Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 18th November 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The Midnight Zone, also known as the Bathypelagic Zone, is characterized by extreme darkness with no penetration of sunlight. This zone extends from about 1,000 meters to 4,000 meters deep in the ocean, making it the largest habitat on Earth. Organisms in this zone have special adaptations to survive in these conditions, such as well-developed visual systems to see in the dark, bioluminescence to attract prey or mates, and well-developed auditory systems to hear other animals nearby.

Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. A diagnosis of epilepsy is made when someone has experienced at least two unprovoked seizures that occur at least 24 hours apart. Provoked seizures, which occur due to a specific cause (such as a high fever or acute brain injury), do not necessarily lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Statement 2: This statement is correct. Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widespread neurological disorders.

Statement 3: This statement is correct. Many individuals with epilepsy can control their seizures with medications, but in some cases, surgery may be necessary to better manage the condition, especially when medications are ineffective.

Thus, statements 2 and 3 are correct, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer is Option C.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. Statement-I correctly defines epilepsy as a long-term brain condition leading to seizures due to incorrect signaling of nerve cells. Statement-II accurately describes the characteristics of the midnight zone in the ocean, emphasizing its depth, darkness, and the adaptations of organisms to the extreme conditions. Statement-II provides additional information about a distinct topic, the midnight zone, which complements Statement-I's discussion of epilepsy.

The Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district in Karnataka, India. It shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, which is part of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, on the southwest. This proximity to the Alaganchi State Forest is a notable feature of the sanctuary, enhancing its ecological significance and connectivity for wildlife conservation efforts.

Let's evaluate each statement:

1. Statement 1: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

- Correct: The sanctuary is indeed part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This is a significant ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

2. Statement 2: The Nugu River, a tributary of the Krishna River, flows through the sanctuary.

- Incorrect: The Nugu River is actually a tributary of the Cauvery River, not the Krishna River. This geographical detail is crucial as it connects the sanctuary's hydrology with the Cauvery basin, not the Krishna basin.

3. Statement 3: The sanctuary is home to riverine species such as the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile.

- Correct: The presence of riverine species like the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile indicates the diverse aquatic habitats within the sanctuary, which are vital for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

Based on the analysis, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option C the right choice.

1. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in Kerala: This pair is incorrectly matched. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district in Karnataka, India, not in Kerala.

2. Dead Sea - Lowest land-based point on Earth: This pair is correctly matched. The Dead Sea is indeed the lowest land-based point on Earth, located at an elevation of 430.5 meters below sea level.

3. Willingdon Island - Connected to mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge: This pair is correctly matched. Willingdon Island in Kochi, Kerala, is connected to the mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge.

4. Bandipur National Park - Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: This pair is correctly matched. Bandipur National Park is indeed part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

One of the significant outcomes of the Riyadh Summit on the Gaza conflict was the condemnation of Israeli military actions by leaders from Arab and Islamic countries. They described these actions as "shocking and horrific crimes," advocating for an immediate halt to Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. This condemnation aligned with the broader call for investigating the alleged crimes committed by Israel through the establishment of an independent, credible international committee.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Riyadh Summit indeed called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the borders prior to June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This aligns with the two-state solution framework and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, which have been longstanding demands in the Arab world regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The summit did not continue the trend of normalizing relations with Israel as observed in the Abraham Accords. Instead, it represented a shift back towards emphasizing the Palestinian issue as a prerequisite for peace, reflecting a collective stance against Israel's actions in Gaza.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Israel's actions, the summit did not indicate a potential for military engagement. Historical patterns and the current geopolitical context suggest that Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, are unlikely to engage in military action against Israel. The focus remains on diplomatic solutions and regional stability.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct.

'Statement-I accurately describes the Dead Sea as the lowest land-based point on Earth at 430.5 meters below sea level. Statement-II correctly states that the Dead Sea has a salinity level of 34.2% due to the lack of outlets and high evaporation rates, but it does not explain the geological and tectonic factors that determine the Dead Sea's elevation. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.'

1. Riyadh Summit Outcome - Independent Palestinian State: Correct. The Riyadh summit did indeed call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This aligns with the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002.

2. Operation Sagar Manthan - Joint Operation with Pakistan: Incorrect. Operation Sagar Manthan is not a joint operation with Pakistan. It is an initiative by India's Narcotics Control Bureau to dismantle a drug trafficking network, with a focus on disrupting narco-terrorism and related activities, but it is not conducted in partnership with Pakistan.

3. Kaalinga Sarpa - Found in Eastern Ghats: Incorrect. The Kaalinga Sarpa, or king cobra, is native to the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, and not the Eastern Ghats. It prefers dense tropical forests and hilly terrains of the Western Ghats region.

4. Saudi-Israel Relations - Strengthening Ties: Incorrect. The Riyadh Summit actually signaled a deterioration in potential normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The summit emphasized addressing the Palestinian issue as a prerequisite for peace, indicating a shift away from strengthening ties.

Hence, only the first pair is correctly matched.