Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 3rd October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The recent environmental concerns regarding Little Prespa Lake in Albania primarily stem from the impact of rising temperatures and reduced precipitation levels. These factors have contributed to the deterioration of the lake's ecosystem, resulting in extensive areas being classified as swamps or completely dried up. Such changes highlight the sensitivity of this ecosystem to climatic variations and the need for conservation efforts to preserve its unique biodiversity.

1. Emi Koussi - Highest peak in the Sahara: This pair is correctly matched. Emi Koussi is the highest peak in the Sahara Desert, located in the Tibesti Mountains of Chad, and is a volcano standing at 3,415 meters.

2. Sahel - Semi-arid region south of the Sahara: This pair is correctly matched. The Sahel is indeed a semi-arid region that lies immediately south of the Sahara Desert, serving as a transitional zone between the arid desert and the more humid savannas to the south.

3. Nile River - Major water source for oases in the Sahara: This pair is correctly matched. The Nile River, along with other water sources like the Niger River, provides crucial water for the oases in the Sahara Desert.

4. Atlas Mountains - Border the Sahara to the east: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Atlas Mountains actually border the Sahara Desert to the north, not the east. The eastern border of the Sahara is closer to the Red Sea.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a rare and spectacular astronomical event. During a total solar eclipse, observers within the path of totality experience daytime darkness and can even see the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. This phenomenon provides scientists and skywatchers with a unique opportunity to study the Sun's corona and its behavior. Remember, during a total solar eclipse, it is crucial to use proper eye protection while observing this natural wonder to prevent eye damage.

The correct option in respect of the given statements is:

(d) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

• Statement I is correct: The Sahara Desert is indeed recognized as the world's largest hot desert.
• Statement II is incorrect: The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, but it is smaller than the polar deserts of Antarctica and the Arctic. Antarctica is the largest desert on Earth, with an area of about 14 million square kilometres, making it the largest desert overall, even though it is a cold desert. The Sahara Desert covers around 9 million square kilometres, which is significantly smaller than Antarctica. The Arctic Desert, being the second-largest cold desert, also covers a vast area.

So, while the Sahara is the largest hot desert, the polar deserts (Antarctica and the Arctic) are actually larger in total area than the Sahara.

In a solar eclipse, Statement-I correctly describes the phenomenon where the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, causing an obstruction of sunlight. Statement-II accurately explains a specific scenario of a total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, resulting in a darkened sky and the observation of the Sun's corona. Hence, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II provides further elaboration on the process described in Statement-I.

1. Lake Prespa - Oldest tectonic lake in Asia - This pair is incorrectly matched. Lake Prespa is one of the oldest tectonic lakes in Europe, not Asia. It is also the highest tectonic lake on the Balkan Peninsula.

2. Little Prespa Lake - Majority located in Greek territory - This pair is correctly matched. The majority of Little Prespa Lake (also known as Small Prespa Lake) is indeed located within Greek territory, with only a small portion extending into Albania.

3. Great Prespa Lake - Shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia - This pair is correctly matched. Great Prespa Lake is shared by the countries of Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia.

4. Suva Gora - Massif located to the North of Lake Prespa - This pair is incorrectly matched. Suva Gora is located to the South of Lake Prespa, not the North.

Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Sahara Desert is indeed bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. This accurately describes its geographical boundaries.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect: Emi Koussi, the highest peak in the Sahara, is located in the Tibesti Mountains of Chad, not Libya. This is a crucial detail that alters the correctness of the statement.

3. Statement 3 is correct: The Sahara Desert covers approximately 31% of the African continent, which is a significant portion of the landmass, reflecting its vast size.

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

The Navika Sagar Parikrama initiative organized by the Indian Navy primarily aims at showcasing Indian maritime traditions. This initiative involves circumnavigating the globe using a sailboat crewed entirely by women officers, symbolizing women's empowerment and highlighting India's rich maritime heritage.

The correct answer is B: Only two pairs.

1. Total Solar Eclipse - Moon completely covers the Sun, visible during the new moon phase: Correct. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the Sun, and it happens during the new moon phase.

2. Annular Solar Eclipse - Moon's shadow completely obscures the Earth, visible during the full moon phase: Incorrect. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is farther away from the Earth, so it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover it. It is also visible during the new moon phase, not the full moon phase.

3. Partial Solar Eclipse - Moon partially blocks the Sun, visible during the crescent moon phase: Incorrect. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially covers the Sun, but it is visible during the new moon phase, not the crescent moon phase.

4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse - Eclipse shifts between total and annular, visible during the new moon phase: Correct. A hybrid solar eclipse is a rare type of eclipse that shifts between a total and an annular eclipse at different points along the eclipse path, and it happens during the new moon phase.

So, two pairs are correctly matched.

The correct answer is:

A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

• Statement-I is correct: There have been discussions and calls from various stakeholders in Ladakh for the region to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The demand primarily aims to grant greater autonomy and safeguard the cultural identity of Ladakh, particularly for its indigenous communities.

• Statement-II is also correct: The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in specific tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. These councils have powers over local governance, land, and the protection of tribal culture and traditions.

Therefore, Statement-II provides context and explanation for the rationale behind Statement-I, as the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule would provide it with a similar framework for autonomy and cultural preservation.