Ans: A

Exp: 

Mars’ Olympus Mons is the largest volcano in the solar system. The massive Martian mountain towers high above the surrounding plains of the red planet, and may be biding its time until the next eruption.

About Olympus Mons:

• Olympus Mons is a shield volcano located in Mars’ western hemisphere.
• Statement 1 is correct: It is the highest point on Mars and the largest known volcano in the solar system.
• Statement 2 is correct: The volcano stands 16 miles (24 kilometers) high, about three times the height of Mount Everest.
• Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, Earth’s largest volcano, is 120 kilometers across and 9 kilometers high.
• Olympus Mons formed approximately 3.5 billion years ago, early in Mars’ history.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Olympus Mons is a shield volcano. Rather than violently spewing molten material, shield volcanoes are created by lava slowly flowing down their sides. 
• It features a very flat structure with slopes ranging from 2 to 5 degrees.
• The summit is marked by a caldera, a large depression formed by volcanic activity, which spans 50 miles (80 kilometers) wide.
• The caldera consists of several overlapping pits created by different eruptive phases.

Many Earth-based volcanoes typically have a single, less complex caldera.

Ans: C

Exp:

A new study has provided “unambiguous evidence” that the Earth’s inner core began to slow down its rotation in 2010, compared to the planet’s surface.

Statement 1 is correct: The inner core’s rotation contributes to the overall angular momentum of the Earth. Any change in this rotation can slightly alter the Earth’s rotation speed, potentially affecting the length of a day. However, these changes are usually very small and occur over long geological timescales.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The rotation of the inner core does not have a direct and immediate impact on the Earth’s climate or weather patterns. Climate changes are influenced by a variety of factors, including atmospheric composition, solar radiation, and ocean currents. Changes in the inner core’s rotation would not cause rapid or significant climate changes within a short time frame.

Statement 3 is correct: The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core. Changes in the rotation of the inner core can impact these fluid motions, possibly leading to variations in the magnetic field. Such changes could affect compass readings and navigation systems that rely on the magnetic north.

Ans: A

Exp:

Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed a new product to predict the emergence of El Niño and La Niña conditions.

About Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN):

• A new product developed by INCOIS that uses AI, deep learning, and machine learning to improve forecasts related to the ENSO phases.
• BCNN’s Functioning: The model calculates the Niño3.4 index value, used to determine the different phases of ENSO, and makes the forecast. 
  • The index value is obtained by averaging the sea surface temperature anomaly in the central equatorial Pacific.
• Statement 1 is correct: Comparison with Existing Models: BCNN allows it to forecast the emergence of El Niño and La Niña conditions with a 15-month lead time, unlike other models which can predict up to six to nine months in advance.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The BCNN model combines dynamic models with Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep learning, and machine learning (ML), rather than relying exclusively on statistical methods.
• Challenges in Development: Scarcity of sufficient training data sets due to the limited observation period. This was addressed by incorporating data from historical runs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 5 and 6 (CMIP5 and CMIP6).
• Prediction: According to the June 5 bulletin, La Niña conditions would emerge during July-September (probability 70-90%) and continue till February 2025.

Ans: C

Exp: 

A woman-led start-up has successfully developed an AI-based tool that creates a “robust and multi-faceted authentication system” by combining facial recognition with gait analysis.

About ‘Divya Drishti’:

• Development Context:

• • • Statement 1 is correct: Guidance: Developed under technical guidance and mentoring by Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), DRDO, Bangalore.
    • Funding: Supported by the Technology Development Fund (TDF) to promote startups in defence and aerospace industries.
    • Objective: Aligns with DRDO’s vision of promoting ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Technology: Integrates facial recognition with immutable physiological parameters such as gait and skeleton, not voice recognition.
  • Statement 3 is correct: Purpose: Advances biometric authentication technology, enhances accuracy and reliability in identifying individuals.

• Application and Benefits:

• • Authentication System: Combines facial recognition with gait analysis for robust identification.
  • Sectoral Applications: Versatile applications across Defence, Law Enforcement, Corporate, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Advantages: Minimizes the risk of false positives and identity fraud.

Ans: B

Exp:

The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be the second home for cheetahs in India, after the Kuno National Park. The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it has completed its preparations for the ambitious project.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The sanctuary is located in the districts of Mandsaur and Neemuch in western Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan. 
• Statement 2 is correct: It is spread across an area of 368.62 sq km. The sanctuary sits atop a flat rocky plateau, with the Chambal river dividing it into two almost equal halves.
• Ecosystem: The sanctuary’s savanna ecosystem comprises open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees and shrubs due to the rocky terrain and shallow topsoil.
• The riverine valleys, however, are evergreen
• Ideal Habitat for Cheetahs: The landscape of Gandhi Sagar is similar to Maasai Mara, a national reserve in Kenya known for its savanna wilderness. 
• Statement 3 is correct: The sanctuary has been identified as the second-best habitat for cheetahs in India after Kuno.