2020

221. What is the use of biochar in farming? 1. Biochar can be used as a p

What is the use of biochar in farming?

  • 1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
  • 2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
  • 3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
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Statement 1 is correct: Biochar can be effectively incorporated into various growing media, including those used in soilless systems like vertical farming. It can improve aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability in these media.
Statement 2 is correct: Biochar provides a porous structure and a stable surface that can serve as a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms. Studies have shown that biochar can enhance the growth and activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and other microbes beneficial for plant growth, both in soil and soilless media.
Statement 3 is correct: Biochar has a high surface area and porous structure which allows it to absorb and retain water within the growing medium. This improved water retention capacity helps keep the medium moist for longer periods, reducing watering frequency and conserving water.
Biochar is a valuable soil amendment and component of growing media that improves physical properties (water retention, aeration), enhances microbial activity including nitrogen fixation, and can be used in various farming systems including vertical farming.
Besides the benefits mentioned, biochar can also help sequester carbon in the soil (long-term), improve nutrient retention, and potentially reduce the leaching of nutrients and pesticides.

222. Consider the following statements: 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lea

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
  • 2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
  • 3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

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Statement 1 is correct: Coal ash (fly ash and bottom ash), a residue from burning coal, contains various heavy metals and toxic substances, including arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and selenium.
Statement 2 is correct: Coal-fired power plants are major sources of air pollution. The combustion process releases sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into the atmosphere, which are precursors to acid rain and contribute to respiratory problems.
Statement 3 is correct: Indian coal is known for having a relatively high ash content compared to coal found in many other parts of the world. This high ash content poses challenges for power plants in terms of handling and disposal of large volumes of ash and also affects the efficiency of combustion.
Coal combustion produces significant environmental pollutants, including toxic ash containing heavy metals and gaseous emissions like SO2 and NOx. Indian coal is characterized by high ash content.
The disposal of coal ash is a major environmental challenge. Efforts are being made to promote the utilization of fly ash in various applications like cement manufacturing, brick making, and road construction to minimize disposal impacts.

223. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is prefe

In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint ?

  • 1. Copper slag
  • 2. Cold mix asphalt technology
  • 3. Geotextiles
  • 4. Hot mix asphalt technology
  • 5. Portland cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2, 3 and 4″ option3=”4 and 5 only” option4=”1 and 5 only” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
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Statement 1 is correct: Copper slag is an industrial waste product that can be used as a substitute for natural aggregate in road construction. Using waste materials contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for virgin resources and addressing waste disposal.
Statement 2 is correct: Cold mix asphalt technology uses asphalt emulsion or foamed asphalt at lower temperatures compared to hot mix asphalt. This significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during production and laying, making it environmentally preferable.
Statement 3 is correct: Geotextiles are used in road construction for separation, filtration, reinforcement, and drainage. They can improve the structural integrity and lifespan of roads, potentially allowing for thinner pavement layers and reducing the overall material requirement, contributing to resource efficiency.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Hot mix asphalt technology requires heating asphalt binder and aggregates to high temperatures (typically 150-190°C), leading to high energy consumption and emissions, making it less environmentally sustainable compared to cold mix.
Statement 5 is incorrect: The production of Portland cement is a highly energy-intensive process that releases significant amounts of CO2. While cement is a necessary binder in some road layers or concrete roads, its extensive use, especially compared to alternative binders or technologies, can increase the carbon footprint. Preferences for sustainability often involve reducing cement use or using supplementary cementitious materials.
Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or reducing carbon footprint in rural road construction.
Environmentally sustainable practices in road construction involve utilizing waste materials, employing low-energy technologies like cold mix asphalt, and using materials like geotextiles to enhance durability and reduce material use.
Other sustainable practices in road construction include using recycled concrete aggregate, fly ash, plastic waste, and adopting perpetual pavement design concepts to increase road lifespan and reduce reconstruction needs.

224. Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk dee

Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat ?

  • 1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 2. Gangotri National Park
  • 3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 4. Manas National Park

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 and 4 only” option4=”1 and 4 only” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2020
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Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand) and Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand) are known habitats for the Himalayan musk deer. These areas are located in the high-altitude Himalayan region which is the typical natural habitat for musk deer in India.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh and is primarily a habitat for animals like tigers, leopards, and swamp deer, not high-altitude musk deer.
Statement 4 is incorrect. Manas National Park is located in Assam, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. While it has rich biodiversity, its core area is not the typical high-altitude habitat preferred by musk deer.
Musk deer species in India primarily inhabit high-altitude alpine forests and meadows in the Himalayan region.
Four species of musk deer are found in the Himalayas: Alpine Musk Deer, Himalayan Musk Deer, Black Musk Deer, and White-bellied Musk Deer. They are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and are endangered due to poaching for musk.

225. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ? 1. Cons

Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ?

  • 1. Construction of base road
  • 2. Improvement of agricultural soil
  • 3. Production of cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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Statement 1 is correct: Steel slag is widely used as an aggregate in road construction, including for base and sub-base layers.
Statement 2 is correct: Steel slag can be used as a soil amendment in agriculture. It contains calcium, magnesium, and other elements which can help neutralize acidic soils (acting as a liming agent) and provide essential nutrients.
Statement 3 is correct: Steel slag can be used in the production of cement and concrete as a supplementary cementitious material or as an aggregate, helping to improve properties and utilize industrial waste.
Steel slag, a byproduct of the steel industry, is a versatile material with applications in construction (roads, cement), agriculture (soil amendment), and other areas due to its physical and chemical properties.
Utilizing industrial byproducts like steel slag helps in waste management, resource conservation (by replacing natural aggregates or binders), and can potentially reduce costs in construction and agriculture. Different types of steelmaking processes produce different types of slag with varying compositions and suitability for specific applications.

226. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conse

Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kanha National Park” option2=”Manas National Park” option3=”Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary” option4=”Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary” correct=”option1″]

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Kanha National Park is well-known for the conservation of the hard ground Barasingha.
The Barasingha (*Rucervus duvaucelii*) has three subspecies: the swamp-dwelling form (*duvaucelii*) found in the Terai and Assam, and the hard ground form (*branderi*) found in Central India. Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the primary habitat and the main conservation success story for the hard ground Barasingha, which faced near extinction before recovery efforts in the park. This subspecies is known for its preference for hard ground and its graminivorous diet.
The conservation of the hard ground Barasingha at Kanha National Park is considered a significant achievement in wildlife management in India. Manas National Park is known for the swamp deer subspecies, but not the hard ground variety.

227. With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith

With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are

[amp_mcq option1=”Birds” option2=”Primates” option3=”Reptiles” option4=”Amphibians” correct=”option1″]

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These names refer to different species of birds found in India.
Ceylon frogmouth (*Batrachostomus moniliger*), Coppersmith barbet (*Psilopogon haemacephalus*), Gray-chinned minivet (*Pericrocotus solaris*), and White-throated redstart (*Phoenicurus schisticeps*) are all recognized common names for bird species found in the Indian subcontinent. Identifying animal groups based on their common names requires familiarity with Indian fauna.
India has a rich avian diversity, with numerous endemic and migratory bird species. Knowing the common names of some distinctive species can be helpful for questions related to biodiversity.

228. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin ?

Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin ?

  1. Nagarhole National Park
  2. Papikonda National Park
  3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
  4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 and 4 only” option3=”1, 3 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option3″]

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Nagarhole National Park, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are located in the Cauvery basin. Papikonda National Park is in the Godavari basin.
The Cauvery river flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with tributaries originating in Kerala. Nagarhole National Park is in Karnataka. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu is drained by the Bhavani river, a Cauvery tributary. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala contains the origin of the Kabini river, a major tributary of the Cauvery. Papikonda National Park is located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along the Godavari river. Therefore, only 1, 3, and 4 are in the Cauvery basin.
Understanding the geography of river basins and the location of protected areas is important for environmental studies in India. Many important national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are situated within major river basins, influencing local hydrology and dependent ecosystems.

229. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements

With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements :

  • The leader of an elephant group is a female.
  • The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
  • An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
  • Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 4 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 3 and 4 only” correct=”option1″]

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Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect.
Elephant societies are matriarchal, led by the oldest and most experienced female (matriarch). The gestation period of an elephant is about 22 months, which is the longest among all mammals. Female elephants can reproduce well into their 40s and 50s, sometimes even later, so the age limit of 40 years is incorrect. According to the 2017 elephant census (and subsequent estimates), Karnataka has the highest elephant population in India, followed by Assam and then Kerala.
Elephants are keystone species and play a vital role in their ecosystems. Conservation efforts in India focus on protecting their habitats and corridors, mitigating human-elephant conflict, and preventing poaching.

230. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the followin

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs :

1.Parivrajaka–Renunciant and Wanderer
2.Shramana–Priest with a high status
3.Upasaka–Lay follower of Buddhism

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”1 and 3 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

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Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched.
Parivrajaka refers to wandering ascetics or renunciants who have left their homes and societal ties. Upasaka refers to a lay follower of Buddhism or other Shramana traditions who is not a monk or nun but observes basic precepts. Shramana refers to ascetics and renunciants generally, particularly those who rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical system, such as Buddhists, Jains, and Ajivikas. They represent a tradition distinct from the Brahmanical priesthood and are not typically associated with high status within that system.
The Shramana tradition emerged alongside the Brahmanical tradition in ancient India. Both traditions involved spiritual seeking, but differed in their philosophical approaches and practices. The Shramana movement emphasized asceticism, meditation, and personal effort towards liberation.
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