Indian Geography

The National Mapping Organization in Kolkata divided India into planning regions primarily on an economic basis, recognizing that economic activities, resource distribution, and development potential were more relevant for planning purposes than purely physical, political, or cultural divisions. This economic approach allowed for more functional and development-oriented regional planning.

R. P. Mishra, Sundram, and B. L. S. Prakash Rao emphasized that the economic level, resource utilization, and resource distribution were the primary bases for delineating planning regions in India. This economic approach focused on creating regions with similar development levels, resource endowments, and economic potential to facilitate effective planning and resource allocation.

 Option (2) is correct.

Prof. Jweg is credited with proposing the planning regions of India as part of the country's regional planning framework. This was part of efforts to organize India's territory into coherent units for development planning purposes.

The Himalayas serve as a natural barrier protecting northern India from cold Central Asian winds and historical invasions. They act as a climatic and military shield. Vindhya Ranges are in central India, Sahyadri is Western Ghats, and River Ganga is a major river, not a protective mountain range.

The Small Scale Research Institute is located in Sindri, Dhanbad district. It was established to research and develop technologies for small-scale industries, supporting local entrepreneurship.

Soria Paharia (also called Sahariya) is the main tribe residing in the Raj Mahal hills region of Jharkhand. They are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the region, with distinct cultural practices.

Santhal is the largest tribal community in Jharkhand, both numerically and in terms of cultural influence. They constitute a significant portion of the state's tribal population and have a rich cultural heritage.

The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) is located in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. It was established in 1926 and is a premier institution for mining engineering and earth sciences. Dhanbad is known as the 'coal capital of India' and is home to many mining-related industries and research institutions.

The Science City in Jharkhand is located in Ranchi, the capital city. It was established to promote scientific temper and awareness among the public, particularly students, through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

According to the 2011 census, Dhanbad district had the highest population density in Jharkhand, primarily due to its industrial and mining activities attracting large workforce populations. As the coal capital of India, Dhanbad's urban concentration contributed to its high density figures.

Sal (Shorea robusta) is the designated state tree of Jharkhand. The Sal tree is ecologically and economically significant in the region, forming extensive forests in Jharkhand and providing timber, resin, and other forest products. It represents the state's rich forest heritage.

Ranchi is the correct answer as it is located on the Chhota Nagpur plateau in Jharkhand. Bhilai is in Chhattisgarh, Durgapur is in West Bengal (not on Chhota Nagpur plateau), and Ghatshila, while in Jharkhand, is not a major industrial settlement like Ranchi.

Parbatpur in Jharkhand houses India's largest methane gas well. The region has significant coal bed methane (CBM) reserves, and Parbatpur is the key site for extraction.

Kolar Gold Mines in Karnataka are indeed India's oldest, with gold mining activities dating back over 2,000 years to the ancient period.