Previous Year Question
Which one of the following causes is responsible for rainfall during winters in north-western part of India?
Retreating Monsoon
Cyclonic depression
Western disturbances
South-West Monsoon
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Winter rainfall over the north-western part of India is mainly caused by Western Disturbances. These are mid-latitude weather systems that move from west to east and affect north-western India and the Western Himalayan Region.
Under their influence, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand receive rain and snowfall, while parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh may receive winter rainfall.
Although the amount of winter rainfall is generally limited, it is agriculturally very important. It is particularly beneficial for Rabi crops such as wheat, gram and mustard.
The Retreating Monsoon is mainly associated with October-November rainfall over south-eastern Peninsular India, especially the Tamil Nadu coast, while the South-West Monsoon is India's principal summer rainfall system. Thus, neither is the principal cause of winter rainfall in north-western India.
Compared with the broader expression Cyclonic Depression, Western Disturbances is the more precise answer because the question specifically asks about winter rainfall over north-western India.