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

In Madhya Pradesh, what is the local name for the primitive form of cultivation also known as 'slash and burn' agriculture?

Jhumming
Pamlou
Kumari
Bewar or Dahiya

Correct Option: D [ Bewar or Dahiya ]

Explanation: The primitive subsistence farming method of 'slash and burn' is known by different names across India. In Madhya Pradesh, it is called 'Bewar' or 'Dahiya'. It is known as 'Jhumming' in the north-eastern states.

How do the Himalayas influence India's climate during winter?

They allow cold polar winds to enter northern India.
They have no significant effect on winter temperatures.
They block frigid katabatic winds from Central Asia, keeping northern India warm.
They attract monsoon winds, causing heavy winter rainfall.

Correct Option: C [ They block frigid katabatic winds from Central Asia, keeping northern India warm. ]

Explanation: The Himalayas act as a barrier to the frigid katabatic winds that flow down from Central Asia. This keeps northern India warm or only mildly cooled during the winter. This same barrier effect also makes India relatively hot in the summer by trapping heat.

Based on the Köppen system, which of these is NOT one of the six major climatic subtypes hosted by India?

Arid desert
Alpine tundra
Humid tropical
Polar ice cap

Correct Option: D [ Polar ice cap ]

Explanation: Based on the Köppen system, India hosts six major climatic subtypes, ranging from arid desert in the west, alpine tundra and glaciers in the north, to humid tropical regions supporting rainforests in the southwest and island territories. A polar ice cap climate is not found in India.

The heat zone lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which receives maximum heat, is known as what?

Frigid Zone
Torrid Zone
Temperate Zone
Equatorial Zone

Correct Option: B [ Torrid Zone ]

Explanation: The Torrid Zone includes all latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S). The mid-day sun is exactly overhead at least once a year in this zone, so it receives the maximum heat.

In which layer of the atmosphere do meteorites typically burn up upon entering from space?

Exosphere
Thermosphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere

Correct Option: D [ Mesosphere ]

Explanation: The Mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere, extending up to a height of 80 km. Meteorites entering from space burn up in this layer due to friction with the atmospheric particles.

In which layer of the atmosphere do most weather phenomena like rainfall, fog, and hailstorm occur?

Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Troposphere
Thermosphere

Correct Option: C [ Troposphere ]

Explanation: The troposphere is the lowermost layer of the atmosphere, extending up to about 8 km at the poles and 18 km at the equator. Almost all weather phenomena, such as rainfall, fog, and hailstorm, occur in this layer.

Which is the only large river in the arid region of the Thar Desert?

Sabarmati
Mahi
Banas
Luni

Correct Option: D [ Luni ]

Explanation: The Luni river is the only large river found in the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert). It drains a large area of the desert but is scarce in water. The region receives very low rainfall, below 150 mm per year.

National Waterway No. 2 (NW-2) facilitates inland navigation over a length of 891 km on which river?

Ganga
Godavari
Brahmaputra
Narmada

Correct Option: C [ Brahmaputra ]

Explanation: National Waterway No. 2 is on the Brahmaputra River and connects Sadiya and Dhubri over a length of 891 km. NW-1 is on the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system.

Which is the highest lake in India, according to the sources?

Wular Lake
Vembanad Lake
Cholamu Lake
Sambhar Lake

Correct Option: C [ Cholamu Lake ]

Explanation: According to the provided sources, the Cholamu Lake in Sikkim is listed as the highest lake in India. The Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake, and Vembanad is the longest.

The two headwaters of the Chenab River, Chandra and Bhaga, originate near which mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh?

Rohtang Pass
Shipki La
Bara Lacha La
Zoji La

Correct Option: C [ Bara Lacha La ]

Explanation: The Chandra and Bhaga rivers are the two headwaters of the Chenab River. They both originate near the Bara Lacha La pass, which is located on the Zanskar Range in Himachal Pradesh.