UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 59

This question tests jet streams and tropical cyclone eye. The key concept is: Jet streams occur in both hemispheres. Many but not all tropical cyclones develop a clear eye, and the eye is generally warmer than the surrounding eyewall rather than about 10°C colder. Therefore only statement 2 is correct. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option C. 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: Jet streams occur in both hemispheres. Many but not all tropical cyclones develop a clear eye, and the eye is generally warmer than the surrounding eyewall rather than about 10°C colder. Therefore only statement 2 is correct. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 and 3 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: Jet streams occur in both hemispheres. Many but not all tropical cyclones develop a clear eye, and the eye is generally warmer than the surrounding eyewall rather than about 10°C colder. Therefore only statement 2 is correct. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 2 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Jet streams occur in both hemispheres. Many but not all tropical cyclones develop a clear eye, and the eye is generally warmer than the surrounding eyewall rather than about 10°C colder. Therefore only statement 2 is correct. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option D — 2 and 3 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: Jet streams occur in both hemispheres. Many but not all tropical cyclones develop a clear eye, and the eye is generally warmer than the surrounding eyewall rather than about 10°C colder. Therefore only statement 2 is correct. 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 C is the verified answer.