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India - Climate, Soils and Natural Vegetation PYQs – Geography, SSC & Railway

128 India - Climate, Soils and Natural Vegetation (Geography) questions asked in recent SSC and Railway exams, newest first, with exam, date & shift, answers and solutions.

📚 128 questionsSSC 47 · Railway 81
12
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q1. The Indian monsoon is primarily responsible for seasonal rainfall in India. What is the main cause behind the reversal of wind direction during monsoon?

  1. (a) Coriolis effect
  2. (b) Differential heating of land and sea
  3. (c) Young fold mountains
  4. (d) Dissected rivers and valleys
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Differential heating of land and sea

Answer: Option 2 — Differential heating of land and sea
⚠️ Note: the official sheet marks option 3; the correct answer is option 2 because the seasonal reversal of the monsoon winds is caused by the differential heating of land and sea, not by mountains.
In summer the Indian landmass heats faster than the Indian Ocean, so low pressure forms over north-west India and winds blow from sea to land (south-west monsoon).
In winter the land cools faster, high pressure builds over it, and the winds reverse to blow from land to sea (north-east monsoon).
Revision note — Mechanism of the Indian monsoon
• The word monsoon comes from the Arabic mausim (season); it means a seasonal reversal of wind direction.
• By late May intense heating of the north-western plains deepens the monsoon trough (a low-pressure belt) and the ITCZ shifts north to about 20–25 degrees N.
• The south-east trade winds of the southern hemisphere then cross the equator and arrive as the south-west monsoon.
• The Coriolis force only deflects the crossing winds to the right, turning south-east trades into south-westerlies; it is not the cause of the reversal.
• The Tibetan plateau heats strongly in summer, the sub-tropical westerly jet shifts north of the Himalaya, and the tropical easterly jet helps the burst of the monsoon.
• The monsoon has two branches — the Arabian Sea branch (west coast, Western Ghats) and the Bay of Bengal branch (eastern and north-eastern India).
• Normal onset over Kerala is 1 June; the season lasts June to September and brings about three-fourths of India's annual rain.
• The monsoon withdraws first from north-west India in September and last from the Tamil Nadu coast, which gets most of its rain from the north-east monsoon (October–December).
• El Niño years are linked with a weak monsoon; La Niña years with a strong one.
Do not mix these up
• Sea breeze vs monsoon — both come from differential heating of land and water, but a sea breeze reverses daily and a monsoon reverses seasonally.
• South-west vs north-east monsoon — the south-west monsoon (June–September) rains on most of India; the north-east monsoon (October–December) rains mainly on Tamil Nadu.
Also asked from this topic: the cause of the summer monsoon pressure gradient (differential heating of land and sea); the branch that rains on the west coast (Arabian Sea branch).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q2. India has a wide variety of soils, each with its own characteristics and crops suited for cultivation. Which type of soil is found extensively in Maharashtra and is ideal for cotton cultivation due to its moisture-retentive capacity?

  1. (a) Alluvial Soil
  2. (b) Red Soil
  3. (c) Black Soil
  4. (d) Laterite Soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Black Soil

Answer: Option 3 — Black Soil
Black soil, also called regur or black cotton soil, covers the Deccan trap region of Maharashtra and holds moisture for long because it is clayey.
That moisture-holding power is exactly what cotton needs, so it is the classic cotton soil.
Revision note — Black (regur) soil
• Formed by the weathering of basalt lava of the Deccan trap.
• Found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, western Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Colour comes from titaniferous magnetite and iron; rich in lime, iron, magnesium, calcium, potash and alumina, but poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter.
• Swells when wet and cracks when dry — the cracks let air in, so it is called a self-ploughing soil.
• Crops: cotton, jowar, sugarcane, wheat, oilseeds, tobacco; the moisture kept after the kharif season also supports rabi crops.
• Alluvial soil covers the northern plains and coastal strips — the largest soil group of India, with khadar (new) and bangar (old) alluvium.
• Red soil forms on crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks; its colour is from iron oxide; it is poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus.
• Laterite soil forms by leaching under heavy rain and high temperature; it is poor in fertility but good for tea, coffee, cashew and rubber.
Do not mix these up
• Black vs red soil — both are Deccan soils, but black soil comes from basalt and holds water; red soil comes from granite and gneiss and drains fast.
• Red vs laterite soil — laterite is formed by leaching and hardens like brick on drying; red soil is not leached to that degree.
Also asked from this topic: the crop most associated with black soil (cotton); the other name of black soil (regur); the state where the black-soil Malwa plateau mainly lies (Madhya Pradesh).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q3. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding soil origin?

  1. (a) Black Soil – Sedimentary formation
  2. (b) Red Soil – Igneous origin
  3. (c) Alluvial Soil – Volcanic activity
  4. (d) Desert Soil – Alluvial deposition
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Red Soil – Igneous origin

Answer: Option 2 — Red Soil – Igneous origin
Red soil develops on the crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks — granite, gneiss and schist — of the peninsular plateau, in areas of low rainfall.
The iron oxide released as those rocks weather is what gives the soil its red colour.
Revision note — Indian soils and the rock each comes from
• Alluvial soil — laid down by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra, so its origin is river deposition, not volcanic.
• Alluvium covers about 40 per cent of India, is rich in potash and lime and poor in nitrogen; the older type is bhangar, the newer khadar.
• Black (regur) soil — weathered from the Deccan trap basalt lava, so its origin is volcanic and igneous, not sedimentary. Rich in iron, lime, magnesia and alumina, poor in nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Black soil swells when wet and cracks when dry, holds moisture well, and is India's cotton soil — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Telangana.
• Red soil — from crystalline igneous and metamorphic rock in the eastern and southern Deccan; porous, poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus.
• Laterite soil — made by intense leaching under heavy rain and high heat; rich in iron and aluminium, deficient in nitrogen, phosphate and lime, acidic; used for tea, coffee and cashew.
• Desert (arid) soil — sandy and saline, built up by wind deposition in Rajasthan; rich in phosphate, very poor in nitrogen and humus.
• The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched in 2015; soils are surveyed by the NBSS&LUP, Nagpur, under ICAR.
Do not mix these up
• Black soil vs red soil — both come from igneous rock, but black soil comes from basaltic lava flows and retains moisture, while red soil comes from granite and gneiss and is porous and dry.
• Laterite vs red soil — both are iron-rich and reddish, but laterite forms by leaching in heavy-rainfall areas and is acidic, while red soil forms in low-rainfall areas.
Also asked from this topic: the soil that makes up the northern plains (alluvial); the soil of the Deccan plateau (black soil); the soil rich in iron and aluminium but deficient in nitrogen (laterite).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q4. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding crops grown in specific soil types?

  1. (a) Alluvial Soil – Cotton
  2. (b) Black Soil – Wheat
  3. (c) Red Soil – Rice
  4. (d) Laterite Soil – Cashew nuts
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Laterite Soil – Cashew nuts

Answer: Option 4 — Laterite Soil – Cashew nuts
Laterite soil is leached, acidic and poor in nutrients, so it suits hardy plantation crops rather than food grains.
Cashew is its classic crop, on the coastal tracts of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Odisha.
Revision note — Indian soils and their crops
• Alluvial soil — the most widespread soil of India, laid down by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra; rich in potash, poor in nitrogen and humus; grows wheat, rice, sugarcane and pulses.
• Black (regur) soil — formed from Deccan lava, rich in iron, lime, magnesia and alumina, holds moisture well and is self-ploughing; the classic cotton soil, hence "black cotton soil".
• Red soil — formed on crystalline igneous rock, red from iron oxide, poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus; grows millets, groundnut, pulses and potato.
• Laterite soil — formed by intense leaching under heavy rainfall and high temperature; rich in iron and aluminium, poor in nitrogen, phosphate and lime; used for tea, coffee, cashew and rubber.
• Arid (desert) soil — sandy and saline, rich in phosphate but low in humus; grows bajra and barley with irrigation.
• The pairings worth memorising: cotton — black soil, wheat — alluvial soil, rice — clayey alluvial soil, cashew, tea, coffee and rubber — laterite soil.
Do not mix these up
• Black soil vs laterite soil — black soil is the moisture-holding cotton soil of the Deccan lava region; laterite is the leached, acidic soil of heavy-rainfall areas.
• Red soil vs laterite soil — both look reddish from iron, but red soil forms by weathering of crystalline rock and laterite by leaching under alternate wet and dry spells.
Also asked from this topic: the soil most suitable for cotton (black or regur soil); the soil of the northern plains (alluvial); the soil rich in iron but deficient in nitrogen (laterite).
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Forest types and distribution

Q5. The thorn and scrub vegetation of India is mainly found in which region?

  1. (a) Malabar Coast
  2. (b) Eastern Himalayas
  3. (c) Western Rajasthan
  4. (d) Sundarbans
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Western Rajasthan

Topic: Natural Vegetation of India
Thorn and scrub vegetation grows in areas withlow rainfall (below 70 cm)andsemi-arid climate.
Characteristics: Scattered thorny trees, bushes, cacti, acacias.
Main regions:Western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana.
Western Rajasthan (Thar Desert region) has the most extensive thorn forests due to scanty rainfall.
Answer: Option 3 → Western Rajasthan
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 3 · Rainfall distribution

Q6. Which of the following physiographic regions of India receives average annual rainfall of more than 200 cm?

  1. (a) Thar Desert
  2. (b) Western Ghats
  3. (c) Ladakh region
  4. (d) Interior Deccan Plateau
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Western Ghats

Topic: Rainfall Distribution in India
Western Ghats- Windward side receives heavy orographic rainfall from SW monsoon.
Annual rainfall exceeds200 cm, some areas receive >400 cm.
Thar Desert- Receives <25 cm (driest region).
Ladakh- Rain shadow area, receives <10 cm.
Interior Deccan- Rain shadow of Western Ghats, receives 50-100 cm.
Answer: Option 2 → Western Ghats
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q7. Which physical process creates the seasonal pressure difference between the Indian subcontinent and surrounding oceans that initiates the summer monsoon winds?

  1. (a) Weak coriolis force
  2. (b) Presence of the Himalayas
  3. (c) Variation in rainfall pattern
  4. (d) Differential heating of land and sea
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Differential heating of land and sea

Topic:Indian Summer Monsoon Mechanism
Physical Process:Differential Heating
Summer: Land heats faster than ocean → Low pressure over subcontinent
Ocean remains cooler → High pressure over Indian Ocean
Pressure gradient drives moisture-laden winds from sea to land
This creates the Southwest Monsoon (June-September)
Note: Himalayas block cold winds but don't create pressure difference
Coriolis force affects wind direction, not pressure formation
Answer: Option 4 → Differential heating of land and sea
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 2 · Forest types and distribution

Q8. Which tree species is most commonly associated with India’s tropical deciduous forests?

  1. (a) Oak
  2. (b) Fir
  3. (c) Teak
  4. (d) Pine
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Teak

Topic: Indian Forest Types
Tropical Deciduous Forests(Monsoon Forests):
Cover largest area in India (most widespread)
Shed leaves in dry season to conserve water
Teakis the most dominant tree species
Other species: Sal, Sandalwood, Shisham, Bamboo
Oak, Fir, Pine → Found in temperate/alpine forests
Answer: Option 3 → Teak
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 3 · Seasons of India

Q9. Which climatic phenomenon is responsible for sudden winter rainfall in North-West India?

  1. (a) Local winds
  2. (b) Jet streams
  3. (c) Easterly waves
  4. (d) Western Disturbances
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Western Disturbances

Topic: Winter Rainfall in North-West India
Western Disturbancesare extra-tropical storms originating from the Mediterranean Sea.
They travel eastward and bring sudden winter rainfall to North-West India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, J&K).
This rainfall occurs duringDecember to Marchand is crucial for Rabi crops.
Jet streams help in steering these disturbances, but Western Disturbances are the direct cause.
Answer: Option 4 → Western Disturbances
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 3 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q10. According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2021, which state/UT had the highest percentage of forest cover relative to its geographical area?

  1. (a) Assam
  2. (b) Chhattisgarh
  3. (c) Andhra Pradesh
  4. (d) Mizoram
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Mizoram

Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2021 Report
Topic: Forest Cover as % of Geographical Area
Top States/UTs by Forest Cover %:
1. Mizoram →84.53%(Highest)
2. Arunachal Pradesh → 79.33%
3. Meghalaya → 76.00%
Other options:
Assam → ~35%, Chhattisgarh → ~41%, Andhra Pradesh → ~23%
Answer: Option 4 → Mizoram
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 June 2026 Shift 2 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q11. Which of the following rivers is primarily responsible for the formation of badland topography in India?

  1. (a) Brahmaputra
  2. (b) Chambal
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Yamuna
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Chambal

Badland Topography in India
Badlands are areas of extensive erosion with deep gullies,
ravines, and little vegetation.
Chambal Rivercreates India's most extensive badlands
in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
The region is calledChambal RavinesorBeehad.
Formed due to severe soil erosion in semi-arid regions
with loose alluvial and sandy soil.
Answer: Option 2 → Chambal
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 June 2026 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q12. Which of the following tree species sustains the famous handicrafts of Kashmir and grows mainly in the Himalayan region?

  1. (a) Walnut
  2. (b) Chir Pine
  3. (c) Sal
  4. (d) Deodar
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Walnut

Kashmir Handicrafts & Himalayan Trees
Walnut wood is extensively used in Kashmir for famous handicrafts like carved furniture, decorative items, and wooden artifacts.
Walnut trees grow mainly in the temperate Himalayan region, particularly in Kashmir valley.
Other options: Chir Pine (resin), Sal (tropical hardwood), Deodar (construction timber) are not primarily used for Kashmir handicrafts.
Answer: Option 1 → Walnut
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 June 2026 Shift 3 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q13. Which of the following Indian rivers is famous for its ‘badland topography’?

  1. (a) Chambal
  2. (b) Ken
  3. (c) Gandak
  4. (d) Ramganga
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Chambal

Topic: Indian Rivers - Badland Topography
Chambal Riveris famous for its extensive badland topography, locally called'Chambal ravines'.
Badlands are areas with deep gullies and ravines formed by severe soil erosion.
The Chambal ravines cover parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
These ravines were historically known as hideouts for dacoits.
Answer: Option 1 → Chambal
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q14. In which kind of forest do the plants remain leafless for most of the year?

  1. (a) Littoral and swamp forest
  2. (b) Montane forest
  3. (c) Tropical thorn forest
  4. (d) Evergreen forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Tropical thorn forest

Topic: Forest Types in India
Tropical Thorn Forests:
Found in areas with rainfall <70 cm (semi-arid regions)
Plants have long roots, thick bark, small leaves
Trees remainleafless for most of the yearto conserve water
Common in Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, UP, Haryana
Examples: Acacia, Palms, Euphorbias, Cacti
Other options: Evergreen (always green), Montane (altitude-based),
Littoral (coastal mangroves) - all retain leaves
Answer: Option 3 → Tropical thorn forest
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 3 · Forest types and distribution

Q15. Which type of natural vegetation is typically found in regions with high temperature, high humidity, and rainfall exceeding 200 cm annually?

  1. (a) Temperate grasslands
  2. (b) Tropical evergreen forests
  3. (c) Tropical deciduous forests
  4. (d) Thorn and scrub vegetation
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tropical evergreen forests

Topic:Natural Vegetation Types
Tropical Evergreen Forests characteristics:
• High temperature (above 25°C year-round)
• High humidity (above 75%)
• Heavy rainfall (exceeds 200 cm annually)
• Found in equatorial regions
Examples: Amazon, Congo Basin, Western Ghats
Dense canopy, trees remain green throughout year
Answer: Option 2 → Tropical evergreen forests
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 3 · Seasons of India

Q16. Which of the following is NOT included in the four official meteorological seasons of India?

  1. (a) Rainy season
  2. (b) Summer season
  3. (c) Spring season
  4. (d) Winter season
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Spring season

India's Four Official Meteorological Seasons:
1.Winter(January - February)
2.Summer/Pre-monsoon(March - May)
3.Monsoon/Rainy(June - September)
4.Post-monsoon(October - December)
Spring seasonis NOT officially recognized by IMD.
Answer: Option 3 → Spring season
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q17. Which branch of the monsoon brings rainfall to India’s Western Coast?

  1. (a) North-East Monsoon
  2. (b) South-West Monsoon Arabian Sea branch
  3. (c) South-West Monsoon Bay of Bengal branch
  4. (d) Western Disturbances
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) South-West Monsoon Arabian Sea branch

Topic: Indian Monsoon System
TheSouth-West Monsoonhas two branches:
1. Arabian Sea branch - strikes Western Coast
2. Bay of Bengal branch - strikes Eastern Coast
Arabian Sea branch brings heavy rainfall to:
Western Ghats, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra coast
Bay of Bengal branch affects: Eastern & North-Eastern India
North-East Monsoon: Winter rainfall (Oct-Dec) for Tamil Nadu
Western Disturbances: Winter rainfall for North India
Answer: Option 2 → South-West Monsoon Arabian Sea branch
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 3 · Soil types and distribution

Q18. Which type of soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation in India?

  1. (a) Black Soil
  2. (b) Alluvial Soil
  3. (c) Red Soil
  4. (d) Laterite Soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Black Soil

Cotton Cultivation in India
Black soil (Regur soil) is most suitable for cotton.
Key characteristics:
• High moisture retention capacity
• Rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron
• Self-plowing due to expansion-contraction
Found in: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Option 1 → Black Soil
SSC GD 2026 – 25 May 2026 Shift 3 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q19. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the effect of deforestation on soil?
I. Physical properties of soil are affected by plantation and vegetation.
II. Removal of the top layer of soil exposes the hard and rocky layers beneath.

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Correct Answer: Both I and II — Option (c)
Both statements about the effect of deforestation on soil are correct. Statement I Analysis — 'Physical properties of soil are affected by plantation and vegetation' (CORRECT): Tree roots bind soil particles together, affecting soil structure; Vegetation cover affects: Soil texture (particle binding), Porosity (air and water movement through soil), Permeability (rate of water infiltration), Moisture retention (humus from decomposed vegetation retains water), Soil temperature (vegetation acts as insulation); Deforestation removes vegetation, leading to: Compaction of soil (reduced porosity), Reduced water retention, Increased soil erosion (soil particles become loose); Thus, plantation/vegetation directly influences the physical properties of soil ✓ ; Statement II Analysis — 'Removal of the top layer of soil exposes the hard and rocky layers beneath' (CORRECT): Topsoil (humus-rich layer) is the most fertile and loosely bound layer; Deforestation causes: Loss of vegetation cover → exposure to rain impact (raindrop splash erosion) and wind; Erosion of the soft topsoil (O horizon and A horizon) by water and wind; Once topsoil is removed, the hard, rocky subsoil layers (B horizon and C horizon, parent rock) are exposed; These exposed subsoil and rock layers are infertile and harder; This process leads to land degradation and desertification ✓ .
Option (a) Only I — Incorrect: Both statements are correct; Statement II is also accurate — deforestation causes removal of topsoil through erosion, exposing the harder, rocky layers beneath; 'Only I' is an incomplete answer.
Option (b) Only II — Incorrect: Both statements are correct; Statement I is also accurate — vegetation does affect the physical properties of soil through root binding, humus formation, and moisture retention; 'Only II' is an incomplete answer.
Option (d) Neither I nor II — Incorrect: Both statements are factually correct about the effects of deforestation on soil; 'Neither I nor II' is completely incorrect.
SSC GD 2026 – 22 May 2026 Shift 2 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q20. Sundarbans is famous for which type of natural vegetation?

  1. (a) Tropical Evergreen Forest
  2. (b) Desert Vegetation
  3. (c) Mangrove Forest
  4. (d) Alpine Grasslands
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Mangrove Forest

Correct Answer: Mangrove Forest — Option (c)
Sundarbans is famous for its Mangrove Forest — the world's largest mangrove ecosystem. About Sundarbans: Location: The Sundarbans spans across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, shared between India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh; Total area: approximately 10,000 sq km (India ~4,200 sq km + Bangladesh ~6,000 sq km); It is the world's largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest; The name 'Sundarbans' likely comes from the dominant mangrove tree 'Sundari' ( Heritiera fomes); About Mangrove Forests: Found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions where freshwater rivers meet the sea (estuaries, tidal zones); Salt-tolerant (halophytic) trees and shrubs that grow in brackish or saline water; Characteristic features: aerial roots (pneumatophores), prop roots, vivipary (seeds germinate while still on the tree), dense canopy; Ecological functions: coastal protection against storms/cyclones/tsunamis, nursery habitat for fish, carbon sequestration (blue carbon), water filtration; Sundarbans UNESCO Status: A UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987); A Ramsar Wetland site; Sundarban Biosphere Reserve; Famous for: Royal Bengal Tiger (largest population in a single forest), Irrawaddy dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, fishing cat, Gangetic river dolphin, numerous bird species.
Option (a) Tropical Evergreen Forest — Incorrect: Tropical Evergreen Forests (Tropical Rainforests) are found in areas with heavy annual rainfall (>200 cm), like the Western Ghats, Andaman Islands, and northeastern India — NOT in the Sundarbans delta region; Sundarbans is specifically a mangrove ecosystem.
Option (b) Desert Vegetation — Incorrect: Desert vegetation (xerophytes — cacti, thorny shrubs, succulents) is found in arid regions with very low rainfall, like the Thar Desert of Rajasthan — completely opposite to the wet, tidal, riverine environment of Sundarbans.
Option (d) Alpine Grasslands — Incorrect: Alpine Grasslands ( Bugyals ) are found at high altitudes in the Himalayas (above the treeline , typically above 3,000-4,000 metres ) — Sundarbans is a low-lying coastal delta at sea level with mangrove vegetation, not alpine grassland.
SSC GD 2026 – 18 May 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q21. Which crop has the strongest agro -ecological relationship with the black soil (regur) areas of India?

  1. (a) Jute cultivation in alluvial flood plains
  2. (b) Cotton cultivation in black soil basins
  3. (c) Tea cultivation in acidic hill soils
  4. (d) Rice cultivation in deltaic alluvium
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Cotton cultivation in black soil basins

Correct Answer: Cotton cultivation in black soil basins — Option (b)
Black soil (also called Regur soil or Deccan Trap soil) has the strongest agro -ecological relationship with cotton cultivation. Black soil is also commonly known as 'cotton soil' because it is ideally suited for growing cotton due to: high water retention capacity (retains moisture during dry periods); rich in calcium carbonate, iron, magnesium, and potassium; self-ploughing property (develops deep cracks when dry, sealing moisture within); ability to swell when wet and shrink when dry — naturally aerating the soil. Cotton-growing regions of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) correspond closely with the Deccan Trap black soil region. Black soil is the reason the Deccan plateau region became India's 'Cotton Belt'.
Option (a) Jute cultivation in alluvial flood plains — Incorrect: Jute has its strongest relationship with alluvial deltaic soil (especially Gangetic delta in West Bengal and Bangladesh), not black soil.
Option (c) Tea cultivation in acidic hill soils — Incorrect: Tea has its strongest relationship with well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy hill soils (like in Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiris) — not black soil.
Option (d) Rice cultivation in deltaic alluvium — Incorrect: Rice grows best in deltaic alluvial soils with high water availability (river deltas of Eastern India) — not in black soil regions.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 9 May 2026 Shift 3 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q22. In semi-arid north-western India, intensified canal irrigation leads to rising soil salinity and falling crop yields. What best explains this, and what correction is required?

  1. (a) Prolonged irrigation causes waterlogging; priority is shifting to drought-resistant crop varieties.
  2. (b) Raised water table causes salt rise; priority is drainage improvement and salt leaching.
  3. (c) Excess irrigation washes nutrients downward; priority is increasing chemical fertiliser use.
  4. (d) Cold canal water stresses crops physiologically; priority is regulating irrigation water temperature.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Raised water table causes salt rise; priority is drainage improvement and salt leaching.

Topic: Soil Salinity in Semi-Arid Regions
In semi-arid areas, intensive canal irrigation without proper drainage raises the water table.
High water table brings dissolved salts from deeper soil layers to the surface through capillary action.
As water evaporates in hot climate, salts accumulate in root zone, reducing crop yields.
Solution Required:
• Improved drainage systems to lower water table
• Salt leaching through controlled flooding
• Prevents salinization and restores soil productivity
Answer: Option 2 → Raised water table causes salt rise; priority is drainage improvement and salt leaching.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q23. Which type of natural vegetation covers the largest geographical area in India?

  1. (a) Tropical Deciduous vegetation
  2. (b) Dry Tropical Thorn vegetation
  3. (c) Mountain vegetation
  4. (d) Tidal mangrove vegetation
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Tropical Deciduous vegetation

Natural Vegetation Coverage in India
Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests) cover thelargest areain India.
Coverage: Approximately40-45%of total forest area
Distribution: Found in regions with70-200 cm rainfall
Major areas: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra
Characteristics: Trees shed leaves in dry season (6-8 months)
Examples: Teak, Sal, Shisham, Sandalwood
Answer: Option 1 → Tropical Deciduous vegetation
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q24. Which soil type, known for retaining moisture, is ideal for cotton cultivation?

  1. (a) Red soil
  2. (b) Black soil
  3. (c) Laterite soil
  4. (d) Sandy soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Black soil

Topic: Soil Types and Cotton Cultivation
Black Soil (Regur Soil)
• High clay content with excellent moisture retention
• Rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron
• Self-plowing due to expansion when wet
Why Ideal for Cotton:
• Retains moisture for long periods during dry spells
• Found in Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP)
• Known as 'Cotton Soil' or 'Black Cotton Soil'
Answer: Option 2 → Black soil
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 2 · Forest types and distribution

Q25. Which of the following trees is characteristic of the tropical deciduous forests of India?

  1. (a) Teak
  2. (b) Fir
  3. (c) Mangrove
  4. (d) Deodar
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Teak

Topic: Tropical Deciduous Forests of India
Characteristic Features:
Also calledMonsoon Forests, found in areas with 70-200 cm rainfall.
Trees shed leaves in dry season (6-8 months).
Common Trees:
Teak, Sal, Shisham, Sandalwoodare typical deciduous trees.
Other Options:
Fir & Deodar → Temperate/Alpine forests (Himalayas)
Mangrove → Coastal tidal forests (saline water)
Answer: Option 1 → Teak
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 3 · Seasons of India

Q26. Which of the following wind systems is primarily responsible for the rainfall over the Coromandel coast during the winter season?

  1. (a) Southwest monsoon winds
  2. (b) Westerlies
  3. (c) Western disturbances
  4. (d) Northeast monsoon winds
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Northeast monsoon winds

Topic: Indian Monsoon System
Coromandel Coast:Eastern coastal region of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Winter Rainfall (Oct-Dec):Northeast monsoon winds blow from land to sea over most of India, but pick up moisture from Bay of Bengal.
Key Facts:
• Southwest monsoon (Jun-Sep) gives rain to western coast, not Coromandel.
• Northeast monsoon brings winter rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coast.
• These winds cross Bay of Bengal and bring moisture to eastern coast.
Answer: Option 4 → Northeast monsoon winds
SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q27. The northern plains of India are mainly formed by the deposit of which type of soil?

  1. (a) Black soil
  2. (b) Alluvial soil
  3. (c) Laterite soil
  4. (d) Red soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Alluvial soil

Correct Answer: Alluvial soil — Option (b)
The northern plains of India (the Indo-Gangetic Plains) are mainly formed by the deposit of alluvial soil. Key facts about alluvial soil in the northern plains: Formation: The northern plains were formed over millions of years by the deposition of sediments (silt, sand, clay, and gravel) carried down from the Himalayan rivers — primarily the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries; Extent: The Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain stretches approximately 3,200 km from Punjab in the west to Assam in the east, covering states including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam; Types of alluvial soil: Khadar — new alluvium, found in flood plains, renewed annually, more fertile; Bhangar — old alluvium, higher up on terraces, contains calcium carbonate ( Kankar ); Characteristics: Rich in minerals, very fertile, easy to till, supports intensive cultivation; Crops: Rice, wheat, sugarcane, jute, cotton, maize — the alluvial soil supports India's agricultural heartland.
Option (a) Black soil — Incorrect: Black soil (Regur soil) is found mainly in the Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh); it is formed from volcanic rock (basalt) and is not what forms the northern plains.
Option (c) Laterite soil — Incorrect: Laterite soil is found in areas of heavy rainfall with high temperatures — mainly in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, parts of Odisha, and Northeast India; it forms by leaching and is NOT what forms the northern plains of India.
Option (d) Red soil — Incorrect: Red soil is found mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of the Deccan Plateau; it forms from the weathering of crystalline and metamorphic rocks, and is NOT what forms India's northern plains.
SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 2 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q28. Which state of India has the largest forest area by area?

  1. (a) Madhya Pradesh
  2. (b) Assam
  3. (c) Arunachal Pradesh
  4. (d) Chhattisgarh
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: Madhya Pradesh — Option (a)
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), Madhya Pradesh has the largest total forest cover by area in India (approximately 77,482 sq. km), followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Note: While states like Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh rank higher in terms of forest cover as a percentage of their total geographical area, Madhya Pradesh leads in absolute forest area.
Option (b) Assam — Incorrect: Assam's total forest area is significantly less than Madhya Pradesh.
Option (c) Arunachal Pradesh — Incorrect: It ranks second in total forest area, not first.
Option (d) Chhattisgarh — Incorrect: Chhattisgarh ranks third in total forest area.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 3 · Rainfall distribution

Q29. Which part of India receives the highest rainfall due to monsoon?

  1. (a) Kerala Coast
  2. (b) Mawsynram , Meghalaya
  3. (c) Konkan Coast
  4. (d) Western Rajasthan
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Mawsynram , Meghalaya

Correct Answer: Mawsynram , Meghalaya — Option (b)
Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest annual rainfall in India and is also one of the wettest places on Earth. Key facts about Mawsynram : Location: Mawsynram is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, located on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills; Annual rainfall: Receives approximately 11,871 mm (about 467 inches) of rainfall annually on average; It has surpassed Cherrapunji ( Sohra ), also in Meghalaya, which was previously the record holder; Reason for extreme rainfall: The unique topography — the Meghalaya hills funnel the Bay of Bengal branch of the South-West Monsoon winds upward, causing orographic (relief) rainfall; The Khasi Hills act as a natural barrier, trapping moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal; Mawsynram and nearby Cherrapunji both receive extremely high rainfall because they are perfectly positioned to intercept the monsoon winds.
Option (a) Kerala Coast — Incorrect: The Kerala coast receives very high rainfall (averaging around 3,000-4,000 mm annually) and is the first part of India to receive the South-West Monsoon (around June 1), but it is NOT the area of highest rainfall — that distinction belongs to Mawsynram , Meghalaya.
Option (c) Konkan Coast — Incorrect: The Konkan coast (Maharashtra and Goa) receives very high rainfall (2,000-4,000 mm) due to the Western Ghats causing orographic rainfall, but it does not receive as much as Mawsynram in Meghalaya, which gets over 11,000 mm annually.
Option (d) Western Rajasthan — Incorrect: Western Rajasthan (the Thar Desert region) is one of the driest parts of India, receiving very little rainfall (less than 250 mm annually); it is the exact opposite of the highest rainfall region — Mawsynram , Meghalaya.
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 March 2026 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q30. What is the primary reason for the intensification of the monsoon trough over North India by the end of May?

  1. (a) Shift in wind patterns
  2. (b) High temperature in the region
  3. (c) Decrease in humidity
  4. (d) Increase in atmospheric pressure
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) High temperature in the region

Monsoon Trough Intensification
By end of May, North India experiences extreme heating.
Key Process:
High temperature → Low pressure zone formation
Creates thermal low over Indo-Gangetic plains
This intensifies the monsoon trough
Facts:
Temperature reaches 45-48°C in May-June
Heat low attracts moisture-laden winds
Trough acts as convergence zone for monsoon
Answer: Option 2 → High temperature in the region
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 24 March 2026 Shift 2 · Forest types and distribution

Q31. Which forest type in India is known for its year-round green canopy due to no fixed period of leaf shedding?

  1. (a) Montane pine forests
  2. (b) Tropical thorn forests
  3. (c) Tropical evergreen forests
  4. (d) Dry deciduous forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Tropical evergreen forests

Topic: Forest Types in India
Tropical Evergreen Forests:
Found in areas with >200 cm annual rainfall
Trees shed leaves throughout the year, not seasonally
Always maintain green canopy - no leafless period
Found in Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar, Northeast
Other Options:
Deciduous forests - shed leaves in dry season
Thorn forests - sparse vegetation, semi-arid areas
Montane pine - coniferous, high altitude forests
Answer: Option 3 → Tropical evergreen forests
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 2 · Seasons of India

Q32. The period of southwest monsoon season in India is:

  1. (a) May to September
  2. (b) June to November
  3. (c) June to September
  4. (d) July to December
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) June to September

Southwest Monsoon Season in India
The southwest monsoon is the principal rainy season in India.
It arrives in Kerala by early June and withdraws by September.
This season brings about 75% of India's annual rainfall.
Answer: Option 3 → June to September
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 2 · Seasons of India

Q33. Mango showers occur in which of the following groups of states?

  1. (a) Bihar and West Bengal
  2. (b) Kerala and Tamil N adu
  3. (c) Karnataka and Kerala
  4. (d) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Karnataka and Kerala

Mango Showers
Pre-monsoon rainfall in April-May in South India.
Helps in early ripening of mangoes.
Occurs mainly inKarnataka and Kerala.
Also calledKaal Baisakhiin West Bengal.
Answer: Option 3 → Karnataka and Kerala
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 March 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q34. Which type of soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation in India?

  1. (a) Red soil
  2. (b) Black soil
  3. (c) Laterite soil
  4. (d) Alluvial soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Black soil

Cotton Cultivation in India
Cotton requires deep, well-drained soil with moisture retention capacity.
Black Soil (Regur Soil)characteristics:
• High clay content with excellent water retention
• Rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron
• Self-ploughing due to swelling and shrinking
Major cotton-producing states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka.
Black soil is ideal for cotton, also called 'Black Cotton Soil'.
Answer: Option 2 → Black soil
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 March 2026 Shift 3 · Soil types and distribution

Q35. Which of the following is NOT a feature of alluvial soils in India?

  1. (a) Rich in potash
  2. (b) Very fertile
  3. (c) Mainly consists of sand, silt and clay
  4. (d) Primarily found in the Deccan Plateau
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Primarily found in the Deccan Plateau

Features of Alluvial Soils:
• Composed of sand, silt, and clay deposits
• Very fertile and suitable for agriculture
• Rich in potash but deficient in nitrogen
• Found in Indo-Gangetic plains, river valleys, and deltas
Deccan Plateau:
Primarily covered byBlack Soil (Regur), not alluvial soil
Black soil is volcanic in origin, rich in iron and lime
Answer: Option 4 → Primarily found in the Deccan Plateau
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 2 · Seasons of India

Q36. Which of the following monsoon systems is also known as the retreating monsoon?

  1. (a) Northeast Monsoon
  2. (b) Advancing Monsoon
  3. (c) Western Disturbances
  4. (d) Southwest Monsoon
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Northeast Monsoon

Theretreating monsoonoccurs during October-December when the Southwest Monsoon withdraws from the Indian subcontinent.
As the monsoon retreats, theNortheast Monsoonbecomes active, bringing rainfall to Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
This is also called thewinter monsoonorpost-monsoon season.
Answer: Option 1 → Northeast Monsoon
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 10 March 2026 Shift 2 · Rainfall distribution

Q37. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, two places that generally receive the maximum rainfall in India, are located in:

  1. (a) Satpura Hills
  2. (b) Khasi Hills
  3. (c) Aravalli Hills
  4. (d) Nilgiri Hills
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Khasi Hills

Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are known as the wettest places in India.
Both are located in the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya.
This area receives maximum rainfall due to the south-west monsoon winds hitting the hills.
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 9 March 2026 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q38. Which of the following cities experiences the retreat of Monsoon last?

  1. (a) Jaipur
  2. (b) Chennai
  3. (c) Ahmedabad
  4. (d) Mumbai
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Chennai

Thesouthwest monsoon retreats from northwest India first(Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.).
It withdraws gradually towards thesouth-east coast.
Tamil Nadu coast (Chennai)is thelast regionto experience the retreat.
Chennai also receivesNortheast Monsoon rainfall, so withdrawal happens last here.
SSC MTS 2025 – 19 February 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q39. The Black soil is very ideal for growing _____.

  1. (a) Apple
  2. (b) Kiwi
  3. (c) Cotton
  4. (d) Saffron
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Cotton

The correct answer is option 3.
Black soil (also known as Regur soil or Black Cotton Soil) is extremely ideal for growing cotton. It is rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina; has high water-retention capacity; and becomes very sticky when wet. The Deccan Plateau region of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, which is dominated by black soil, is the major cotton-growing belt of India.
Option 1 is incorrect: Apple grows best in cool, temperate climates with well-drained soil (like hill soils of Himachal Pradesh and J&K), not in black soil regions.
Option 2 is incorrect: Kiwi requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil and cool climates; it is not grown in black soil regions.
Option 4 is incorrect: Saffron grows in a very specific climate and soil condition (Kashmir's Karewa soil), not in black cotton soil.
SSC MTS 2025 – 17 February 2026 Shift 1 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q40. Which of the following activity does NOT contribute to the land degradation?

  1. (a) Deforestation
  2. (b) Contour farming
  3. (c) Over grazing
  4. (d) Mining and quarrying
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Contour farming

Contour farming does NOT contribute to land degradation — it actually prevents it. Contour farming involves plowing along the natural contours of the landscape, which reduces soil erosion and water runoff. Deforestation, over grazing, and mining and quarrying all lead to soil erosion and land degradation.
SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 1 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q41. Which of the following activity is responsible for disturbance of the balance between the process of soil formation and soil erosion?

  1. (a) Deforestation
  2. (b) Afforestation
  3. (c) Organic farming
  4. (d) Intercropping
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Deforestation

Correct Answer: 1 (Deforestation)
Deforestation (cutting down trees and forests) disrupts the balance between soil formation and soil erosion. Trees and their root systems hold soil together, reduce surface runoff, and maintain soil structure. When forests are removed, the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion by wind and water, and soil formation cannot keep pace with the accelerated erosion, leading to soil degradation and desertification.
Option 2 (Afforestation) is incorrect - afforestation (planting trees) helps restore balance and reduce erosion.
Option 3 (Organic farming) is incorrect - organic farming improves soil health and reduces erosion.
Option 4 (Intercropping) is incorrect - intercropping helps maintain soil cover and reduces erosion.
SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q42. The entire northern plains of India are made of _____ soil.

  1. (a) black
  2. (b) laterite
  3. (c) yellow
  4. (d) alluvial
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) alluvial

Correct Answer: alluvial
The Northern Plains of India (Indo-Gangetic Plains) are entirely formed by the deposition of alluvial soil brought by the Himalayan rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries over millions of years. Alluvial soil is very fertile and supports intensive agriculture.
Why other options are wrong:
Black soil - Found in the Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP); known as Regur/Cotton soil.
Laterite soil - Found in high rainfall areas of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu; less fertile.
Yellow soil - Found in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh; not in northern plains.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q43. Which soil type is most prominent in the Northern Plains?

  1. (a) Alluvial Soil
  2. (b) Black Soil
  3. (c) Red Soil
  4. (d) Laterite Soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Alluvial Soil

The correct answer is (a) Alluvial Soil.
Alluvial soil ( जलोढ़ मिट्टी ) is the most prominent soil type in the Northern Plains (Indo-Gangetic Plain) of India. It is formed by sediments deposited by rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, and Brahmaputra over millions of years. Alluvial soil is extremely fertile and rich in minerals, supporting intensive agriculture.
(b) Black Soil (Regur): Found in the Deccan Plateau, particularly in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh; associated with cotton cultivation.
(c) Red Soil: Found in the Eastern Deccan Plateau (Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu); formed due to weathering of ancient crystalline rocks; not dominant in Northern Plains.
(d) Laterite Soil: Found in high rainfall areas like Malabar Coast, Chota Nagpur Plateau, and parts of Assam; not prominent in Northern Plains.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q44. Which type of soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation in India?

  1. (a) Alluvial soil
  2. (b) Black soil
  3. (c) Desert soil
  4. (d) Laterite soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Black soil

The correct answer is (b) Black soil.
Black soil (Regur soil / Black Cotton Soil) is the most suitable for cotton cultivation in India. It is found in the Deccan Plateau covering parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Black soil has high clay content (montmorillonite), retains moisture well, is rich in calcium carbonate, and provides the ideal conditions for cotton — hence called 'Black Cotton Soil.'
(a) Alluvial soil: Rich and fertile for rice, wheat, sugarcane; while cotton can grow in some alluvial areas, black soil is most ideal.
(c) Desert soil: Found in Rajasthan; low in nutrients and moisture; not suitable for cotton.
(d) Laterite soil: Found in high rainfall areas; acidic, poor in nutrients; not ideal for cotton cultivation.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 3 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q45. Which is the main cause of desertification, leading to soil degradation, reduced vegetation, and expansion of arid regions?

  1. (a) Deforestation and overgrazing
  2. (b) Earthquakes
  3. (c) Ocean tides
  4. (d) Glacial melting
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Deforestation and overgrazing

Deforestation removes protective tree cover, exposing soil to erosion, while overgrazing strips vegetation and compacts soil, reducing its ability to retain moisture and support plant life. Together, they are the primary human-induced causes of desertification.
(a) Incorrect: Earthquakes are geological events that cause land disruptions but are not a primary cause of ongoing desertification.
(b) Incorrect: Ocean tides affect coastal areas through erosion but are not a direct cause of inland desertification.
(c) Incorrect: Glacial melting can lead to flooding and sea-level rise, but is not the main driver of desertification and soil degradation.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q46. Which of the following is responsible for the seasonal variation of the monsoon in India?

  1. (a) Differential heating of land and ocean
  2. (b) Earth's rotation
  3. (c) Moon's gravitational pull
  4. (d) Solar flares
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Differential heating of land and ocean

The seasonal variation of the Indian monsoon is primarily caused by the differential heating of land and ocean. In summer, land heats up faster than the ocean, creating a low pressure zone over the Indian subcontinent, which draws moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, producing the southwest monsoon.
(b) Incorrect: Earth's rotation influences wind deflection (Coriolis effect) and cyclone patterns but is not the primary cause of the seasonal variation of monsoon.
(c) Incorrect: The Moon's gravitational pull causes ocean tides but does not cause the seasonal variation of the monsoon.
(d) Incorrect: Solar flares are disturbances on the Sun's surface that affect space weather and communications; they do not cause the Indian monsoon's seasonal variation.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q47. Which type of soil is deficient in nutrients and mainly found in tropical and subtropical climates?

  1. (a) Red soil
  2. (b) Arid soil
  3. (c) Black soil
  4. (d) Laterite soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Laterite soil

Laterite soil is formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high temperature and alternating wet and dry seasons. Due to intense leaching, silica is washed away and iron and aluminum oxides accumulate, making it poor in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. It is found in parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Odisha.
(a) Incorrect: Red soil is also found in tropical areas but its deficiency is mainly in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus; it is not specifically described as the most deficient soil mainly found in tropical and subtropical climates in the context of laterization.
(b) Incorrect: Arid soil (desert soil) is found in arid and semi-arid regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat) and is deficient in organic matter; it is not associated primarily with tropical-subtropical climates.
(c) Incorrect: Black soil (Regur) is rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron; it is highly productive and is not deficient in major nutrients; it is found mainly in the Deccan Plateau.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 3 · Wildlife of India

Q48. The 'Namdapha flying squirrel', a critically endangered species 'rediscovered' after 42 years, is found only in which state?

  1. (a) Assam
  2. (b) Arunachal Pradesh
  3. (c) Meghalaya
  4. (d) Sikkim
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Arunachal Pradesh

The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi), a critically endangered species, was first described in 1888 and was rediscovered after 42 years in the Namdapha National Park, located in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Named after the Namdapha river, this species is found only in this specific forest ecosystem in India.
(a) Incorrect: Assam's Kaziranga and Manas are famous reserves, but the Namdapha flying squirrel is in Arunachal Pradesh.
(c) Incorrect: Meghalaya is known for Nokrek Biosphere Reserve; the Namdapha squirrel is not found there.
(d) Incorrect: Sikkim's Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is famous; the Namdapha squirrel is unique to Arunachal Pradesh.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 24 December 2025 Shift 2 · Forest types and distribution

Q49. 'Teak' and 'Sal' are the most important commercial trees of which forest type?

  1. (a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
  2. (b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
  3. (c) Alpine Forests
  4. (d) Mangrove Forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tropical Deciduous Forests

The correct answer is Tropical Deciduous Forests (Option 2).
Teak (Tectona grandis) and Sal ( Shorea robusta) are the most commercially important trees found in Tropical Deciduous Forests (also called Monsoon Forests). These forests are found in areas receiving 70-200 cm of rainfall and shed their leaves during the dry season.
Option 1 - Tropical Evergreen Forests: These forests in very high-rainfall areas (over 200 cm) contain trees like rosewood, ebony, and mahogany — not Teak and Sal as the primary species.
Option 3 - Alpine Forests: Alpine forests are found at high altitudes in Himalayan regions and contain species like silver fir, pine, and juniper.
Option 4 - Mangrove Forests: Mangrove forests grow in tidal coastal areas and contain salt-tolerant species like Sundari, not Teak or Sal.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 24 December 2025 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q50. Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
Statement 1: The process of soil formation involves both physical and chemical factors like temperature and rainfall.
Statement 2: Soil can only form in regions where there is abundant rainfall, and no other climatic factors matter.

  1. (a) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect.
  2. (b) Statement 1 is incorrect, Statement 2 is correct.
  3. (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.
  4. (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are incorrect.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect.

The correct answer is Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect (Option 1).
Statement 1 is correct: Soil formation (pedogenesis) is influenced by multiple physical factors (temperature, rainfall, wind) and chemical factors (mineral weathering, oxidation, carbonation). These factors work together to break down parent rock and accumulate organic matter.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil can form in various climatic conditions — from hot deserts to cold tundra. While water is important, soil also forms through physical weathering (freeze-thaw cycles, wind) without abundant rainfall. Multiple climatic factors including temperature, wind, and humidity matter.
Option 3 - Both correct: This is wrong because Statement 2 is factually incorrect about the exclusive role of abundant rainfall.
Option 4 - Both incorrect: This is wrong because Statement 1 is accurate.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 24 December 2025 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q51. Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
Statement 1: The parent rock of an area determines the texture, composition, and mineral content of the soil formed in that region.
Statement 2: Soil composition is solely affected by human activity, without any influence from natural factors like parent rock.

  1. (a) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect.
  2. (b) Statement 2 is correct, but Statement 1 is incorrect.
  3. (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.
  4. (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are incorrect.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect.

The correct answer is Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect (Option 1).
Statement 1 is correct: The parent rock (bedrock or regolith) is a primary factor in soil formation. It determines the soil's texture (sandy, clayey, loamy), mineral composition, and nutrient content. For example, basaltic rocks form black cotton (regur) soil, while granite forms coarser sandy soils.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil composition is primarily determined by natural factors including parent rock, climate, topography, biological activity, and time. Human activity can modify soil but does not exclusively determine its composition; natural factors are fundamental.
Option 3 - Both correct: This is wrong because Statement 2 is factually incorrect.
Option 4 - Both incorrect: This is wrong because Statement 1 is accurate and scientifically established.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 24 December 2025 Shift 3 · Seasons of India

Q52. Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
Statement 1: During the winter season, cold, dry winds blow from the Himalayas toward the oceans, carrying little moisture.
Statement 2: The cold weather season in India experiences uniformly high temperatures from north to south.

  1. (a) Only Statement 1 is Correct
  2. (b) Only Statement 2 is Correct
  3. (c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are Correct
  4. (d) Neither Statement 1 nor 2 is Correct
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only Statement 1 is Correct

The correct answer is Only Statement 1 is Correct (Option 1).
Statement 1 is correct: During winter, north-easterly trade winds blow from the Himalayan landmass towards the oceans. These winds are cold and dry because they originate from high pressure areas over the sub-continent and travel over land, carrying very little moisture.
Statement 2 is incorrect: During the cold weather season, there is a significant temperature gradient from north to south. Northern India (especially the Himalayan foothills) experiences very cold temperatures (near freezing), while peninsular India remains relatively warm. Temperatures are NOT uniformly high across the country.
Option 3 - Both correct: Wrong because Statement 2 is factually incorrect about uniform high temperatures.
Option 4 - Neither correct: Wrong because Statement 1 accurately describes the winter wind pattern.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 23 December 2025 Shift 3 · Soil types and distribution

Q53. Which soil type covers the largest area in India and is found in the Northern Plains?

  1. (a) Alluvial Soil
  2. (b) Black Soil
  3. (c) Red Soil
  4. (d) Laterite Soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Alluvial Soil

The correct answer is Alluvial Soil (Option 1).
Alluvial soil covers the largest area in India, spanning the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain (Northern Plains). It is deposited by rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. It is highly fertile and ideal for growing wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
Option 2 - Black Soil: Black soil (regur) is found mainly in the Deccan Plateau, particularly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. It is rich in iron and ideal for cotton cultivation.
Option 3 - Red Soil: Red soil is found in the eastern and southern parts of India (Jharkhand, Odisha, parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). It is less fertile than alluvial soil.
Option 4 - Laterite Soil: Laterite soil is found in high rainfall areas like Kerala, Meghalaya, and parts of Karnataka and Odisha. It is acidic and less fertile.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 2 · Rainfall distribution

Q54. Read the following statements and choose the correct option. Statement 1: The Western Ghats receive significant rainfall due to their proximity to the sea.
Statement 2: The Eastern Ghats receive more rainfall than the Western Ghats.

  1. (a) Only Statement 1 is correct
  2. (b) Only Statement 2 is correct
  3. (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct
  4. (d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is correct
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only Statement 1 is correct

Only Statement 1 is correct. The Western Ghats (running parallel to the western coast) receive heavy rainfall — especially on their windward western slopes — because they intercept the moisture-laden Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon. Statement 2 is false because the Eastern Ghats actually receive LESS rainfall than the Western Ghats, as they lie on the leeward side of the monsoon. Option 1 is correct.
Option 2 is wrong: Only Statement 2 being correct is wrong — Statement 2 is factually incorrect. The Eastern Ghats receive significantly less rainfall (mostly from the Northeast Monsoon's Bay of Bengal branch) compared to the much heavier rainfall on the Western Ghats.
Option 3 is wrong: Both statements cannot be correct because Statement 2 is false — the Eastern Ghats receive less rainfall than the Western Ghats, not more.
Option 4 is wrong: Neither statement being correct is also wrong — Statement 1 is absolutely true; the Western Ghats' proximity to the sea (Arabian Sea) is the primary reason for their heavy orographic rainfall.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 3 · Soil types and distribution

Q55. What type of soil is typically associated with the absence of moisture and found in dry climates?

  1. (a) Red soil
  2. (b) Arid soil
  3. (c) Laterite soil
  4. (d) Black soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Arid soil

The correct answer is Arid soil (Option 2).
Arid soil is characteristically dry, found in desert and semi-desert regions with very low rainfall. It has poor moisture retention, high sand content, and low organic matter.
Option 1 - Red soil: Contains iron oxide giving it a reddish color; found in areas with moderate to high rainfall such as peninsular India.
Option 3 - Laterite soil: Formed in high-rainfall tropical regions through intense leaching; it retains moisture and is not found in dry climates.
Option 4 - Black soil (Regur): High moisture-retentive clay soil found in semi-arid regions; excellent for cotton cultivation.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 22 December 2025 Shift 3 · Soil types and distribution

Q56. 'Black Soil' (Regur Soil) is considered most suitable for the cultivation of which crop?

  1. (a) Rice
  2. (b) Wheat
  3. (c) Cotton
  4. (d) Tea
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Cotton

The correct answer is Cotton (Option 3).
Black soil (Regur or Cotton soil) is highly moisture-retentive, rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, and iron. Its self-ploughing nature and high clay content make it ideal for cotton cultivation. The Deccan Plateau region is known for this.
Option 1 - Rice: Best grown in alluvial soil or clayey soil in waterlogged regions with high rainfall, not specifically black soil.
Option 2 - Wheat: Thrives in loamy soils with moderate rainfall and cool, dry climate during ripening.
Option 4 - Tea: Grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy soils found in hilly areas like Assam and Darjeeling.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 20 December 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q57. What kind of forest is found in the Andaman Islands?

  1. (a) Temperate deciduous
  2. (b) Alpine
  3. (c) Thorn forest
  4. (d) Tropical evergreen
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Tropical evergreen

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are covered by Tropical Evergreen forests (also called Tropical Rainforests), due to their hot, humid climate with heavy rainfall and no distinct dry season. Option 4 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: Temperate deciduous forests grow in temperate regions with seasonal temperature variation, such as parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — not in the tropical Andaman Islands.
Option 2 is wrong: Alpine forests are found at high altitudes (above 3,000 m) in the Himalayan region; the low-lying Andaman Islands do not have alpine vegetation.
Option 3 is wrong: Thorn forests grow in dry, semi-arid regions with low rainfall (e.g., Rajasthan, parts of Deccan); the Andaman Islands have high rainfall unsuitable for thorn forests.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 11 December 2025 Shift 2 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q58. The classical theory of monsoon development was propounded by Sir Edmond Halley. With this reference, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. During the summer monsoon, the air flows from the sea to land and brings heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent.
2. During the winter monsoon, the air flows from land to sea and carries very little moisture.

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2 (Option 3)
Sir Edmond Halley (1686) proposed the classical thermal theory of monsoon, based on differential heating of land and sea.
Statement 1 is CORRECT: During summer, the land heats up faster than the sea, creating low pressure over land. Moist air flows from the sea (high pressure) to the land, bringing the Southwest monsoon rainfall to the Indian subcontinent.
Statement 2 is CORRECT: During winter, the land cools faster and creates high pressure over land. Dry air flows from land (high pressure) to the sea (low pressure), forming the Northeast/Winter monsoon, which carries very little moisture (except when it picks up moisture over the Bay of Bengal before hitting Tamil Nadu's coast).
Both statements accurately describe Halley's classical monsoon theory.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q59. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates Alluvial soils from Red and Yellow soils?

  1. (a) Alluvial: rich in phosphorus and humus; Red/Yellow: rich in potash:
  2. (b) Alluvial: sandy loam to clay; Red/Yellow: sandy loam, less fertile uplands:
  3. (c) Alluvial: older types most fertile; Red/Yellow: colored by iron:
  4. (d) Alluvial: from rocks; Red/Yellow: river-transported:
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Alluvial: sandy loam to clay; Red/Yellow: sandy loam, less fertile uplands:

The correct differentiation is Alluvial: sandy loam to clay; Red/Yellow: sandy loam, less fertile uplands . Alluvial soils are formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers, hence they are very fertile and range from sandy loam to clay in texture. They are found in river plains and deltas and support intensive agriculture. In contrast, Red and Yellow soils are typically found in upland regions, are sandy loam in texture, and relatively less fertile due to low humus content. Their colour is due to the presence of iron oxides. Thus, option 2 gives the accurate contrast between the fertile alluvial plains and the less fertile upland red/yellow soils.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 1 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q60. Read the given below statements carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): The Chambal River is known for its badland topography called the Chambal ravines.
Reason (R): The Chambal flows through a deep gorge and eroded terrain before joining the Yamuna.

  1. (a) A is false, but R is true.
  2. (b) A is true, but R is false.
  3. (c) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  4. (d) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

The Chambal River, a tributary of the Yamuna, is particularly famous for its badland topography , which is locally known as the Chambal ravines. These ravines are formed due to continuous erosion by water and wind over time, creating deep gullies and rugged terrain. The reason behind this badland development is that the Chambal flows through a deeply eroded region before joining the Yamuna. This erosion process explains why the Chambal basin is characterized by ravines and badland topography. Hence, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and R correctly explains A. Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 2 · Soil types and distribution

Q61. Consider the following characteristics:
1. High moisture-retaining capacity, often developing deep cracks during dry hot weather.
2. Ideal for tea and apple cultivation due to high fertility and cold climate preference.
3. Rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina, but poor in phosphoric contents.
Which of the above characteristics are primarily associated with Black Soils?

  1. (a) Only 1
  2. (b) Only 1 and 3
  3. (c) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
  4. (d) Only 2 and 3
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Only 1 and 3

Black soils, also called Regur soils, are typically known for their high moisture-retaining capacity (statement 1) and for being rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina, but poor in phosphoric acid (statement 3). These properties make them highly suitable for cotton cultivation, which is why they are also called "Cotton Soils." However, they are not suitable for tea and apple cultivation , which require acidic soils and cooler climates (hence, statement 2 is incorrect). Thus, the correct answer is Only 1 and 3.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 3 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q62. Name the state in which the Bhitarkanika Mangroves are located?

  1. (a) Tamil Nadu
  2. (b) West Bengal
  3. (c) Andhra Pradesh
  4. (d) Odisha
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Odisha

The Bhitarkanika Mangroves are located in Odisha , in the Kendrapara district. This region forms part of the Bhitarkanika National Park , which is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, rich mangrove forests, migratory birds, and Olive Ridley turtles . Bhitarkanika is considered the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans of West Bengal. The unique estuarine ecosystem is formed by the confluence of rivers like the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Mahanadi. It is recognised as a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) due to its biodiversity. Hence, the correct answer is Odisha .
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 30 November 2025 Shift 1 · Seasons of India

Q63. The Chillai Kalan is the local name given to the 40-day period of harsh winter in which of the following region of India?

  1. (a) Himachal Pradesh
  2. (b) Jammu and Kashmir
  3. (c) Uttar Pradesh
  4. (d) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Jammu and Kashmir

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Jammu and Kashmir
Chillai Kalan is the local Kashmiri term for the harshest 40-day period of winter in Jammu and Kashmir, typically beginning around 21 December and ending around 29 January. During this period, temperatures drop significantly, water bodies freeze, and the region experiences heavy snowfall.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Himachal Pradesh): HP has harsh winters but does not use the term ' Chillai Kalan'.
Option 3 (Uttar Pradesh): UP does not experience the extreme cold that necessitates the Chillai Kalan tradition.
Option 4 (Arunachal Pradesh): This northeastern state has different seasonal patterns and climate traditions.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 13 November 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q64. The Kadbanwadi grassland is in _____.

  1. (a) Tamil Nadu
  2. (b) Andhra Pradesh
  3. (c) Odisha
  4. (d) Maharashtra
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Maharashtra

Correct Answer: Maharashtra
The Kadbanwadi grassland is located in Maharashtra, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is an important habitat for several grassland species. Grasslands in Maharashtra, particularly in the Deccan Plateau region, are ecologically significant and support wildlife including wolves, foxes, and various bird species.
Why other options are wrong:
- Tamil Nadu: Kadbanwadi grassland is not located in Tamil Nadu.
- Andhra Pradesh: This grassland is not in Andhra Pradesh.
- Odisha: Not the state where Kadbanwadi grassland is found.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 22 September 2025 Shift 3 · Rainfall distribution

Q65. Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the southwest monsoon?

  1. (a) Due to the presence of extra-tropical cyclonic situations during the winters.
  2. (b) It receives most of the rainfall from tropical cyclones originating over the Arabian Sea.
  3. (c) It is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.
  4. (d) The inter-tropical convergence zone is located below the Tropic of Capricorn during the winter.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.

The Tamil Nadu coast lies parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon, so the monsoon winds run along the coast without rising/crossing it, leaving the region dry.
Tamil Nadu gets most of its rainfall from the retreating northeast monsoon, not the southwest monsoon.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 22 September 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q66. In India, the Shola ecosystem is characterised by:
1. Arid and semi-arid climate zones
2. Growth of trees in the depressions and folds of valleys surrounded by extensive areas of grasslands
3. Dominance of conifers in areas of dense vegetation
Which one of the above statements is/are CORRECT?

  1. (a) 2 only
  2. (b) 1 and 3 only
  3. (c) 1 only
  4. (d) All of these
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 2 only

Shola forests are patches of stunted evergreen trees in valley folds, surrounded by rolling grasslands (Western Ghats).
Statement 2 correctly describes this; statement 1 (arid/semi-arid) is wrong as Sholas occur in high-rainfall hills.
Statement 3 (dominance of conifers) is wrong; Sholas are broadleaved evergreen, not coniferous.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 21 September 2025 Shift 1 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q67. Chambal Ravines are found in which Indian states?

  1. (a) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
  2. (b) Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
  3. (c) Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat
  4. (d) Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh

The Chambal river flows through Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, where its ravines (badlands) are located.
Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana do not lie on the Chambal.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 21 September 2025 Shift 2 · Seasons of India

Q68. Read the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R) carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): The retreating monsoon winds are associated with dry weather and clear skies in northern India.
Reason (R): During the retreating monsoon, the low-pressure area over the northern plains is replaced by a high-pressure system.

  1. (a) (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. (b) (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. (c) (c) A is true, but R is false
  4. (d) (d) A is false, but R is true
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Assertion (A): True — retreating monsoon in October-November brings clear, dry weather in north India.
Reason (R): True — low-pressure over northern plains is replaced by a high-pressure system during retreating monsoon.
R correctly explains A — high pressure causes descending dry air → clear skies.
Hence option (a) is correct.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 14 September 2025 Shift 2 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q69. Which of the following statements correctly describe the MISHTI initiative launched in India?
1. The MISHTI programme is designed to increase mangrove forest cover and enhance livelihood opportunities in coastal areas.
2. It is a project initiated under the Ministry of Rural Development.
3. The program is financed with a mix of fundings coming from the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund and the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme).

  1. (a) 1 and 2
  2. (b) 1 and 3
  3. (c) 2 and 3
  4. (d) 1, 2, and 3 all
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 1 and 3

MISHTI = Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (announced in Budget 2023-24).
Statement 1 — Correct: it aims at expanding mangrove cover and supporting coastal livelihoods.
Statement 2 — Wrong: it is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), not Rural Development.
Statement 3 — Correct: it is financed through a convergence of CAMPA Fund and MGNREGS along with other sources.
Hence statements 1 and 3 are correct.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 12 September 2025 Shift 3 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q70. The 'Mangrove Cell' initiative in 2025 is primarily linked to which Indian state?

  1. (a) Odisha
  2. (b) Andhra Pradesh
  3. (c) Maharashtra
  4. (d) West Bengal
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Maharashtra

• Environment Current Affairs 2025:
• The 'Mangrove Cell' initiative was established by Maharashtra to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems along its coastline.
• Maharashtra has significant mangrove forests, especially in Mumbai and Thane coastal areas.
• This initiative monitors and manages mangrove conservation in the state.
• Answer: Maharashtra
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 12 September 2025 Shift 3 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q71. Consider the following statements about the MISHTI Scheme:
1. It aims at mangrove plantation using scientific methods.
2. It was announced under Budget 2023-24. 3. It includes commercial leasing of mangrove forests.

  1. (a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
  2. (b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
  3. (c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
  4. (d) All 1, 2 and 3 are correct
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Only 1 and 2 are correct

• Environment Scheme (Current Affairs):
• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) was announced in Union Budget 2023-24 — Statement 2 CORRECT.
• It aims at mangrove plantation along India's coastline using scientific methods — Statement 1 CORRECT.
• Statement 3: MISHTI does NOT include commercial leasing of mangrove forests — INCORRECT.
• Answer: Only 1 and 2 are correct
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 8 September 2025 Shift 1 · Seasons of India

Q72. Clear skies, rising temperatures, and moist land — conditions commonly referred to as ‘October heat’ — are associated with which of the following in the Indian context?

  1. (a) Monsoon Wind striking the Western Coast
  2. (b) Cyclonic Depressions of Bay of Bengal
  3. (c) Cyclonic Depressions of Arabian Sea
  4. (d) Retreating Monsoon
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Retreating Monsoon

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 4 September 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q73. Which of the following is a major difference between planted and natural vegetation?

  1. (a) Place of origin
  2. (b) Presence of fruits
  3. (c) Number of leaves
  4. (d) Human supervision involved
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Human supervision involved

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 4 September 2025 Shift 2 · Rainfall distribution

Q74. The retreating monsoon causes rainfall mainly in _____.

  1. (a) Maharashtra
  2. (b) Tamil Nadu
  3. (c) Assam
  4. (d) Punjab
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tamil Nadu

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q75. What type of pressure develops over the Indian subcontinent during the summer, attracting monsoon winds?

  1. (a) High pressure over land
  2. (b) Low pressure over land
  3. (c) Cyclonic high over land
  4. (d) Anti-cyclonic high over land
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Low pressure over land

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q76. Which type of natural vegetation in India is known for forests with hardwood trees such as sal, teak, and bamboo?

  1. (a) Montane forests
  2. (b) Tropical deciduous forests
  3. (c) Tropical evergreen forests
  4. (d) Thorn forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tropical deciduous forests

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 2 · Rainfall distribution

Q77. Which of the following is a reason for the uneven distribution of rainfall in India during the southwest monsoon?

  1. (a) Monsoon winds blow equally everywhere.
  2. (b) Southern states alone receive all rainfall.
  3. (c) The Himalayas stop all monsoon rainfall.
  4. (d) Mountain ranges influence wind direction and intensity.
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Mountain ranges influence wind direction and intensity.

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 3 · Rainfall distribution

Q78. Which of the following places may receive an amount of rainfall in a single day that is equal to 10 years of rainfall at Jaisalmer?

  1. (a) Siliguri
  2. (b) Leh
  3. (c) Asansol
  4. (d) Tura
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Tura

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 3 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q79. How does deforestation lead to desertification?

  1. (a) It increases rainfall in dry regions.
  2. (b) It reduces soil erosion.
  3. (c) It increases humus in the soil.
  4. (d) It removes the top fertile soil layer, exposing hard, rocky layers.
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) It removes the top fertile soil layer, exposing hard, rocky layers.

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 29 August 2025 Shift 1 · Seasons of India

Q80. Western disturbances mainly affect the weather of which region in India?

  1. (a) Eastern Ghats
  2. (b) Coastal Andhra Pradesh
  3. (c) Deccan Plateau
  4. (d) North-West India
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) North-West India

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 29 August 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q81. Birch and Rhododendrons are found in which kind of forests?

  1. (a) Montane forests
  2. (b) Littoral and Swamp forests
  3. (c) Tropical Thorn forests
  4. (d) Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Montane forests

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 29 August 2025 Shift 3 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q82. According to the National Forest Policy 1988, how much percentage of the total area of the country should be under forest in order to maintain ecological balance?

  1. (a) 20%
  2. (b) 28%
  3. (c) 33%
  4. (d) 25%
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 33%

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 29 August 2025 Shift 3 · Seasons of India

Q83. The hot weather season in India is generally observed from:

  1. (a) October to November
  2. (b) March to May
  3. (c) June to September
  4. (d) December to February
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) March to May

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 28 August 2025 Shift 3 · Forest types and distribution

Q84. In which of the following groups of states are the lower regions of the Western Ghats located where subtropical vegetation is found?

  1. (a) Gujarat, Maharashtra and Kerala
  2. (b) Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
  3. (c) Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka
  4. (d) Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Goa
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 22 August 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q85. Littoral forests are most associated with which kind of ecosystem?

  1. (a) Tundra ecosystem
  2. (b) Grassland ecosystem
  3. (c) Desert ecosystem
  4. (d) Wetland ecosystem
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Wetland ecosystem

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 22 August 2025 Shift 1 · Indian monsoon - mechanism

Q86. What is the primary cause of southwest monsoon in India?

  1. (a) Tidal effects
  2. (b) Local winds from the desert
  3. (c) Westerly winds from the Atlantic
  4. (d) Differential heating of land and sea
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Differential heating of land and sea

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 22 August 2025 Shift 2 · Forest types and distribution

Q87. Which valuable tree grows mainly in the western Himalayas and is used in construction?

  1. (a) Rhododendron
  2. (b) Cinchona
  3. (c) Deodar
  4. (d) Magnolia
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Deodar

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q88. Which soil is acidic in nature and found in high rainfall areas?

  1. (a) Black soil
  2. (b) Red soil
  3. (c) Laterite soil
  4. (d) Alluvial soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Laterite soil

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 1 · Seasons of India

Q89. 'Blossom Shower' triggers the blossoming of the flowers of which crops in Kerala and nearby areas?

  1. (a) Tea
  2. (b) Sunflower
  3. (c) Coffee
  4. (d) Cotton
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Coffee

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 2 · Rainfall distribution

Q90. Which physical feature acts as a barrier to the southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on one side and dry conditions on the other?

  1. (a) Western Ghats
  2. (b) Aravalli Range
  3. (c) Satpura Range
  4. (d) Vindhya Range
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Western Ghats

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 3 · Forest types and distribution

Q91. Tussocky grass grows mainly in which type of forests?

  1. (a) Evergreen forests
  2. (b) Tropical Deciduous forests
  3. (c) Montane forests
  4. (d) Tropical Thorn forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Tropical Thorn forests

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 3 · Soil formation and soil-forming factors

Q92. In dry areas, water from underground comes up through the soil by capillary action and dries quickly, leaving salts behind. These salts form a hard layer called:

  1. (a) granite
  2. (b) laterite
  3. (c) hardpans
  4. (d) pedalfer
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) hardpans

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 19 August 2025 Shift 2 · Soil erosion and conservation

Q93. Which of the following practices is most suitable for preventing land degradation in arid areas?

  1. (a) Terrace farming
  2. (b) Shifting cultivation
  3. (c) Shelterbelt plantation
  4. (d) Contour ploughing
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Shelterbelt plantation

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 19 August 2025 Shift 2 · Seasons of India

Q94. Which season in India is characterised by high temperature and low humidity?

  1. (a) Retreating Monsoon
  2. (b) Southwest Monsoon
  3. (c) Hot Weather Season
  4. (d) Cold Weather Season
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Hot Weather Season

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 18 August 2025 Shift 1 · Soil types and distribution

Q95. In the Great Indian Plains of India, which kind of soil is found on a large scale?

  1. (a) Red soil
  2. (b) Laterite soil
  3. (c) Alluvial soil
  4. (d) Black soil
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Alluvial soil

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 14 August 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q96. The Western Ghats and the northeastern hills of India are primarily covered with which type of natural vegetation?

  1. (a) Tropical Thorn Forests
  2. (b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
  3. (c) Montane Forests
  4. (d) Tropical Evergreen Forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Tropical Evergreen Forests

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 13 August 2025 Shift 3 · Seasons of India

Q97. The western cyclonic disturbances that enter the Indian subcontinent from the west and the northwest during the winter months originate from which of the following regions?

  1. (a) Black Sea
  2. (b) North Atlantic Ocean
  3. (c) Baltic Sea
  4. (d) Mediterranean Sea
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Mediterranean Sea

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 12 August 2025 Shift 2 · Forest cover and mangroves

Q98. As per the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023), which Indian state has the largest forest cover (area-wise) in the country?

  1. (a) Uttar Pradesh
  2. (b) Arunachal Pradesh
  3. (c) Madhya Pradesh
  4. (d) Chhattisgarh
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Madhya Pradesh

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 7 August 2025 Shift 1 · Forest types and distribution

Q99. In which of the following regions in India are Tropical Evergreen Forests found?

  1. (a) Rajasthan
  2. (b) Punjab
  3. (c) Western Ghats
  4. (d) Sunderbans
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Western Ghats

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 7 August 2025 Shift 2 · Seasons of India

Q100. Which term refers to the pre-monsoon showers that occur with a sudden rise in temperature, especially in southern India?

  1. (a) Loo
  2. (b) Break in monsoon
  3. (c) Mango showers
  4. (d) Nor’wester
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Mango showers

12

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