UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 36

Correct answer: Option D. Vamsadhara is a river of the eastern Deccan flowing toward the Bay of Bengal and is not a tributary of the Godavari. Indravati, Pranahita and other rivers form important tributary systems of the Godavari. Among the listed combinations, statements 2 and 3 correctly identify Godavari tributaries. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “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. Option B: “2, 3 and 4” 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, 2 and 4” 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: “2 and 3 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. 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.