Q1. You are travelling in a car and a thunder storm suddenly takes place. What will be your first step ?
(a) Stop the car, get out of it and lie flat in the field
(b) Stand below a tree
(c) Go to a nearby wood pole and stick to it
(d) Lie flat in the car
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Stop the car, get out of it and lie flat in the field
Explanation: During a thunderstorm, the safest action is to avoid tall objects and metal structures. Lying flat in an open field minimizes the chance of being struck by lightning, as it reduces your height and exposure compared to staying inside or near conductive materials.
Q2. The cutting of forests leads to
(a) Soil erosion and incontrollable floods
(b) Desilting and denaturation
(c) Increase of rainfall and humidity
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Soil erosion and incontrollable floods
Explanation: Deforestation removes the vegetative cover that stabilizes soil and absorbs rainwater. Without trees, soil erosion intensifies, and rainwater flows unchecked, leading to flooding. Forests also regulate the water cycle, so their loss disrupts natural balance.
