Which of the following is the official mascot of Indian Railways used in safety and public-awareness campaigns?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of important symbols and mascots used by major Indian institutions. Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, uses an official mascot in its publicity material to spread awareness about safety, punctuality and passenger discipline. Knowing the name and appearance of this mascot is a simple but commonly asked general knowledge point, especially in exams connected with railways and government services.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the official mascot of Indian Railways.
• Four character–animal combinations are provided as options.
• Only one of these has actually been adopted and used in official communication and campaigns.
• We assume the symbol in question is the widely used cartoon figure in Indian Railways posters and advertisements.

Concept / Approach:
The approach involves straightforward recall of a specific fact: the mascot of Indian Railways is 'Bholu', a friendly-looking cartoon elephant dressed as a guard, holding a signal lamp. Elephants historically symbolise strength and reliability in Indian culture, and the guard’s attire represents safety and order on trains. Carefully reading the options and matching this memory to the correct choice leads directly to the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that Indian Railways introduced an official mascot named 'Bholu'. Step 2: Recall the visual: a cartoon elephant in a railway guard’s uniform holding a signal lamp, used in safety posters and promotional materials. Step 3: Look at the options and identify which one mentions an elephant: 'Bholu, the elephant' in option D. Step 4: Confirm that none of the other options correspond to known Indian Railways mascots. Step 5: Choose 'Bholu, the elephant' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this information by checking official Indian Railways posters, safety campaigns displayed at railway stations, or the Ministry of Railways website, where Bholu is often used as a symbol of rail safety and discipline. Standard static GK books and railway exam guides also mention Bholu explicitly as the mascot of Indian Railways. An image search for 'Bholu Indian Railways mascot' will clearly show the cartoon elephant in uniform, reinforcing this fact for long-term memory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Morris, the cat: This is not associated with Indian Railways and appears to be a distractor with no official role in Indian government branding.
• Murugan, the peacock: Peacocks are India’s national bird, but 'Murugan, the peacock' is not the mascot of Indian Railways; it is simply a misleading pairing of a popular name with a common symbol.
• Nandi, the bull: Nandi is mythologically associated with Lord Shiva, but there is no official use of 'Nandi, the bull' as a mascot for Indian Railways.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse different national symbols—such as the national animal, national bird, or mythological figures—with specific organisational mascots. Another pitfall is guessing based on which animal seems more 'Indian' without recalling the actual name Bholu. To avoid such errors, it helps to memorise a short list of mascots for key organisations (for example, Indian Railways, national conservation campaigns, and major sporting events) and review them periodically, especially before competitive exams.

Final Answer:
The official mascot of Indian Railways used in safety and public-awareness campaigns is Bholu, the elephant.