Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 26th August 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Lithium mining poses various environmental challenges, including the depletion of water resources, soil and water contamination from chemicals used in extraction, and carbon emissions from energy-intensive processes. These challenges highlight the need for sustainable practices in the mining industry to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems and local communities.

Statement-I correctly defines mass wasting as the movement of rock and soil downhill due to gravity, as outlined in the provided content. On the other hand, Statement-II discusses the necessity of consent for conducting polygraph tests as per a Supreme Court ruling. 

The main aim of the Ramsar Convention is to conserve and sustainably manage wetlands, recognizing their ecological significance and ensuring their protection. This international treaty encourages countries to designate Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance due to their unique ecological attributes, thereby promoting their conservation and sustainable use for the benefit of biodiversity and society.

Statement-I correctly states that India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982, indicating the country's commitment to wetland conservation. This fact aligns with historical records and international agreements.

However, Statement-II is incorrect. India has not designated over 100 Ramsar sites; the actual number of Ramsar sites in India is around 85. 

- Statement 1: Correct. Extracting one ton of lithium demands about 500,000 liters of water, which can lead to significant depletion of water resources in arid areas, adversely affecting local communities and ecosystems.

- Statement 2: Correct. The Atacama salt flat in Chile is indeed sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 cm annually due to the extraction of lithium brine, which involves pumping salt-rich water to the surface and using evaporation ponds to recover lithium.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. Lithium mining, particularly from hard rock sources, is energy-intensive and requires substantial electricity for processes like crushing, grinding, and chemical separation. This energy often derives from non-renewable sources, increasing carbon emissions and the overall carbon footprint of lithium production.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2, making Option B the correct answer.

1. Rapid snowmelt - Trigger for mass-wasting events: Correct. Rapid snowmelt is indeed a trigger for mass-wasting events as it leads to increased water infiltration, which destabilizes slopes.

2. Unified Pension Scheme - Implemented on April 1, 2024: Incorrect. The Unified Pension Scheme is set to be implemented on April 1, 2025, not 2024.

3. Polygraph Test - Measures physiological responses to determine truthfulness: Correct. Polygraph tests measure physiological responses such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, and sweat gland activity to determine if a person is being truthful.

4. Rock falls - A type of mass-wasting event: Correct. Rock falls are indeed a type of mass-wasting event, characterized by the free fall of rock from a cliff or steep slope.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The angle of the slope and the shear strength of the materials are the main factors influencing slope stability in mass wasting events. When a slope becomes too steep given the existing materials and conditions, it can lead to mass wasting events. The angle of the slope determines how stable the materials are, while the shear strength of the materials determines their resistance to sliding. These factors play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of mass wasting occurrences.

Remember, a steep slope combined with weak materials can make the slope more prone to mass wasting events. The angle and shear strength are key considerations in assessing the potential for slope failure and mass movements.

1. Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus: Found in the Fergana Depression, Kyrgyzstan - Correct.

- The newly discovered dinosaur species Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus was indeed found in the northern region of the Fergana Depression in Kyrgyzstan.

2. Ramsar Sites: India has over 100 designated Ramsar sites - Incorrect.

- As of the latest information provided, India has 85 Ramsar sites, not over 100.

3. National Wetland Conservation Programme: Launched in 2015 - Incorrect.

- The National Wetland Conservation Programme was launched in 1986, not 2015. The 2015 initiative was the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Wetlands.

4. Srikanth Bolla: Associated with visual impairment and industrial achievements - Correct.

- Srikanth Bolla is known for overcoming visual impairment and achieving success as an industrialist, highlighting issues faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Thus, out of the four pairs, only two pairs are correctly matched.

1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. Mass wasting refers to the downhill movement of rock and soil under the influence of gravity. It is a geologic process that involves the movement of earth materials.

2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. Rapid snowmelt and intense rainfall are significant triggers for mass-wasting events as they can increase the weight of soil and rock, reduce friction, and lead to slope instability.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. Mass wasting is not limited to slow movements; it also includes rapid processes. Rapid movements such as rockfalls, slides, and flows are significant components of mass wasting and can cause considerable damage and pose substantial risks.

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

Statement 1: Correct. Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus is indeed a newly identified species of large theropod dinosaur that was found in the Middle Jurassic Balabansai formation in Kyrgyzstan.

Statement 2: Correct. This dinosaur existed during the Callovian age of the Jurassic period, which is approximately between 165 and 161 million years ago.

Statement 3: Correct. Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus is notable for being the first large Jurassic predatory dinosaur ever discovered between Central Europe and East Asia.

Thus, all the statements are correct.

Answer: D