Environment and Ecology

161. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

[amp_mcq option1=”Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006″ option2=”Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999″ option3=”Environment (Protection) Act, 1986″ option4=”Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972″ correct=”option3″]

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The correct option is C.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted under the Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989. These rules were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The GEAC is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of genetically engineered organisms and products in research and development, and for commercial release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation for the protection and improvement of the environment. It provides the framework for environmental regulation in India, including dealing with hazardous substances and genetically modified organisms. The GEAC plays a crucial role in regulating genetically modified crops and other related activities in the country.

162. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/ar

Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?

  • 1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
  • 2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

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Statement 1 is correct. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a global fund created to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to the challenge of climate change. It aims to help developing countries limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Green Climate Fund was established by 194 countries at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UNFCCC in Cancun in 2010. While it collaborates with various international organizations including multilateral development banks and UN agencies, it was not founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank collectively or as its founding bodies. It operates within the framework of the UNFCCC.
– The GCF is a key financial mechanism under the UNFCCC.
– Its primary goal is to support developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
– It was established by the UNFCCC parties, not specific listed international organizations.
The GCF is governed by a Board of 24 members (12 from developed and 12 from developing countries) and operates independently under the guidance of the UNFCCC.

163. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?

What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development” option2=”It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization” option3=”It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change” option4=”It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity” correct=”option1″]

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The Rio+20 Conference, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012, was the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. It marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, which was also held in Rio de Janeiro.
– Rio+20 was a major international conference focused on sustainable development.
– It aimed to review progress since the original Earth Summit in 1992 and address current challenges.
– Key outcomes included the document “The Future We Want” and the decision to establish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference focused on two main themes: a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for sustainable development. It reaffirmed global commitment to sustainable development.

164. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and

Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bretton Woods Conference” option2=”Montreal Protocol” option3=”Kyoto Protocol” option4=”Nagoya Protocol” correct=”option2″]

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The Montreal Protocol is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. It was signed in 1987 and has been successful in reducing the atmospheric concentration of ODS.
– **Bretton Woods Conference (1944):** Established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, now part of the World Bank Group), focusing on international monetary and financial regulation.
– **Kyoto Protocol (1997):** An international treaty which extends the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
– **Nagoya Protocol (2010):** An international agreement aiming at sharing the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way. It is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

165. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

[amp_mcq option1=”Saltwater crocodile” option2=”Olive ridley turtle” option3=”Gangetic dolphin” option4=”Gharial” correct=”option3″]

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The Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is the national aquatic animal of India.
The Gangetic dolphin was declared the national aquatic animal by the Indian government on May 18, 2009.
The Gangetic dolphin is a freshwater dolphin species found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. It is an indicator species of the health of the river ecosystem. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN. The other options are also aquatic animals found in India but are not designated as the national aquatic animal.

166. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the foll

With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
  • 2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
  • 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals and are provided the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Dugongs, often called ‘sea cows’, are exclusively herbivorous, feeding on seagrass beds. They are highly vulnerable and are listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, affording them maximum protection.
Dugongs are found in warm coastal waters from the western Pacific to the eastern coast of Africa. In India, their distribution is restricted to specific coastal areas and islands, notably the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay (Tamil Nadu), Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat), and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are not found along the entire coast of India. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss (seagrass destruction), entanglement in fishing gear, and poaching.

167. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as

With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
  • 2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
  • 3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding the uses of fly ash produced by power plants. Statement 3 is incorrect as fly ash contains more than just silicon dioxide and calcium oxide, and it can contain toxic elements.
Fly ash is a valuable by-product with established applications in construction materials. It is commonly used in manufacturing bricks and as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete mixes, improving properties like strength and durability. However, fly ash contains various metal oxides and trace elements, some of which can be toxic.
Fly ash typically consists primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), and calcium oxide (CaO). It also contains smaller amounts of magnesium oxide (MgO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), sulphur trioxide (SO₃), and trace amounts of other elements, including heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead, depending on the source of coal and combustion conditions. Its utilization helps in waste management and environmental protection by reducing the need for conventional materials and preventing landfilling.

168. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature a

With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
  • 2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
  • 3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
IUCN is a membership union composed of both government and civil society organisations; it is not an organ of the United Nations (Statement 1 is incorrect). IUCN is widely involved in conservation efforts globally, including running field projects (Statement 2 is correct). CITES is an international agreement between governments that is legally binding on its member states (Part of Statement 1 correct, but overall incorrect due to IUCN part). However, CITES does not replace national laws; instead, member states are required to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement the convention effectively (Statement 3 is correct).
IUCN is known for its Red List of Threatened Species. CITES regulates international trade in species listed in its Appendices I, II, and III to ensure trade is not detrimental to their survival. While CITES is a treaty, its implementation relies on national legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.

169. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous f

What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

  • 1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
  • 2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
  • 3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture.
Excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and environmental pollution. The process of nitrification, where ammonium from fertilizers is converted to nitrate, releases hydrogen ions, increasing soil acidity over time (Statement 2 is correct). Nitrate is highly soluble and mobile in soil, making it susceptible to leaching into groundwater, causing contamination and potential health risks (Statement 3 is correct).
Statement 1 is generally incorrect. Excessive nitrogen supply from fertilizers often suppresses the activity of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (like Rhizobium associated with legumes) because the plant can easily access nitrogen from the soil and reduces the need to support nitrogen fixation. Proliferation of non-fixing microbes might occur, but not specifically nitrogen-fixing ones due to direct fertilizer use.

170. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with

Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bhitarkanika National Park” option2=”Keibul Lamjao National Park” option3=”Keoladeo Ghana National Park” option4=”Sultanpur National Park” correct=”option2″]

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Keibul Lamjao National Park is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in Manipur, is the only floating national park in the world. It is situated on Loktak Lake and is characterised by unique floating islands called ‘phumdis’, which are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. This habitat is home to the critically endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer), also known as the dancing deer.
Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha) is known for its mangrove ecosystem and salt-water crocodiles. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan) is a famous wetland bird sanctuary. Sultanpur National Park (Haryana) is also a significant bird sanctuary. None of these are characterised by extensive floating vegetation (phumdis) in the manner of Keibul Lamjao.
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