WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2024
1. With reference to Cyclone, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(I) The formation of a cyclone is caused by difference in air pressure.
(II) Most of the cyclones develop over warm ocean waters in the tropical regions.
(III) The Eye of the Cyclone has dense cloud cover and the lowest temperature.
Select the answer using the codes given below:
(A) (II) only
(B) (I), (II) and (III)
(C) (II) and (III)
(D) (III) only
Answer & Explanation
Answer: The correct concept is: Statements (I) and (II) are correct; Statement (III) is incorrect.
(Note: The printed options appear to contain an error, as “(I) and (II) only” is missing.)
Explanation
Cyclones form due to the development of a low-pressure area surrounded by relatively high-pressure air, causing air to move inward and spiral because of the Coriolis force. Most tropical cyclones originate over warm ocean waters (sea surface temperature of about 26.5°C or above). The eye of a cyclone is generally calm, relatively cloud-free, and warmer than the surrounding eyewall, not densely clouded or the coldest part.
Exam Facts
- Correct statements: (I) and (II); (III) is incorrect.
- Minimum sea surface temperature required: 26.5°C (approximately) up to a depth of about 50–60 m.
- The Eye: Calm region with light winds, lowest pressure, and relatively higher temperature.
- Eyewall: Surrounds the eye; contains dense clouds, heaviest rainfall, and strongest winds.
- Tropical cyclones do not form over the Equator because the Coriolis force is negligible there.
- Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by countries under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)/ESCAP Panel.
- India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi is the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for cyclone forecasting over the North Indian Ocean.
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2023
2. Meaning of Man–Land Ratio is—
(A) The ratio between the total population and the actual utilization of land in a country.
(B) The ratio between total land and total population of a country.
(C) The ratio between the total plain land and mature population of a country.
(D) The ratio between total agricultural land and total male population.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) The ratio between total land and total population of a country.
Explanation
The Man–Land Ratio refers to the relationship between the total land area and the total population of a region or country. It indicates the availability of land per person and helps assess population pressure on land resources. A low man–land ratio implies greater pressure on land due to a larger population.
Exam Facts
- Correct Answer: (B)
- Man–Land Ratio = Total Land Area ÷ Total Population
- It measures the availability of land per person.
- A low man–land ratio indicates high population pressure on land.
- A high man–land ratio indicates more land available per person.
- Do not confuse with Physiological Density, which is Total Population ÷ Arable (cultivable) Land.
- Arithmetic Density = Total Population ÷ Total Land Area.
- Agricultural Density = Agricultural Population ÷ Cultivable Land.
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2022
3. As of 2022, which country is the biggest opium producer?
(A) China
(B) India
(C) Afghanistan
(D) Nepal
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) Afghanistan
Explanation
As of 2022, Afghanistan was the largest producer of illicit opium in the world, accounting for the vast majority of global production. The country’s climate, extensive poppy cultivation, and long-standing illicit drug economy made it the dominant producer before the sharp decline in cultivation following the 2022 poppy cultivation ban.
Exam Facts
- Correct Answer: Afghanistan (as of 2022).
- Source crop: Opium is obtained from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum).
- India is one of the few countries that legally cultivate opium for medical and scientific purposes under government control.
- Licensing authority in India: Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
- Major legal opium-producing states in India: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs: 1961 – the principal international treaty regulating narcotic drugs.
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 governs narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2021
4. The new station constructed and established by India in March, 2012 for scientific research in Antarctica is called—
(A) Priyadarshini
(B) Bharati
(C) Maitri
(D) Dakshin Gangotri
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) Bharati
Explanation
Bharati is India’s third permanent research station in Antarctica. It was commissioned in March 2012 at Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica, to facilitate advanced scientific research in areas such as geology, atmospheric sciences, glaciology, and climate change.
Exam Facts
- Correct Answer: Bharati
- Commissioned: 18 March 2012
- Location: Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
- India’s Antarctic research stations:
- Dakshin Gangotri – 1983 (first; now decommissioned and used as a supply base)
- Maitri – 1989 (second; still operational)
- Bharati – 2012 (third; operational)
- Indian Antarctic Programme: Launched in 1981.
- Nodal agency: National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Antarctic Treaty: Signed in 1959, entered into force in 1961; India became a Consultative Party in 1983.
- Headquarters of NCPOR: Vasco da Gama, Goa.
5. The ratio of the diameters of Moon and Earth is nearly—
(A) 1 : 2
(B) 1 : 5
(C) 1 : 4
(D) 1 : 8
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) 1 : 4
Explanation
The Moon’s diameter is about 3,474 km, while the Earth’s diameter is about 12,742 km. Thus, the ratio of the Moon’s diameter to the Earth’s diameter is approximately 1 : 3.7, which is nearly 1 : 4.
Exam Facts
- Correct Answer: 1 : 4
- Earth’s mean diameter: 12,742 km
- Moon’s mean diameter: 3,474 km
- Earth–Moon diameter ratio: Approximately 1 : 3.67 (≈ 1 : 4)
- Average Earth–Moon distance: 384,400 km
- Moon’s gravity: About 1/6th of Earth’s gravity.
- Moon’s orbital period (Sidereal): 27.3 days
- Moon’s synodic period (New Moon to New Moon): 29.5 days
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2020
6. Identify the correct pairs for the Northern Hemisphere.
- Winter Solstice — December 22nd
- Autumn Equinox — September 23rd
- Summer Solstice — June 21st
- Spring Equinox — March 21st
Choose the correct answer from the given code:
(A) 1 and 2
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 3 and 4
(D) All are correctly matched
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (D) All are correctly matched
Explanation
All four pairs are correctly matched for the Northern Hemisphere. The Summer Solstice occurs around 21 June, the Winter Solstice around 22 December, while the Spring (Vernal) Equinox and Autumnal Equinox occur around 21 March and 23 September, respectively.
Exam Facts
- Correct Answer: (D) All are correctly matched.
- Summer Solstice (21 June): Longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere; the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23½° N).
- Winter Solstice (22 December): Shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere; the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23½° S).
- Vernal (Spring) Equinox (21 March): The Sun is overhead at the Equator; day and night are nearly equal everywhere on Earth.
- Autumnal Equinox (23 September): The Sun is again overhead at the Equator; day and night are nearly equal.
- Tropic of Cancer: 23°30′ N (23½° N).
- Tropic of Capricorn: 23°30′ S (23½° S).
- Arctic Circle: 66°30′ N; Antarctic Circle: 66°30′ S.
7. The scale used for measuring the intensity of the earthquake is—
(A) Metric scale
(B) Quake scale
(C) Richter scale
(D) Epicenter scale
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) Richter scale
Explanation
The Richter Scale is commonly used in competitive examinations to measure the magnitude (often incorrectly referred to as intensity) of an earthquake. Scientifically, intensity refers to the effects and damage caused by an earthquake and is measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale, whereas magnitude is measured using the Richter Scale or, more commonly today, the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw).
Exam Facts
- Correct Answer (Exam-oriented): Richter Scale
- Richter Scale: Developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter.
- Measures: Magnitude (energy released at the earthquake source).
- Current standard: Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is now widely used by seismologists for large earthquakes.
- Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale: Measures the intensity (damage and observed effects) of an earthquake.
- Instrument used: Seismograph (Seismometer) records seismic waves.
- Focus (Hypocentre): Point inside the Earth where the earthquake originates.
- Epicentre: Point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus.
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2019
8. Manasarovar Lake lies in
(A) Karakoram Range
(B) Pir Panjal Range
(C) Kailas Range
(D) Mahabharata Range
Answer: (C) Kailas Range
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2018
10. On average, air contains ________% of water vapour.
(A) 1
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 7
Answer: (A) 1
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2016
11. For his model of industrial location, Weber makes use of
(A) Isogons
(B) Isophenes
(C) Isodapanes
(D) Isotachs
Answer: (C) Isodapanes
12. Tropopause is
(A) A region between the troposphere and the stratosphere.
(B) A natural umbrella above volcanic eruptions.
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) Neither (A) nor (B)
Answer: (C) Both (A) and (B)
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2015
13. Satellites provide information about
(A) Forest and vegetative cover
(B) Rivers and their courses
(C) Advancing storms and cyclones
(D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
14. The Theory of Plate Tectonics explains
(A) Formation of mountains
(B) Sea-floor spreading
(C) Origin of earthquakes
(D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
15. An area will be described as urban if it has
(A) High population
(B) Towns and cities
(C) A high proportion of people engaged in non-agricultural pursuits
(D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
16. In which layer of the atmosphere does ozone act as a UV radiation shield?
(A) Troposphere
(B) Thermosphere
(C) Stratosphere
(D) Mesosphere
Answer: (C) Stratosphere
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2014
17. El Niño refers to
(A) An atmospheric phenomenon
(B) An environmental phenomenon
(C) An oceanic phenomenon
(D) A climatic phenomenon
Answer: (C) An oceanic phenomenon
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2013
18. Seismograph is
(A) An instrument for photographing clouds
(B) An instrument for recording earthquake tremors
(C) An instrument for measuring depths of water in the sea
(D) A device for recording changes in atmospheric pressure
Answer: (B) An instrument for recording earthquake tremors
19. On a map of the world, the lines joining places of equal dip angles are known as
(A) Isogonic lines
(B) Isoclinic lines
(C) Agonic lines
(D) Isothermal lines
Answer: (B) Isoclinic lines
20. The part of the Earth where life exists is known as
(A) Lithosphere
(B) Hydrosphere
(C) Atmosphere
(D) Biosphere
Answer: (D) Biosphere
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2012
21. Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to measure
(A) Depth of water
(B) Position of oceanic minerals
(C) Latitudes and longitudes
(D) Circumference of the globe
Answer: (C) Latitudes and longitudes
22. Aerial photographs are studied with the help of
(A) Microscope
(B) Stereoscope
(C) Parallax bar
(D) Theodolite
Answer: (B) Stereoscope
23. Hindu law of inheritance is responsible for
(A) Low productivity of land
(B) Non-application of scientific methods of farming
(C) Non-availability of irrigation facilities
(D) Subdivision and fragmentation of land holdings
Answer: (D) Subdivision and fragmentation of land holdings
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2011
24. The latitude of a place is expressed by its angular distance in relation to
(A) South Pole
(B) North Pole
(C) Equator
(D) Axis of the Earth
Answer: (C) Equator
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2010
25. Tsunamis are generated by
(A) Undersea plate movements
(B) Undersea volcanism
(C) Tidal change
(D) None of the above
Answer: (A) Undersea plate movements
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2009
26. Largest delta in the world is
(A) Ganga Delta
(B) Mississippi Delta
(C) Irrawaddy Delta
(D) Godavari Delta
Answer: (A) Ganga Delta
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2007
27. The trees which shed all their leaves at a particular time of the year are called
(A) Evergreen
(B) Coniferous
(C) Deciduous
(D) Savanna
Answer: (C) Deciduous
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2005
28. Which of the following countries has not been affected by Tsunami?
(A) Maldives
(B) Mauritius
(C) Malaysia
(D) Thailand
Answer: (B) Mauritius
29. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre located?
(A) San Francisco
(B) Santiago
(C) Kobe
(D) Honolulu
Answer: (D) Honolulu
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2004
30. The height of the highest peak of the world is
(A) 8,848 m
(B) 8,567 m
(C) 8,150 m
(D) 7,990 m
Answer: (A) 8,848 m
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2003
31. Which one of the following is a correct statement?
(A) A mineral cannot be an ore
(B) An ore cannot be a mineral
(C) All ores are minerals
(D) All minerals are ores
Answer: (C) All ores are minerals
32. Andaman Islands : Indian Ocean :: Falkland Islands : ?
(A) Indian Ocean
(B) Atlantic Ocean
(C) Pacific Ocean
(D) Arctic Ocean
Answer: (B) Atlantic Ocean
33. The lowermost layer of the atmosphere is
(A) Troposphere
(B) Stratosphere
(C) Ionosphere
(D) None of the above
Answer: (A) Troposphere
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2002
34. Which of the following is the highest peak of Africa?
(A) Mt. Tibesti
(B) Mt. Marra
(C) Mt. Kenya
(D) Mt. Kilimanjaro
Answer: (D) Mt. Kilimanjaro
35. Which is the largest lake of the world?
(A) Aral Sea
(B) Victoria Lake
(C) Great Bear Lake
(D) Caspian Sea
Answer: (D) Caspian Sea
36. The relative humidity inside a room is 50% while the temperature is 30°C. If the temperature becomes 40°C, then the relative humidity
(A) Will increase
(B) Will decrease
(C) Will remain unchanged
(D) Will increase or decrease depending upon the size of the room
Answer: (B) Will decrease
37. The largest iron and steel plant of China is located at
(A) Anshan
(B) Beijing
(C) Shanghai
(D) Nanchang
Answer: (A) Anshan
38. The earliest model of the globe was made by
(A) Mercator
(B) Crates
(C) Archimedes
(D) Aristotle
Answer: (B) Crates
39. During which geological era was the last Ice Age initiated?
(A) Pleistocene
(B) Carboniferous
(C) Tertiary
(D) Cambrian
Answer: (A) Pleistocene
40. Lop Nor is located in
(A) Taklamakan Desert
(B) Tarim Basin
(C) Gobi Desert
(D) Pamir Plateau
Answer: (B) Tarim Basin
41. “Functional Theory of Resources” was propounded by
(A) Weber
(B) Zimmerman
(C) Wagener
(D) Harvey
Answer: (B) Zimmerman
42. Who amongst the following are the primitive inhabitants of New Zealand?
(A) Polynesians
(B) Maoris
(C) Mongals
(D) Eskimoes
Answer: (B) Maoris
43. Which of the following is a westward flowing river?
(A) Loire
(B) Danube
(C) Volga
(D) Vistula
Answer: (A) Loire
44. Which is the highest peak of the Rocky Mountains?
(A) Mt. Logan
(B) Mt. Elbert
(C) Mt. Sir James
(D) Mt. McKinley
Answer: (B) Mt. Elbert
45. The Gulf of Malacca lies between
(A) Java and Sumatra
(B) Sumatra and Malaysia
(C) Kalimantan and Sulawesi
(D) Singapore and Malaysia
Answer: (B) Sumatra and Malaysia
46. Grand Bank is located near
(A) Newfoundland
(B) Nova Scotia
(C) U.K.
(D) Norway
Answer: (A) Newfoundland
47. Which one of the following is the capital of Croatia?
(A) Zagreb
(B) Belgrade
(C) Sarajevo
(D) Skopje
Answer: (A) Zagreb
48. What is the most widely cultivated fruit in the world?
(A) Banana
(B) Apple
(C) Guava
(D) Grapes
Answer: (A) Banana
49. On which river is Bangkok located?
(A) Mekong
(B) Chindwin
(C) Salween
(D) Chao Phraya
Answer: (D) Chao Phraya
50. Along which coast is Phuket located?
(A) Gulf of Thailand
(B) Bay of Bengal
(C) Andaman Sea
(D) Gulf of Tonkin
Answer: (C) Andaman Sea
51. Which one of the following is an estuarine delta?
(A) Rhine delta
(B) Mississippi delta
(C) Ganga delta
(D) Volga delta
Answer: (A) Rhine delta
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2001
52. Around the solstices, twilight lasts from sunset to sunrise in
(A) Equatorial regions
(B) Tropical regions
(C) High latitudes
(D) Mid latitudes
Answer: (C) High latitudes
53. The highest density of population occurs in
(A) Asia
(B) North America
(C) East Europe
(D) North-West Europe
Answer: (A) Asia
54. There is no local time at
(A) London
(B) North and South Poles
(C) International Date Line
(D) Magnetic Poles of the Earth
Answer: (B) North and South Poles
55. In which country do most earthquakes occur?
(A) U.S.A.
(B) Chile
(C) Japan
(D) Indonesia
Answer: (C) Japan
56. What are potato ores?
(A) Potato of Nainital and Himachal Pradesh
(B) HYV seed potato raised in irrigated tracts of W.B.
(C) Nodules of a variety of minerals found on the sea beds
(D) Ores of nuclear minerals
Answer: (C) Nodules of a variety of minerals found on the sea beds
57. The erosion of soil by winds can be best controlled by
(A) Afforestation
(B) Removal of vegetation
(C) Dry farming
(D) Creation of wind breaks
Answer: (D) Creation of wind breaks
58. What term is given to sandy deserts with their characteristic sand dune landscape?
(A) Reg
(B) Erg
(C) Hamada
(D) Bad land
Answer: (B) Erg
59. The region which leads the world in sugar production is
(A) South Asia
(B) South-East Asia
(C) West Indies
(D) U.S.A.
Answer: (B) South-East Asia
WBCS Prelims World Geography Questions 2000
60. Most fossils are found in
(A) Granite
(B) Sedimentary rocks
(C) Black soil
(D) Lava flow
Answer: (B) Sedimentary rocks
61. ______ is called the Land of Thunderbolt.
(A) India
(B) Nepal
(C) Bhutan
(D) Bangladesh
Answer: (C) Bhutan
62. The period of revolution is exactly 12 years for
(A) Mars
(B) Jupiter
(C) Saturn
(D) Uranus
Answer: (B) Jupiter
63. Corrosion is a form of ______ erosion.
(A) Mechanical
(B) Chemical
(C) Biological
(D) Biophysical
Answer: (B) Chemical
64. Lines joining places with the same total transport cost are called
(A) Isotims
(B) Isodapanes
(C) Isochrones
(D) Isophytes
Answer: (B) Isodapanes
65. Strait of Malacca lies between
(A) India & Sri Lanka
(B) Malaysia & Borneo
(C) Malaysia & Sri Lanka
(D) Java & Borneo
Answer: (B) Malaysia & Borneo
66. Ten Degree Channel separates
(A) China & Taiwan
(B) Andaman & Nicobar
(C) Nicobar & Sumatra
(D) Java & Bali
Answer: (B) Andaman & Nicobar
67. The largest freshwater lake in the world is
(A) Caspian
(B) Superior
(C) Michigan
(D) Dal
Answer: (B) Superior
68. The longest river in Asia is
(A) Amur
(B) Mekong
(C) Indus
(D) Tsangpo
Answer: (D) Tsangpo
69. The deepest ocean in the world is
(A) Atlantic
(B) Pacific
(C) Indian
(D) Arctic
Answer: (B) Pacific
70. On land, the highest temperature (58°C) has been recorded at
(A) Death Valley
(B) Azizia
(C) Jacobabad
(D) Susunia
Answer: (B) Azizia
71. The lowest point of the Earth’s land surface lies ____ below sea level.
(A) 396 m
(B) 282 m
(C) 1200 m
(D) 120 m
Answer: (A) 396 m
72. The largest Caribbean island is
(A) Trinidad
(B) Hispaniola
(C) Cuba
(D) Puerto Rico
Answer: (C) Cuba
73. Alluvial soils of the Ganga Plains are genetically
(A) Zonal
(B) Azonal
(C) Intrazonal
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) Azonal
74. The geographic unity of South-East Asian countries is maintained by
(A) Climate
(B) Economy
(C) Culture
(D) Topography
Answer: (A) Climate
75. The maximum human population belongs to the
(A) Australoid
(B) Negroid
(C) Mongoloid
(D) Caucasian race
Answer: (D) Caucasian race
76. Navigators mainly use ________ projection.
(A) Orthographic
(B) Mercator’s
(C) Gall’s
(D) Eumorphic
Answer: (B) Mercator’s
77. Laterite soils are formed due to
(A) Removal of silicates, lime and organic matter
(B) Decaying of organic matter
(C) Disintegration of lava
(D) Exfoliation
Answer: (A) Removal of silicates, lime and organic matter
Leave a Comment