2002 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies

Question 146: Geography

Assertion (A): 60°–65° latitudes in both the hemispheres have a low-pressure belt instead of high pressure. Reason (R): The low-pressure areas are permanent over oceans rather than on land.

aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
bBoth A and R are individually 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 (c).

The given answer is that A is true and R is false. Assertion A is true: around 60-65 degrees latitude lies the subpolar low-pressure belt, not a high. Its cause is the meeting of the westerlies and the polar easterlies, with air rising there, and not the contrast between land and sea. Reason R, that the lows are permanent over oceans rather than on land, only says where the lows are strongest and is not the cause, so the key rejects it.

  • A. The 60-65 degree belt is a subpolar low, not a high.
  • R. Not accepted by the key; it does not give the cause of the low-pressure belt.

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) R is not accepted, so it cannot explain A.
  • (b) R is not accepted as correct, so this option fails.
  • (c) Right as given: A is true and R is false.
  • (d) A is true, so this option fails.

Worth knowing: R can be read as true for the Aleutian and Icelandic lows, which persist over oceans, so (b) is arguable.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.