UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 93

This question tests cauvery basin protected areas. The key concept is: Nagarhole, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad are connected to the Cauvery river-basin landscape, while Papikonda lies in the Godavari basin. Therefore 1, 3 and 4 are correctly associated with the Cauvery basin. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option C. Option A — 1 and 2 Only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Nagarhole, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad are connected to the Cauvery river-basin landscape, while Papikonda lies in the Godavari basin. Therefore 1, 3 and 4 are correctly associated with the Cauvery basin. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 3 and 4 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Nagarhole, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad are connected to the Cauvery river-basin landscape, while Papikonda lies in the Godavari basin. Therefore 1, 3 and 4 are correctly associated with the Cauvery basin. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 1, 3 and 4 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Nagarhole, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad are connected to the Cauvery river-basin landscape, while Papikonda lies in the Godavari basin. Therefore 1, 3 and 4 are correctly associated with the Cauvery basin. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option D — 1, 2, 3 and 4: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Nagarhole, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad are connected to the Cauvery river-basin landscape, while Papikonda lies in the Godavari basin. Therefore 1, 3 and 4 are correctly associated with the Cauvery basin. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option C is the verified answer.