Test: Indian Geography - 1 - SSC CGL MCQ

The Correct Option is C: Bengaluru

Silicon Valley of India:
- The term "Silicon Valley of India" refers to the city of Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore), which is located in the southern state of Karnataka in India.
- The name is derived from the original Silicon Valley in California, USA, which is home to many of the world's leading technology companies.
- Bengaluru earned this title because it has become a major hub for the Information Technology (IT) industry in India, with several multinational and domestic technology companies having established their presence in the city.
Reasons for Bengaluru being the Silicon Valley of India:
- Skilled Workforce: Bengaluru is home to numerous prestigious educational institutions, producing a highly skilled workforce, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology.
- Supportive Government Policies: The Karnataka government has implemented policies and initiatives that promote the growth and development of the IT sector in the state, making it attractive for businesses to set up operations in Bengaluru.
- Research and Development: The city has a strong research and development ecosystem, including renowned institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and various research organizations that contribute to innovation and cutting-edge technology.
- Infrastructure: Bengaluru boasts well-developed infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, reliable power supply, and excellent transportation facilities, making it conducive for businesses to operate efficiently.
- Global Exposure: With numerous multinational companies having set up their offices and development centers in the city, Bengaluru has become a melting pot of diverse cultures and has developed strong global connections..

The Correct Answer is A: Dehradun

Explanation:
- Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand in India
- Established in 1906, the Forest Research Institute (FRI) is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world
- The institute focuses on research, education, and extension in the field of forestry and environmental science
- FRI is under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
- The institute's campus is spread over 450 hectares and has a lush green environment, housing several museums, laboratories, and a library
- FRI offers a variety of courses in forestry, including doctoral and postgraduate programs

The Correct Option is C: less than 25%  

India's Forested Land Percentage

• India's total land area is approximately 3.287 million square kilometers.
• According to the Forest Survey of India, the total forest cover in India is approximately 712,249 square kilometers.
• To find the percentage of forested land, divide the total forest cover by the total land area and multiply by 100.
• (712,249 / 3,287,000) x 100 = 21.67%
• Therefore, the percentage of India's forested land out of total land is less than 25% (option C).

The Correct Option is C : wheat  

Green Revolution in India:
- The Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that took place between the 1940s and the late 1970s.
- Its main objective was to increase agricultural production, particularly in developing countries like India, to ensure food security and alleviate hunger and poverty.
- The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties of seeds, modern farming techniques, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Success in case of Wheat:
- The Green Revolution has been most successful in the case of wheat in India.

Some reasons for this success include:
1. Introduction of high-yielding varieties: Scientists developed high-yielding varieties of wheat seeds that were more responsive to chemical fertilizers and had a higher resistance to diseases. These varieties significantly increased wheat production.
2. Irrigation facilities: The government focused on improving irrigation facilities to ensure a consistent supply of water to wheat fields. This enabled farmers to grow wheat on a larger scale and increase production.
3. Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides: The Green Revolution promoted the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase crop yields. This helped in boosting wheat production by providing the essential nutrients needed for growth and protecting the crop from pests and diseases.
4. Support from the government: The Indian government provided various incentives to farmers, such as subsidized fertilizers, pesticides, and electricity for irrigation, which encouraged them to adopt modern agricultural practices and increase wheat production.
5. Agricultural research and extension services: The government established research institutes and extension services to help educate farmers about new agricultural practices and technologies. This played a crucial role in the widespread adoption of high-yielding varieties and other modern farming techniques in wheat cultivation.

Answer: B - Rice
Explanation:
- India is an agricultural country, and a significant portion of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.
- Irrigation is essential for agriculture in various regions of India due to the seasonal and uneven distribution of rainfall.
- Different crops require different amounts of water and irrigation methods for optimal growth.
Rice and its irrigation requirement:
- Rice is a staple food for a large part of the Indian population.
- It is a water-intensive crop and requires a significant amount of water for its growth and cultivation.
- The rice crop needs continuous standing water in the fields, which makes it necessary to have a well-irrigated system in place for its cultivation.
- Flooding or submerged irrigation is the most common method used for irrigating rice fields.
Comparison with other crops:
- Sugarcane, cotton, and wheat are other major crops grown in India.
- While sugarcane and cotton also require a significant amount of water for their growth, they do not need continuous standing water like rice.
- Wheat, on the other hand, requires comparatively less water for its growth and can be cultivated using various irrigation methods like sprinkler or drip irrigation.
- Therefore, considering the water requirement and irrigation methods, rice occupies the largest irrigated area in India.

The answer is C : Mica
- Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely used in various industries such as electronics, construction, cosmetics, and paint manufacturing.
- India has the largest reserves and production of mica in the world, accounting for about 60% of global mica production.
- The majority of mica production in India is concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The high-quality mica found in these regions is used for various purposes, including insulation in electrical appliances, making automotive paints, and in cosmetics.
- India's dominance in the mica industry can be attributed to its vast reserves, skilled labor, and well-developed mining and processing infrastructure.
In conclusion, India is the largest producer of mica, contributing a significant portion of the global mica supply. This mineral is crucial for various industries, and India's abundant reserves and production capacity make it a key player in the mica market..

Answer is D: Narmada

Sardar Sarovar Dam
- The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a large-scale hydroelectric dam project
- It is being built on the Narmada River in the Indian states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
- The dam is part of the Narmada Valley Development Project, which aims to provide water and electricity to millions of people in these states
Key Features of the Dam
- Height: The dam has a height of 163 meters (535 feet) from its deepest foundation
- Length: It has a length of 1,210 meters (3,970 feet) along the crest
- Power generation: The dam has an installed capacity of 1,450 MW of electricity with six riverbed powerhouses and two canal head powerhouses
- Water storage: The dam has a gross storage capacity of 9.5 billion cubic meters (333 billion cubic feet) of water
Benefits of the Dam
- Irrigation: The dam provides water for irrigating over 1.8 million hectares (4.4 million acres) of land in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
- Water supply: It supplies drinking water to more than 20 million people in the region
- Flood control: The dam helps to control floods in the downstream areas of the Narmada River, protecting lives and property
- Hydroelectric power: The dam generates clean, renewable energy to meet the growing electricity needs of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
In conclusion, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is being built on the Narmada River to provide multiple benefits to the people of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, including irrigation, drinking water, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.

The canal irrigation system is most common in Uttar Pradesh (D) in India.
Reasons for Canal Irrigation System's Popularity in Uttar Pradesh:
- Availability of water: Uttar Pradesh has an extensive network of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghara, Saryu, and Ramganga, which provide ample water supply for the canal system.
- Fertile soil: The region has fertile alluvial soil that is suitable for agriculture, and canal irrigation helps in increasing agricultural productivity.
- Population density: Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, and the demand for food is high. Canal irrigation supports the agriculture sector to meet this demand.
- Government initiatives: The state government has been investing in the development of canal networks to improve agricultural output and provide water for domestic and industrial uses.
Other Regions in India with Canal Irrigation System:
- Apart from Uttar Pradesh, canal irrigation is also prevalent in states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
- In these states, canal irrigation is essential for supporting agriculture and ensuring water security.

The Correct Answer is B: Mahanadi

Hirakud Dam: An Overview

• River: The Hirakud Dam has been constructed across the Mahanadi River.
• Location: The dam is situated in the state of Odisha, India, near the city of Sambalpur.
• Purpose: The main purposes of the dam are irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
• Construction: The construction of Hirakud Dam began in 1948 and was completed in 1957.
• Significance: It is one of the longest dams in the world, and it was the first major multipurpose river valley project in post-independent India.

The Correct Answer is A: Nasik
Explanation:
- The River Godavari, considered one of the sacred rivers in India, originates from Nasik, a city in the state of Maharashtra.
- The river starts from Brahmagiri Hill, located in the Trimbakeshwar region of Nasik.
- The Godavari River holds significant religious importance, as it is believed that taking a dip in its waters helps wash away sins.
- The river flows through various states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, before finally merging into the Bay of Bengal.
- The Godavari River is also called the Dakshin Ganga, which means "Ganges of the South," due to its vast expanse and religious significance.

The Correct Answer is D: Cauvery

Sivasamudra Island
- Formed by the river: Cauvery
- Located in the Indian state of Karnataka
- Famous for its waterfalls, namely Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls
- A popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and natural environment
- Also houses the first hydroelectric power station in Asia, established in 1902

The Correct Answer is D: Godavari 

Nasik and the Godavari River:

• Location: Nasik, also known as Nashik, is a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the northwestern region of the state and is approximately 180 km from Mumbai.
• River Bank: Nasik is situated on the bank of the Godavari River, which is the answer to the given question (D: Godavari).
•  Godavari River: The Godavari River is the second-longest river in India, after the Ganges. It originates in the Western Ghats near Nashik and flows eastward across central India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Significance: The Godavari River holds immense cultural and religious significance for the people of Maharashtra and other regions it flows through. It is considered one of the sacred rivers in Hinduism, and Nasik is a prominent pilgrimage site due to its location on the riverbank. The city is also the site of the Kumbh Mela, which is held once every twelve years and is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

The Correct Answer is C: Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known as the traditional region for tank irrigation due to the following reasons:

• Geographical Features: Tamil Nadu has a vast network of rivers and a relatively flat terrain, which makes it suitable for the construction of tanks.
• Rainfall Pattern: The state receives rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoons. However, the rainfall distribution is uneven, and tank irrigation helps to store water in areas with lower rainfall.
• Agriculture: Tamil Nadu is an agricultural state, and a significant part of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Tank irrigation is essential in the state to support agriculture, particularly paddy cultivation.
• History: Tank irrigation has been practiced in Tamil Nadu for centuries, and the state has a long history of constructing and maintaining tanks for irrigation purposes.
• Community Involvement: Local communities are actively involved in the maintenance of tanks, which ensures their sustainability and effectiveness in providing irrigation water.

In summary, Tamil Nadu is known as the traditional region for tank irrigation due to its geographical features, rainfall pattern, agricultural dependence, historical background, and community involvement in maintaining these tanks.

The Correct Answer is C: Tamil Nadu

Rainwater Harvesting Compulsory in Tamil Nadu

• In 2001, Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to make rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses.
• This decision was taken by the Tamil Nadu state government to address the severe water scarcity and depleting groundwater levels in the state.
• The Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rainwater Harvesting Act, 2003, mandates the construction of rainwater harvesting structures in all types of buildings, both residential and commercial.
• Failure to comply with this law can result in penalties, including disconnection of the water supply.
• As a result, a significant increase in groundwater levels and water availability has been observed in various parts of Tamil Nadu.

Answer: D. West Bengal
Explanation:
- Jute is a natural fiber that is primarily grown in tropical regions like India, Bangladesh, and China.
- In India, jute cultivation is mainly concentrated in the eastern states, particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Orissa.

West Bengal has the maximum area under jute cultivation. This is due to the following reasons:
- Favorable climatic conditions: West Bengal has a humid climate and well-distributed rainfall, which is suitable for the growth of jute plants.
- Fertile soil: The alluvial soil found in the Ganges delta region of West Bengal is highly fertile and supports the growth of jute crops.
- Historical factors: During the British colonial period, jute cultivation was promoted in the region to support the British jute industry. This has led to the establishment of a strong jute cultivation base in West Bengal.
- Infrastructure: West Bengal has a well-established infrastructure for jute processing, including numerous mills and factories. This has encouraged farmers to continue cultivating jute in the region.
- Domestic and export demand: Jute is used in various industries, such as packaging, textiles, and handicrafts. The demand for jute products, both domestically and internationally, continues to support jute cultivation in West Bengal.

The term "Yellow Revolution" is associated with the production of oil seeds.

Here is an explanation of the Yellow Revolution:
Yellow Revolution:
- Refers to the significant growth in the production of oil seeds in India
- Occurred during the 1980s and 1990s
- Primarily focused on increasing the production of edible oil seeds, such as sunflower, soybean, groundnut, and mustard
- Led by the Indian government's initiatives to boost agricultural production through various schemes and technological advancements
Impact of the Yellow Revolution:
- Increased the production of oil seeds, leading to self-sufficiency in edible oil production
- Reduced dependence on imported edible oils
- Improved the livelihood of farmers involved in oil seed cultivation
- Contributed to India's overall agricultural growth and food security

The Correct Answer is B: Limestone

Explanation:

• Limestone (B) is the correct answer as it is used in large quantities in the cement industry.
• Limestone is the primary raw material used for the production of cement. It is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
• During the cement manufacturing process, limestone is crushed and mixed with clay and other materials, then heated at high temperatures to form a material called clinker. This clinker is then ground into a fine powder, which is the final cement product.
• Other materials like gypsum, coal, and clay also play a role in the cement industry, but their usage is comparatively smaller than limestone.
• Gypsum is used as a setting retarder to prevent cement from setting too quickly, while coal is used as a fuel source to heat the kiln during the manufacturing process. Clay is another raw material mixed with limestone to achieve the desired chemical composition for clinker production.

 

The Correct Answer is C: Russia

The Bhilai Steel Plant has been established with the assistance of Russia
- The Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) is located in Bhilai, in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
- It was established in 1955 with the assistance of the Soviet Union (now Russia).
- The collaboration between India and the Soviet Union was part of a broader strategy to develop India's economy and industrial infrastructure.
- The Soviet Union provided technical expertise, machinery, and equipment for the plant.
- BSP is one of the largest steel-producing plants in India and a major producer of rails and steel plates.
- The plant played a significant role in India's industrial growth and helped reduce the country's dependence on steel imports.

The Correct Answer is C: Uranium  

Explanation of the Answer:
The monazite sands on the Kerala coasts are known for their significant deposit of:

• Uranium: Monazite sands contain thorium, which can be converted to uranium. Uranium is a critical component in nuclear energy production as it is used as a fuel for nuclear reactors. The Kerala coasts are abundant in monazite sands, making them a valuable resource for India's nuclear energy program. This is why the correct answer is C: uranium.

Answer: D. Nepal Himalayas
The Nepal Himalayas have the maximum stretch from east to west in comparison to the other options. Here's an explanation:
Nepal Himalayas:
- The Nepal Himalayas are located between the Kumaun Himalayas in the west and the Assam Himalayas in the east.
- This section of the Himalayas spans across a distance of approximately 800 kilometers from east to west.
- The Nepal Himalayas are home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
- This region is a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world, due to its challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes.
Other parts of the Himalayas:
- Kumaun Himalayas: Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the Kumaun Himalayas stretch for about 320 kilometers from east to west.
- Assam Himalayas: Found in the northeastern part of India and parts of Bhutan, the Assam Himalayas cover around 750 kilometers from east to west.
- Punjab Himalayas: Also known as the Himachal Himalayas, the Punjab Himalayas are located in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, spanning a distance of approximately 560 kilometers from east to west.
From the information above, it's evident that the Nepal Himalayas have the maximum stretch from east to west compared to the other options.