UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 15

Correct answer: Option A. Srisailam is associated with the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh. Omkareshwar is associated with the Vindhya range rather than the Satmala Hills, while Pushkar is associated with the Aravalli region rather than the Mahadeo Hills. Therefore only the first pair is correctly matched. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option B: “2 and 3 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “1 and 3 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “1, 2 and.3” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.