Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

This section includes 7 InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Current Affairs knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Name the six seasons as recognised in India.

Answer»

1. Spring Season: Chaitra-Baisakh 

2. Summer Season: Jaishth-Aashadh 

3. Rainy Season: Sahravan-Bhadrapad 

4. Autumn Season: Aashwin Kartik 

5. Winter Season: Margshirsh-Paush 

6. Cold Season: Magh-Falgun

2.

Mention the factors which influence the climate of Rajasthan.

Answer»

The climate of Rajasthan is mainly the part of the Monsoon type of climate. But there are several spatial variations. The maximum part of Rajasthan lies in the temperate climate zone. The factors which influence the climate of Rajasthan are latitudinal location, altitude i.e. height above sea-level, direction of mountains, direction of winds, type of soil and vegetation.

3.

Which features are associated with retreat of monsoon?

Answer»

The retreat of the monsoon is marked by clear skies and a rise in temperature.

4.

Define the onset of the monsoon.

Answer»

The onset of the monsoon: By the beginning of June, the arrival of the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch in India is called the onset of the monsoon.

5.

Give an account on colchicine.

Answer»

Colchicine, an alkaloid is extracted from root and conns of Colchicum autumnale, when applied in low concentration to the growing tips of the plants it will induce polyploidy. Surprisingly it does not affect the source plant Colchicum, due to presence of anticolchicine.

6.

Explain co-mutagens with examples.

Answer»

The compounds which are not having own mutagenic properties but can enhance the effects of known mutagens are called comutagens.

Example: Ascorbic acid increase the damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. Caffeine increase the toxicity of methotrexate.

7.

Define the term mutation. Who coined the term?

Answer»

A sudden change in the genetic material of an organisms is called mutation. The term mutation was introduced by Hugo de Vries.

8.

Based on the effect on translation, classify / mutations.

Answer»

(a) Silent mutation 

(b) Mis-sense mutation 

(c) Non-sense mutation 

(d) Frameshift mutation

9.

The chromosomal condition 2n -2 represents __________ (a) Monosomy (b) Nullisomy (b) Nullisomy (c) Trisomy

Answer»

(d) Tetrasomy

10.

Explain ‘Jet Stream’ concept in the origin of monsoon.

Answer»

Jet Stream view explains the pattern of development of periodical storm in troposphere. A westerly fast air current flows over the Western and Central Asia north of the Himalayas, with steady velocity. It flows over the narrow zone of the upper atmosphere and is called Jet Stream. The Tibetan highlands act as a barrier for the Westerly Jet Streams and it gets bifurcated. On the basis of the area the Jet Streams are known as Tropical Eastern Jet and Semi-Tropical Western Jet. Low pressure region over land and the Eastern Jet stream steer in the tropical depressions into India. These depressions help in distributing the monsoon rainfall over the entire India.

11.

What is another name for the Summer Monsoon?

Answer»

Another name for the summer monsoon is South-West Monsoon

12.

What are Mango Showers?

Answer»

Mango Showers help in the early ripening of the mangoes. They are, in fact the preshower monsoons which shed rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka towards the close of the summer. As they help in the early ripening of the mangoes, the local people call them the Mango Showers.

13.

Write about the pre-monsoon climatic conditions in India.

Answer»

The country becomes extreme hot. The fast storms and hot winds blow in several places. The direction of winds changes, i.e. the winds blow rapidly from sea to land.

14.

During retreating monsoon the weather becomes rather oppressive. This is known as ………………. A) Mango showers B) Jet streams C) Western disturbances D) October heat

Answer»

D) October heat

15.

Why are the winter monsoons usually dry?

Answer»

During the winter season, low pressure area is formed over the sea surface. In such conditions winds blow from land towards sea. These winds are usjually dry due to their origin from land. These are also called diy winds.

16.

Name the following chromosomal conditions. (a) 2n + 2 + 2 (b) 2n – 1 – 1 (c) x (e) 2n + n + n (f) 2n + 1

Answer»

(a) Double tetrasomy 

(b) Double monosomy 

(c) Monoploidy 

(e) Polyploidy 

(f) Trisomy

17.

Comment on the chromosomal condition; 2n – 2

Answer»

Loss of pair of homologous chromosome from the diploid set is called Nullisomy. Selling of monosomic plants produces Nullisomics. They are generally lethal.

18.

Compare point mutation with chromosomal mutation.

Answer»

Mutational events that take place within individual genes are called gene mutations or point mutation, whereas the changes occur in structure and number of chromosomes is called chromosomal mutation.

19.

What do you mean by Coriolis Force?

Answer»

‘Coriolis Force” refers to the apparent force acts as a result of the earth’s rotation deflects the moving objects (such as projectiles or air currents) to the right in the Northern hemisphere and to the left in the Southern hemisphere. It is one of the main reason for the movement of the monsoon winds originates from the Indian Ocean.

20.

Monsoons in India are known for their variations and uncertainties. Explain.

Answer»

Monsoons in India are known for their variations and uncertainties because of the alternation of dry and wet spells in their intensity, frequency and durations. While they cause heavy floods in one part, they may be responsible for drought in the others. They are often found irregular and unpunctual in their arrival as well as in retreat. Thus, they disturb the entire farming schedule and sometimes affect, adversely, millions of farmers in the whole country.

21.

Explain the origin and development of the phenomenon of the summer monsoon in India.

Answer»

When the sun rays fall direct along the Tropic of Cancer the Northern Hemisphere especially India becomes very hot and due to intense heat the low pressure area is formed around Multan in Pakistan and at the same time high pressure areas are formed in the Indian Ocean, Australia and in the South of Japan in the Pacific Ocean. The winds laden with moisture start blowing from high pressure areas to the low-pressure areas. These south-western winds as coming from the south of the Indian Ocean towards India, are full of vapours, they shed rainfall in India due to obstruction of the Himalayas. These summer monsoons are also called south-west monsoons.

22.

What is meant by retreating of the monsoon?

Answer»

The low pressure area becomes weak and is gradually replaced by High pressure. The monsoon becomes unsustainable and it starts withdrawing gradually. This phenomenon is called ‘Retreating of Monsoon’.

23.

List any three characteristic features of multiple allele.

Answer»

1. Multiple alleles of a series always occupy the same locus in the homologous chromosome. Therefore, no crossing over occurs within the alleles of a series. 

2. Multiple alleles are always responsible for the same character. 

3. The wild type alleles of a series exhibit dominant character whereas mutant type will influence dominance or an intermediate phenotypic effect.

24.

The forest cover of Tamil Nadu as per 2017 Indian Forest Report is: (a) 20.21% (b) 20.31% (c) 21.20% (d) 21.30%

Answer»

The forest cover of Tamil Nadu as per 2017 Indian Forest Report is 20.21%.

25.

Define Soil.

Answer»
  • Soil is a loose material
  • It forms the uppermost layer of the earth.
  • It is essential for the development of agriculture.
26.

Bring out the significance of Kallanai in Tamil Nadu.

Answer»

1. Kallanai built around first century, by Karikalan is still in use. 

2. It is considered to be the oldest water regulatory structure in the world.

27.

……………. state gets most of the rainfall due to North – East monsoons A) Karnataka B) Kerala C) Tamilnadu D) Andhra Pradesh

Answer»

correct option is C) Tamilnadu

28.

Write briefly about South-West monsoons. (OR) Describe the Monsoon mechanism in India.

Answer»

1. The monsoon forms in the tropical area approximately between 20°N and 20°S latitudes. 

2. The heating of land creates low pressure on the landmass of Indian subcontinent. 

3. Southwest monsoon ‘onset’ reaches Kerala and gives rain to western ghats and northeast India except in Coromandel coast. 

4. It is operated in two branches, Arabian sea branch and Bay of Bengal branch. 

5. Retreat of the monsoon is marked by clear skies and rise in temperature. 

6. Lower pressure conditions move to Bay of Bengal by early November.

7. Bulk of the rainfall of the coramandel coast is derived from depressions and cyclones.

29.

Discuss the North-East Monsoon period regarding temperature, air pressure and wind and rainfall.

Answer»

The North-East Monsoon period: 

1. Winter Season- December to February 

2. Summer Season- March to mid-June

1. Winter Season Temperature: In the North-India temperature remains low and the winters are severe because of distance from equator and ocean as well as height above the sea-level. Temperature in the southern India remains high because of nearness to Equator and maritime influence. In the winters temperature in the Northern India falls, sometimes, below freezing point. Usually, the average temperature is, usually, less than 21 °C but it is more in the south.

Air Pressure and Winds: High pressure areas are formed over the central Asia and low pressure over the Indian Ocean area. Hence, winds blow from the high-pressure area of the central Asia to the Oceanic low pressure area. Winds blowing towards the Sea, along with Mediterranean cyclones cause rainfall, which are called ‘Mavath’.

Rainfall: The North-Western part of India receives rainfall from cyclones of the Mediterranean sea and the Southern part from the retreating monsoons. JammuKashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh receive rainfall from the Mediterranean sea cyclones whereas Tamilnadu in south receives rainfall from the Retreating monsoons.

2. Summer Season Temperature: There is immense heat and appreciable rise in temperature from March to mid-June, in the Northern India due to parallel rays of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, distance from sea and anti-cyclonic effect. Very often temperature touches 50°C in the Northern India. In the Southern India temperature is, relatively, low because of the influence of sea.

Air Pressure and Winds: Due to rise in temperature low pressure area is formed over the Northern India. An intense low-pressure area develops over the ‘Maru’ area of Rajasthan and Punjab. On the contrary high pressure area develops over the Indian Ocean. During this season very hot winds blow in the Northern India, called ‘Loo’ in the local dialect. Sometimes hailstorms are accompanied by light showers.

Rainfall: The amount of rainfall received is less in this season. It is called Kal Baisakhi in West Bengal, Mango Showers in Malabar Coast, Chprry Blossom in coffee-producing areas.

30.

Sex determination in plants was first discovered by.

Answer»

Sex determination in plants was first discovered by C.E. Allen..

31.

Write the salient features of Sutton and Boveri concept.

Answer»

Salient features of the chromosomal theory of inheritance:

1. Somatic cells of organisms are derived from the zygote by repeated cell division (mitosis). These consist of two identical sets of chromosomes. One set is received from female parent (maternal) and the other from male parent (paternal). These two chromosomes constitute the homologous pair.

2. Chromosomes retain their structural uniqueness and individuality throughout the life cycle of an organism. 

3. Each chromosome carries specific determiners or Mendelian factors which are now termed as genes. 

4. The behaviour of chromosomes during the gamete formation (meiosis) provides evidence to the fact that genes or factors are located on chromosomes.

32.

Does environment determines the sex of a plant? Explain in brief with an example.

Answer»

Yes, the equisetum (horsetail plant), which grow / under good conditions develop as female plants those grown under stressed condition develops as male then supporting the fact environment can also determines the sex of plant in few species.

33.

What are linked genes?

Answer»

Genes located close together on the same chromosome and inherited together are called linked genes.

34.

Define soil and its significance.

Answer»

Soil is the loose material mainly formed by the weathering and erosion rocks. It forms an important elements of agriculture. It provides essential minerals and nutrients for the growth vegetation.

35.

Due to which of these winds does coramandel coast receive rainfall? A) North – east monsoon winds B) South – west monsoon winds C) Westerly jet streams D) South – easterly winds

Answer»

A) North – east monsoon winds

36.

Explain the characteristic features of summer and winter seasons of Tamil Nadu.

Answer»

Summer Seasons: The apparent migration of the sun towards north during March, April and May result in the reception of vertical sun’s rays by South India. Thus there is a steady rise in temperature from the equator. Hence, Tamil Nadu located to the south of Tropic of Cancer experiences high temperature. Generally, the temperature varies from 30°C to more than 40°C. During this season particularly in the month of May, the southern part of the state receives some rainfall from pre-monsoon showers (Mango/Blossom showers) and some parts experience convectional rainfall.

Winter Seasons: During January’ and February, the vertical rays of the sun fall between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator. Hence, Tamil Nadu and India on the whole receive slanting rays from the sun. So, the weather is slightly cooler during these months. The difference between summer and winter temperature is not very high. Winter temperature in Tamil Nadu varies from 15°C to 25°C. However, in the hill stations, the winter temperature drops below 5°C occasionally. Some valleys in the Nilgiris record even 0°C. This drop in temperature leads to the formation of thick mist and frost. This season is practically dry.

37.

Why does Coromandel Coast get high rainfall during North-east monsoons?

Answer»

Coromandel coast gets high rainfall during Northeast monsoons, because of cyclones and depression. The low pressure conditions of North-western India move far south.

38.

Write down the reason for the low temperature in India in the months of December and January.

Answer»

1. Pleasant and clear sky 

2. Low humidity 

3.  Angle of incidence

39.

Name the places in Tamil Nadu where mangrove forest is found to a considerable extent.

Answer»

Pichavaram, Vedaranyam, Muthupet, Chatram and Thoothukudi are the places in Tamil Nadu where the mangrove forest is found to a considerable extent.

40.

“Explain the mechanism of crossing over.

Answer»

Crossing over is a precise process that includes stages like synapsis, tetrad formation, cross over and terminalization.

(i) Synapsis: Intimate pairing between two homologous chromosomes is initiated during zygotene stage of prophase I of meiosis I. Homologous chromosomes are aligned side by side resulting in a pair of homologous chromosomes called bivalents. This pairing phenomenon is called synapsis or syndesis. 

It is of three types:

1. Procentric synapsis: Pairing starts from middle of the chromosome. 

2. Proterminal synapsis: Pairing starts from the telomeres. 

3. Random synapsis: Pairing may start from anywhere.

(ii) Tetrad Formation: Each homologous chromosome of a bivalent begin to form two identical sister chromatids, which remain held together by a centromere. At this stage each bivalent has four chromatids. This stage is called tetrad stage.

(iii) Cross Over: After tetrad formation, crossing over occurs in pachytene stage. The non-sister chromatids of homologous pair make a contact at one or more points. These points of contact between non¬sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes are called Chiasmata (singularChiasma).

At chiasma, cross-shaped or X-shaped structures are formed, where breaking and rejoining of two chromatids occur. This results in reciprocal exchange of equal and corresponding segments between them. A recent study reveals that synapsis and chiasma formation are facilitated by a highly organised structure of filaments called Synaptonemal Complex (SC). This synaptonemal complex formation is absent in some species of male Drosophila, hence crossing over does not takes place.

(iv) Terminalisation: After crossing over, chiasma starts to move towards the terminal end of chromatids. This is known as terminalisation. As a result, complete separation of homologous chromosomes occurs.

41.

Distinguish between the Montane Temperature forest and Tropical Thorn forest.

Answer»

Montane Temperature Forest:

1. Found over an altitude of 1000 mts in sheltered valleys of Anaimalai, Nilgiris and Palani hills.

2. Trees in these forest are evergreen and usually short. 

3. Nilgiri champa, wights litsea and rose apple are the common trees.

Tropical Thom Forest:

1. Found where there is little rainfall from plains up to 400 mts altitude. 

2. Trees are sturdy and withstand dry condition. Shmbs are common. 

3. Palm, neem, rusty acacia, wheel are some of the varieties.

42.

Distinguish between the Black soil and Alluvial soil.

Answer»

Black soil:

1. Its formation is by weathering of igneous rocks. 

2. Clayey in nature when wet develop cracks when dry. 

3. Cotton grows well in this soil. 

4. It is developed over the Deccan lava granite region under semi arid condition. 

5. Found in the districts of Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar.

Alluvial soil:

1. Formed by the deposition of silt by the rivers. 

2. Fertile in nature as they are rich in minerals. 

3. Paddy and sugar cane grows well in this soil.

4. It is found in the river valley regions and the coastal planis. 

5. Found in the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore.

43.

Distinguish between the plains and plateaus of Tamil Nadu.

Answer»

Plains:

1. Plains of Tamil Nadu is divided into Inland plains and Coastal Plains. 

2. Inland plains are formed by the rivers of Tamil Nadu coastal plains are formed along the Bay of Bengal coast by the lower course of the river. 

3. Height increases from West to East. 

4. It covers the districts of Salem, Erode, Karur, Trichy, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam.

Plateaus:

1. Plateaus are subdivided into three – Dharmapuri plateau, Coimbatore plateau and Madurai plateau. 

2. Plateaus are oldest region formed by the disintegration of lava rocks and they are located between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. 

3. Height increases from East to West

4. Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Salem and Madurai are the districts lie in the plateau region.

44.

Distinguish between the Summer season and winter season in Tamil Nadu.

Answer»

Summer season: 

1. Period of summer season begins from March – May. 

2. Much variation in summer temperature increases from South to North (30°C – 40°C). 

3. Pre monsoon showers and convection rainfall occurs in this season.

Winter season:

1. Period of winter season is from January – February. 

2. Not much difference in winter temperature (15°C – 25°C).

3. Generally this season is dry.

45.

In which monsoon season does the Coromandel coast receive less rainfall?

Answer»

The Coromandel coast receives less rainfall in the South-west monsoon season.

46.

Write about Pichavaram mangrove forest.

Answer»

1. Pichavaram mangrove forest is located near Chidambaram, Cuddalore district.

2. This is the second largest mangrove forest in the world covering about 1,100 hectares (11 sq.km) of area.

3. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandbar. 

4. It consists of species like Avicennia and Rhizophora. 

5. It also supports the existence of rare varieties of shell and fin fishes.

47.

Distinguish between the Southwest monsoon and Northeast monsoon.

Answer»

Southwest Monsoon:

1. Period of Southwest monsoon is from March to May. 

2. Tamil Nadu is located in the rainshadow region for the wind hence gets only less rainfall. 

3. Rainfall decreases from West to East, 

4. Coimbatore Plateau,Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts receives 50 – 100 cm rainfall during this period.

Northeast Monsoon:

1. Period of Northeast Monsoon is from October and lasts till mid – December. 

2. 48% of annual rainfall to Tamil Nadu is from this wind. 

3. It is the rainy season for the districts of Tamil Nadu. 

4. Coastal districts get nearly 60% of annual rainfall and interior districts get 40 – 50 cm rainfall.

48.

Assertion (A): Self-sterility is observed in Nicotiana species. Reason (R): Because the genes are located on chromosome.(a) A is true R is false (b) Both A and R are false (c) A is true, R is not correct explanation for A (d) R explains A

Answer»

(c) A is true, R is not correct explanation for A

49.

Given below is a sequence of alphabets representing the genes of chromosome. Observe it and answer the questions.A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K.(a) Write the sequence of genes after the chromosome undergoes terminal deletion of single gene.(b) What will be the gene sequence, if the genes E and F undergoes tandem duplication? (c) Consider the centromere is located between the genes F and G and write a gene sequence, after paracentric inversion occurs in between the genes C, D and E.

Answer»

(a) B – C – D – E – F – G – H -I – J – K (or) A- B – C – D – E – F – G – H -I – J.

(b) A – B – C – D – E – F – E – F – G – H – I – J – K.

(c) A – B – E – D – C – F – G – H -1 – J – K.

50.

Identify the syntenic gene from the given genes sequence of a chromosome G-H-I-J-K-L-M-A-B (a) G and H (b) J, K and L (c) G and B (d) A and B

Answer»

Correct Answer is : (c) G and B