Explanation
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
-
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?