UPSC Prelims 2023 GS-I Question 1 Solved

Providing aspirants with precise answers, we offer a valuable resource for those seeking solved solutions to UPSC Prelims 2023 GS-I Question 1 Solved, aiding in exam preparation, one question at a time. Access in-depth solutions, gain valuable knowledge, and delve into the significant geographical features such as Jhelum River, Wular Lake, Krishna River, Kolleru Lake, Gandak River, and Kanwar Lake. Enhance your preparedness for the exam.”

Table of Contents

UPSC Prelims 2023 GS-I Question 1 (Solved, Analysed & more)

Q.1 Consider the following statements :

Jhelum River passes through
Wular Lake.
Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru
Lake.
Meandering of Gandak River
formed Kanwar Lake.
How many of the statements· given
above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Ans. (b) Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru
Lake.

Quick Explanation

Jhelum River & Wular Lake: Jhelum River indeed passes through Wular Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in India, situated in Jammu and Kashmir. So, statement 1 is correct.
Krishna River & Kolleru Lake: Contrary to statement 2, Kolleru Lake is primarily fed by seasonal streams, not directly by the Krishna River. It is connected to the Krishna and Godavari systems through various inflowing drains and channels. Therefore, statement 2 is not correct.
Gandak River & Kanwar Lake: Kanwar Lake, also known as Kabar Taal, is the largest freshwater lake in Bihar. It was formed as a residual oxbow lake due to the meandering of the Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganga. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

In summary, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is not. Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Points to Learn (UPSC):

Jhelum River & Wular Lake:
- Jhelum River flows through Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India.
Krishna River & Kolleru Lake:
- Kolleru Lake is not directly fed by the Krishna River.
- It is primarily fed by seasonal streams and connected to river systems.
Gandak River & Kanwar Lake:
- Kanwar Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Bihar.
- Formed as a residual oxbow lake due to the meandering of the Gandak River, a Ganga tributary.

Important Topics To Learn

Jhelum River:

The Jhelum River is one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent.
It flows through the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and continues into Pakistan.
The river originates from the springs at Verinag in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
It is an essential water resource for the region and supports agriculture and livelihoods along its course.
The Jhelum River is part of the Indus River basin and plays a crucial role in the water management of the region.
It passes through Wular Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in India.

Wular Lake:

Wular Lake is situated in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is the largest freshwater lake in India and one of the largest in Asia.
The lake is located at the north end of the Vale of Kashmir, approximately 20 miles (32 km) north-northwest of Srinagar, the region’s largest city.
Wular Lake plays a critical role in controlling the flow of the Jhelum River, which traverses it.
It is of ecological significance and provides water resources for the region, supporting agriculture and fisheries.

Krishna River:

The Krishna River is one of the major rivers in India, originating in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
It flows through several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
The river has a significant impact on the region’s agriculture, providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
The Krishna River is also used for hydropower generation and is an important source of livelihood for the people living along its course.

Kolleru Lake:

Kolleru Lake is a large freshwater lake located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is one of the largest lakes in India and serves as an essential habitat for various species of birds and aquatic life.
The lake is primarily fed by water from the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru streams and is connected to the Krishna and Godavari river systems through over 68 inflowing drains and channels.
Kolleru Lake is known for its biodiversity and is a significant destination for migratory birds.

Gandak River:

The Gandak River is a major tributary of the Ganga (Ganges) River.
It flows through the northern part of India, primarily in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The river has a meandering course, and its alluvial deposits have contributed to the fertile plains of the region.
It plays a crucial role in agriculture and provides water resources for the surrounding areas.

Kanwar Lake:

Kanwar Lake, also known as Kabar Taal, is the largest freshwater lake in Bihar, India.
It is located approximately 22 km north-west of Begusarai town in Bihar.
Kanwar Lake is a residual oxbow lake, which means it was formed as a result of the meandering of the Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganga, in the geological past.
The lake is ecologically significant and serves as a wetland and bird sanctuary, attracting various bird species, especially during migratory seasons.

These detailed descriptions provide comprehensive information about each geographical feature, including their geographical locations, characteristics, and significance in the respective regions.