation and settlement?
A Ganga
B Mahanadi
C Godavari
D Narmada
Mahanadi deposits fertile alluvium in its delta in Odisha, providing rich soil for paddy cultivation and dense settlements.
Which Indian state is richest in biodiversity and has tropical rainforests, mangroves, and mountainous ecosystems?
A Arunachal Pradesh
B Rajasthan
C Gujarat
D Punjab
Arunachal Pradesh has varied topography and climate, supporting tropical rainforests, mangroves, and alpine ecosystems, making it a biodiversity hotspot.