11 July : Daily Current Affairs Quiz

Answer:  Option B - Desert and semi-arid regions

Explanation:

• Indian Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans) are primarily found in desert and semi-arid regions of India, such as parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• These tortoises prefer habitats with dry, scrubby vegetation and sandy soils, where they can burrow to escape extreme temperatures.
• Their distribution in these regions is closely linked to the availability of suitable food plants and conditions for nesting and hibernation, reflecting their adaptation to arid environments.

Answer:  Option D - Maharashtra

Explanation:

• India's Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory is situated in the Koyna-Warna region of Maharashtra.
• This region is seismically active, making it an ideal location to study earthquake mechanics.
• The laboratory conducts research using borehole geophysics techniques to understand the Earth's composition and seismic activity patterns, contributing significantly to earthquake prediction and mitigation efforts in India.

Answer:  Option A - Mantle

Explanation:

• The mantle of the Earth is characterized by a rapid increase in temperature with depth, known as the geothermal gradient.
• This gradient averages about 25-30°C per kilometer depth. This layer lies beneath the crust and extends to about 2,900 kilometers below the Earth's surface.
• It is predominantly composed of silicate rocks and exhibits plasticity, facilitating the movement of tectonic plates over geological timescales.

Answer:  Option A -  P-waves

Explanation:

• P-waves, or primary waves, travel fastest through the Earth's interior due to their ability to compress and expand material in the direction of wave propagation.
• These waves are longitudinal, moving through solids, liquids, and gases, whereas S-waves, or secondary waves, are transverse and travel slower, unable to pass through liquids.
• This difference in speed and propagation behavior helps scientists understand the structure and composition of the Earth's interior during seismic events.

Answer:  Option C - Facilitating closed-loop systems for resource use and recovery.

Explanation:

• A circular economy aims to minimise waste and maximise the lifecycle of resources by promoting closed-loop systems where products, materials, and resources are reused, repaired, or recycled to create a sustainable and efficient economic model.
• This approach contrasts with linear production processes that involve the extraction, use, and disposal of resources, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion.