UPSC preliminary MCQ'S 2019 Part 09

Consider the following statements:

1. ‘Kaal Baisakhi’ are pre-monsoon showers.

2. They are commonly observed in Rajasthan.

3. They help in the early ripening of mangoes, and are often referred to as ‘mango showers'.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 Only

b) 2 and 3 Only

c) 1 and 3 Only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

Violent winds, torrential downpours are often accompanied by hail. In West Bengal, these

storms are known as the ‘Kaal Baisakhi’. Towards the close of the summer season, pre-monsoon

showers are common especially, in Kerala and Karnataka. They help in the early ripening of

mangoes, and are often referred to as ‘mango showers’.

Tikdam:Statement 2 cannot be correct (Rajasthan is majorly an arid region, hence little

rainfall). Once statement 2 is eliminated, only answer choice c) prevails, which is the correct

answer.

Consider the following statements regarding western disturbances:

1.It originates in the Mediterranean region.

2.It brings sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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a) Both 1 and 2

b) 1 Only

c) 2 Only

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

Western disturbances are low-pressure systems, originate over the Mediterranean Sea and

western Asia and move into India, along with the westerly flow. They cause the much-needed

winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains. Although the total amount of winter

rainfall locally known as ‘mahawat’ is small, they are of immense importance for the cultivation

of ‘rabi’ crops. It is a characteristic feature of the cold weather season over the northern plains

is the inflow of cyclonic disturbances from the west and the northwest.

Assertion (A): Trees grow faster in the summer season.

Reason (R): It is due to longer duration of sunlight that the trees grow faster in the summer

season.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

c) A is true but R is false

d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. Longer duration of sunlight results

in greater photosynthesis and increases the growth in the trees.

Source: NCERT Geography, Class 9, Unit 5, Natural Vegetation and wild life