Correct answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
- A
1 only
Statement 1 is incorrectly worded: it places westerlies between 30°N and 60°S as if that were one belt blowing throughout the year. Westerlies occupy roughly 30°–60° latitude in each hemisphere, not a single 30°N–60°S corridor. Statement 1 is false, so 1 only is not the key.
- B
2 only
Statement 2 is correct: winter precipitation in north-western India is largely from western disturbances, which are extra-tropical cyclonic systems steered by the mid-latitude westerlies. Statement 1 is false. Hence 2 only is the official key.
- C
Both 1 and 2
Both would require statement 1 to be true. The latitude pairing in 1 is wrong. This option is not the key.
- D
Neither 1 nor 2
Neither would deny statement 2, which correctly links north-west winter rains to westerlies. This option is therefore wrong.
Summary. Official key is (b) 2 only. Western disturbances riding the westerlies bring winter rain and snow to north-west India. Statement 1 mixes the two hemispheres into one bogus belt. Westerlies exist in both hemispheres between about 30° and 60°, separately. Only statement 2 is therefore correct.
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2021 · Q58 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds. 2. In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?