1996 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 42: Geography

Assertion (A): Areas near the equator receive rainfall throughout the year. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain in most afternoons near the equator. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

aBoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
bBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
cA is true but R is false
dA is false but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (a).

A is true: equatorial regions get rain through the year, with no dry season. R is true and explains it: strong heating and plentiful moisture drive convection each afternoon, producing heavy convectional showers almost daily. Remember: equatorial climate - rain every day, mostly afternoon thunderstorms, and no dry season.

  • A. Equatorial areas receive rain in all months.
  • R. Heat and humidity cause daily convectional rain, which explains A.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right: daily convectional rain explains the year-round rainfall.
  • (b) R does explain A: daily convectional rain gives year-round rainfall.
  • (c) R is true: heat and humidity drive afternoon convection near the equator.
  • (d) A is true: the equatorial belt has rain in every month.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.