UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment, Geography, Sci-Tech MCQs on Mangroves, Kuril Island and more (Week 57)

1. These winds are usually caused by gravity pulling higher density air downslope to lower density air.

2. These winds are weaker than a mountain breeze.

3. Chinook winds are an example of katabatic winds.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

QUESTION 2

Consider the following pairs:

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 3

With reference to the Star Labelling Programme, consider the following statements:

1. Star enabling of solar panels will reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

2. The programme is voluntary for initial five years.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

QUESTION 4

With reference to the mangroves, consider the following statements:

1. They act as a buffer between the ocean and the land.

2. They prevent erosion by absorbing wave action.

3. Mangroves require carbon dioxide for their roots to survive.

4. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is located in West Bengal.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 5

Kuril Island was recently in news. It divides:

(a) South China Sea and Pacific Ocean

(b) Sea of Okhotsk and North Pacific Ocean

(c) Sea of Japan and South China Sea

(d) Bering Sea and Arctic Sea

ANSWERS TO THE MCQs

1. (a)

FYI:

— Katabatic winds are usually caused by gravity pulling higher density air downslope to lower density air. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— They are also known as fall winds. These winds are stronger than a mountain breeze. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Katabatic winds are frequently caused by cool, denser air moving downhill into warmer, less dense air. As a result, they have an impact on local climates, lowering humidity levels and blowing snow away.

— Katabatic winds include Bora (Adriatic coast), Mistral (Rhone valley), Coho (Columbia Gorge wind), and Santa Ana (CA).

— Chinook is a warm, dry breeze that flows from the east side of the Rockies. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.weather.gov, http://www.usgs.gov)

2. (b)

FYI:

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

3. (a)

FYI:

— The government has launched a Standards and Labelling Programme for solar panels, making it easier for consumers to make informed and prudent decisions when purchasing and installing solar photovoltaic modules, also known as solar panels.

— Star-enabled solar panels will minimise carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million tonnes per year by 2030. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The project is voluntary for the first two years; after one year, we will reassess and, if the industry does not come up for labelling, we will make it mandatory, as it is in the public interest. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The Union Minister stated that the government will aim towards producing 100% Made in India Solar PV modules of the highest quality. The Star Labelling Programme will help the retail consumer make the proper choice by allowing him or her to better identify between different models of solar panels that currently seem similar.

— The Star Labelling scheme will introduce product distinctiveness into a market that is currently completely commoditized.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Source: pib.gov.in)

4. (b)

FYI:

— Mangroves, marshes, and sandy coral islands form in the low-lying areas flooded and drained by tides.

— Mangroves are commonly found in tropical places such as Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Equatorial Africa, and the low-latitude Americas.

— Both mangroves and tidal marshes serve as a buffer between the ocean and land. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— They contribute significantly to erosion prevention by absorbing wave movement. They are also important hotspots of biodiversity. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Mangroves and other tidal plants require oxygen at their roots to survive. They acquire it when the tide is low and the water drains away. When plants become soggy owing to global warming, they begin to die. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The Pichavaram mangrove forest, comprising 1,100 hectares, is located in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— In 2022, Pichavaram mangroves were given the status of a Ramsar site, i.e., Ramsar wetlands of international importance. However, in the wake of climate change, the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem has become susceptible and vulnerable to ecological damage.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

5. (b)

FYI:

— The strategically located islands are known as Kuril Islands in Russia, and were seized by Soviet forces in the closing days of WWII.

— Moscow and Tokyo have held talks about the Iturup (Etorofu in Japanese), Kunashir (Kunashiri), Shikotan and Habomai Islets several times in the past, but failed to agree on a solution. This led to the two sides never formally signing a peace treaty to end the war.

— The Kuril Islands divide the Sea of Okhotsk from the North Pacific Ocean and span northeast from Hokkaido in Japan to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 57)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 57)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 56)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 56)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 55)

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