22-24 NOV CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)

Q1. Which of the following organisations forms part of the Deep Ocean Mission?

1.Defense Research and Development Organisation

2.Indian Space Research Organisation

3.Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Answer using the correct codes below:

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Solution : d)

Explanation :-

Deep Ocean Mission:

 Details: The mission, which is expected to cost over ₹4,000 crores, will give a boost

to efforts to explore India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf.

o The mission will also involve developing technologies for different deep

ocean initiatives.

 The multi-disciplinary work: The mission will be piloted by the MoES and other

government departments like the

o Defense Research and Development Organisation,

o Department of Biotechnology,

o Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),

o Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

 Various aspects involved:

o The main aspects of the mission will be the design, development, and

demonstration of human submersibles.

Another aspect is to explore the possibility of deep-sea mining and developing the

necessary technologies.

Q2. Which of the following countries is part of exercise SIMBEX 2020, conducted with

India?

a) Sri Lanka

b) Singapore

c) Slovenia

d) None of the above

Solution : b)

Explanation :-

The SIMBEX series of exercises:

 Countries involved: The SIMBEX series of exercises is between Indian Navy and

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

 It has been conducted annually since 1994, and aims at enhancing mutual inter-

operability and imbibing best practices from each other.

 The scope and complexity of these exercises has increased steadily over the past two

decades to include advanced naval drills covering a wide spectrum of maritime

operations.

 Ships involved: The 2020 edition of SIMBEX will witness participation by

o Indian Navy ships including destroyer Rana with integral Chetak helicopter

and indigenously built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk.

o Also, the submarine Sindhuraj and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will

also participate in the exercise.

o On the other hand, RSN will be represented by the ‘Formidable’ Class frigates

‘Intrepid’ and ‘Steadfast’ with integral S70B helicopter and ‘Endurance’ Class

Landing Ship Tank ‘Endeavour’ in the exercise.

 COVID-19 precautions:

o The exercise is being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in

view of COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the high degree of mutual trust and

confidence, synergy and cooperation in the maritime domain between the

two friendly navies and maritime neighbours.

o The exercise will witness the two friendly navies participate in advanced

surface, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare exercises including

weapon firings, over three days of intensive joint operations at sea.

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to the International Maritime

Organization (IMO)

1. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established by means of a

Convention adopted under the auspices of the UN in 1948.

2. It is responsible for enforcing its policies and there is an enforcement mechanism to

implement the policies of the IMO.

3. Recently, IMO recognised India as the fourth country to have its own global

navigation system.

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Solution : a)

Explanation :-

International Maritime Organization (IMO):

 It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established by means of a

Convention adopted under the auspices of the UN in Geneva on 17 March 1948

and met for the first time in January 1959.

 It currently has 174 Member States and 3 associate members.

 It works as a global standard-setting authority with responsibility to improve the

safety and security of international shipping and prevention of marine and

atmospheric pollution by ships.

 Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair

and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

 It is not responsible for enforcing its policies and there is no enforcement

mechanism to implement the policies of the IMO.

 India joined the IMO in 1959 and the IMO currently lists India as among the 10 states

with the ‘largest interest in international seaborne trade’.

 Recently, IMO recognised India as the fourth country to have its

own regional navigation system.

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to the Sentinel-6 satellite, recently in

news

1. It is a part of the Jason-CS mission, designed to measure the height of the ocean,

which is a key component in understanding how the Earth’s climate is changing.

2. It is developed jointly by the European Space Agency ESA, NASA and others, with

contributions from France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)

Explanation :-

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 satellite:

 Designed to monitor oceans, was launched from California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9

rocket recently.

 This is a part of the next mission dedicated to measuring changes in the global sea

level.

 Other satellites that have been launched since 1992 to track changes in the oceans

on a global scale include the TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1 and OSTN/Jason-2, among

others.

About the mission:

 Jason Continuity of Service (Jason-CS) mission: Called so, the mission is designed to

measure the height of the ocean, which is a key component in understanding how

the Earth’s climate is changing.

 The spacecraft consists of two satellites: One of them launched recently, and the

other one called Sentinel-6B, to be launched in 2025.

 Developed jointly by: The European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, European

Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (Eumetsat), the USA’s

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the EU, with

contributions from France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Group of 20(G20)

1. Originated in 1999 at the level of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, the

G20 gathered for high-level discussions on macro-financial issues.

2. The first G20 Leaders’ Summit took place in Washington D.C. in 2008 and the G20

agenda expanded beyond macro-financial issues, to include socio-economic and

development issues.

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)

Explanation :-

What is the history of the G20?

 Originated in 1999 at the level of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, the

G20 gathered for high-level discussions on macro-financial issues.

 In the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the G20 was elevated to include the

leaders of member countries. The first G20 Leaders’ Summit took place

in Washington D.C. in November 2008.

 Consequently, the G20 agenda expanded beyond macro-financial issues, to

include socio-economic and development issues.

Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Tropical Storms

1.The tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern Pacific Ocean are

called typhoons.

2.The tropical cyclones that form in the Northwest Pacific are called hurricanes.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : d)

Explanation :-

About Tropical cyclones or hurricanes

 Location: They use warm, moist air as fuel and therefore form over warm ocean

waters near the equator.

 Mechanism :

o When the warm, moist air rises upward from the surface of the ocean, it

creates an area of low air pressure below.

o After this, the air from the surrounding areas, which has higher pressure,

enters this space, eventually rising when it becomes warm and moist too.

o As the warm and moist air continues to rise, the surrounding air will keep

entering the area of low air pressure.

o Ultimately, when the warm air rises and cools off, the water in the air forms

clouds.

o And this corresponding system of clouds and winds continues to grow and

spin, fuelled by the ocean’s heat and the water that evaporates from its

surface.

o As such storm systems rotate faster and faster, an eye forms in the center.

 Direction:

o Storms that form towards the north of the equator rotate counter-clockwise.

o On the other hand, those that form south of the equator spin clockwise

because of the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

 No difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm

o Depending on where they occur, hurricanes may be called typhoons or

cyclones.

o As per NASA, the scientific name for all these kinds of storms is tropical

cyclones.

o The tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern

Pacific Ocean are called hurricanes.

o On the other hand, tropical cyclones that form in the Northwest Pacific are

called typhoons.

Q7. Which of the following provides for free legal aid for poor and vulnerable sections of

the society?

1. Fundamental Rights enshrined in the constitution of India.

2. Directive Principle of State Policies(DPSPs) included in Part IV of Indian constitution.

3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Solution : d)

Explanation :-

 Constitutional Provisions for providing free legal aid:

o Article 21 of Indian constitution, the right to free legal aid or free legal

service is a fundamental right.

o Article 39A of constitution, added through 42nd Amendment Act (along with

articles 39, 43A, 48A), provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker

sections of the society and ensures justice for all.

 Legal aid as a human right: Is envisaged in the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights, 1948.

Q8. Consider the following nations

1. The United States

2. India

3. China

4. Japan

5. New Zealand

6. Singapore

Which of the above nation/s is/are part of APEC, EAS and RCEP groupings?

a) 3 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 3,4,5 and 6 only

d) 3,4 and 6 only

Solution : c)

Explanation :-

East Asia Summit (EAS):

 Established in 2005, EAS is a forum of 18 regional leaders for strategic dialogue and

cooperation on the key political, security, and economic challenges facing the Indo-

Pacific region.

 The 18 members include the 10 ASEAN countries along with Australia, China, India,

Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the US and Russia.

RCEP:

 It was originally being negotiated between 16 countries – ASEAN members and

countries with which they have free trade agreements (FTAs), namely Australia,

China, Korea, Japan, New Zealand and India.

 The final agreement excludes India.

Q9. Consider the following pairs

Mission to moon (Spacecraft) Launched by (Country)

1. Baresheet 1. United Kingdom

2. Longjiang B. Japan

3. Chang’e C. China

4. TESS D. USA

Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 3 and 4 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Solution : b)

Explanation :-

Baresheet – Israel, Longjiang – China

Q10. Consider the following statements with respect to the Global Carbon Project

1. It is an organisation established in 2001 to quantify global greenhouse gas emissions

and their causes.

2. It is a shared partnership between the International Geosphere-Biosphere

Programme (IGBP), the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global

Environmental Change (IHDP), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP).

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)

Explanation :-

The Global Carbon Project:

 It was established in 2001 (Headquarter – Canberra, Australia) by a shared

partnership between the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), the

International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change

(IHDP), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and Diversitas.

 It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and a research partner of the World

Climate Research Programme.

 Objective: To work with the science community to quantify global greenhouse gas

emissions and their causes. The main object of the group has been to fully

understand the carbon cycle.

o Its projects include global budgets for three dominant greenhouse gases –

carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

o : The study has drawn the attention of the emissions experts, earth scientists,

economists, policymakers and the general public on the rising atmospheric

concentrations of the main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane

(CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Q11. Which of the following countries has convened ‘15th G20’ Summit in a virtual

format?

a) France

b) Saudi Arabia

c) Australia

d) Russia

Solution : b)

Explanation :-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the COVID-19 pandemic as an important turning

point in history of humanity and the biggest challenge the world is facing since the World

War II.

He was speaking at the 15th G20 Summit convened by Saudi Arabia in a virtual format.

Hence option (b) is correct.

Mr. Modi called for a new Global Index for the Post-Corona World that comprises four key

elements. These are –

o creation of a vast Talent Pool,

o ensuring that Technology reaches all segments of the society,

o Transparency in systems of governance, and

o dealing with Mother Earth with a spirit of Trusteeship.

Noting that ‘Work from Anywhere’ is a new normal in the post-COVID world, the Prime

Minister also suggested creation of a G20 Virtual Secretariat as a follow up and

documentation repository. The G20 Leaders’ Summit would culminate in the adoption of

the Leaders’ Declaration and with Saudi Arabia passing on the Presidency to Italy.

Q12. With respect to “Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite”, recently seen in

news, consider the following statements:

1. It is designed to understand the transition of particles from the corona of the sun through

the solar winds which fill the interplanetary space.

2. It is a joint collaboration of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : b)

Explanation :-

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, designed to monitor oceans, was

launched from the Vandenberg Air Force base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket

on November 21.

This is a part of the next mission dedicated to measuring changes in the global sea level.

Other satellites that have been launched since 1992 to track changes in the oceans on a

global scale include the TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1 and OSTN/Jason-2, among others.

The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has been named after Dr. Michael Freilich, who was

the Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division from 2006-2019 and passed away in August

this year.

Hence Statement 1 is incorrect: The mission, called the Jason Continuity of Service (Jason-

CS) mission, is designed to measure the height of the ocean, which is a key component in

understanding how the Earth’s climate is changing. The spacecraft consists of two

satellites, one of them launched on Saturday, and the other, called Sentinel-6B, to be

launched in 2025.

Hence Statement 2 is correct: It has been developed jointly by the European Space Agency

(ESA), NASA, European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

(Eumetsat), the USA’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the

EU.

Hence option (b) is correct.

Q13. Recently, which of the following states has promulgated an ordinance that banned

online gaming in the state?

a) Karnataka

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Meghalaya

d) Tamil Nadu

Solution : d)

Explanation :-

Tamil Nadu Governor promulgated an ordinance that banned online gaming in the state,

with a fine up to Rs 5,000 and imprisonment of up to six months. Hence option (d) is

correct.

In the ordinance banning the game, the Governor said that due to online gaming, innocent

people, mainly youngsters, are being cheated, and some people have committed suicide.

Any form of wagering or betting in cyberspace by using computers or any other

communication device, common gaming houses, and any electronic transfer of funds to

distribute winnings or prize money has also been banned. This effectively means that

players in the state will not be able to purchase any add-on for the games they play, go to

gaming arcades or participate in online gaming tournaments. Some multiplayer games such

as Counter-Strike host weekly tournaments with a buy-in of up to Rs 10,000.

By banning online games and gambling, Tamil Nadu joined its neighbors Andhra Pradesh

and Telangana in banning some forms of online games and gambling. The state’s neighbour

on the other side, Karnataka, also has been mulling a law to ban online games and gaming.

Q14. Which of the following best describes “Roridomyces phyllostachydis”, recently seen

in news?

a) Seagrass in the Gulf of Mannar

b) Bioluminescent variety of mushroom from Northeast

c) Bony fish from the Western Ghats

d) Paddy frog from Northeast

Solution : b)

Explanation :-

A mushroom documentation project in the forests of Northeast India has led to a new

discovery: a bioluminescent — or light emitting — variety of mushroom. The new species

— named Roridomyces phyllostachydis — was first sighted on a wet August night near a

stream in Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong in East Khasi Hills district and later at Krang Shuri in

West Jaintia Hills district. Hence oprion (b) is correct.

It is now one among the 97 known species of bioluminescent fungi in the world. The new

species was important because it was the first mushroom in the Roridomyces genus to be

found in India. it was the only member in its genus to have light emitting from its stipe or

stalk.

Q15. With respect to “Delirium”, consider the following statements:

1. It is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced

awareness of the environment.

2. The appearance of delirium symptoms can fluctuate significantly and frequently

throughout the day.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)

Explanation :-

A new study supports evidence that delirium can predict coronavirus infection in older

patients who show no other typical symptoms of Covid-19.

Hence statement 1 is correct: It is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in

confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. The start of delirium is

usually rapid — within hours or a few days.

It can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or chronic

illness, changes in metabolic balance (such as low sodium), medication, infection, surgery,

or alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.

Delirium and dementia

Dementia and delirium may be particularly difficult to distinguish, and a person may have

both.

Some differences between the symptoms of delirium and dementia include:

Onset: The onset of delirium occurs within a short time, while dementia usually begins

with relatively minor symptoms that gradually worsen over time.

Attention: The ability to stay focused or maintain attention is significantly impaired with

delirium. A person in the early stages of dementia remains generally alert.

Fluctuation: The appearance of delirium symptoms can fluctuate significantly and

frequently throughout the day. While people with dementia have better and worse times

of day, their memory and thinking skills stay at a fairly constant level during the course of

a day. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Hence option(c) is correct.

Q16. With reference to the Union Territory Chandigarh, consider the following

statements:

1. Chandigarh was planned to replace Lahore, the capital of erstwhile Punjab, which became

part of Pakistan during the Partition.

2. The properties in Chandigarh were to be divided in 60:40 ratio in favour of Haryana.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : a)

Explanation :-

Earlier this month, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister said it would be better if both Haryana

and Punjab agreed on Chandigarh as a Union Territory and make their independent capitals

and Benches of High Courts. But Punjab has always refuted Haryana’s claims over

Chandigarh.

 Chandigarh was planned to replace Lahore, the capital of erstwhile Punjab, which became

part of Pakistan during the Partition.

 In March 1948, the Government of (India’s) Punjab, in consultation with the Centre,

approved the area of the foothills of the Shivaliks as the site for the new capital. From 1952

to 1966 (till Haryana was carved out of Punjab), Chandigarh remained the capital of Punjab.

 At the time of reorganisation of Punjab in 1966, the city assumed the unique distinction of

being the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, even as it was declared a union territory and

was placed under the direct control of the Centre.

 The properties in Chandigarh were to be divided in 60:40 ratio in favour of Punjab.

 The-then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had announced that Haryana, in due course, would

have its own capital and Chandigarh would go to Punjab.

 Again, in 1985, under the Rajiv-Longowal accord, Chandigarh was to be handed over to

Punjab on January 26, 1986, but the Rajiv Gandhi government withdrew at the last minute.

 Hence only statement 1 is correct..

Q17. The Rodchenkov Act, recently seen in news, is in the affairs of which of the following

country?

a) U.K

b) Japan

c) France

d) U.S.A

Solution : d)

Explanation :-

The Rodchenkov Act was passed by the Senate and will become a law once the US president

signs it.

 It allows the USA to initiate legal proceedings against those involved in running doping rings,

including coaches, officials, managers or suppliers even if they are not residents of the

United States or if the act of doping took place outside the United States.

 The main objective of the Rodchenkov Act is to bring to book facilitators who otherwise got

away when athletes who tested positive for performance-enhancing substances were

banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

 The Act seeks to criminalise ‘major international dope fraud conspiracies’, which is

mentioned in Section 4 of the Act.

 The bill is named after Grigory Rodchenkov, a former director of Russia’s anti-doping lab.

 Rodchenkov had moved to the USA and turned whistle-blower after the 2014 Sochi Winter

Games.

 Rodchenkov’s testimony and an independent report by professor Richard McLaren, which

concluded that at least 1,000 Russian athletes benefitted from doping, resulted in the nation

being banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

 Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q18. With reference to the Shalya and Shalakya, consider the following statements:

1. Shalya and Shalakya are independent Departments in Ayurveda colleges, performing such

surgical procedures.

2. The new notification by Central Council of Indian Medicine specifies a total of 58 surgical

procedures that PG scholars of these streams need to be practically trained.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)

Explanation :-

Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), the statutory body that regulates the Indian

Medical systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Unani Medicine has issued a

notification to streamline some of the provisions of the regulations concerning Post

Graduate Ayurveda Education. The notification has added clarity and definition.

 The notification relates to the Shalya and Shalakya streams of Post Graduate Education in

Ayurveda.

 It specifies a total of 58 surgical procedures that PG scholars of these streams need to be

practically trained in so as to enable them to independently perform the said activities after

completion of their PG Degree.

 Shalya and Shalakya are independent Departments in Ayurveda colleges, performing such

surgical procedures.

 The question of mixing Ayurveda with Conventional (Modern) Medicine does not arise here

as CCIM is deeply committed to maintaining the authenticity of Indian systems of medicine.

 Hence both statements are correct.

Q19. “Katchal Island”, recently seen in news, is a part of which of the following islands?

a) Cape Hope Islands

b) Nicobar Islands

c) Miyako Islands

d) Marshall Islands

Solution : b)

Explanation :-

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) towed a fuel tanker back to safe waters. The tanker was

dangerously drifting towards the pristine Katchal Island in Nicobar due to power failure.

Katchal is one of the Nicobar Islands, India. It was previously known as Tihanyu. It is

inhabited by Nicobari Tribes and Migrated Tamilians (For Rubber plantation workers under

Sastri-Srimao Bandaranayaka Pact of 1964). Hence option (b) is correct.

Q20. With respect to “tunnel boring machine (TBMs)”, consider the following statements:

1. They are used to excavate tunnels through a variety of soil and rock strata –– from hard

rock to sand.

2. Nearly 90 per cent of the TBMs deployed across India have a Japanese connection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : a)

Explanation :-

A tunnel boring machine has been stuck in Mumbai for the past one year. The

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not been able to retrieve it due to lack of

expertise and an overreliance on foreign entities to operate these machines.

With major cities in India opting for urban transportation systems underground, Tunnel

Boring Machines, that help dig tunnels underground, are being deployed extensively in the

country.

Hence Statement 1 is correct: They are used to excavate tunnels through a variety of soil

and rock strata –– from hard rock to sand. These machines are capable of digging tunnels

with diameters 3.3 feet to 58 feet.

In India, TBMs have been deployed in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata,

among others, to help build underground Metro lines. These TBMs are also being used to

help build water tunnels as well as the coastal road in Mumbai.

Hence Statement 2 is incorrect: The global TBM market is at present dominated by China.

As per vendors, nearly 90 per cent of the TBMs deployed across India have a Chinese

connection. China has a dominating presence in the heavy equipment machinery segment

and officials claim it is not possible to replace the sources of these types of equipment

overnight.

Hence option (a) is correct.

Q21. ’Mount Vesuvius’ which is classified as a complex volcano, is located in which of the

following countries?

a) Italy

b) Chile

c) Philippines

d) Japan

Solution : a)

Explanation :-

The Italian Culture Ministry announced the discovery of well-preserved remains of two men,

who perished during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption was a

catastrophic event that destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and killed around

16,000 people.

Vesuvius is located in southern Italy near the coastal city of Naples, the 4,203-ft tall

Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe. It has been classified as a complex

volcano (also called a compound volcano), one that consists of a complex of two or more

vents.

It typically has explosive eruptions and pyroclastic flows –– defined as a high-density mix of

hot lava blocks, pumice, ash and volcanic gas. It has erupted more than 50 times, and is

considered among the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to Naples

and surrounding towns. Its last serious eruption, lasting two weeks, was in 1944 during

World War II, which left 26 Italian civilians dead and around 12,000 displaced.

Hence option (a) is correct.

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