DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ – 20 November 2024

Ans. c

Explanation:

Annual Temperature Range Variations:

1. Definition of Annual Range

• Description: The annual range represents the difference between the warmest and coldest months, determined by averaging monthly temperatures.
• Statement 1 (Correct): Maximum annual range is observed notably across the vast interiors of continents in the Northern Hemisphere, prominently evident over regions like the Siberian Plains.
  • Continentality Effect: Land heats and cools rapidly compared to water due to differences in specific heat capacity. This leads to substantial temperature variations across seasons, notably pronounced over landmasses compared to oceans.
  • Northern Hemisphere Dynamics: With more landmass, the Northern Hemisphere interior (like the Siberian Plains) exhibits the most significant annual temperature range due to these variations, whereas the Northern Atlantic, influenced by warm ocean currents, shows a narrower range due to moderated temperatures.

2. Lowest Annual Range near the Equator

• Statement 2 (Correct): Regions within a narrow equatorial belt (approximately between 20 degrees South and 15 degrees North) experience the smallest annual temperature range, averaging around 3 degrees Celsius.
  • Equatorial Conditions: Proximity to the Equator results in nearly uniform insolation and consistent weather throughout the year, leading to minimal fluctuations in temperature. Consequently, these areas lack extremes of both hot and cold, hence exhibiting very low annual temperature ranges.

Ans. d

Explanation:

Air Pressure Dynamics:

• When heated, air expands, and when cooled, it contracts, leading to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. These pressure variances prompt the movement of air from areas of high pressure to those of low pressure, initiating air circulation. Moreover, atmospheric pressure plays a critical role in determining whether air will ascend or descend.

Statement 1: Incorrect

• Contrary to the statement, within the lower atmosphere, pressure actually decreases rapidly rather than increases with height. However, this decline in pressure isn’t consistent due to the variability of factors influencing air density, such as temperature, moisture content, and gravitational effects. Consequently, establishing a straightforward relationship between altitude and pressure becomes challenging.

Statements 2 and 3: correct

• Atmospheric pressure isn’t consistent across all locations. The Earth’s surface experiences diverse pressure changes due to uneven surface heating. Analyzing the horizontal pressure variations involves plotting lines, known as isobars, connecting areas sharing identical pressure values on maps. Isobars represent the horizontal distribution of pressure at consistent levels. To standardize pressure measurements for comparison, adjustments are made by calculating pressure at different stations and reducing it to sea level to neutralize altitude-based effects.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:
PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya MahaAbhiyan aims to ensure holistic development of tribal groups. It is meant to ensure last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The scheme aims to benefit and saturate the families and habitations with basic facilities. It is a 24,000-crore project for vulnerable tribal groups. It was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day). Modi also launched the Visksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide programme to reach out to all villages and include those eligible for various central schemes. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Ans. a

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The IUCN Status of the Himalayan brown bear is Critically Endangered.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Himalayan brown bear is the least arboreal bear and is primarily terrestrial, adapted to life in rolling uplands above the tree line.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect:In 2009, the UPSC established criteria for selecting State DGPs, following the Supreme Court’s directives on police reforms in the case of Prakash Singh vs Union of India. Recently, the UPSC modified the guidelines for appointing State Director Generals of Police (DGPs). The revised rule states that solely police officers with a minimum of six months remaining in service before retirement will be eligible for consideration in the appointment as DGPs.