by Q. The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35°C.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) I only
(b) Only 2
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (c) Both I and II
Explanation:
Wet-bulb temperature is a measure that combines air temperature and humidity to indicate the lowest temperature that can be achieved by evaporative cooling. In simpler terms, it reflects how effectively humans and animals can cool themselves through sweating and evaporation.
When the wet-bulb temperature reaches 35 °C, it becomes extremely dangerous because the human body can no longer regulate internal temperature through sweating. This threshold poses severe heat stress, potentially fatal for humans and animals alike.
The World Bank has warned that due to rising global temperatures and increasing humidity, parts of India could become one of the first regions where wet-bulb temperatures regularly exceed 35 °C, presenting a serious risk to life.
Statement I is correct.
This statement reflects the broader climatic risks facing Peninsular India as a result of climate change, which are closely linked to rising wet-bulb temperatures.
India’s tropical location makes it highly vulnerable to intensified monsoon variability, which can result in:
Extreme rainfall events causing floods and cyclones, and
Periods of insufficient rainfall leading to droughts.
Thus, the World Bank’s warning not only highlights the health hazards of extreme heat and humidity, but also underscores that these climate shifts will worsen Peninsular India’s vulnerability to severe hydrometeorological events.
Statement II is correct.
This statement accurately captures the core concern of the World Bank’s warning.
When wet-bulb temperatures exceed 35 °C, the human body cannot cool itself effectively through sweating or evaporation.
This creates life-threatening conditions, even for healthy individuals, and poses a greater risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without access to cooling facilities.
Many animal species are similarly threatened, as they also rely on heat dissipation mechanisms.
Hence, the statement correctly reflects the direct health and survival risks associated with extreme wet-bulb temperatures.
Answer: (c) Both I and II
