UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 6: Geography

With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct ?

aGhaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi

bGomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi

cGhaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak

dGomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Going west to east along the Ganga after Prayagraj, the Gomati joins first (east of Varanasi), then the Ghaghara (near Chhapra), the Gandak (opposite Patna) and finally the Kosi (near Katihar). The order is therefore Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi. Remember the left bank tributaries from west to east: Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi. The Gomati itself rises in the plains, so the question's label is loose.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: it puts the Ghaghara before the Gomati, but the Gomati joins the Ganga first.
(b) Right: Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi is the west to east order.
(c) Wrong: Ghaghara is placed before Gomati and Kosi before Gandak, both reversed.
(d) Wrong: the Kosi is east of the Gandak, so Kosi cannot come before it.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.