UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 53

This question tests ocean mean temperature. The key concept is: Ocean Mean Temperature is used operationally as an indicator for monsoon forecasting, because upper-ocean thermal conditions influence atmospheric convection and moisture. The question's first statement gives an incorrect depth/value formulation, whereas the second captures the forecasting use of OMT. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option B. Option A — 1 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Ocean Mean Temperature is used operationally as an indicator for monsoon forecasting, because upper-ocean thermal conditions influence atmospheric convection and moisture. The question's first statement gives an incorrect depth/value formulation, whereas the second captures the forecasting use of OMT. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Ocean Mean Temperature is used operationally as an indicator for monsoon forecasting, because upper-ocean thermal conditions influence atmospheric convection and moisture. The question's first statement gives an incorrect depth/value formulation, whereas the second captures the forecasting use of OMT. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option C — Both 1 and 2: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Ocean Mean Temperature is used operationally as an indicator for monsoon forecasting, because upper-ocean thermal conditions influence atmospheric convection and moisture. The question's first statement gives an incorrect depth/value formulation, whereas the second captures the forecasting use of OMT. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — Neither 1 nor 2: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Ocean Mean Temperature is used operationally as an indicator for monsoon forecasting, because upper-ocean thermal conditions influence atmospheric convection and moisture. The question's first statement gives an incorrect depth/value formulation, whereas the second captures the forecasting use of OMT. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option B is the verified answer.