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.

1. Total Solar Eclipse - Correct. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, and it is indeed visible during the new moon phase.

2. Annular Solar Eclipse - Incorrect. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, resulting in a "ring of fire." It is visible during the new moon phase, not the full moon phase.

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

4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse - Incorrect. A hybrid solar eclipse can shift between total and annular as the Moon's shadow moves across the Earth. It is visible during the new moon phase, not during any other moon phase.

Only the first pair is 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.

he correct option in respect of the given statements is:

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

Explanation:

• Statement-I is correct: The Sahara Desert is indeed recognized as the world's largest hot desert.
• Statement-II is incorrect: The polar deserts of Antarctica and the Arctic are actually larger than the Sahara Desert. Although the Sahara is the largest hot desert, when considering all types of deserts, including cold deserts, Antarctica and the Arctic are both bigger.

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.

Statement-I correctly highlights Ladakh's objective of seeking inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for increased autonomy and cultural protection. Statement-II accurately describes the provisions of the Sixth Schedule for specific tribal regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. However, while both statements are correct, Statement-II does not directly explain or relate to the specific context of Statement-I regarding Ladakh's current situation and demands.

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.