Q170. Which seasonal process over India is triggered when the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts northwards to about 20°N–25°N by mid-July, causing a complete reversal in wind circulation?
[OSSC CGLRE 2025 Mains, Paper II General Studies (8 July 2026)]
(A) Formation of Western Disturbances
(B) Strengthening of Subtropical Jet Streams
(C) Retreat of the Northeast Monsoon
(D) Onset of the Southwest Monsoon
Answer: (D) Onset of the Southwest Monsoon
Explanation: The northward displacement of the ITCZ creates the summer monsoon trough over northern India. The pressure gradient draws moisture-bearing winds inland, producing the southwest monsoon. Western disturbances are mainly associated with westerly circulation and winter precipitation.
Q169. What is a characteristic of rainfall in the Tropical Monsoon Climate?
[OSSC CGLRE 2025 Mains, Paper II General Studies (8 July 2026)]
(A) Heavy rainfall in winter
(B) Rainfall only during spring
(C) Scanty rainfall throughout the year
(D) Heavy rainfall in summer and dry winter
Answer: (D) Heavy rainfall in summer and dry winter
Explanation: Tropical monsoon climates normally have a pronounced wet summer and a comparatively dry winter. Seasonal changes in pressure and wind direction control the timing of precipitation. India displays this pattern, although its southeastern coast receives important winter-season rain.
Q168. Which factors are mainly responsible for prevailing drought conditions in western Rajasthan?
(a) Aravallis run parallel to the Arabian Sea branch.
(b) Aravallis run parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch.
(c) Low height of Aravallis and limited vegetation.
(d) Lower moisture in the Arabian Sea branch than Bay of Bengal branch.
[RSMSSB Forester (28 June 2026)]
(A) (a) and (c) only
(B) (a), (c) and (d) only
(C) (b) and (d) only
(D) (a) and (d) only
Answer: (B) (a), (c) and (d) only
Explanation: The examination key identifies statements (a), (c) and (d). The orientation of the Aravallis limits uplift of moisture-bearing southwesterlies, while low relief and sparse vegetation reinforce aridity. Rainfall distribution in Rajasthan also depends on monsoon track and variability.
Q167. Which climatic phenomenon is responsible for sudden winter rainfall in north-west India?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (19 June 2026, Shift 3)]
(A) Western Disturbances
(B) Local winds
(C) Jet streams
(D) Easterly waves
Answer: (A) Western Disturbances
Explanation: Western disturbances are eastward-moving extratropical systems originating around the Mediterranean region. They bring winter showers to Punjab, Haryana and nearby plains, and snowfall to the western Himalayas. The rain supports rabi crops, particularly wheat, despite the otherwise dry season.
Q166. Which physical process creates the seasonal pressure difference between the Indian subcontinent and surrounding oceans that initiates summer monsoon winds?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (19 June 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Weak Coriolis force
(B) Presence of the Himalayas
(C) Differential heating of land and sea
(D) Variation in rainfall pattern
Answer: (C) Differential heating of land and sea
Explanation: Land warms more rapidly than water in summer, producing relatively low pressure over India and higher pressure over surrounding seas. This gradient helps draw moist winds inland. The Coriolis force deflects winds but does not create the heating contrast.
Q165. Which of the following is NOT included in the four official meteorological seasons of India?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (15 June 2026, Shift 3)]
(A) Summer season
(B) Spring season
(C) Rainy season
(D) Winter season
Answer: (B) Spring season
Explanation: The official four-season classification recognizes winter, pre-monsoon hot weather, southwest monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Spring has cultural and traditional importance but is not listed as a separate standard meteorological season. The distinction helps organize weather observations consistently.
Q164. Which branch of the monsoon brings rainfall to India’s western coast?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (14 June 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Western Disturbances
(B) South-West Monsoon Arabian Sea branch
(C) South-West Monsoon Bay of Bengal branch
(D) North-East Monsoon
Answer: (B) South-West Monsoon Arabian Sea branch
Explanation: The Arabian Sea branch strikes the west coast and rises along the Western Ghats. Cooling during ascent produces intense orographic rainfall in Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Konkan. The Bay of Bengal branch influences the northeast and Indo-Gangetic plains more directly.
Q163. The Konkan region’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall is mainly due to:
[Bihar Police Prohibition Constable, memory-based (14 June 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Rain shadow effect
(B) Western Ghats orographic effect
(C) Desertification
(D) Lack of river system
Answer: (B) Western Ghats orographic effect
Explanation: Moist southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea rise steeply against the Western Ghats, cooling and condensing into heavy rainfall. Konkan lies on the windward side, unlike the drier leeward plateau. This explains the region’s strong monsoonal precipitation.
Q162. Loo is ____ and ____ local wind of northern plains of India.
[SSC GD Constable (30 May 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) hot, dry
(B) cold, dry
(C) hot, wet
(D) cold, wet
Answer: (A) hot, dry
Explanation: The Loo is a very hot, dry, sometimes gusty summer wind associated with intense heating of northwestern India and the Indo-Gangetic plains. It is most prominent before monsoon onset and can cause serious heat stress and dehydration.
Q161. Which season in India is characterised by hot, dry winds known as Loo?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (9 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Summer season
(B) Pre-monsoon showers
(C) Cold weather season
(D) Retreating monsoon
Answer: (A) Summer season
Explanation: Loo blows across northern and northwestern India during the hot weather season, particularly May and June. Intense ground heating raises temperatures and makes the air exceptionally dry. Moist monsoon winds generally replace these conditions as seasonal rainfall begins.