UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 23 September 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 23 September 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more. We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the geological structure and formation of the Indian landmass: The Shillong (Meghalaya) Plateau is geologically an extension of the Peninsular block, separated by the Malda fault. The Great Plains of India are considered a geosynclinal depression formed after the Himalayan uplift. The Deccan Traps were formed by fissure-type volcanic eruptions during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The Meghalaya Plateau, along with the Karbi-Anglong Plateau, is an outward extension of the main Peninsular Plateau. It is structurally part of the same ancient Gondwanaland block. It was separated from the Chotanagpur Plateau by a massive down-faulting event, creating a gap known as the Malda fault (or Garo-Rajmahal Gap). This gap was later filled by the depositional activity of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, forming the plains of present-day Bangladesh and West Bengal. Statement 2 is correct. The formation of the Northern Plains is intrinsically linked to the Himalayan orogeny. The uplift of the Himalayas created a large foredeep or geosynclinal depression to its south, between the young mountains and the rigid Peninsular block. Over millions of years, this depression was gradually filled by sediments brought down by the Himalayan rivers (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra) and, to a lesser extent, by Peninsular rivers. This aggradational process resulted in the formation of the vast and fertile alluvial plains. Statement 3 is incorrect. The formation of the Deccan Traps is associated with intense fissure-type volcanic activity, but its timing predates the final, major collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The main phase of the Deccan volcanism occurred around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, when the Indian plate was passing over the Réunion hotspot. The collision with the Eurasian plate, which led to the Himalayan uplift, happened significantly later, starting around 50-55 million years ago. The timing is the critical error in this statement. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The Meghalaya Plateau, along with the Karbi-Anglong Plateau, is an outward extension of the main Peninsular Plateau. It is structurally part of the same ancient Gondwanaland block. It was separated from the Chotanagpur Plateau by a massive down-faulting event, creating a gap known as the Malda fault (or Garo-Rajmahal Gap). This gap was later filled by the depositional activity of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, forming the plains of present-day Bangladesh and West Bengal. Statement 2 is correct. The formation of the Northern Plains is intrinsically linked to the Himalayan orogeny. The uplift of the Himalayas created a large foredeep or geosynclinal depression to its south, between the young mountains and the rigid Peninsular block. Over millions of years, this depression was gradually filled by sediments brought down by the Himalayan rivers (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra) and, to a lesser extent, by Peninsular rivers. This aggradational process resulted in the formation of the vast and fertile alluvial plains. Statement 3 is incorrect. The formation of the Deccan Traps is associated with intense fissure-type volcanic activity, but its timing predates the final, major collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The main phase of the Deccan volcanism occurred around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, when the Indian plate was passing over the Réunion hotspot. The collision with the Eurasian plate, which led to the Himalayan uplift, happened significantly later, starting around 50-55 million years ago. The timing is the critical error in this statement.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the geological structure and formation of the Indian landmass:

• The Shillong (Meghalaya) Plateau is geologically an extension of the Peninsular block, separated by the Malda fault.

• The Great Plains of India are considered a geosynclinal depression formed after the Himalayan uplift.

• The Deccan Traps were formed by fissure-type volcanic eruptions during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The Meghalaya Plateau, along with the Karbi-Anglong Plateau, is an outward extension of the main Peninsular Plateau. It is structurally part of the same ancient Gondwanaland block. It was separated from the Chotanagpur Plateau by a massive down-faulting event, creating a gap known as the Malda fault (or Garo-Rajmahal Gap). This gap was later filled by the depositional activity of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, forming the plains of present-day Bangladesh and West Bengal.

• Statement 2 is correct. The formation of the Northern Plains is intrinsically linked to the Himalayan orogeny. The uplift of the Himalayas created a large foredeep or geosynclinal depression to its south, between the young mountains and the rigid Peninsular block. Over millions of years, this depression was gradually filled by sediments brought down by the Himalayan rivers (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra) and, to a lesser extent, by Peninsular rivers. This aggradational process resulted in the formation of the vast and fertile alluvial plains.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The formation of the Deccan Traps is associated with intense fissure-type volcanic activity, but its timing predates the final, major collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The main phase of the Deccan volcanism occurred around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, when the Indian plate was passing over the Réunion hotspot. The collision with the Eurasian plate, which led to the Himalayan uplift, happened significantly later, starting around 50-55 million years ago. The timing is the critical error in this statement.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Himalayas, consider the following statements: Statement I: The western syntaxial bend of the Himalayas is located near Nanga Parbat. Statement II: The deep gorge of the Brahmaputra river marks the eastern syntaxial bend. Statement III: These sharp, hairpin bends are primarily attributed to the shape of the Indian plate being pointed at its northeastern and northwestern corners. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct Correct Solution: B Statement I is correct. The Himalayas do not extend indefinitely but take sharp, hairpin bends at their western and eastern extremities. The western bend, known as the western syntaxis, is located in Jammu and Kashmir, near the peak of Nanga Parbat, where the mountains turn sharply southwards. Statement II is correct. The eastern syntaxial bend is located in Arunachal Pradesh, near the peak of Namcha Barwa. The Brahmaputra river (known as Tsangpo in Tibet) carves a deep, antecedent gorge through the mountains here as it enters India, marking this dramatic turn. Statement III is correct. The primary reason for these syntaxial bends is the tectonic interaction between the northward-moving Indian plate and the stationary Eurasian plate. The Indian plate is not a simple rectangle; its leading edge has two protruding corners or salients in the northwest and northeast. As the plate pushed into the Eurasian landmass, the sediments of the Tethys Sea were compressed and folded around these rigid, protruding corners of the Peninsular block, causing the mountain ranges to bend sharply. Both Statement II and Statement III are factually correct. However, Statement II is merely a description of the eastern bend, analogous to Statement I’s description of the western bend. It does not explain why Statement I (or the western bend) exists. Statement III, on the other hand, provides the fundamental tectonic reason for the existence of both Therefore, only Statement III explains Statement I. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is correct. The Himalayas do not extend indefinitely but take sharp, hairpin bends at their western and eastern extremities. The western bend, known as the western syntaxis, is located in Jammu and Kashmir, near the peak of Nanga Parbat, where the mountains turn sharply southwards. Statement II is correct. The eastern syntaxial bend is located in Arunachal Pradesh, near the peak of Namcha Barwa. The Brahmaputra river (known as Tsangpo in Tibet) carves a deep, antecedent gorge through the mountains here as it enters India, marking this dramatic turn. Statement III is correct. The primary reason for these syntaxial bends is the tectonic interaction between the northward-moving Indian plate and the stationary Eurasian plate. The Indian plate is not a simple rectangle; its leading edge has two protruding corners or salients in the northwest and northeast. As the plate pushed into the Eurasian landmass, the sediments of the Tethys Sea were compressed and folded around these rigid, protruding corners of the Peninsular block, causing the mountain ranges to bend sharply. Both Statement II and Statement III are factually correct. However, Statement II is merely a description of the eastern bend, analogous to Statement I’s description of the western bend. It does not explain why Statement I (or the western bend) exists. Statement III, on the other hand, provides the fundamental tectonic reason for the existence of both Therefore, only Statement III explains Statement I.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Himalayas, consider the following statements:

Statement I: The western syntaxial bend of the Himalayas is located near Nanga Parbat.

Statement II: The deep gorge of the Brahmaputra river marks the eastern syntaxial bend.

Statement III: These sharp, hairpin bends are primarily attributed to the shape of the Indian plate being pointed at its northeastern and northwestern corners.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

• (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Solution: B

• Statement I is correct. The Himalayas do not extend indefinitely but take sharp, hairpin bends at their western and eastern extremities. The western bend, known as the western syntaxis, is located in Jammu and Kashmir, near the peak of Nanga Parbat, where the mountains turn sharply southwards.

• Statement II is correct. The eastern syntaxial bend is located in Arunachal Pradesh, near the peak of Namcha Barwa. The Brahmaputra river (known as Tsangpo in Tibet) carves a deep, antecedent gorge through the mountains here as it enters India, marking this dramatic turn.

• Statement III is correct. The primary reason for these syntaxial bends is the tectonic interaction between the northward-moving Indian plate and the stationary Eurasian plate. The Indian plate is not a simple rectangle; its leading edge has two protruding corners or salients in the northwest and northeast. As the plate pushed into the Eurasian landmass, the sediments of the Tethys Sea were compressed and folded around these rigid, protruding corners of the Peninsular block, causing the mountain ranges to bend sharply.

• Both Statement II and Statement III are factually correct. However, Statement II is merely a description of the eastern bend, analogous to Statement I’s description of the western bend. It does not explain why Statement I (or the western bend) exists. Statement III, on the other hand, provides the fundamental tectonic reason for the existence of both Therefore, only Statement III explains Statement I.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Bhabar belt is characterized by the disappearance of small streams and rivers. Statement-II: The Bhabar belt is composed of porous and permeable sediments consisting of gravel and unsorted rock debris deposited by rivers descending from the Himalayas. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Bhabar is a narrow, 8-16 km wide belt situated parallel to the foothills of the Shiwaliks. A defining characteristic of this zone is that many of the smaller streams and rivers that flow down from the mountains seem to disappear underground. This makes the region generally unsuitable for agriculture due to a lack of surface water. Statement-II is correct. The formation of the Bhabar is a direct result of depositional processes. As rivers emerge from the steep Himalayan slopes onto the gentler plains, there is a sudden and drastic reduction in their velocity and energy. This causes them to deposit their heaviest and coarsest load, which includes large boulders, gravel, pebbles, and other unsorted rock debris. This accumulation of coarse material creates a highly porous and permeable landform, akin to a large alluvial fan. Statement-II provides the precise scientific explanation for the phenomenon described in Statement-I. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Bhabar is a narrow, 8-16 km wide belt situated parallel to the foothills of the Shiwaliks. A defining characteristic of this zone is that many of the smaller streams and rivers that flow down from the mountains seem to disappear underground. This makes the region generally unsuitable for agriculture due to a lack of surface water. Statement-II is correct. The formation of the Bhabar is a direct result of depositional processes. As rivers emerge from the steep Himalayan slopes onto the gentler plains, there is a sudden and drastic reduction in their velocity and energy. This causes them to deposit their heaviest and coarsest load, which includes large boulders, gravel, pebbles, and other unsorted rock debris. This accumulation of coarse material creates a highly porous and permeable landform, akin to a large alluvial fan. Statement-II provides the precise scientific explanation for the phenomenon described in Statement-I.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The Bhabar belt is characterized by the disappearance of small streams and rivers.

Statement-II: The Bhabar belt is composed of porous and permeable sediments consisting of gravel and unsorted rock debris deposited by rivers descending from the Himalayas.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

• Statement-I is correct. The Bhabar is a narrow, 8-16 km wide belt situated parallel to the foothills of the Shiwaliks. A defining characteristic of this zone is that many of the smaller streams and rivers that flow down from the mountains seem to disappear underground. This makes the region generally unsuitable for agriculture due to a lack of surface water.

• Statement-II is correct. The formation of the Bhabar is a direct result of depositional processes. As rivers emerge from the steep Himalayan slopes onto the gentler plains, there is a sudden and drastic reduction in their velocity and energy. This causes them to deposit their heaviest and coarsest load, which includes large boulders, gravel, pebbles, and other unsorted rock debris. This accumulation of coarse material creates a highly porous and permeable landform, akin to a large alluvial fan.

• Statement-II provides the precise scientific explanation for the phenomenon described in Statement-I.

Solution: A

• Statement-II provides the precise scientific explanation for the phenomenon described in Statement-I.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Arrange the following physiographic features of the Peninsular Plateau from west to east: Maikala Range Mahadeo Hills Chotanagpur Plateau Malwa Plateau Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 4-2-1-3 (b) 2-4-1-3 (c) 4-1-2-3 (d) 2-1-4-3 Correct Solution: A Malwa Plateau: This is the westernmost feature among the given options. It is a large plateau of volcanic origin, located in western Madhya Pradesh and southeastern Rajasthan, with the Aravalli Range to its west and the Vindhya Range to its south. Mahadeo Hills: Located to the east of the Malwa Plateau, the Mahadeo Hills form the central part of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. Famous landmarks like Pachmarhi are situated in these hills. They are situated south of the Narmada river. Maikala Range: This range forms the easternmost part of the Satpura Range, situated to the east of the Mahadeo Hills. It is located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The source of the Narmada and Son rivers is at Amarkantak, which is located in the Maikala Hills. Chotanagpur Plateau: This is the easternmost feature among the options. It is a vast plateau system covering parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. It lies to the east of the Baghelkhand plateau and the Maikala Range. It is renowned for its rich mineral resources. Therefore, the correct sequence from west to east is: Malwa Plateau (4) → Mahadeo Hills (2) → Maikala Range (1) → Chotanagpur Plateau (3). Incorrect Solution: A Malwa Plateau: This is the westernmost feature among the given options. It is a large plateau of volcanic origin, located in western Madhya Pradesh and southeastern Rajasthan, with the Aravalli Range to its west and the Vindhya Range to its south. Mahadeo Hills: Located to the east of the Malwa Plateau, the Mahadeo Hills form the central part of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. Famous landmarks like Pachmarhi are situated in these hills. They are situated south of the Narmada river. Maikala Range: This range forms the easternmost part of the Satpura Range, situated to the east of the Mahadeo Hills. It is located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The source of the Narmada and Son rivers is at Amarkantak, which is located in the Maikala Hills. Chotanagpur Plateau: This is the easternmost feature among the options. It is a vast plateau system covering parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. It lies to the east of the Baghelkhand plateau and the Maikala Range. It is renowned for its rich mineral resources. Therefore, the correct sequence from west to east is: Malwa Plateau (4) → Mahadeo Hills (2) → Maikala Range (1) → Chotanagpur Plateau (3).

#### 4. Question

Arrange the following physiographic features of the Peninsular Plateau from west to east:

• Maikala Range

• Mahadeo Hills

• Chotanagpur Plateau

• Malwa Plateau

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a) 4-2-1-3

• (b) 2-4-1-3

• (c) 4-1-2-3

• (d) 2-1-4-3

Solution: A

• Malwa Plateau: This is the westernmost feature among the given options. It is a large plateau of volcanic origin, located in western Madhya Pradesh and southeastern Rajasthan, with the Aravalli Range to its west and the Vindhya Range to its south.

• Mahadeo Hills: Located to the east of the Malwa Plateau, the Mahadeo Hills form the central part of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. Famous landmarks like Pachmarhi are situated in these hills. They are situated south of the Narmada river.

• Maikala Range: This range forms the easternmost part of the Satpura Range, situated to the east of the Mahadeo Hills. It is located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The source of the Narmada and Son rivers is at Amarkantak, which is located in the Maikala Hills.

• Chotanagpur Plateau: This is the easternmost feature among the options. It is a vast plateau system covering parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. It lies to the east of the Baghelkhand plateau and the Maikala Range. It is renowned for its rich mineral resources.

• Therefore, the correct sequence from west to east is: Malwa Plateau (4) → Mahadeo Hills (2) → Maikala Range (1) → Chotanagpur Plateau (3).

Solution: A

• Therefore, the correct sequence from west to east is: Malwa Plateau (4) → Mahadeo Hills (2) → Maikala Range (1) → Chotanagpur Plateau (3).

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Match the following: List-I (Pass) List-II (Location) List-III (Connects) 1. Zoji La A. Great Himalayas i. Srinagar with Kargil & Leh 2. Shipki La B. Pir Panjal Range ii. Kinnaur district (HP) with Tibet 3. Banihal Pass C. Zanskar Range iii. Kullu Valley with Lahaul & Spiti 4. Rohtang Pass D. Dhauladhar Range iv. Jammu with Srinagar How many of the above rows are correctly matched in all three aspects? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: A Row 1: Zoji La. The pass is Zoji La. Its location is in the Great Himalayas, not the Zanskar Range. It connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh. The location is incorrectly matched. Row 2: Shipki La. The pass is Shipki La. Its location is in the Zanskar Range in Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh with Tibet (China). The Sutlej river enters India through a gorge near this pass. The location is incorrectly matched. Row 3: Banihal Pass. The pass is Banihal Pass. Its location is in the Pir Panjal Range. It connects Jammu with Srinagar. The famous Jawahar Tunnel is part of this pass. All three columns are correctly matched. Row 4: Rohtang Pass. The pass is Rohtang Pass. Its location is in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, not the Dhauladhar Range. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The location is incorrectly matched. Based on the analysis, only one row (Row 3: Banihal Pass) has all three columns correctly matched. This format requires absolute accuracy across multiple data points for a single item, making it extremely challenging. Incorrect Solution: A Row 1: Zoji La. The pass is Zoji La. Its location is in the Great Himalayas, not the Zanskar Range. It connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh. The location is incorrectly matched. Row 2: Shipki La. The pass is Shipki La. Its location is in the Zanskar Range in Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh with Tibet (China). The Sutlej river enters India through a gorge near this pass. The location is incorrectly matched. Row 3: Banihal Pass. The pass is Banihal Pass. Its location is in the Pir Panjal Range. It connects Jammu with Srinagar. The famous Jawahar Tunnel is part of this pass. All three columns are correctly matched. Row 4: Rohtang Pass. The pass is Rohtang Pass. Its location is in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, not the Dhauladhar Range. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The location is incorrectly matched. Based on the analysis, only one row (Row 3: Banihal Pass) has all three columns correctly matched. This format requires absolute accuracy across multiple data points for a single item, making it extremely challenging.

#### 5. Question

Match the following:

List-I (Pass) | List-II (Location) | List-III (Connects)

1.Zoji La | A. Great Himalayas | i. Srinagar with Kargil & Leh
2.Shipki La | B. Pir Panjal Range | ii. Kinnaur district (HP) with Tibet
3.Banihal Pass | C. Zanskar Range | iii. Kullu Valley with Lahaul & Spiti
4.Rohtang Pass | D. Dhauladhar Range | iv. Jammu with Srinagar

How many of the above rows are correctly matched in all three aspects?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: A

• Row 1: Zoji La. The pass is Zoji La. Its location is in the Great Himalayas, not the Zanskar Range. It connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh. The location is incorrectly matched.

• Row 2: Shipki La. The pass is Shipki La. Its location is in the Zanskar Range in Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh with Tibet (China). The Sutlej river enters India through a gorge near this pass. The location is incorrectly matched.

• Row 3: Banihal Pass. The pass is Banihal Pass. Its location is in the Pir Panjal Range. It connects Jammu with Srinagar. The famous Jawahar Tunnel is part of this pass. All three columns are correctly matched.

• Row 4: Rohtang Pass. The pass is Rohtang Pass. Its location is in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, not the Dhauladhar Range. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The location is incorrectly matched.

• Based on the analysis, only one row (Row 3: Banihal Pass) has all three columns correctly matched. This format requires absolute accuracy across multiple data points for a single item, making it extremely challenging.

Solution: A

• Row 1: Zoji La. The pass is Zoji La. Its location is in the Great Himalayas, not the Zanskar Range. It connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh. The location is incorrectly matched.

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