MCQ on Indian Geography for UPSC, Civil Services and TPSC, WBSC, APSC, TCS & TPS examinations

Which is the longest river wholly in India?

Godavari
Krishna
Narmada
Ganga

Correct Option: A [ Godavari ]

Explanation: Godavari is the longest river wholly in India (approx. 1,465 km).

In the Western Ghats region of India, what is the local name for the primitive form of cultivation known as 'slash and burn' agriculture?

Jhumming
Podu
Kumari
Bewar

Correct Option: C [ Kumari ]

Explanation: The 'slash and burn' agricultural practice is known by various local names across India. In the Western Ghats, this primitive form of cultivation is called 'Kumari'. It is known as 'Jhumming' in the North-eastern region and 'Bewar' in Madhya Pradesh.

Tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans are known by what name?

Typhoons
Willy-willies
Hurricanes
Baguios

Correct Option: C [ Hurricanes ]

Explanation: Tropical cyclones are powerful storms that are known by different names in various parts of the world. They are called 'Hurricanes' in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans, 'Typhoons' in the western Pacific, and 'cyclones' in the Indian Ocean.

The Government of India enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act in which year to conserve the country's wildlife?

1972
1980
1986
1992

Correct Option: A [ 1972 ]

Explanation: To provide a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, the Government of India enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972. This was followed by several conservation initiatives like Project Tiger in 1973.

The ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, is an important feature of which atmospheric layer?

Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Exosphere

Correct Option: B [ Stratosphere ]

Explanation: The stratosphere lies above the troposphere and extends up to about 50 km. A key feature of this layer is the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, making it crucial for life on Earth.

In which layer of the atmosphere do almost all weather phenomena, such as rainfall, fog, and hailstorms, occur?

Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Troposphere
Thermosphere

Correct Option: C [ Troposphere ]

Explanation: The troposphere is the lowermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 8-18 km. It contains the air we breathe, and almost all weather phenomena like clouds, rainfall, fog, and hailstorms take place in this layer.

The Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world, is built across which major river in Odisha?

Godavari
Brahmani
Mahanadi
Baitarani

Correct Option: C [ Mahanadi ]

Explanation: The Hirakud Dam is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry built across the Mahanadi River in Odisha. It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India's independence.

Which of the following is a left-bank tributary of the Krishna River?

Tungabhadra
Koyna
Bhima
Ghataprabha

Correct Option: C [ Bhima ]

Explanation: The Krishna River has several tributaries. Its left-bank tributaries include the Bhima, Musi, Dindi, Paleru, and Munneru. The Tungabhadra, Koyna, and Ghataprabha are all right-bank tributaries.

Which is the largest saltwater lake in India?

Pulicat Lake
Wular Lake
Vembanad Lake
Sambhar Lake

Correct Option: D [ Sambhar Lake ]

Explanation: The Sambhar Lake, located in Rajasthan, is recognized as the country's largest saltwater lake. It is a key site for salt production in India. Chilka Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon.

The Tehri Dam, the highest dam in India, is constructed on which river in Uttarakhand?

Alaknanda
Yamuna
Bhagirathi
Ramganga

Correct Option: C [ Bhagirathi ]

Explanation: The Tehri Dam is located in Uttarakhand and is the highest dam in India. It is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi river, which is one of the two primary headstreams of the Ganga.