UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I

Question 26: Geography

Consider the following statements :

Statement IThe amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.
Statement IISubtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements

aBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

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

cStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

dStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Dust particles in the air are more abundant over the subtropical and temperate regions than over equatorial and polar regions. The reason is the dry winds blowing over these zones, which pick up dust from deserts and dry land. So Statement I is correct. Statement II says the subtropical and temperate regions have less dry winds, which is the opposite of the reality and is incorrect. Remember: more dry winds there means more dust.

I. Dust is more abundant over the subtropical and temperate zones.
II. These zones have more dry winds, which is why dust is more abundant.

How you could have got this

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

What you needed to know: Dust is more abundant over the subtropical and temperate zones.

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) Wrong: Statement II is incorrect, so it cannot explain Statement I.
(b) Wrong: Statement II is incorrect.
(c) Right: Statement I is correct; Statement II wrongly says dry winds are fewer there.
(d) Wrong: it reverses the truth; Statement I is the correct one.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.