Q130. Which pair identifies two major coalfields of Odisha?
[OSSSC Forester, 3 May 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Talcher and Ib Valley
(B) Raniganj and Jharia
(C) Talcher and Korba
(D) Singrauli and Wardha
Answer: (A) Talcher and Ib Valley
Explanation: Talcher and Ib Valley are Odisha’s best-known coalfields and occur in Gondwana sedimentary basins. Raniganj is in West Bengal, Jharia in Jharkhand and Korba in Chhattisgarh. Correctly distinguishing these locations is central to mapping India’s coal distribution.
Q129. Which of the following is associated with India’s first oil refinery?
[SSC GD Constable, 28 April 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Haldia
(B) Koyali
(C) Barauni
(D) Digboi
Answer: (D) Digboi
Explanation: Digboi in Assam is historically associated with India’s earliest refinery, established during the colonial period. Assam was among the first regions of commercial petroleum exploration in the subcontinent. Haldia, Koyali and Barauni are important but later refinery locations.
Q128. In which state is the Panna diamond-mining region located?
[SSC GD Constable, 22 May 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Jharkhand
(C) Karnataka
(D) Gujarat
Answer: (A) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Panna lies in Madhya Pradesh and is renowned for its diamond-bearing geological deposits. India’s famous historical diamond localities also include parts of the Deccan, but Panna remains the major location regularly highlighted in school geography and competitive examinations.
Q127. Which is a major copper-mining centre in Madhya Pradesh?
[MP Police Sub-Inspector, 16 January 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Dariba, Alwar
(B) Malanjkhand, Balaghat
(C) Rakha, Singhbhum
(D) Khetri, Jhunjhunu
Answer: (B) Malanjkhand, Balaghat
Explanation: Malanjkhand is a major open-pit copper-mining complex in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. The other options refer to locations associated with Rajasthan or Jharkhand. The Malanjkhand deposit makes central India important in India’s copper-mining geography.
Q126. The Panchpatmali deposit near Koraput in Odisha is famous for which mineral?
[OSSC CGL Preliminary Examination, 19 April 2026]
(A) Graphite
(B) Iron ore
(C) Chromite
(D) Bauxite
Answer: (D) Bauxite
Explanation: Panchpatmali, near Damanjodi in Odisha’s Koraput district, is a major bauxite deposit connected with aluminium production. The Eastern Ghats highlands contain extensive bauxite-rich lateritic formations. It differs from Odisha’s principal chromite belt in Sukinda and major iron-ore districts farther north.
Q125. Which mineral is widely used as an electrical insulator?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate, 14 August 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Bauxite
(B) Limestone
(C) Mica
(D) Iron ore
Answer: (C) Mica
Explanation: Mica is a non-metallic mineral that splits into thin, heat-resistant sheets and offers high electrical insulation. Its properties made it valuable in electrical and electronic equipment. Historically significant Indian mica belts occur in Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Q124. Which variety of coal is commonly known as brown coal?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate, 13 August 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Mica
(B) Copper
(C) Bauxite
(D) Lignite
Answer: (D) Lignite
Explanation: Lignite is termed brown coal because of its colour and relatively low stage of coalification. It has more moisture and a lower calorific value than bituminous coal. Neyveli in Tamil Nadu is one of India’s best-known lignite-producing centres.
Q123. Which among these is a mineral-based industry?
[RRB NTPC Graduate, 21 June 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Rubber
(B) Iron and steel
(C) Textiles
(D) Sugar
Answer: (B) Iron and steel
Explanation: The iron and steel industry depends on mined iron ore, coking coal and limestone. Rubber, textile and sugar industries primarily depend on plantation or agricultural raw materials. Iron and steel locations therefore often reflect transport connections to mineral belts.
Q122. In which year was India’s National Critical Mineral Mission launched?
[RRB Group D, 12 December 2025, Shift 3]
(A) 2025
(B) 2017
(C) 2021
(D) 2023
Answer: (A) 2025
Explanation: The National Critical Mineral Mission was approved in 2025 to strengthen exploration, mining, processing, recycling and supply security for strategically important minerals. Its focus includes materials essential for clean energy, electronics, advanced manufacturing and national economic resilience.
Q121. Which type of iron ore is found prominently in Bailadila?
[SSC Selection Post Graduate Level, 29 July 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Haematite
(B) Siderite
(C) Limonite
(D) Magnetite
Answer: (A) Haematite
Explanation: Bailadila in Chhattisgarh is known for high-grade haematite ore. The hills lie in the Bastar region, and their output has historically been important for steel industries and exports. Haematite contains iron oxide and is typically reddish in appearance.
