Day 68 (26th January 2023) (Date : 26-01-2023)

Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• The world climate can be studied by organising information and data on climate and synthesising them in smaller units for easy understanding, description and analysis.
  • Three broad approaches have been adopted for classifying climate i.e., empirical, genetic and applied.
• Empirical climate classification: This approach is based on the direct observation of climate data, such as temperature and precipitation. Climate zones are defined based on the values of these variables and their distribution. The most commonly used empirical classification system is the Koppen-Geiger system. Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
• Genetic climate classification: This approach is based on the study of the physical processes that produce the climate. Climate zones are defined based on factors such as air mass circulation, topography, and ocean currents. The most commonly used genetic classification system is the Thornthwaite system.
• Applied climate classification: This approach is based on the practical application of climate information. Climate zones are defined based on their suitability for specific activities such as agriculture or tourism. An example of an applied classification system is the Holdridge system.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Koppen’s Scheme of Classification of Climate: It is most widely used classification of climate developed by V. Koeppen.
• Koeppen identified a close relationship between the distribution of vegetation and climate. He selected certain values of temperature and precipitation and related them to the distribution of vegetation and used these values for classifying the climates.
• It is an empirical classification based on mean annual and mean monthly temperature and precipitation data. He introduced the use of capital and small letters to designate climatic groups and types.
• Koeppen recognised five major climatic groups, four of them are based on temperature and one on precipitation. The capital letters: A, C, D and E delineate humid climates and B dry climates.
  • Type B climates are defined by dryness; all others are defined by temperature. Hence, option B is correct.
• The climatic groups are subdivided into types, designated by small letters, based on seasonality of precipitation and temperature characteristics.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Causes of Climate Change: The causes for climate change are many. They can be grouped into astronomical and terrestrial causes.
• The astronomical causes are the changes in solar output associated with sunspot activities (dark and cooler patches on the sun which increase and decrease in a cyclical manner).
  • When the number of sunspots increase, cooler and wetter weather and greater storminess occur. A decrease in sunspot numbers is associated with warm and drier conditions. Yet, these findings are not statistically significant.
  • An another astronomical theory is Millankovitch oscillations, which infer cycles in the variations in the earth’s orbital characteristics around the sun, the wobbling of the earth and the changes in the earth’s axial tilt. All these alter the amount of insolation received from the sun, which in turn, might have a bearing on the climate.
• Volcanism is considered as another cause for climate change. Volcanic eruption throws up lots of aerosols into the atmosphere. These aerosols remain in the atmosphere for a considerable period of time reducing the sun’s radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. After the recent Pinatoba and El Cion volcanic eruptions, the average temperature of the earth fell to some extent for some years.
• The most important anthropogenic effect on the climate is the increasing trend in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which is likely to cause global warming. Hence, option C is correct.

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Correct Answer : B

Explanation

• Global Warming Due to the presence of greenhouse gases, the atmosphere is behaving like a greenhouse. The atmosphere also transmits the incoming solar radiation but absorbs the vast majority of long wave radiation emitted upwards by the earth’s surface. The gases that absorb long wave radiation are called greenhouse gases. The processes that warm the atmosphere are often collectively referred to as the greenhouse effect.
  • Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): The primary GHGs of concern today are carbon dioxide (CO₂), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and ozone (O₃). Some other gases such as nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) easily react with GHGs and affect their concentration in the atmosphere.
  • Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, but it is considered to be "feedback" rather than a "forcing" greenhouse gas. This means that its presence in the atmosphere can amplify or reduce the warming caused by other greenhouse gases, rather than directly causing warming on its own. Hence, option B is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• The Aw (Tropical savanna climate) is a type of climate characterized by a hot and wet tropical climate with a prolonged dry season. This climate type is typically found in regions near the equator with low-lying topography, such as the Indian Peninsula, parts of Africa, and parts of South America. Hence, option A is correct.
  • During the dry season, there is little precipitation and high temperatures, which can lead to drought conditions. The rainy season typically brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding in some areas.
• BSh (Low-latitude semi-arid or dry): This climate type is characterized by a hot and dry desert climate with low precipitation, but with slightly cooler temperatures in the winter months. This is typically found in regions like the Sonoran Desert in North America.
• Cfb (No dry season, warm and cool summer): This climate type is characterized by a mild and rainy oceanic climate, with cool winters and warm summers. This climate type is typically found in regions along the west coast of continents, such as the Pacific Northwest in North America or the British Isles in Europe.
• Am (Monsoonal, short dry season): This climate type is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season and a dry season the rest of the year. This climate type is typically found in regions near the equator, such as parts of India, South America, and Africa.

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Correct Answer : C

Explanation

• Modhera, a village in the Mehsana district of Gujarat become India's first solar-powered village, would be self-sufficient in solar energy generation, as it will utilise 1000 solar panels that have been installed on the village houses, generating electricity round the clock for the villagers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The installed solar energy capacity has increased by 19.3 times in the last 8 years and stands at 56.6 GW.
• Further, India has set an ambitious target to achieve a capacity of 175 GW worth of renewable energy by the end of 2022, which expands to 500 GW by 2030.Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• India was the second-largest market in Asia for new solar PV capacity and third globally (2021). It ranked fourth for total installations (60.4 GW), overtaking Germany (59.2 GW). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• The AJAY scheme was launched in September 2016 for the installation of solar street lighting (SSL) systems in states with less than 50% of households covered with grid power (as per Census 2011). Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

• The Aral Sea was a once-large saltwater lake of Central Asia. It straddles the boundary between Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the south.
• The shallow Aral Sea was once the world’s fourth largest body of inland water. The remnants of it nestle in the climatically inhospitable heart of Central Asia, to the east of the Caspian Sea.

• Hence, Option D is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Adriatic Sea:

• Arm of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Italy (have largest boundry) and the Balkan Peninsula.
• It extends from the Gulf of Venice south to the Strait of Otranto, linking it to the Ionian Sea.
• Bordering Countries: Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Slovenia.
• Hence, option A is correct.

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Correct Answer : A

Explanation

• Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme:
  • It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% Central funding. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The new scheme, to be implemented during the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26 has an outlay of Rs.6,600 crore.
  • The PM-DevINE is in addition to the quantum of resources available for the development of the NE region. It will not be a substitute for existing central and state schemes.
  • The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region through North Eastern Council or Central Ministries/ agencies.
• Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

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Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Public Private Partnership Model:

• It is an arrangement between the government and private sector for the provision of public assets and/or public services. Public-private partnerships allow large-scale government projects, such as roads, bridges, or hospitals, to be completed with private funding.
• In this type of partnership, investments are undertaken by the private sector entity, for a specified period of time. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• As PPP involves full retention of responsibility by the government for providing the services, it doesn’t amount to privatization. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• There is a well-defined allocation of risk between the private sector and the public entity.
• The private entity is chosen on the basis of open competitive bidding and receives performance-linked payments. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• PPP route can be an alternative in developing countries where governments face various constraints on borrowing money for important projects.
• It can also give required expertise in planning or executing large projects.

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