Indus Water Treaty Quiz: How many rivers are governed under the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the World Bank as a mediator, is one of the most important international river water-sharing agreements. It governs the distribution and usage of water from six rivers of the Indus River Basin — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Despite political and military tensions, the treaty has largely remained intact for over six decades. These Indus Water Treaty MCQs are essential for aspirants preparing for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, APPSC, TSPSC, and other competitive exams. The questions cover the history, provisions, key disputes, hydroelectric projects, and recent developments related to the treaty.

Indus Water Treaty Quiz

1. When was the Indus Water Treaty signed?
A) April 1, 1960
B) September 19, 1960
C) August 15, 1947
D) January 26, 1950

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  • Answer: B

2. Which organization acted as a guarantor in the Indus Water Treaty?
A) United Nations
B) SAARC
C) World Bank
D) IMF

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  • Answer: C

3. How many rivers are governed under the Indus Water Treaty?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7

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  • Answer: C

4. Which of the following rivers were allocated to India under the treaty?
A) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
B) Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
C) Jhelum, Beas, Indus
D) Chenab, Ravi, Indus

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  • Answer: B

5. What usage rights does India have over the Western rivers?
A) Unrestricted usage
B) Only for drinking purposes
C) Limited usage for irrigation and hydroelectricity
D) No rights at all

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  • Answer: C

6. Which hydroelectric project by India has been objected to by Pakistan?
A) Bhakra Nangal
B) Sardar Sarovar
C) Kishanganga Project
D) Nagarjuna Sagar

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  • Answer: C

7. What is the name of the commission set up for resolving disputes under IWT?
A) Joint River Commission
B) Indo-Pak Water Commission
C) Permanent Indus Commission
D) South Asian Water Panel

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  • Answer: C

8. Where was the Indus Water Treaty signed?
A) New Delhi
B) Lahore
C) Karachi
D) Islamabad

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  • Answer: C

9. Who represented India during the signing of the Indus Water Treaty?
A) Lal Bahadur Shastri
B) Indira Gandhi
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

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  • Answer: C

10. What was Pakistan’s demand regarding India’s dam constructions on Western rivers?
A) Complete shutdown of all dams
B) Arbitration through World Bank
C) Compensation from India
D) Immediate removal of power plants

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  • Answer: B

11. Which recent event led India to consider suspending the Indus Water Treaty?
A) Border dispute in Arunachal Pradesh
B) Earthquake in Kashmir
C) Terrorist attack in Pahalgam
D) Floods in Punjab

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  • Answer: C

12. Which of the following is NOT a Western river as per the IWT?
A) Chenab
B) Jhelum
C) Indus
D) Sutlej

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  • Answer: D

13. What year did the Indus Water Treaty come into effect?
A) 1958
B) 1960
C) 1961
D) 1972

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  • Answer: B

14. What is the main criticism of the Indus Water Treaty in India?
A) It gives India full control over all rivers
B) India has no usage rights
C) It restricts India's use of Western rivers
D) India pays royalty to Pakistan

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  • Answer: C

15. Why is the Indus Water Treaty considered a model agreement?
A) It is endorsed by all SAARC countries
B) It ended all India-Pakistan conflicts
C) It survived wars and diplomatic tensions
D) It merged river systems

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  • Answer: C

Published date : 25 Apr 2025 10:55AM