The question asks about the percentage of India's total annual rainfall that occurs during the summer season. This refers primarily to the Southwest Monsoon, which is the dominant rainfall season in India.
Correct Option: D) 70% — The Southwest Monsoon, which constitutes the summer rainfall in India, accounts for approximately 70-75% of the country's total annual rainfall. Therefore, 70% is the most accurate option.
The question asks which crop season in India is most susceptible to productivity loss. This requires understanding the characteristics of each crop season (Kharif, Rabi, Zaid) and the typical environmental challenges they face.
C) Rabi — Rabi crops are particularly vulnerable to unseasonal weather events such as untimely rainfall, hailstorms, and sudden temperature fluctuations (both cold waves and heatwaves) during their growth and harvesting periods. These events can severely damage crops like wheat, leading to significant productivity losses. For example, a sudden rise in temperature during the grain-filling stage of wheat can drastically reduce yields.
The question asks to identify the region in India that is projected to experience increased rainfall due to rising temperatures. This relates to the impact of climate change on regional rainfall patterns, specifically the Indian monsoon.
C) Western India is projected to experience higher rainfall as temperatures rise. This region is particularly susceptible to intensified monsoon activity and extreme precipitation events due to its geographical features (Western Ghats) and its proximity to the Arabian Sea, which provides abundant moisture.
The question asks to identify the primary consumer of water in India. This requires knowledge of water usage patterns across different sectors in the country.
C) Agriculture is the primary consumer of water in India. This sector accounts for approximately 80-90% of the total water withdrawal in the country, primarily for irrigation purposes to sustain its vast agricultural land and feed its large population.
The question asks about the likely effects of rising sea levels in coastal states. We need to evaluate each option based on the direct and well-documented consequences of sea-level rise.
C) Land loss and flood risk. This is a primary and direct consequence of rising sea levels. Coastal areas, especially low-lying ones, face permanent inundation (land loss) and increased vulnerability to storm surges and high tides, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
The question asks to identify the Indian state most vulnerable to sea level rise. This requires understanding the geographical characteristics of the coastal states mentioned and their susceptibility to inundation due to rising sea levels.
B) Goa is expected to be the worst hit due to sea level rise. Its low-lying topography, extensive coastline relative to its land area, and significant coastal population make it highly susceptible to inundation and coastal erosion from rising sea levels.