UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 77

Correct answer: Option B. Jordan does not have a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. It has a small coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba, an extension of the Red Sea. Syria, Lebanon and Israel have Mediterranean coastlines. Therefore Jordan is the country that does not open onto the Mediterranean. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Syria” 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: “Jordan” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “Lebanon” 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: “Israel” 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.