Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 20th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The Azores Archipelago is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. These islands emerged from the Azores Plateau, located above the Azores Triple Junction, where three tectonic plates intersect. The unique location of the Azores contributes to their volcanic origin and geological significance, making them a distinct part of the North Atlantic region.

1. The Kameng River originates from a glacial lake below the Gori Chen Mountain in the eastern Himalayan Mountains.
This statement is correct. The Kameng River begins in the eastern Himalayan Mountains, specifically from a glacial lake below the snow-covered Gori Chen Mountain at an elevation of 6,300 meters on the India-Tibet border in South Tibet.

2. It serves as a natural boundary between the East and West Kameng Districts in Arunachal Pradesh.
This statement is correct. The Kameng River does indeed serve as a natural boundary between the East and West Kameng Districts in Arunachal Pradesh.

3. The total length of the Kameng River is approximately 364 kilometers.
This statement is incorrect. The correct total length of the Kameng River is approximately 264 kilometers.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Kameng River - Originates from a glacial lake below Gori Chen Mountain: This pair is correctly matched. The Kameng River originates in the eastern Himalayan Mountains, specifically from a glacial lake situated below the snow-covered Gori Chen Mountain.

2. Enhanced Rock Weathering - Uses limestone to sequester CO2: This pair is incorrectly matched. Enhanced Rock Weathering typically involves using finely crushed silicate rocks, such as basalt, rather than limestone, to sequester CO2.

3. Azores Islands - Located in the South Atlantic Ocean: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Azores Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, not the South Atlantic.

4. Vitiligo - A skin condition causing depigmented patches: This pair is correctly matched. Vitiligo is a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation, resulting in depigmented patches.

Only pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched, so the correct option is A: Only one pair.

The main objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the conservation of biological diversity, which includes genetic, species, and habitat diversity. This international agreement focuses on nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources to ensure responsible utilization and fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. The CBD encompasses biodiversity at all levels, including ecosystems, species, and genetic resources, aiming to promote sustainable practices worldwide.

Statement-I correctly states that the Kameng River serves as a natural boundary between the East and West Kameng Districts. Statement-II also accurately mentions that the Kameng River delineates the boundary between the Sessa and Eaglenest sanctuaries on the western side and the Pakke Tiger Reserve. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the significance of the river as a boundary in different regions.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was indeed opened for signing during the UN Conference on Environment and Development, commonly known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Cartagena Protocol and the Nagoya Protocol are binding agreements under the CBD. The Cartagena Protocol, adopted in 2000 and effective from 2003, regulates the transboundary movement of living modified organisms, while the Nagoya Protocol, adopted in 2010, provides a framework for access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. The Secretariat of the CBD is located in Montreal, Canada, not Geneva, Switzerland.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A the correct answer.

The Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve is characterized by both Vindhyan and Aravalli geographical elements, which contribute to its varied topography. This includes gentle slopes, steep rocky cliffs, and flat hills, creating a diverse habitat that supports a range of flora and fauna. The unique combination of these geological features makes the reserve an important ecological zone, particularly for species like the tiger and other wildlife that thrive in such environments.

- Statement 1 is correct. Marine Heat Waves (MHWs) are indeed identified when the surface temperature of a specific ocean region increases by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above the average for a minimum duration of five days. This definition aligns with established scientific criteria for MHWs.

- Statement 2 is correct. MHWs can cause significant ecological disruptions, including the proliferation of invasive species. These species can outcompete native species, thereby disrupting local marine food webs and impacting biodiversity.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. Marine Heat Waves are not limited to shallow coastal regions; they can affect both shallow and deeper oceanic areas. Recent research has highlighted that MHWs can occur in deeper ocean layers, which are often under-reported, but still significantly impact marine ecosystems.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I correctly identifies the Azores Archipelago as consisting of nine islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Statement-II accurately describes the geographical location of the Azores Plateau above the Azores Triple Junction, where the Eurasian, North American, and African tectonic plates intersect. The Azores Plateau's positioning is indeed significant in the context of the geological features of the region, illustrating how the islands emerged due to tectonic activity. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically provides additional explanatory details that relate to Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

Statement-I is correct as the CBD was indeed opened for signing during the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Statement-II is also correct as the CBD does encompass biodiversity at all levels, including ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation for Statement-I but rather adds further information related to the CBD's scope and coverage. Hence, the correct answer is option B.