GAT Test - 15

The correct answer is Devprayag

Key Points

• Devprayag is the town where the rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi merge to form the river Ganga.
• Devprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of the Alakananda River and is significant in Hindu theology.
• The town is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
• It is a sacred place and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Additional Information

• Haridwar and Varanasi are also important religious cities along the Ganga, but they are not the confluence points of Alakananda and Bhagirathi.
• Rudraprayag is another confluence point in Uttarakhand where the Mandakini River joins the Alakananda River.
• The river Ganga holds immense cultural, spiritual, and economic importance in India, and its origin at Devprayag is a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists alike.

The correct answer is EI Nino

Key Points

• EI Nino refers to the occasional development of warm ocean surface waters along the coast of Ecuador and Peru.
• This phenomenon typically occurs every few years and can have significant impacts on global weather patterns.
• La Nina is the opposite phase, characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.
• The Southern Oscillation is a broader climatic pattern that includes both EI Nino and La Nina phases.

Additional Information

• EI Nino and La Nina are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which influences global climate and weather patterns.
• The effects of EI Nino can include increased rainfall in the southern United States and Peru, and drought in the western Pacific region.
• Understanding and predicting these phenomena are crucial for mitigating their impacts on agriculture, water resources, and disaster management.

The correct answer is  1, 2 and 3.

Key Points

States in the Ganga Basin

• The Ganga Basin is one of the largest river basins in India, covering several states.
• Chhattisgarh is geographically located in the central part of India and is part of the Ganga Basin. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Himachal Pradesh is in the northern region of India and forms part of the upper catchment area of the Ganga Basin. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, has areas that drain into the Ganga Basin. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Therefore, all three states—Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan—are part of the Ganga Basin.

Additional Information

• The Ganga River is one of the most important rivers in India, both culturally and economically. It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through several states before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Ganga Basin covers approximately 26% of India's total geographical area and supports about 43% of its population.
• The basin is crucial for agriculture, water supply, and hydropower generation. It also has significant religious importance, particularly in Hinduism.
• Several major cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Kanpur, Patna, and Varanasi, are located within the Ganga Basin, making it a vital area for urban development and economic activities.
• Various government initiatives, such as the Namami Gange Programme, have been launched to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River due to its critical importance to India's ecology and economy.

The correct option is 'Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A'.

Key Points

• Assertion A: The sun is the ultimate source of heat and light for the solar system.
  • This statement is true.
  • Explanation: The sun is the central star of our solar system. It provides the essential heat and light that enables life on Earth and sustains various processes within the solar system. Without the sun, the planets and other celestial bodies would be incredibly cold and dark.
• Reason R: The sun is made up of extremely hot gases.
  • This statement is true.
  • Explanation: The sun primarily consists of hydrogen and helium gases. These gases are in a plasma state and undergo nuclear fusion reactions in the sun's core, producing tremendous amounts of energy. This energy is emitted as heat and light.
• Evaluation of the Relationship Between A and R:
  • Both the assertion and the reason are true. However, the reason provided does not directly explain why the sun is the ultimate source of heat and light for the solar system.
  • While it is true that the sun is made up of extremely hot gases, this fact alone does not explain why it is the ultimate source of heat and light. The reason it is the ultimate source is due to its role as a massive, energy-emitting star at the center of the solar system, providing the necessary energy for life and planetary processes.
  • Therefore, the reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the assertion (A).

Additional Information

• Nuclear Fusion: The sun's core temperature reaches about 15 million degrees Celsius, enabling nuclear fusion reactions. These reactions convert hydrogen into helium and release enormous amounts of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation (including visible light) and heat.
• Energy Distribution: The energy produced by the sun radiates outward through the solar system, impacting planets, moons, and other celestial bodies, and driving atmospheric and climatic phenomena on Earth.
• Solar Importance: The solar energy received by Earth is crucial for photosynthesis in plants, the water cycle, and the overall climate system, highlighting the sun's role as the fundamental energy source for life on our planet.

The correct answer is  Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.

Key Points

Ocean Currents and Equatorial Currents

• Ocean Currents are large masses of surface water that circulate in the open ocean. They are driven primarily by the global wind patterns, the Earth's rotation, and differences in water density.
• Ocean currents are dominated by huge surface gyres that are driven by the global surface wind pattern. These gyres are large systems of circular ocean currents formed by global wind patterns and forces created by Earth's rotation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• There are five main ocean gyres: the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, and Indian Ocean Gyres.
• Equatorial Currents are major ocean currents that flow westward near the equator. The equatorial currents move warm water westward, not cold water.
• Once these warm equatorial waters reach the western boundaries of ocean basins, they split and flow poleward along the western coasts of continents, not the eastern coasts. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Gyres are large systems of rotating ocean currents. They play a crucial role in regulating the climate by redistributing heat from the equator to the poles.
• The Coriolis Effect influences the direction of ocean currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, currents are deflected to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they are deflected to the left.
• The Gulf Stream is a well-known ocean current that transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic Ocean to Western Europe.
• Upwelling is a process where deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water rises to the surface. This process is crucial for marine life as it brings nutrients to the surface, supporting the growth of phytoplankton and the marine food web.
• El Niño and La Niña are significant climate phenomena related to ocean currents. El Niño is characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, while La Niña is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the same region.

The correct answer is  Himachal Pradesh.

Key Points

Location of Ghepang Ghat Glacial Lake

• Ghepang Ghat Glacial Lake is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• It is located in the Lahaul-Spiti district, which is known for its rugged terrain and high-altitude lakes.
• Himachal Pradesh is a state in the northern part of India, bordered by Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Haryana.
• The region is famous for its Himalayan landscapes and is a popular destination for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure tourism.
• The increase in the size of the Ghepang Ghat Glacial Lake by 178% as revealed by ISRO's studies indicates significant glacial melting and potential climate change impacts.

Additional Information

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, headquartered in Bengaluru. It is responsible for space research and the development of space technology.
• ISRO has been involved in various studies related to glacial lakes and their changes over time due to climate change. The increase in the size of glacial lakes can lead to potential risks such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• Himachal Pradesh is known for its diverse topography ranging from low hills to high mountain ranges. The state is home to several important glacial lakes and rivers that are crucial for water supply and hydroelectric power generation.
• The Lahaul-Spiti district is one of the most remote and least populated regions of Himachal Pradesh, characterized by its cold desert environment and significant Buddhist cultural influence.
• Understanding the changes in glacial lakes is important for disaster management and planning in the region, as well as for climate change adaptation strategies.

The Correct answer is Option 4

Key Points

• The correct group of millet crops is Sorghum, Kodo, Kangani, Ragi

• Millets are small-seeded grasses that are cultivated as grain crops in dry, arid regions. Common millet crops include:

  • Sorghum (also called Jowar)
  • Kodo (Kodo millet)
  • Kangani (Foxtail millet)
  • Ragi (Finger millet)

Additional Information

•  Millets are small-seeded, drought-resistant grains that have been grown for centuries.
• They are considered superfoods due to their high nutritional value and adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions.
•  The Government of India has been promoting millet cultivation due to their climate resilience and nutritional benefits.
• The UN also declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to raise awareness about their benefits.

Types of Millets

1. Pearl Millet (Bajra):
2. Finger Millet (Ragi):
3. Foxtail Millet (Kangni):
4. Sorghum (Jowar):
5. Barnyard Millet (Sanwa)
6. Kodo Millet (Kodra):
7. Little Millet (Kutki):
8. Proso Millet (Chenna/Barri):
9. Brown Top Millet:

Importance of Millets:

1. Nutritional Value:

   • Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (especially iron, calcium, and magnesium).
   • Millets have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for people with diabetes.

2. Climate Resilience:

   • Millets are drought-resistant, require less water, and can grow in poor soil conditions.
   • They play a critical role in ensuring food security in regions prone to drought and erratic rainfall.

3. Environmental Benefits:

   • Require fewer inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
   • Help improve soil health and promote sustainable agriculture.

4. Health Benefits:

   • Millets are gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease.
   • Their high fiber content aids digestion and helps prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Government Initiatives in India:

1. National Food Security Mission (NFSM):

   • Millets have been included under NFSM to promote their cultivation and boost production through subsidies and other incentives.

2. Millet Mission:

   • A scheme to promote the consumption of millets and support farmers in growing these crops.

3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):

   • Millets are given importance in arid and semi-arid regions under this scheme, which focuses on water-efficient agriculture.

4. International Year of Millets – 2023:

   • India has been at the forefront of promoting millets globally through campaigns, policy interventions, and events. The UN's declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a testament to this effort.

The correct answer is Greenhouse effect.

Key Points

• Venus is often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of its similar size, composition, and proximity to the Sun.
• The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Planet’s surface.
• Venus has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide (about 96.5%) and nitrogen, with clouds of sulfuric acid.
• However, the thick cloud cover and high concentration of greenhouse gases trap the heat, preventing it from escaping back into space.
• This process leads to extremely high surface temperatures on Venus, averaging around 465 degrees Celsius.
• The atmospheric pressure on Venus is about 92 times that of Earth’s at sea level.

Additional Information

• Venus has a high albedo due to its thick cloud cover, reflecting about 70% of incoming sunlight.
• Tidal heating is a phenomenon that occurs when a celestial body experiences internal heating due to the gravitational forces exerted by nearby objects.
• The amount of tidal heating depends on several factors, including the mass of the two interacting bodies, their distance from each other, and the orbital eccentricity.
• Gravitational compression occurs when the weight of the material within a celestial body causes it to collapse under its own gravity.
• The gravitational force is so strong that not even light can escape from within the event horizon.
• The solar wind is primarily composed of charged particles, including protons (about 95%), electrons (about 4%), and alpha particles (helium nuclei, about 1%). 
• On Earth, solar wind absorption is responsible for creating auroras (the Northern and Southern Lights).

The correct answer is Harry Hammond Hess

Key Points

• Harry Hammond Hess published 'The History of Ocean Basins' in 1962.
• His work outlined the theory of how tectonic plates could move, which later came to be known as 'sea floor spreading'.
• Hess's theory was crucial in providing a mechanism for Alfred Wegener's earlier hypothesis of continental drift.
• This theory helped to explain the formation of mid-ocean ridges and the symmetrical pattern of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor.
• Sea floor spreading is a key component of the broader theory of plate tectonics, which describes the movement of the Earth's lithosphere.

Additional Information

• Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912, suggesting that continents had once been joined together and had since drifted apart.
• Louis Bauer was an American geophysicist known for his work in geomagnetism but did not contribute to the theory of sea floor spreading.
• George Edward Backus was an American geophysicist known for his work in geophysical inverse theory and geomagnetism, but not related to sea floor spreading.
• The concept of plate tectonics has revolutionized our understanding of Earth's geological processes, including the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only

In News

• INS Mormugao, a stealth-guided missile destroyer being built under Project-15B, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at a ceremony in Mumbai.

Key Points

INS Mormugao:

• The second of the Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyers, INS Mormugao (Pennant D67) was recently commissioned into the Indian Navy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The ship, named after a key port in Goa, was commissioned a day before the Goa Liberation Day celebrations. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• They have a total atmospheric control system (TACS) that protects the crew from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. 
• It has a state-of-the-art combat management system that can evaluate threats using analytical tools and create a tactical picture.
• It is also equipped with indigenous torpedo tube launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai), anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers (Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai) and 76mm super rapid gun mount (BHEL, Haridwar) in addition to various gun systems having wide-range sensors.
• The stealth destroyer will be capable of operating two multiple-role helicopters.
• Armed with various state-of-the-art weapons and sensors like multi-functional surveillance radars and vertically launched missile systems for long-distance engagement of shore, sea-based and air targets.
• It has over 75% indigenous content.
• The design of the ships has been developed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai. 
• They are a follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers and named after major cities from all four corners of the country — Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat. 
  • INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned in 2021. 
  • INS Imphal and INS Surat are at various stages of outfitting and trials.
• These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range surface-to-air missiles. Hence, statement 2 is correct.