Which of the following rivers is situated closest to India?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The question is an 'odd one out' type, focusing on the origin of the rivers.
The Brahmaputra is a major trans-boundary river that is vital to India but does not originate within its borders.
Its source is the Angsi Glacier located in the northern Himalayas of Tibet, China.
It enters India through the state of Arunachal Pradesh before flowing through Assam and into Bangladesh.

Option A: A lake is a stationary body of water, not a flowing river. The question specifically asks about rivers.
Option C: The Godavari river originates within India, specifically at Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra. It is a peninsular river, not a trans-boundary one like the Brahmaputra.
Option D: The Mahanadi river also originates within India, in the highlands of Chhattisgarh. It is another example of a peninsular river.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indian River Systems and Origins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the distinction between Himalayan (often trans-boundary) and Peninsular (domestic) river systems is fundamental to Indian geography.
The Brahmaputra's status as a trans-boundary river has significant geopolitical and water-sharing implications for India, China, and Bangladesh.
What if? If the question asked for the longest peninsular river from the given options, the answer would be Godavari.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question's phrasing. 'Situated closest to India' is ambiguous for rivers that flow through the country.
Reframe the task as an 'odd one out' question. Look for a unique characteristic that distinguishes one option from the others.
Evaluate each option's geographical properties. Immediately disqualify 'Lake' as it is not a river.
Compare the origin points of the remaining rivers: Brahmaputra, Godavari, and Mahanadi.
Identify that Godavari and Mahanadi are peninsular rivers originating within India.
Recognize that the Brahmaputra is a trans-boundary river originating in Tibet (China). This is the key differentiating factor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 24-26

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 178-180

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.