The correct answer is option 3 (0.024). Explanation & Key Takeaways: • India occupies 2.4% (0.024) of the total land area of the world, which makes it the seventh-largest country by land area globally. • The total geographical area of India is approximately 3.287 million square kilometers, and the world’s total land area is around 148.94 million square kilometers. Hence, this proportion is derived by dividing India's land area by the total global land area. Hence, the statement is correct. • India’s vast geographical area contributes significantly to its diverse climatic zones, biodiversity, and natural resources. This makes India one of the most ecologically diverse countries globally. • The country’s land area is distributed among various types of terrain, including mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, and coastal regions, which support a wide range of ecosystems and human activities. • Other options mentioned in the question, such as 0.034, 0.044, and 0.014, are incorrect because they do not reflect the actual proportion of India’s land area in comparison to the world’s total land area. Hence, these statements are incorrect. • Hence, the correct answer is option 3 (0.024). Related Concepts: • Geographical Features of India: • India is located in the southern part of the Asian continent, bordered by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Bay of Bengal on the east, and the Arabian Sea on the west. • It shares land borders with several countries, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, which influences its geopolitical significance. • Key Characteristics of India's Land Area: • India has a diverse topography, including the Himalayas in the north, the Thar Desert in the west, the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, and the Deccan Plateau in the south. • India’s biodiversity is one of the richest in the world, with numerous species of flora and fauna inhabiting forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other ecosystems. • Example: The Sundarbans, located in the eastern part of India, is a unique mangrove ecosystem and home to the Bengal tiger. • Global Land Area Comparison: • The total global land area is approximately 148.94 million square kilometers, with countries like Russia, Canada, and China having larger land areas compared to India. • India ranks 7th globally in terms of land area, following countries like the United States and Australia. Important Notes: • Calculation of Proportion: • The proportion of India’s land area to the world’s total land area is calculated using the formula: (India’s land area / World’s total land area) × 100. • With India’s land area being 3.287 million square kilometers and the world’s total land area being 148.94 million square kilometers, the proportion is approximately 2.4% (0.024). • Significance of India’s Land Area: • India’s geographical location and size contribute to its strategic importance in global trade, defense, and environmental conservation. • The country’s diverse land area supports various economic activities, including agriculture, mining, and tourism.