Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
West Bengal is situated in the western part of India, extending from the Bay of Bengal to the northern plains.
Answer: False
Explanation: The state of West Bengal is geographically located in the eastern part of India, not the western part.
West Bengal shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Answer: True
Explanation: West Bengal shares international borders with Bangladesh to the east, and Nepal and Bhutan to the north.
The geography of West Bengal is uniform throughout the state, characterized mainly by plains.
Answer: False
Explanation: West Bengal exhibits diverse geographical features, including the Himalayan foothills, plains, deltaic regions, and coastal areas, contradicting the notion of uniformity.
Sandakphu, located in the southern plains of West Bengal, is the state's highest peak.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, is situated in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region, not in the southern plains.
The Ganges River flows through West Bengal, splitting into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly branch which flows towards Bangladesh.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Ganges flows through West Bengal and splits into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly branch, this branch flows towards the Bay of Bengal, not directly towards Bangladesh. The main Ganges channel, Padma, flows into Bangladesh.
West Bengal experiences a predominantly arid desert climate throughout the year.
Answer: False
Explanation: West Bengal's climate ranges from tropical savanna in the south to humid subtropical in the north, characterized by distinct summer, monsoon, and winter seasons, rather than an arid desert climate.
Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a significant environmental issue affecting parts of West Bengal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a serious environmental concern impacting numerous districts and a substantial portion of the population in West Bengal.
West Bengal's forest cover percentage in 2013 was notably higher than the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2013, West Bengal's forest cover was approximately 18.93%, which was slightly lower than the national average of 21.23%.
Sundarbans National Park is one of the five national parks located within West Bengal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sundarbans National Park is indeed one of the five national parks situated in West Bengal.
What is the geographical extent of West Bengal mentioned in the source?
Answer: Stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south.
Explanation: West Bengal's geographical extent encompasses the region from the Himalayas in the north down to the Bay of Bengal in the south.
Which of the following countries does NOT share an international border with West Bengal?
Answer: Myanmar
Explanation: West Bengal shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Myanmar does not share a border with West Bengal.
Which geographical feature is NOT mentioned as part of West Bengal's diverse geography?
Answer: Deccan Plateau
Explanation: The Deccan Plateau is not a geographical feature associated with West Bengal; its geography includes the Himalayan hills, Ganges delta, and Sundarbans mangrove forests, among others.
What is the elevation of Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal?
Answer: 3,636 meters
Explanation: Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, stands at an elevation of 3,636 meters (approximately 11,929 feet).
Which of the following is NOT listed as a major river flowing through West Bengal?
Answer: Brahmaputra
Explanation: While the Ganges, Teesta, and Damodar are major rivers flowing through or within West Bengal, the Brahmaputra River primarily flows through other northeastern states and Bangladesh, not West Bengal.
What are the main climate types found in West Bengal?
Answer: Tropical savanna and humid subtropical
Explanation: West Bengal's climate is characterized by tropical savanna in the southern regions and humid subtropical conditions in the northern areas.
Which environmental issue poses a significant threat to West Bengal's water resources?
Answer: Pollution of the Ganges and arsenic contamination of groundwater
Explanation: Pollution of the Ganges River and widespread arsenic contamination of groundwater represent critical environmental threats to West Bengal's water resources.
In 2013, West Bengal's forest cover was reported as:
Answer: Slightly below the national average
Explanation: In 2013, West Bengal's forest cover percentage was slightly below the national average.
Which of the following is NOT among the five national parks in West Bengal?
Answer: Kaziranga National Park
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam, not West Bengal. West Bengal's national parks include Sundarbans, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara, Neora Valley, and Singalila.
The name 'Bengal' is definitively known to originate from a Sanskrit word meaning 'land of traders'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The exact etymology of the name 'Bengal' remains uncertain. While theories exist, such as a link to the ancient tribe 'Bang' or the kingdom of Vanga, a definitive origin from a Sanskrit word meaning 'land of traders' is not established.
West Bengal was formed as a separate Indian state following the Partition of India in 1947, comprising the western part of the historical Bengal province.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Partition of India in 1947, the historical Bengal province was divided, leading to the formation of the Indian state of West Bengal from its western territories.
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of the British East India Company's control over revenue collection in the region.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a pivotal event that led to the British East India Company gaining significant influence, including the right to collect revenue in Bengal from 1765.
The Bengal Renaissance was a movement focused solely on political independence from British rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bengal Renaissance was a significant socio-cultural and intellectual reform movement that encompassed advancements in arts, literature, science, and education, extending beyond solely political objectives.
The origin of the name 'Bengal' is uncertain, but one theory links it to which ancient group?
Answer: A Dravidian tribe named 'Bang'
Explanation: One theory suggests that the name 'Bengal' derives from 'Bang,' a Dravidian tribe that is believed to have settled the region around 1000 BCE.
What historical event led to the formation of the Indian state of West Bengal?
Answer: The Partition of India in 1947
Explanation: The formation of the Indian state of West Bengal is a direct consequence of the Partition of India in 1947, which divided the historical Bengal province.
Calcutta (Kolkata) served as the capital of British India until which year?
Answer: 1911
Explanation: Calcutta served as the capital of British India from 1773 until the capital was transferred to Delhi in 1911.
The 'Bengal Renaissance' is described as a movement primarily focused on:
Answer: Socio-cultural reform and advancements influenced by Western education
Explanation: The Bengal Renaissance was characterized by significant socio-cultural reforms and intellectual advancements, largely spurred by the influence of Western education.
The Governor holds the executive authority in West Bengal's government, headed by the Chief Minister.
Answer: False
Explanation: Executive authority in West Bengal rests with the Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister. The Governor functions as the constitutional head of state.
The Left Front government, led by the CPI(M), ruled West Bengal for over three decades, marking a significant period in democratic governance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Left Front government, primarily led by the CPI(M), governed West Bengal for 34 consecutive years (1977-2011), representing a significant tenure in democratic governance.
In West Bengal's parliamentary system, who holds the executive authority?
Answer: The Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister
Explanation: Executive authority in West Bengal is vested in the Council of Ministers, which is headed by the Chief Minister.
The Left Front government's 34-year rule in West Bengal (1977-2011) is notable for being:
Answer: The world's longest-running democratically elected communist government
Explanation: The Left Front's 34-year rule in West Bengal (1977-2011) is recognized as the world's longest-running democratically elected communist government.
West Bengal ranks among the top three largest state economies in India based on GSDP.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2023-24, West Bengal holds the sixth-largest state economy in India based on Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
West Bengal's per capita income has consistently been higher than the all-India average for the past two decades.
Answer: False
Explanation: West Bengal's per capita income has consistently lagged behind the all-India average for more than two decades.
The industry sector contributes the largest share to West Bengal's Gross Value Added (GVA).
Answer: False
Explanation: The services sector is the largest contributor to West Bengal's GVA, followed by industry and then agriculture.
Rice is the primary food crop cultivated in West Bengal, alongside jute and potatoes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rice is indeed the primary food crop cultivated in West Bengal, with jute and potatoes also being significant agricultural products.
West Bengal has been highly successful in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) due to its streamlined policies and infrastructure.
Answer: False
Explanation: West Bengal has encountered difficulties in attracting FDI, attributed to factors including adverse land policies, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic impediments.
West Bengal's road density is lower than the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: West Bengal's road density is approximately 103.69 kilometers per square kilometer, which is higher than the national average.
Kolkata is the headquarters for only one zone of Indian Railways.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kolkata serves as the headquarters for three zones of Indian Railways: Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, and the Kolkata Metro Railway zone.
The Kolkata Metro was India's first underground railway system.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Kolkata Metro holds the distinction of being India's first underground railway system.
Bagdogra Airport primarily handles domestic flights and does not offer international services.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bagdogra Airport offers international flight services to Bhutan and Thailand, in addition to its domestic operations.
University of Calcutta, established in 1857, was the first university founded in India.
Answer: False
Explanation: The University of Calcutta, established in 1857, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, but not the very first. However, it is recognized as the oldest public university in India.
The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata was the first research institute established in Asia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, founded in Kolkata, holds the distinction of being the first research institute established in Asia.
What is West Bengal's economic ranking among Indian states in 2023-24?
Answer: Sixth largest
Explanation: In the fiscal year 2023-24, West Bengal ranks as the sixth-largest state economy in India based on its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
Which sector is the largest contributor to West Bengal's Gross Value Added (GVA)?
Answer: Services
Explanation: The services sector is the principal contributor to West Bengal's Gross Value Added (GVA), accounting for the largest share.
What is the primary food crop of West Bengal?
Answer: Rice
Explanation: Rice is the predominant food crop cultivated in West Bengal.
Factors contributing to West Bengal's challenges in attracting FDI include:
Answer: Adverse land policies, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic red tape
Explanation: Challenges in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in West Bengal are often attributed to factors such as adverse land acquisition policies, insufficient infrastructure, and bureaucratic complexities.
West Bengal's road density is described in the source as:
Answer: Higher than the national average
Explanation: West Bengal exhibits a road density that surpasses the national average.
Which of these railway zones does NOT have its headquarters in Kolkata?
Answer: North Frontier Railway
Explanation: The North Frontier Railway is headquartered in Maligaon, Guwahati, not Kolkata. Kolkata hosts the headquarters for Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, and Kolkata Metro Railway.
What distinction does the Kolkata Metro hold in India?
Answer: It was India's first underground railway system.
Explanation: The Kolkata Metro is distinguished as India's inaugural underground railway system.
Bagdogra Airport is noted for providing international services to which countries?
Answer: Bhutan and Thailand
Explanation: Bagdogra Airport offers international flight services connecting to Bhutan and Thailand.
West Bengal is home to the first IIT in India. Which institution is this?
Answer: IIT Kharagpur
Explanation: The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) established in India was IIT Kharagpur, located in West Bengal.
Durga Puja is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in West Bengal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Durga Puja is widely recognized as the most significant, popular, and extensively celebrated festival in West Bengal.
Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian Nobel laureate, composed the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore, Asia's first Nobel laureate in literature, composed India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.
'Tollywood' refers to the Bengali film industry centered in the Tollygunge area of Kolkata.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Tollywood' is the widely used nickname for the Bengali film industry, which is primarily centered in the Tollygunge neighborhood of Kolkata.
Traditional Bengali sweets like Roshogolla and Sandesh are primarily made from flour and sugar.
Answer: False
Explanation: Traditional Bengali sweets such as Roshogolla and Sandesh are predominantly made from milk products, specifically chhena (curdled milk), along with sugar, not flour.
The sari is the traditional clothing for women in West Bengal, although western attire is common in urban settings.
Answer: True
Explanation: The sari remains the traditional and commonly worn garment by women in West Bengal, while western attire is also prevalent in urban environments.
The phrase 'machhe bhate bangali' emphasizes the cultural importance of fish and rice in Bengali life.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Machhe bhate bangali' translates to 'fish and rice make a Bengali,' highlighting the traditional importance of these staples in Bengali diet and culture.
Association football (soccer) and cricket are the least popular sports in West Bengal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Association football (soccer) and cricket are highly popular sports in West Bengal, with football enjoying particularly strong patronage.
Eden Gardens in Kolkata was once among the world's largest cricket stadiums by capacity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eden Gardens in Kolkata is a historic cricket stadium that was indeed once among the world's largest cricket venues in terms of seating capacity.
Sourav Ganguly, a former Indian cricket captain, hails from West Bengal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sourav Ganguly, a distinguished former captain of the Indian cricket team, originates from West Bengal.
Which festival is described as the most significant, popular, and widely celebrated in West Bengal?
Answer: Durga Puja
Explanation: Durga Puja is identified as the most significant, popular, and widely celebrated festival throughout West Bengal.
Rabindranath Tagore is credited with composing which national anthem?
Answer: India's national anthem
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore is credited with composing India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.
What does the nickname 'Tollywood' refer to?
Answer: The Bengali film industry centered in Tollygunge
Explanation: The nickname 'Tollywood' specifically denotes the Bengali film industry, which is centered in the Tollygunge area of Kolkata.
Which of the following is a traditional Bengali sweetmeat mentioned in the source?
Answer: Chomchom
Explanation: Chomchom is listed as a notable traditional Bengali sweetmeat, alongside other popular items like Roshogolla and Sandesh.
Which phrase highlights the traditional importance of fish and rice in Bengali culture?
Answer: Machhe bhate bangali
Explanation: The Bengali phrase 'machhe bhate bangali' directly translates to 'fish and rice make a Bengali,' underscoring the cultural significance of these staples.
Which of the following is considered one of the most popular sports in West Bengal?
Answer: Association football (soccer)
Explanation: Association football (soccer) is considered one of the most popular sports in West Bengal, enjoying widespread following and participation.
What is the significance of Eden Gardens in Kolkata?
Answer: It is a historic cricket stadium, once among the world's largest.
Explanation: Eden Gardens in Kolkata is a significant historic cricket stadium, notable for having been one of the world's largest venues by capacity.
Which prominent sportsperson from West Bengal is an Olympic bronze medallist in tennis?
Answer: Leander Paes
Explanation: Leander Paes, a distinguished sportsperson from West Bengal, is an Olympic bronze medallist in tennis.