Which coastal part is first affected strongly by the Arabian Sea branch?

Correct answer: Western Ghats

The direct answer is C: the Western Ghats. The Arabian Sea branch is a moisture-bearing branch of the southwest monsoon. It moves from the Arabian Sea toward the west coast of India and first meets the Western Ghats. When the moist winds rise along the windward slopes, they cool, condense, and produce heavy orographic rainfall. Option C is correct because these mountains lie directly across the path of this branch. Option A, the Eastern Ghats, are on the eastern side and are not the first major barrier for the Arabian Sea branch. Option B, the Thar Desert, is farther inland and is not the first coastal region affected. Option D, the Ganga Plain, receives monsoon rain later through other paths and is not the first coastal obstacle. Exam cue: Arabian Sea branch plus west coast and mountain barrier means Western Ghats.