9 September : Daily Current Affairs Quiz

Answer:  Option D - The avoidance of biological contamination between Earth and other celestial bodies

Explanation:

• Planetary protection, as defined by the Outer Space Treaty (1967), focuses on preventing biological contamination between Earth and other celestial bodies.
• This principle ensures that space missions do not transfer extraterrestrial life to Earth or Earth-originating life to other planets, preserving the integrity of planetary environments.
• It aims to avoid any potential ecological impact and safeguard both Earth and other celestial bodies from unintended biological exchange.

Answer:  Option B - India’s largest multilateral air exercise, involving eight countries and notable U.S. aircraft

Explanation:

• The Tarang Shakti exercise, conducted in India, is the largest multilateral air exercise involving the Indian military.
• Held in Jodhpur, it includes participation from eight countries and features notable U.S. aircraft, such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 jets.
• The exercise emphasizes enhancing air combat capabilities and interoperability among participating nations, making it a significant event in the field of international military cooperation.

Answer:  Option B - Facilitating negotiations for the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Explanation:

• The Swiss peace process, initiated in June 2024, focuses on facilitating negotiations for the Russia-Ukraine conflict by providing a neutral platform for dialogue.
• Switzerland, known for its neutrality, seeks to bring key international stakeholders together to work towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
• The process aims to address humanitarian issues and nuclear safety but has not yet involved direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Answer:  Option A - Rossby waves are slow-moving, high-altitude air currents that influence regional weather patterns.

Explanation:

• Rossby waves are large-scale, slow-moving high-altitude air currents in the atmosphere, created by the Earth's rotation and temperature differences.
• They significantly influence weather patterns and climate by affecting the distribution of heat and moisture.
• These waves can alter the path of storm systems, impact regional climate, and contribute to the variability in weather patterns across different latitudes.

Answer:  Option C - Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

Explanation:

• The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure zone located near the equator where the trade winds converge, triggering the Indian summer monsoon.
• During summer, the ITCZ shifts northward over the Indian subcontinent due to intense solar heating, creating a pressure gradient that pulls moist winds from the Indian Ocean.
• This leads to the onset of monsoon rains, which are critical for agriculture and water supply in India.