Explanation:
The Sundarbans is a natural region comprising southern Bangladesh and a part in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.

Explanation:
On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake (9.1-9.3 magnitude) struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It triggered a devastating tsunami that affected multiple countries around the Indian Ocean, causing massive destruction and loss of life. Other Options Explained: (A) Irian Jaya – A province in eastern Indonesia, not affected by the 2004 earthquake. (C) Kalibangan – An ancient Indus Valley Civilization site in India, unrelated to Indonesia. (D) Java – Another Indonesian island, but the earthquake's epicenter was near Sumatra. Thus, the correct answer is (B) Sumatra

Explanation:
The Narmada River basin primarily covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The river originates from Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. Rajasthan does not fall within the Narmada River basin. Other Options Explained: (A) Madhya Pradesh – The Narmada originates here and covers a major portion of the state. (C) Gujarat – The river flows into the Arabian Sea through Gujarat. (D) Maharashtra – Some tributaries of the Narmada originate in Maharashtra. Thus, the correct answer is (B) Rajasthan.

Explanation:
Terrace cultivation is a farming method used on hill slopes, where land is cut into step-like terraces to reduce water runoff and prevent soil erosion. This method slows down the flow of water, allowing it to absorb into the soil rather than washing it away. Other Options Explained: (A) Afforestation – Helps prevent erosion by planting trees, but not as effective for steep slopes. (C) Strip cropping – Used in flat or gently sloping lands, not ideal for steep hills. (D) Contour ploughing – Helps on gentle slopes, but terracing is more effective on steep hills. Thus, the correct answer is (B) Terrace cultivation.

Explanation:
The term "Geography" was first coined by the Greek scholar Eratosthenes in the 3rd century BCE. He is also known as the "Father of Geography" and is famous for calculating the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy. Other Options Explained: (A) Ptolemy – A Greek-Roman geographer who wrote "Geographia", but did not coin the term. (C) Hecataeus – An early Greek historian and geographer, but he did not coin the term. (D) Herodotus – Known as the "Father of History", but not associated with naming geography. Thus, the correct answer is (B) Eratosthenes.

Explanation:
Western Ghats is called the "ecological hotspot of India" because it is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. It has rich flora and fauna, including many endemic species found nowhere else. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological importance. Other Options Explained: (B) Eastern Ghats – Also rich in biodiversity but not as significant as the Western Ghats. (C) Western Himalayas – Biodiverse but not classified as a global biodiversity hotspot. (D) Eastern Himalayas – Also an important ecological zone but Western Ghats is more recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. Thus, the correct answer is (A) Western Ghats.

Explanation:
Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree and is used as a spice and condiment. It has a sweet and aromatic flavor and is widely used in cooking, baking, and traditional medicine. Other Options Explained: (B) Clove – Derived from flower buds, not bark. (C) Neem – Used for medicinal purposes, but not as a condiment. (D) Palm – Does not have a bark used as a spice. Thus, the correct answer is (A) Cinnamon.

Explanation:
Mangrove wetlands are possible sinks/sources for carbon dioxide and other related greenhouse gases. Global warming may promote expansion of mangrove forests to higher latitudes. Elevated CO2 concentration may increase mangrove growth by stimulating photosynthesis or improving water use efficiency.

Explanation:
The Indian Standard Meridian (82.5° E longitude) is the reference longitude for Indian Standard Time (IST). It passes through the states of Uttar Pradesh (UP), Madhya Pradesh (MP), Chhattisgarh, Odisha (Orissa), and Andhra Pradesh (AP). Other Options Explained: (A) AP and Karnataka → Incorrect, as Karnataka is not on the Indian Standard Meridian. (B) AP and Tamil Nadu → Incorrect, as Tamil Nadu is not on the meridian. (C) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu → Incorrect, as neither state is on the Indian Standard Meridian. Thus, the correct answer is (D) Orissa and AP.

Explanation:
India shares its northern border with China, and the following Indian states have a common border with China: 1. Ladakh (previously part of Jammu & Kashmir, now a Union Territory) 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Uttarakhand 4. Sikkim 5. Arunachal Pradesh Since Jammu and Kashmir (before bifurcation) shared a border with China, and the other three states (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh) also share borders with China, all the given options are correct. Thus, the correct answer is (D) All.

Explanation:
India shares a 1,643 km long border with Myanmar, and the following Indian states have a common border with Myanmar: 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Nagaland 3. Manipur 4. Mizoram Since all these states are listed in option (A), it is the correct answer.

Explanation:
India lies in the Northern Hemisphere (as it is situated north of the equator) and the Eastern Hemisphere (since it is located east of the Prime Meridian). Other Options Explained: (B) Southern and Eastern → Incorrect, as India is not in the Southern Hemisphere. (C) Northern and Western → Incorrect, as India is primarily in the Eastern Hemisphere. (D) Northern and Southern → Incorrect, as India is entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, the correct answer is (A) Northern and Eastern.