Consider the following pairs : Wildlife : Naturally found in 1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River 2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River 3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched because the Blue-finned Mahseer is native to the Cauvery River basin, and the Rusty-spotted cat—the world's smallest wild cat—is found in the scrub and dry deciduous forests of the Eastern Ghats. Pair 2 is incorrect because Irrawaddy Dolphins inhabit coastal areas and estuaries like Chilika Lake, whereas the Chambal River is a primary habitat for the Gangetic River Dolphin and Gharials. The core concept tested is the specific geographical distribution and natural habitats of endemic or endangered wildlife species across India’s river systems and mountain ranges.