Q60. Which of these rivers flows in a rift valley?
[Chhattisgarh PSC Prelims (2016)]
(A) Cauvery
(B) Yamuna
(C) Son
(D) Tapi
Answer: (D) Tapi
Explanation: Tapi follows a fault-related trough from the Satpura region towards the Gulf of Khambhat. Its long straight reach resembles the Narmada’s rift-controlled drainage. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q59. Rajrappa is situated near the confluence of which rivers?
[Jharkhand PSC Prelims (2016)]
(A) Damodar and Bhera
(B) Damodar and Sherbukhi
(C) Damodar and Barakar
(D) Damodar and Konar
Answer: (A) Damodar and Bhera
Explanation: The Bhairavi or Bhera joins Damodar at Rajrappa in Jharkhand. This scenic meeting point is also known for the Chhinnamasta Temple. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q58. The Hirakud multipurpose project is on which river?
[WBCS Mains (2015)]
(A) Godavari
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Narmada
(D) Krishna
Answer: (B) Mahanadi
Explanation: The Mahanadi is harnessed at Hirakud near Sambalpur, Odisha. The project provides seasonal storage to reduce floods while supplying agricultural and industrial water. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q57. How was Wular Lake mainly formed?
[WBCS Mains (2015)]
(A) Oxbow formation
(B) Tectonic activity
(C) Terminal moraine blockage
(D) Continuous silt deposition
Answer: (B) Tectonic activity
Explanation: Wular is regarded as a tectonic freshwater lake in the Kashmir Valley. It is connected with the Jhelum and functions as a large natural floodwater reservoir. The balance of rainfall, inflowing streams, evaporation and coastal connections determines the waterbody’s character.
Q56. Which confluence is located at Devprayag?
[WBCS Mains (2015)]
(A) Dhauliganga and Alaknanda
(B) Alaknanda and Bhagirathi
(C) Mandakini and Alaknanda
(D) Pindar and Alaknanda
Answer: (B) Alaknanda and Bhagirathi
Explanation: Devprayag marks the union of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. Other Panch Prayag sites identify different upper Ganga tributary confluences. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q55. Which are tributaries of Godavari?
1. Vamsadhara;
2. Indravati;
3. Pranahita;
4. Pennar.
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2015)]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 2, 3 and 4 only
(C) 1, 2 and 4 only
(D) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (D) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Indravati and Pranahita contribute directly to Godavari discharge. Vamsadhara and Pennar belong to separate river basins draining towards the Bay of Bengal. Plateau slopes and underlying geological structures are especially important in determining peninsular drainage patterns.
Q54. Which dam is built across the Betwa River?
[UPPCS Prelims Re-exam (2015)]
(A) Luv Kush Barrage
(B) Rihand Dam
(C) Sharda Barrage
(D) Rajghat Dam
Answer: (D) Rajghat Dam
Explanation: Rajghat Dam forms part of a Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh river-valley project across the Betwa. The river eventually joins the Yamuna. Reservoir location, river discharge and terrain affect the supply of water for irrigation and electricity.
Q53. Sind Sagar Doab lies between which rivers?
[WBCS Mains (2014)]
(A) Indus and Jhelum–Chenab
(B) Jhelum and Chenab
(C) Chenab and Ravi
(D) Ravi and Beas
Answer: (A) Indus and Jhelum–Chenab
Explanation: Sind Sagar Doab is a traditional Punjab interfluve between the Indus on the west and Jhelum–Chenab drainage to the east. Doab means land between rivers. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q52. The famous Jog or Gersoppa Falls occurs on which river?
[WBCS Mains (2014)]
(A) Cauvery
(B) Sharavati
(C) Periyar
(D) Krishna
Answer: (B) Sharavati
Explanation: The Sharavati plunges down the Western Ghats at Jog Falls in Karnataka. The water subsequently flows westwards to the Arabian Sea. Waterfalls develop where river gradients shift abruptly, often across resistant rock or geological breaks.
Q51. What is the Indian name of the Yarlung Tsangpo?
[56th–59th BPSC Prelims (2014)]
(A) Ganga
(B) Indus
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Mahanadi
Answer: (C) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Yarlung Tsangpo flows east through Tibet, bends around the eastern Himalayas and becomes the Brahmaputra system in India. It continues through Bangladesh as Jamuna. Himalayan sediment, seasonal floodwater and heavy rainfall strongly shape the river channels and adjoining plains.
