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

Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, what percentage of the total water carried by the Indus river system is allocated for India's use?

20 percent
30 percent
50 percent
60 percent

Correct Option: A [ 20 percent ]

Explanation: The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 to regulate the water sharing of the Indus river system. According to its regulations, India is permitted to use only 20 percent of the total water carried by the system. This water is primarily used for irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.

The Peninsular Plateau is broadly divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau by which major west-flowing river?

Tapti
Mahi
Narmada
Sabarmati

Correct Option: C [ Narmada ]

Explanation: The river Narmada divides the Peninsular Plateau into two broad parts. The region situated to the north of the Narmada is known as the Central Highlands, while the triangular region lying to its south is called the Deccan Plateau.

Chilka Lake and Pulicat Lake are well-known examples of what coastal feature found on the East Coastal Plain of India?

Deltas
Estuaries
Kayals
Lagoons

Correct Option: D [ Lagoons ]

Explanation: A lagoon is a shallow stretch of water that is partially or completely separated from the sea by sand bars. The East Coastal Plain of India has a large number of such features, with Chilka Lake in Odisha and Pulicat Lake being prominent examples.

What is the local name for the eastern extension of the Central Highlands, covering parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh?

Chotanagpur
Baghelkhand
Marwar Upland
Meghalaya Plateau

Correct Option: B [ Baghelkhand ]

Explanation: The Central Highlands are wider in the west and narrow down towards the east. The eastern extension of the Malwa Plateau is known as Bundelkhand, and its further extension into parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh is called Baghelkhand.

The Malwa plateau, a major part of the Central Highlands, lies between which two prominent mountain ranges?

Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges
Vindhya and Satpura ranges
Satpura and Western Ghats
Aravalli and Zaskar ranges

Correct Option: A [ Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges ]

Explanation: The Malwa plateau is a key physiographic feature that lies between the Aravalli Range and the Vindhyan Range. Most of this region is drained by the Chambal River and its tributaries.

In the context of the Northern Plains, what is the 'Bhabar' belt?

A swampy and marshy region with reappearing streams
A belt of older alluvium forming a terrace-like feature
A narrow belt of pebbles and boulders at the foothills of the Himalayas
A lowland area with fresh, newer alluvium

Correct Option: C [ A narrow belt of pebbles and boulders at the foothills of the Himalayas ]

Explanation: The Bhabar belt is a narrow zone, about 6 to 15 km wide, located adjacent to the foothills of the Himalayas. It is characterized by a deposit of boulders and pebbles carried down by streams, and due to its high porosity, streams often flow underground in this region.

Which pass in the Aravalli Range is famously associated with the Battle of Haldighati fought in 1576?

Goram Ghat
Asirgarh Pass
Haldighati Darra
Pipalya Ghat

Correct Option: C [ Haldighati Darra ]

Explanation: The Haldighati Darra lies in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, connecting the Rajsamand and Udaipur districts. It is renowned for being the site of the historic Battle of Haldighati, which took place between Maharana Pratap and Man Singh I in 1576.

Which pass, located in the Aksai Chin region, connects Ladakh with Tibet but is currently administered by China?

Chang La
Lanak La
Imis La
Sasser La

Correct Option: B [ Lanak La ]

Explanation: Lanak La is a mountain pass situated in the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh. Although claimed by India as a border pass connecting Ladakh with the Tibet Autonomous Region, it is currently administered by China.

The Kumbharli Ghat pass, which has the Koyna Dam near its eastern end, connects which two districts in Maharashtra?

Ratnagiri and Satara
Mumbai and Pune
Nashik and Ahmednagar
Kolhapur and Sangli

Correct Option: A [ Ratnagiri and Satara ]

Explanation: The Kumbharli Ghat is a mountain pass that cuts across the Western Ghats range in Maharashtra. It serves as a crucial link connecting the Ratnagiri District with the Satara District. The Koyna Dam is located near its eastern end.

Which pass is situated in the Karakoram Range near the trijunction of India, China, and Afghanistan's borders?

Parpik Pass
Karakoram Pass
Mintaka Pass
Aghil Pass

Correct Option: C [ Mintaka Pass ]

Explanation: The Mintaka Pass is located in the Karakoram Range, connecting Ladakh with the Xinjiang Province of China. It is strategically situated near the trijunction of the borders of India, China, and Afghanistan.