2022 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2022 · GS Paper I

Question 40: Science and Technology

If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ?

  1. 1.GPS and navigation systems could fail.
  2. 2.Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
  3. 3.Power grids could be damaged.
  4. 4.Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
  5. 5.Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
  6. 6.Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
  7. 7.Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

a1, 2, 4 and 5 only
b2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
c1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
d1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

A major solar storm releases charged particles and radiation that disturb Earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere. This can disrupt GPS and navigation, induce currents that damage power grids, produce intense auroras far from the poles, upset satellite orbits through added atmospheric drag, and interrupt shortwave radio for aircraft on polar routes. It cannot cause tsunamis, which come from undersea earthquakes and similar events, or planet-wide forest fires.

  • 1. Storms disturb the ionosphere and can disrupt GPS.
  • 2. Tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, not solar activity.
  • 3. Induced currents can damage transformers and power grids.
  • 4. Strong storms bring auroras to unusually low latitudes.
  • 5. Solar storms do not ignite forest fires.
  • 6. Heating of the upper atmosphere increases drag and disturbs satellite orbits.
  • 7. Polar radio blackouts interrupt shortwave communication for aircraft.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, not solar activity.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.

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) Wrong. Tsunamis and forest fires are not solar-storm effects.
  • (b) Wrong. Tsunamis and forest fires are not effects, and GPS and auroras are missing.
  • (c) Correct. GPS, power grids, auroras, satellite orbits and polar radio are affected.
  • (d) Wrong. It wrongly includes tsunamis and forest fires.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.