Climate of India – NDA Geography PYQs

Question 1 [NDA 2011-I]
Why do summer monsoon winds blow from the south-western direction in the northern hemisphere?
(a) The general direction of wind from the Indian Ocean is south-western
(b) The presence of the doldrums around the equator
(c) The low pressure conditions in north-west India
(d) Due to the effect of Coriolis force

Answer: (a) The general direction of wind from the Indian ocean is south-western
The general direction of wind from the Indian Ocean during summer is from the southwest. The Coriolis force and low pressure in northwest India work together with this general wind direction to bring monsoon rains. The PYQ answer for NDA 2011-I is (a) — the general direction from the Indian Ocean. This acknowledges the ocean as the source and general direction of winds.

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Question 2 [NDA 2012-II]
Consider the following statements regarding El Niño effect on Indian Monsoon:

1. The surface temperature goes up in the Southern Pacific Ocean and there is deficient rainfall in India.
2. The Walker Circulation shifts eastward from its normal position and reduces monsoon rainfall in India.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Both statements correctly describe El Niño’s effect on the Indian monsoon. El Niño raises Pacific surface temperatures, disrupts the Walker Circulation, shifts it eastward, and reduces the moisture and pressure gradient that normally drives the Indian monsoon. The result is weaker monsoon and deficient rainfall over India.

Question 3 [NDA 2012-II]
Consider the following statements about the ITCZ:

1. ITCZ is a low-pressure belt which forms an important zone of contact over Northern India and Pakistan.
2. ITCZ invites inflow of winds from different directions.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only
Statement 2 is correct — the ITCZ is a convergence zone where winds from different directions meet. Statement 1 needs caution — the ITCZ forms over the equatorial region normally, and during summer it shifts northward over India and Pakistan, not over “Northern India and Pakistan” as a permanent feature. The PYQ answer is (b) 2 only.

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