Question:

Consider the following statements regarding the magnetic North and South poles:

1. The magnetic poles are defined by the axis around which the planet rotates, and are fixed.
2. The origin of Earth’s magnetism lies in its outer core, a more than 2,000 km layer of liquid iron and some other metals like nickel that surrounds the central core.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:
• The Earth has two pairs of North and South poles. The geographic poles are defined by the axis around which the planet rotates, and are fixed. The Earth behaves like a giant bar magnet and this behaviour defines its magnetic north and south poles, which are not static.
• The magnetic North Pole or South Pole does not coincide with the geographical north or South Pole. Currently, the magnetic North Pole is located somewhere over northern Canada, a fact discovered in 1831 by Sir James Clark Ross.
• The origin of Earth’s magnetism lies in its outer core, a more than 2,000 km layer of liquid iron and some other metals like nickel that surrounds the central core, or the innermost part. This liquid iron is in constant motion due to Earth’s rotation and various other reasons, and this motion produces a magnetic field.

Purpose of the Question:
The magnetic North Pole has reportedly been moving across the Canadian Arctic towards Russia, and has moved hundreds of miles over the last several decades. Scientists have now realized the pace of this movement has suddenly increased, quite significantly.

Source: Indian Express

Question.

Due to extreme weather conditions in US, Polar Vortex is in news. Consider the following statements vis-à-vis Polar Vortex:

1. It is a whirling cone of low pressure that is strongest in winter months.
2. When the Polar Vortex is strongest, cold air is more likely to plunge into the US & Eurasia.
3. The Polar Vortex generally spins in the lower troposphere.

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Answer: D

Explanation:
Polar Vortex is a band of winds around the poles that keeps the cold air locked near the poles itself. The polar vortex extends from the tropopause, (8–11 km in altitude), to the stratopause (50–60 km in altitude).

How does Polar Vortex affect the Climate?
When the Polar Vortex is strongest, cold air is less likely to plunge into the US & Eurasia as air is trapped into that vortex, but sometimes this vortex is disrupted (breaks into sister vortex) or it shifts southwards, due to wave energy propagated upward from the lower atmosphere (troposphere). This shifting of the Polar Vortex southwards led to sudden gust of chilled and frozen air into the US /Eurasia.

The Most Probable Cause of this Polar Vortex Disruption:
The exact reason is unknown but scientists are of the view that reduction in the temperature difference between North Poles and regions like North America is the cause of this disruption; i.e. it can be said that global warming is the cause of this Polar Vortex disruption.

Source: Indian Express

Question:

Which among the following pass is not present in the state of Jammu & Kashmir?

1. Khardung La Pass
2. Zoji La Pass
3. Banihal pass
4. Lipulekh pass

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 4 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation:
Lipulekh Pass is a Himalayan pass on the border between Uttarakhand, India and Tibet, China. Khardung La, Zoji La and the Banihal Pass, on the other hand are high mountain pass located in Jammu and Kashmir.
About Khardung La Pass:
• It is one of the highest motorable pass in the world.
• The pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier. It is the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys of Jammu and Kashmir.
Purpose of the Question:
Recently, an avalanche has hit the Khardung La Pass which has led to catastrophe in the region.

Source: The Hindu

Question:

Consider the following statements about ‘Araku Valley’:

1. It is located in the Western Ghats and is known for coffee cultivation.
2. Katiki Waterfall is present in the Araku Valley.
3. In winter season, this valley turns into the Valley of Honey.

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 2 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C.1, 2 and 3
D. None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Araku Valley is situated in the Eastern Ghats near the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its coffee. Galikonda is the highest peak in AP. The Araku Valley is endowed with Bauxite ores. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Katiki waterfall is named after the place Katiki which is present in Araku Valley and the waterfall originates from River Gosthani.
• In the winter season Niger flower blossoms in the Eastern Ghats which attracts the honeybees and this region gets converted to the Valley of Honey during winters.

Purpose of the Question:
Araku Valley is in news because of the Araku Balloon Festival. The second edition of the festival took place in Andhra Pradesh organized by the AP Tourism from 18th to 20th January 2019. Balloonists from around 15 countries participated in the festival this year.

Source: TH

Question:

Which of the following can possibly cause Tsunami?

1. Earthquake

2. Tropical cyclone

3. Comets or meteorites falling from space in ocean body

4. Torrential rainfall.

5. Volcanic Eruptions

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 1, 3, 5 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation: Tsunami is caused primarily due to strong upheaval in the water body. This strong upheaval can be brought up by earthquake, volcanic eruptions or big rocks falling in the ocean body (This may include meteorite or big comets falling in the water body too). Rainfall or cyclones don’t have much impact on the Tsunami.
Purpose of the Question:
Recent volcanic eruption had led to tsunami in Indonesia. Hence, candidates should be aware about the factors that trigger tsunami.

Source: The Hindu

Question:

Countries bordering the “Black sea” are

1. Moldova

2. Georgia

3. Turkey

4. Ukraine

Choose the correct option from the code given below

A. 1, 2, 3 only
B. 2, 3, 4 only
C.1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: B

Explanation: Moldova does not share a border with Black sea, but it does have access to Black sea via Danube River.
Black Sea Bordering Countries: Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania
Purpose of the Question:
Black sea region is in news due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Source: The Hindu

Question:

Cyclonic storm “Gaja” has brought back the avian to Pulicat Lake. Consider the following statements about Pulicat Lake:

1. It is India’s second largest brackish water lake on the Malabar Coast.

2. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Arabian Sea.
3. The primary inflows to the Pulicat Lake are Arani, Kalangi and Swarnmukhi.

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 3 only

B. 2 only

C. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation:
• Pulicat Lagoon is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India, after Chilika Lake. It is present in Coromondal Region i.e. Andhra Pradesh– Tamil Nadu Border but its major portion is present in Nellore District of AP. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal and is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Statement 2 is also incorrect.
• The primary inflows to the Pulicat Lake are Arani, Kalangi and Swarnmukhi.
Purpose of the Question:
Pulicat Lake is in news due to the Cyclone Gaja. The cyclonic storm has proved to be a boon for the migratory birds have brought inflows to the lake.

Source: The Hindu