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UPSC Prelims 1994 · World Geography · Countries, Rivers and Resources
The shortest air route from Perth to London is:
- (a) Perth, Bombay, Rome, London
- (b) Perth, Ankara, Paris, London
- (c) Perth, Aden, Paris, London
- (d) Perth, Mombasa, Rome, London
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Perth, Ankara, Paris, London
The great-circle route from Perth curves north-west over Asia Minor — Ankara, then Paris.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Bombay lies too far west of the great-circle path.
(c) Aden lies well south of the shortest path.
(d) Mombasa (East Africa) is far off the route.
The trap
On a flat map the straight line runs over Africa; on the globe the shortest line bends north.
🔒 Shortest route on a sphere = great circle (why flights to the USA pass near the Arctic).
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