Q32 · UPPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · General Studies

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Given below are two statements, one is labelled asAssertion (A) :and the other as Reason (R).Assertion (A):The Himalayas are still rising.Reason (R):The Indian tectonic plate is colliding with the Eurasian plate.Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

A Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
B (A) is false, but (R) is true.
C Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
D (A) is true, but (R) is false.

Correct answer: (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Explanation

  1. A

    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

    Option (a) claims both the assertion and reason are true, yet argues the collision does not explain the ongoing elevation. This sequence fails because tectonic convergence directly drives the continuous uplift of the mountain range.

  2. B

    (A) is false, but (R) is true.

    Option (b) claims the assertion that the Himalayas are still rising is false. This contradicts established geological evidence proving that the range experiences continuous vertical growth due to ongoing tectonic activity.

  3. C

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

    Option (c) states that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and that (R) provides the correct explanation for (A). The continuous northward movement and subduction of the Indian tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian plate relentlessly crumples and lifts the overlying sedimentary strata, thereby making the Himalayas an active, continuously rising young fold mountain system that confounds static geographic models.

  4. D

    (A) is true, but (R) is false.

    Option (d) claims that the assertion is true but the reason is false. This is incorrect because the northward drift and collision of the Indian plate with Eurasia is precisely the scientific mechanism responsible for the continuous uplift.

Summary. Official key is (c) because both statements regarding the Himalayas are geologically verified and causally linked. The northward journey of the Indian tectonic plate drives immense crustal compression against Eurasia. This ongoing collision is the fundamental engine behind the continuous elevation of the mountain belt. Students must recognize that young fold mountains are dynamic geological features rather than static landforms. Therefore, option (c) is the only correct choice among the given codes.