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

The Mangsha Dhura pass, used by pilgrims for the Kailash-Manasarovar yatra, is located in which region of Uttarakhand?

Garhwal Himalayas
Kuthi Valley, Kumaon region
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Gangotri region

Correct Option: B [ Kuthi Valley, Kumaon region ]

Explanation: The Mangsha Dhura pass is located in the Kuthi Valley within the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It connects the Pithoragarh district with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is one of the passes used by pilgrims traveling to Kailash-Manasarovar.

In India's demographic history, the period from 1951 to 1981 is referred to as what?

Period of Stagnant Growth
Period of Steady Growth
Period of Population Explosion
Period of Declining Trend

Correct Option: C [ Period of Population Explosion ]

Explanation: The period between 1951 and 1981 is known as the "period of population explosion in India." This phase was characterized by a rapid fall in the mortality rate combined with a high fertility rate, leading to an astonishingly high average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

As per the 2011 Census, which Union Territory has the highest population density in India?

Puducherry
Chandigarh
Daman and Diu
Delhi

Correct Option: D [ Delhi ]

Explanation: The 2011 Census reveals a wide variation in population density, which is the number of persons per unit area. The National Capital Territory of Delhi has the highest population density among all states and UTs, with 11,297 persons per square kilometer.

Among the 22 scheduled languages in India, which two language groups have the smallest number of speakers?

Bodo and Dogri
Maithili and Santali
Kashmiri and Sanskrit
Nepali and Konkani

Correct Option: C [ Kashmiri and Sanskrit ]

Explanation: India has a rich linguistic diversity with 22 scheduled languages. While Hindi speakers have the highest percentage, the smallest language groups among the scheduled languages are the speakers of Kashmiri and Sanskrit.

According to the 2011 Census, which state registered the highest decadal population growth rate?

Bihar
Arunachal Pradesh
Meghalaya
Mizoram

Correct Option: C [ Meghalaya ]

Explanation: As per the 2011 Census data, Meghalaya recorded the highest decadal population growth rate at 27.82%. This was followed by Arunachal Pradesh (25.92%) and Bihar (25.07%). In contrast, Nagaland was the only state to record a negative growth rate.

What is the proportion of workers (both main and marginal) in India's total population, according to the 2011 census?

25.5%
39.8%
49.9%
60.2%

Correct Option: B [ 39.8% ]

Explanation: According to the 2011 census, the proportion of workers in India, including both main and marginal workers, is 39.8%. This leaves a large majority of about 60% of the population classified as non-workers. The worker participation rate varies across states and union territories.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the mouth of the Ganges, is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world?

Gulf of Mannar
Western Ghats
Sundarbans
Keoladeo National Park

Correct Option: C [ Sundarbans ]

Explanation: The Sundarbans delta is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located at the mouth of the Ganges, spreading across West Bengal and Bangladesh, and is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger.

The Sentinelese people, known for being untouched by modern civilization, inhabit which island in the Andaman and Nicobar group?

Great Nicobar Island
Little Andaman Island
Baratang Island
North Sentinel Island

Correct Option: D [ North Sentinel Island ]

Explanation: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to the North Sentinel Island, which is inhabited by the Sentinelese people. They are known as one of the most primitive human groups and remain isolated from the outside world.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park, is located in which Indian state?

Assam
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram

Correct Option: B [ Manipur ]

Explanation: The Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the state of Manipur. It is famous for being the only floating national park in the world and is a part of Loktak Lake.

How many of India's 18 biosphere reserves fall under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme list?

7
10
12
18

Correct Option: C [ 12 ]

Explanation: India has established 18 biosphere reserves. Of these, twelve fall under the list of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO, including sites like the Nilgiris, Sundarbans, and Nanda Devi.