Q85 · UPSC Prelims 2025 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

← Q84 Q86 →

Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of

A silver iodide and potassium iodide
B silver nitrate and potassium iodide
C silver iodide and potassium nitrate
D silver nitrate and potassium chloride

Correct answer: (a) silver iodide and potassium iodide

Explanation

  1. A

    silver iodide and potassium iodide

    Silver iodide and potassium iodide. AgI is the standard ice-nucleating agent; KI appears with it in many seeding mixes.

  2. B

    silver nitrate and potassium iodide

    Silver nitrate and potassium iodide. AgNO3 is not the usual nucleant.

  3. C

    silver iodide and potassium nitrate

    Silver iodide and potassium nitrate. The iodide is right; KNO3 is the wrong partner.

  4. D

    silver nitrate and potassium chloride

    Silver nitrate and potassium chloride. Both names miss the iodide nucleant.

Summary. Official key is (a) silver iodide and potassium iodide — the classic cloud-seeding pair. Nitrate/chloride options swap in the wrong silver or potassium salt.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2026 · Q95 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct? 1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs). 2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India. 3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. 4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements. Select the answer using the code given below:

    View answer →

PDF