Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 1st November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Statement 1 is correct. The number of electors for each state in the Electoral College is determined by its total congressional delegation, which includes both its Senators (always two) and its Representatives in the House. This is why larger states like California have more electors compared to smaller states.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Most states in the U.S. use a "winner-takes-all" system, not a proportional system, to allocate their electoral votes. In this system, the candidate receiving the majority of the popular vote in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes. Only Maine and Nebraska use a proportional system, where electoral votes can be split based on congressional district results.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The U.S. Constitution does not mandate that electors must vote in accordance with the state's popular vote results. While many states have laws requiring electors to follow the popular vote, there is no federal law enforcing this, and instances of "faithless electors" (electors who do not vote as pledged) have occurred, albeit rarely.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly describes the location and size of the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary in the Adilabad district of Telangana. Statement-II provides accurate information about the diverse fauna found in the sanctuary, including the variety of species like reptiles, birds, and mammals, as well as highlighting specific species such as tigers, leopards, and Blackbuck. Therefore, both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II explains the significance of the wildlife present in the sanctuary as mentioned in Statement-I.

The Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Adilabad district of Telangana. It spans approximately 136 sq.km and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including Blackbucks, tigers, leopards, various species of birds, and mammals. The sanctuary features thick deciduous teak forests and is set against the backdrop of the picturesque Deccan plateau, with the Pranahita River bordering its eastern boundary and the Godavari River running along its southern edge.

The meteorological phenomenon associated with heavy precipitation in Spain, as seen in the recent deadly floods in Valencia, is known as DANA, which stands for "depresión aislada en niveles altos" (isolated depression at high altitudes). This weather pattern is linked to the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds that produce significant rainfall, often leading to flash floods and severe weather events in the region.

- Statement 1 is correct. Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Adilabad district of Telangana. It features dense deciduous teak forests and is known for its prehistoric rock formations, contributing to its ecological and historical significance.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. India is not self-sufficient in the production of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. In fact, the country is heavily dependent on imports for these minerals, which are crucial for its energy transition, particularly for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The report highlights India's 100% import dependency on these critical minerals.

- Statement 3 is correct. The National Board for Wildlife's decision to delay road expansion projects in the area of the Pranahita sanctuary indeed underscores a shift towards prioritizing ecological conservation. This decision reflects a broader trend of balancing development needs with the preservation of natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as these statements accurately describe the situation regarding the sanctuary's characteristics and the strategic environmental decision-making process.

Statement-I correctly highlights the relationship between the polar jet stream and the formation of DANA, a weather phenomenon associated with heavy precipitation in Spain. The polar jet stream's interaction can indeed intensify rainfall patterns linked to DANA events.

However, Statement-II is incorrect because it focuses on cumulonimbus clouds playing a crucial role in the development of extreme weather conditions like thunderstorms and hailstorms, which is not directly related to the polar jet stream and DANA formation. While cumulonimbus clouds are associated with severe weather events, they are not specifically mentioned in the context of the polar jet stream and DANA in Spain.

The primary purpose of the Electoral College in the United States presidential election system is to balance state influence and prevent the centralization of power. This system was designed to ensure that both populous and smaller states have a say in the election process, thereby safeguarding against the domination of large states and promoting a more balanced representation across the nation.

Statement I correctly describes the rationale behind the establishment of the U.S. Electoral College system, which was indeed designed to prevent populous states from dominating the election process. On the other hand, Statement II inaccurately describes the Electoral College system in India, as it does not operate through a Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Instead, the Indian Electoral College comprises elected members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, and the voting method employed is not based on STV. Therefore, Statement II is incorrect, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in the Adilabad district of Telangana: This pair is correctly matched. The Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed situated in the Adilabad district of Telangana.

2. Flora - Dominated by evergreen forests: This pair is incorrectly matched. The flora of the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by thick deciduous teak forests, not evergreen forests. Common plant species include Dalbergia sissoo, Ficus spp., and Pterocarpus marsupium.

3. Fauna - Notable for its population of Blackbuck: This pair is correctly matched. The sanctuary is renowned for its population of Blackbuck, along with various other species such as tigers, leopards, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.

4. Landscape - Plateau region with prehistoric rock formations: This pair is correctly matched. The sanctuary is set against the backdrop of the Deccan plateau and is noted for its hilly terrain, dense forests, and prehistoric rock formations.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 1, 3, and 4.

1. Statement 1 is correct. DANA, which stands for "depresión aislada en niveles altos," occurs when cold air descends over the warm Mediterranean waters, creating atmospheric instability. This results in the rapid rise of warm, moist air and the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds that produce heavy rainfall. This description accurately captures the process by which DANA leads to severe weather events, including heavy precipitation.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The polar jet stream is indeed involved in the intensification of rainfall patterns associated with DANA. It functions as a boundary that separates polar and tropical air masses. When a pocket of cold air detaches from the polar jet stream and interacts with the warm Mediterranean waters, it enhances atmospheric instability, thus contributing to the formation of heavy cumulonimbus clouds and increased precipitation.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the phenomenon of DANA is notably impactful in Spain, it is not exclusive to Spain. DANAs can affect other Mediterranean regions such as Portugal, Italy, and France. The weather patterns associated with DANA are not limited solely to Spanish territory, as the Mediterranean climate and geography allow for similar conditions across several countries in the region.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B: 1 and 2 Only the correct answer.