Q1. Himalayan rivers are perennial because
(a) They flow from inexhaustible springs in the Himalayas
(b) They are fed in summer by melting snow of Himalayas
(c) There is continuous rain throughout the year in the catchment areas
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (b) They are fed in summer by melting snow of Himalayas
Explanation: Himalayan rivers are perennial because they are sustained by glacial meltwater during summer and rainfall during monsoon. This dual source ensures year-round flow, unlike seasonal rivers.
Q2. The river which flows between Vindhya and Satpura ranges is
(a) Narmada
(b) Tapti
(c) Mahanadi
(d) Godavari
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Narmada River flows between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, forming a rift valley. It is one of the few rivers in India that flows westward, draining into the Arabian Sea.
Q3. Mahatma Gandhi Setu is built over the river
(a) Ganga
(b) Brahmaputra
(c) Godavari
(d) Cauvery
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (a) Ganga
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the longest river bridges in India, spans the Ganga River in Bihar. It connects Patna to Hajipur, playing a crucial role in regional transportation and commerce across the northern plains.
Q4. Which of the following rivers flows westward?
(a) Krishna
(b) Cauvery
(c) Mahanadi
(d) Narmada
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada River is one of the few major Indian rivers that flows westward, draining into the Arabian Sea. Its rift valley course distinguishes it from most east-flowing rivers in India.
Q5. Which of the following pairs is incorrect ?
(a) Nagarjunasagar – Andhra Pradesh
(b) Tungabhadra – Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
(c) Farakka – West Bengal
(d) Kosi – Gujarat
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) Kosi – Gujarat
Explanation: The Kosi River flows through Bihar, not Gujarat. It is known for its flooding and sedimentation issues. The other pairs correctly associate major river projects with their respective states.