Q1. Consider the following statements about the North-East (retreating) monsoon and South-West (advancing) monsoon in India:
- South-West monsoon primarily affects Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh during October–December.
- North-East monsoon accounts for most of India’s annual rainfall and is active during June–September.
- North-East monsoon rainfall is mostly due to moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
- South-West monsoon rainfall is mainly triggered by the Arabian Sea branch affecting eastern coastal regions.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) Only Three
(d) All Four
Answer: (a) Only One
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – SW monsoon occurs June–September; NE monsoon affects Tamil Nadu in October–December.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – SW monsoon provides most of India’s rainfall; NE monsoon contributes less.
- Statement 3 is correct – NE monsoon rainfall is driven by Bay of Bengal moisture.
- Statement 4 is incorrect – Arabian Sea branch mainly affects western coast.
Q2. Punjab government data indicates that in 2024:
- The number of farm fires declined compared to 2023.
- Total area under stubble burning remained nearly constant.
- Smaller, low-intensity fires are harder to detect.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All Three
Explanation:
- Farm fires decreased from 36,663 (2023) to 10,909 (2024).
- Total burnt area: 19.14 lakh ha (2023) vs 19.17 lakh ha (2024), nearly constant.
- Smaller or partial fires are harder to detect using satellite imagery.
Q3. Consider the following statements about cloud seeding in the context of air pollution management:
- Cloud seeding can generate clouds even in clear, dry conditions.
- It involves introducing compounds like silver iodide or sodium chloride into clouds.
- Temporary rainfall from cloud seeding can reduce particulate matter for 1–2 days.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only Two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – cloud seeding cannot create clouds from thin air; existing clouds are necessary.
- Statement 2 is correct – compounds like silver iodide or sodium chloride trigger condensation.
- Statement 3 is correct – resulting rainfall can temporarily reduce pollution for 1–2 days.
Q4. Saranda forests, recently in news for potential sanctuary status, are located in which state?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Kerala
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Jharkhand
Answer: (d) Jharkhand
Explanation:
- Saranda forests are in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, also called the “Seven Hundred Hills,” rich in Sal forests and biodiversity.
Q5. Which of the following aspects of Rani Channamma’s rebellion at Kittur are historically significant?
- Early resistance against British East India Company.
- Successful recognition of her adopted son by the British.
- Strategic leadership of a woman in pre-1857 revolt.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 1 and 3
(c) Only 2 and 3
(d) All 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct – her rebellion is one of the earliest armed resistances against the British.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – the British refused to recognize her adopted son.
- Statement 3 is correct – her leadership highlighted women’s strategic role in resistance movements.
