Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📍 The Question

Consider the following statements:

1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Physical Geography | World Seas | Climate & Hydrology | Salinity

This question tests conceptual understanding of arid-region seas, especially the Red Sea’s climatic and hydrological characteristics.

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

Let us examine each statement carefully.

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🔹 Statement 1: The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form. ✅

• The Red Sea region lies in a hot desert climatic zone
• Rainfall is:
  • Extremely low
  • Highly irregular
• Surrounding regions (Arabian Peninsula and North-East Africa) are arid
• High temperatures cause intense evaporation

✔️ Statement 1 is correct

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🔹 Statement 2: No water enters the Red Sea from rivers. ❌

• It is true that:
  • There are no major perennial rivers draining into the Red Sea
• However:
  • Small seasonal streams (wadis / rivulets) do drain into it
  • Especially during brief rainfall events

Because the statement uses the absolute word “No”, it becomes incorrect.

✔️ Statement 2 is not correct

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📊 Final Assessment

Statement	Status
Very little precipitation	✅ Correct
No river water enters	❌ Incorrect

👉 Only Statement 1 is correct

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❌ UPSC Elimination Logic

• UPSC frequently uses absolute terms like:
  • “No”, “Never”, “Always”
• In geography, such absolutes are often traps
• Even arid regions usually have seasonal or minor water inflow

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🧩 Memory Hook

“Dry skies are true — but zero rivers is too absolute.”

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🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

For physical geography:

• Be cautious with absolute hydrological claims
• Remember:
  • Red Sea = high evaporation + low rainfall
  • High salinity does not require zero river inflow

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🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

Nature rarely speaks in absolutes; exams often punish those who think it does.