Q26 · UPSC Prelims 2025 · Set A · Geography

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Consider the following statements:Statement I: The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.Statement II: Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
B Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
C Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
D Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Correct answer: (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

Explanation

  1. A

    Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

    Both correct and II explains I. II is false: subtropical and temperate zones have more dry, dusty winds (including trades and westerly storms), not less.

  2. B

    Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

    Both correct but II does not explain I. II still has to be true. It is not.

  3. C

    Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

    I is correct, II is not. Dust loading is typically higher in the dry subtropics and mid-latitudes than in the washed equatorial belt or the polar ice. II’s ‘less dry winds’ is the inverted cause.

  4. D

    Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

    I not, II correct. Dust is not lower in those belts.

Summary. Official key is (c): Statement I is correct and II is not. Dust is higher in subtropical and temperate belts than at the equatorial and polar extremes. Those belts do not have ‘less dry winds’ — they have more, which is why I is true. (a)(b) keep II; (d) flips the pair.

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. 2020 · Q87 · General Studies · 2 marks

    "The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop." Which one of the following is that crop?

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