[Mission 2023] Current Affairs Quiz , 27 February 2023

Solution: c)

a

Solution: c)

In many ways, the intensity is an even more important measure of an earthquake as it is related to the tangible impact a quake has. Intensity scales, like the Modified Mercalli Scale and the Rossi-Forel scale, measure the amount of shaking at a particular location.

An earthquake causes many different intensities of shaking, depending on how deep it is located on the earth’s crust and how far it is from its epicentre. Earthquakes of lower magnitude can be more intense if they are located in more shallow ground or if the area where they occur has more loose soil, etc.

The Modified Mercalli Scale, the most commonly used intensity scale, ranks earthquake intensity on a scale of I. (not felt) to XII. (extreme).

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Organic mulches also improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose.

This improves root growth, increases the infiltration of water, and also improves the water-holding capacity of the soil.

Organic matter is a source of plant nutrients and provides an ideal environment for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.

Solution: c)

Jointly developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), an Earth-observation satellite, called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar).

NISAR has been built by space agencies of the US and India under a partnership agreement signed in 2014. The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.

Once launched into space, NISAR will observe subtle changes in Earth’s surfaces, helping researchers better understand the causes and consequences of such phenomena. It will spot warning signs of natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides. The satellite will also measure groundwater levels, track flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets, and monitor the planet’s forest and agricultural regions, which can improve our understanding of carbon exchange.

ISRO will use NISAR for a variety of purposes including agricultural mapping, and monitoring of glaciers in the Himalayas, landslide-prone areas and changes in the coastline.

By using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), NISAR will produce high-resolution images. SAR is capable of penetrating clouds and can collect data day and night regardless of the weather conditions.

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Solution: d)

Aftershocks are a sequence of earthquakes that happen after a larger mainshock on a fault. Aftershocks occur near the fault zone where the mainshock rupture occurred and are part of the “readjustment process” after the main slip on the fault.

While they become less frequent with time, they can continue for days, weeks, months, or even years for a very large mainshock.

Although aftershocks tend to be weaker than the main seismic event, they can cause significant damage.

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Solution: c)

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) is an international body that monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system.  The FSB was established by G20 leaders following the onset of the global financial crisis.

Solution: b)

The 141-year-old mountain railway system connecting New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal is under the Guwahati-headquartered Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

DHR is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The DHR also introduced special services such as Steam Jungle Tea Safari, Red Panda and Him Kanya. Its special services include charter trains, special film shooting trains, and a heritage dining experience.