1. Consider the following pairs:
| Gorilla Subspecies | Known For |
| Cross River Gorilla | Most endangered great ape in Africa |
| Mountain Gorilla | Largest subspecies of gorilla |
| Western Lowland Gorilla | Most numerous gorilla subspecies |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only One Pair
[B] Only Two Pairs
[C] All Three Pairs
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All Three Pairs]
Notes:
Cross River Gorilla is the most endangered great ape in Africa—correct. Mountain Gorilla is the largest subspecies—correct. Western Lowland Gorilla is the most numerous—correct. All three pairs are correctly matched.
2. Where is the headquarters of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) located?
[A] Thimphu, Bhutan
[B] New Delhi, India
[C] Dhaka, Bangladesh
[D] Kathmandu, Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kathmandu, Nepal]
Notes:
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reported that the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) use only 6.1% of their renewable energy potential. ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre established on 5 December 1983. Its mission is to drive policies, attract investments, and support greener, inclusive, and climate-resilient development. Member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. It generates and shares knowledge, bridges science with policy, and offers a platform for collaboration. The Headquarters is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.
3. Consider the following:
- The Great Rift Valley extends through Egypt, Libya, and Morocco.
- The Andes Mountains stretch across Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia.
- The Alps are shared by France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
- The Rockies extend across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] 2 and 3
[C] 3 and 4
[D] 1 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 and 3]
Notes:
The Andes extend through Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia, making statement 2 correct. The Alps are shared by France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany—statement 3 is correct. The Great Rift Valley lies mainly in East Africa, not North Africa, and the Rockies do not reach Mexico, making statements 1 and 4 incorrect.
4. With reference to wind systems, consider the following statements:
- Katabatic wind refers to a downward flow of cold, dense air due to gravity.
- Katabatic winds are commonly observed in Antarctica and Greenland.
- Anabatic wind is a term for the downslope movement of air caused by cooling of mountain slopes.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Katabatic winds are cool, dense air masses flowing downslope under gravity, commonly observed in Antarctica and Greenland. Statement 3 is incorrect: Anabatic wind refers to upslope movement of warm air due to heating of slopes during the day, not downslope movement caused by cooling.
5. The Sabarmati River, which was recently in the news, originates from which mountain range?
[A] Vindhya Range
[B] Satpura Range
[C] Western Ghats
[D] Aravalli Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aravalli Range]
Notes:
On 1 August 2025, the Union Government informed Lok Sabha that 13 river stretches in Gujarat are officially classified as polluted. Sabarmati River, especially the stretch between Raysan to Vautha, is the worst affected with a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of 292 mg/litre. Sabarmati River is a monsoon-fed, west-flowing river. It originates from the Aravalli Mountain Range in Udaipur district, Rajasthan. The river is called Wakal in its early course and flows southwest through Rajasthan and Gujarat. It empties into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.
6. Bhor Ghat, a mountain pass in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, connects which two major cities?
[A] Nashik and Pune
[B] Mumbai and Nashik
[C] Kolhapur and Pune
[D] Mumbai and Pune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mumbai and Pune]
Notes:
Bhor Ghat connects Mumbai and Pune via road (Khopoli-Khandala) and rail (Palasdari-Khandala). Historically vital during the British era for trade, Bhor Ghat remains an important route through the Western Ghats, enhancing connectivity in Maharashtra.
7. Consider the following statements:
- Bhoom was granted as a jagir to Shrimant Senakhaskhel Yashwantrao Thorat by Sambhaji II of Kolhapur in 1717.
- Bhoom is strategically located in the Banashankar hill ranges of the Sahyadri mountains.
- The River Banaganga flows through Bhoom.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct: Bhoom was indeed granted as a jagir to Shrimant Senakhaskhel Yashwantrao Thorat by Sambhaji II of Kolhapur in 1717. Statement 2 is incorrect; Bhoom is in the Balaghat ranges of the Sahyadris, not Banashankar hill ranges. Statement 3 is correct; the Banaganga river flows through Bhoom. Thus, only 1 and 3 are correct.
8. Loni Kalbhor is located close to which mountain range in Maharashtra?
[A] Satpura Range
[B] Ajanta Range
[C] Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar Range
[D] Harischandragad Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar Range]
Notes:
The Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar range, part of the Sahyadri mountains, is near Loni Kalbhor. The area is renowned for Sinhagad Fort, significant in Maratha history, popular for trekking, and hosts cultural events, offering scenic views of the Pune region.
9. Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar are part of which mountain ranges in Maharashtra?
[A] Satpura Range
[B] Harishchandragad Range
[C] Ajanta Range
[D] Sahyadri Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sahyadri Range]
Notes:
Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar belong to the Sahyadri Range (Western Ghats) in Maharashtra. This region is noted for its forts, historical significance, biodiversity, and trekking routes. Sinhagad Fort played an important role in Maratha history and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadris.
10. In which mountain ranges is the Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary located?
[A] Sahyadri Range
[B] Satmala and Ajanta Hills
[C] Nilgiri Hills
[D] Harishchandragad Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satmala and Ajanta Hills]
Notes:
The Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Satmala and Ajanta hill ranges near Soegaon, Maharashtra. It covers approximately 200 sq km and is a biodiversity hotspot known for Indian bison, leopards, and unique landscapes in the state.
