Current Affairs Questions for CLAT | QB Set 6

The possibility of a developing Super El Nino has raised concerns about the 2026 monsoon season in India. El Nino is a climate phenomenon linked to unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It affects global weather systems and is often associated with weaker monsoon rainfall in India. Scientists have observed that changing ocean temperatures can influence wind circulation, rainfall distribution, agriculture, and water availability across several countries.

Experts believe that climate change may intensify the effects of El Nino by increasing global temperatures and making weather patterns more unpredictable. While El Nino years are often linked with droughts and heatwaves, they do not always lead to severe monsoon failure in India. Other climatic factors such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may also influence rainfall patterns. A positive IOD can sometimes reduce the adverse impact of El Nino on the Indian monsoon.

Meteorologists continue to monitor Pacific Ocean conditions closely, as the coming months will play a crucial role in determining the intensity of the monsoon and its impact on agriculture, food prices, and the overall economy.

Questions

1. Which weather phenomenon is primarily associated with the abnormal warming of the Pacific Ocean?

A. La Nina
B. Western Disturbance
C. El Nino
D. Cyclogenesis

2. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is related to temperature differences in which water body?

A. Atlantic Ocean
B. Arctic Ocean
C. Indian Ocean
D. Southern Ocean

3. Which of the following Indian sectors is most directly dependent on the southwest monsoon?

A. Agriculture
B. Telecommunications
C. Aviation
D. Banking

4. Which organisation is India’s principal agency for weather forecasting and monsoon prediction?

A. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
B. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
C. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
D. Geological Survey of India (GSI)

5. El Nino conditions are generally associated with which of the following in India?

A. Deficient rainfall and heatwaves
B. Heavy snowfall in peninsular India
C. Increased winter cyclones only
D. Sudden cooling of the Indian Ocean

Answers with Explanations

1. Correct Answer: C. El Nino

El Nino refers to the abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It affects global climate patterns and is often linked with weaker monsoons in India.

2. Correct Answer: A. Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate phenomenon related to temperature differences between the western and eastern Indian Ocean. A positive IOD can sometimes help India receive better rainfall even during El Nino years.

3. Correct Answer: D. Agriculture

Indian agriculture, especially kharif crops, heavily depends on the southwest monsoon. Variations in rainfall directly affect crop production, rural incomes, and food prices.

4. Correct Answer: A. India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the country’s official weather forecasting agency responsible for monsoon predictions, cyclone alerts, and climate monitoring.

5. Correct Answer: A. Deficient rainfall and heatwaves

El Nino years in India are generally associated with below-normal rainfall, rising temperatures, drought-like conditions, and stronger heatwaves in several regions.