Q210. Which lake is associated with a crater in Deccan volcanic rocks?
[SSC GD Constable (19 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Sambhar Lake
(B) Loktak Lake
(C) Lonar Lake
(D) Chilika Lake
Answer: (C) Lonar Lake
Explanation: Lonar Lake lies in a meteorite-impact crater cut into basalt of the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra. Its basin is therefore an impact crater, not a crater created by a volcanic eruption. The balance of rainfall, inflowing streams, evaporation and coastal connections determines the waterbody’s character.
Q209. What evidence supports the proposed ancient shifting of drainage between the Indus and Ganga basins in the Pleistocene?
1. Rigvedic Nadi-Sukta;
2. Explorations by Robert Bruce Foote;
3. Similar river-dolphin lineages in both systems.
[UPSC CSE Prelims (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 2
(D) 3 only
Answer: (D) 3 only
Explanation: Biological affinities of river dolphins occurring in the now-separated Indus and Ganga river systems are cited as evidence for former hydrological connections. The other items do not establish Pleistocene channel transfer. The wider drainage network links Himalayan tributaries with major alluvial floodplains and downstream deltas.
Q208. Across which three Odisha districts does Chilika Lake extend?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (19 March 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda
(B) Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara
(C) Puri, Khurda, Ganjam
(D) Khurda, Balasore, Ganjam
Answer: (C) Puri, Khurda, Ganjam
Explanation: The coastal Chilika lagoon occupies areas of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a long sandy coastal barrier. The balance of rainfall, inflowing streams, evaporation and coastal connections determines the waterbody’s character.
Q207. Which coastal zone of India is best known for a network of backwaters and lagoons?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (15 June 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Andhra Coast
(B) Coromandel Coast
(C) Malabar Coast
(D) Northern Circars
Answer: (C) Malabar Coast
Explanation: Kerala’s Malabar Coast possesses extensive backwaters or kayals. Coastal bars and spits, along with river inflows and marine processes, created a connected lagoon environment. The balance of rainfall, inflowing streams, evaporation and coastal connections determines the waterbody’s character.
Q206. In which year was the Namami Gange river-cleaning programme launched?
[RRB JE CBT-I (20 February 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) 2020
(B) 2015
(C) 2017
(D) 2014
Answer: (D) 2014
Explanation: Namami Gange was approved in 2014 as a programme to reduce pollution and rejuvenate the Ganga. It combines wastewater treatment, river-surface cleaning and ecosystem conservation. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q205. Which place is the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi?
[71st BPSC Prelims (2025)]
(A) Karnaprayag
(B) Vishnuprayag
(C) Rudraprayag
(D) Devprayag
Answer: (D) Devprayag
Explanation: Devprayag in Uttarakhand is where these two major headwaters meet to form the Ganga. Each of the Panch Prayag sites represents a distinct Alaknanda confluence. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q204. Which is traditionally identified as the largest river island in India?
[71st BPSC Prelims (2025)]
(A) Majuli Island
(B) Srirangam Island
(C) Bhavani Island
(D) Agatti Island
Answer: (A) Majuli Island
Explanation: Majuli occupies a shifting island landscape of the Brahmaputra in Assam. Sedimentation and erosion can change river-island area, making such superlative rankings time-dependent. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q203. Which is not one of the eastern rivers allocated to India under the Indus Waters Treaty?
[71st BPSC Prelims (2025)]
(A) Jhelum
(B) Ravi
(C) Sutlej
(D) Beas
Answer: (A) Jhelum
Explanation: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej are the eastern rivers. Jhelum is grouped with the western rivers Indus and Chenab under the 1960 treaty. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q202. Loktak is a type of what geographical feature?
[71st BPSC Prelims (2025)]
(A) Lake
(B) Valley
(C) River
(D) Mountain range
Answer: (A) Lake
Explanation: Loktak is a freshwater lake in Manipur known for floating vegetation masses called phumdis. It provides livelihoods and includes Keibul Lamjao National Park. Regional relief, river outlets and tributary connections help distinguish the surrounding drainage basin geographically.
Q201. Vembanad Lake, commonly described as India’s longest lake, lies in which state?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (1 September 2025, Shift 2)]
(A) Assam
(B) Kerala
(C) West Bengal
(D) Odisha
Answer: (B) Kerala
Explanation: Vembanad is an extensive backwater lake in Kerala running parallel to the Malabar Coast. Rivers draining the Western Ghats feed the lagoon system, which connects through tidal channels to the Arabian Sea. The balance of rainfall, inflowing streams, evaporation and coastal connections determines the waterbody’s character.
