If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? 1. GPS and navigation systems could fail 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions 3. Power grids could be damaged 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only. A solar storm is a disturbance on the Sun that can release a burst of energy and particles into space. These eruptions, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can impact Earth by disrupting communication systems, damaging satellites, and even causing power outages. Statements 1 and 7 are correct: These solar explosions propel bursts of particles and electromagnetic fluctuations into Earth’s atmosphere that could lead to the malfunction of satellites, which might impact high-frequency communication blackouts, satellite anomalies, GPS scintillations, airline communication. Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar storms affect the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere but do not directly cause tsunamis, which are triggered by seismic activity, underwater landslides, or volcanic eruptions. UPSC GS Paper-I PYQs 556 Statement 3 is correct: The solar explosions propel bursts of particles and electromagnetic fluctuations into Earth’s atmosphere that could destroy transformers in power systems. Statement 4 is correct: Energy, radiation and high energy p

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