MCQ 1. Which of the following is NOT a function of IWAI?
A) Development of fairways
B) Regulation of navigation aids
C) Construction of terminals and jetties
D) Declaring a stretch of river as a National Waterway
Explanation:
• A, B, C – functions of IWAI: IWAI is responsible for fairways, dredging, terminals, navigation aids, river information systems, etc.
• D – NOT a function: Declaring National Waterways is the exclusive power of Parliament (National Waterways Act, 2016).
• A, B, C – functions of IWAI: IWAI is responsible for fairways, dredging, terminals, navigation aids, river information systems, etc.
• D – NOT a function: Declaring National Waterways is the exclusive power of Parliament (National Waterways Act, 2016).
MCQ 2. Under which legislation were 111 waterways declared as National Waterways?
A) IWAI Act, 1985
B) National Waterways Act, 2016
C) Merchant Shipping Act, 1958
D) Inter-state Waterways Act, 1977
Explanation:
• The National Waterways Act, 2016 consolidated all existing and new waterways → total 111 National Waterways.
• IWAI Act, 1985 only creates the authority, not waterways.
• The National Waterways Act, 2016 consolidated all existing and new waterways → total 111 National Waterways.
• IWAI Act, 1985 only creates the authority, not waterways.
MCQ 3. Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) primarily aims to develop which National Waterway?
A) NW-2
B) NW-1
C) NW-3
D) NW-5
Explanation:
• JMVP aims at developing NW-1 (Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system, Haldia to Varanasi).
• Supported by World Bank.
• Focuses on multimodal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia, navigation lock at Farakka.
• JMVP aims at developing NW-1 (Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system, Haldia to Varanasi).
• Supported by World Bank.
• Focuses on multimodal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, Haldia, navigation lock at Farakka.
MCQ 4. The headquarters of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is located at:
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Noida
D) Kolkata
Explanation:
• IWAI HQ is located at Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Regional offices: Patna, Kolkata, Kochi, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada.
• IWAI HQ is located at Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Regional offices: Patna, Kolkata, Kochi, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada.
MCQ 5. Which among the following correctly describes National Waterway-3 (NW-3)?
A) Ganga River (Haldia–Varanasi)
B) Brahmaputra River (Dhubri–Sadiya)
C) West Coast Canal (Kollam to Kottapuram)
D) Mahanadi–Brahmani–East Coast Canal network
Explanation:
• NW-3 = West Coast Canal (Kerala): Kollam–Kottapuram + Udyogamandal & Champakara canals.
• A = NW-1, B = NW-2, D = NW-5
• NW-3 = West Coast Canal (Kerala): Kollam–Kottapuram + Udyogamandal & Champakara canals.
• A = NW-1, B = NW-2, D = NW-5
MCQ 6. Consider the following pairs: National Waterway — River/Region
1. NW-1 — Ganga
2. NW-2 — Brahmaputra
3. NW-3 — Godavari
How many pairs are correctly matched?
A) One only
B) Two only
C) All three
D) None
Explanation:
• Pair 1 – Correct: NW-1 covers Ganga (Haldia → Varanasi).
• Pair 2 – Correct: NW-2 is the Brahmaputra (Dhubri → Sadiya).
• Pair 3 – Incorrect: NW-3 is West Coast Canal, not Godavari.
Hence, 2 correct pairs.
• Pair 1 – Correct: NW-1 covers Ganga (Haldia → Varanasi).
• Pair 2 – Correct: NW-2 is the Brahmaputra (Dhubri → Sadiya).
• Pair 3 – Incorrect: NW-3 is West Coast Canal, not Godavari.
Hence, 2 correct pairs.
MCQ 7. The ‘Arth Ganga’ initiative under IWAI focuses on:
A) Increasing depth for cargo transport in Brahmaputra
B) Community-led economic development along Ganga River
C) Developing a waterway between India and Myanmar
D) Technology modernization of Ro-Pax vessels
Explanation:
• Arth Ganga = “Economy of Ganga”: small jetties, local farmers and MSMEs, riverine tourism, inland fisheries.
• It is part of JMVP-II.
• Arth Ganga = “Economy of Ganga”: small jetties, local farmers and MSMEs, riverine tourism, inland fisheries.
• It is part of JMVP-II.
MCQ 8. IWAI uses which system for real-time electronic navigation on National Waterways?
A) Ocean Data Relay System
B) River Information System (RIS)
C) Maritime Data Grid
D) Port Vision System
Explanation:
• RIS = GPS + radar + AIS-based river navigation for safe & efficient movement of vessels.
• Implemented on NW-1, NW-2 and other major waterways.
• RIS = GPS + radar + AIS-based river navigation for safe & efficient movement of vessels.
• Implemented on NW-1, NW-2 and other major waterways.
MCQ 9. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Inland Water Transport (IWT) in India?
1. It is the most fuel-efficient mode of bulk cargo transport.
2. It is unsuitable for over-dimensional cargo.
3. Per tonne-km cost of IWT is lower than rail and road.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• Statement 1 – Correct: IWT uses far less fuel than rail/road → most efficient.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Rivers can handle over-dimensional cargo (ODC) like heavy transformers, turbines etc.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Per tonne-km cost of IWT is lower than rail and road.
Hence, 1 and 3 are correct.
• Statement 1 – Correct: IWT uses far less fuel than rail/road → most efficient.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Rivers can handle over-dimensional cargo (ODC) like heavy transformers, turbines etc.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Per tonne-km cost of IWT is lower than rail and road.
Hence, 1 and 3 are correct.
MCQ 10. Consider the following statements about ICDS:
1. It was launched in 1975 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
2. It covers children below 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
3. Anganwadi Workers are considered government employees.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• Statement 1: Correct → ICDS launched on 2 October 1975 as a CSS.
• Statement 2: Correct → Key target groups.
• Statement 3: Incorrect → AWWs are not government employees, only honorarium-based workers.
• Statement 1: Correct → ICDS launched on 2 October 1975 as a CSS.
• Statement 2: Correct → Key target groups.
• Statement 3: Incorrect → AWWs are not government employees, only honorarium-based workers.