Raashid Shah

Q.1 Which one of the following provides the best estimate of the world’s biological diversity? A) Of about ten million species probably alive today, some 20 species are lost everyday, most of them unknown because no more than half a million have yet been actually identified by scientists B) Of about thirty million living species, some 50 species are lost everyday, most of them unknown because no more than one million have been actually identified C) Of about forty five million living species, some 100 species are lost everyday, most of them unknown because no more than 1.5 million have been actually identified D) Of about seventy five million living species, some 500 species are lost everyday, most of them unknown because no more than 3 million have been actually identified Ans. C Q.2 Subsistence & commercial freshwater fisheries are well developed in south eastern Asia. It is because of 1. Low precipitation 2. Large perennial streams 3. Dense population Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) Only 2 B) 2 & 3 C) 1 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. B FRAMED FROM public.wmo.int, World Meteorological Organisation Q.3 Recently WMO has signified which among the following effects of Ei-Nino in its report ? 1. Ei Nino event has been successful in triggering the CO2 level resulting in warming influence 2. El Niño event had triggered droughts in tropical & temperate regions 3. Capacity of “sinks” to absorb co2 has been reduced Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) 2 & 3 C) 1 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. C El Niño event had triggered drought in tropical region WMO is an intergovernmental organization and specialised agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group. “sinks” includes like forests, vegetation. FRAMED FROM Wikipedia Q.4 Living Planet Report is the world’s leading, science-based analysis on the health of planet. With reference to this report consider the following statements : 1. Ecological footprint calculation is the only basis for the publication of this report 2. It is published every year by the World Wide Fund for Nature Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D The Living Planet Report is published every two years by the World Wide Fund for Nature since 1998. It is based on the Living Planet Index and ecological footprint calculations. The Living Planet Report is the world’s leading, science-based analysis on the health of our only planet and the impact of human activity. Humanity’s demands exceed the Earth’s capacityy to sustain us. The latest edition of the Living Planet Report was released in October 2016. FRAMED FROM THE HINDU & WIKEPEDIA Q.5 Consider the differences between the recently discovered S-waves microseism & P-waves microseism : 1. S-waves microseism are bright as compared to the P-waves 2. P wave microseisms can be detected easily during major hurricanes Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. B S-waves microseism are faint as compared to the P-waves It will help experts learn more about the Earth’s inner structure and improve detection of earthquakes and oceanic storms. Learning more about S waves microseismic will further aid to understand the deeper crust and upper mantle structure. FRAMED FROM THE HINDU Q.6 Under IUCN , Fishing cat has been classified under which category ? A) Endangered B) Vulnerable C) Extinct D) Critically endangered Ans. B The fishing cat is broadly but discontinuously distributed in Asia, and is primarily found in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, in eastern India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There are no confirmed records from Peninsular Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos. In India, the presence of fishing cats has been documented in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, in Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, outside protected areas in West Bengal, in and around Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining reserve forests in Andhra Pradesh. FRAMED FROM WIKEPEDIA Q.7 Which among the following organic compound is present in the whitener that has been banned under the montreal protocol ? A) 1,1,1-trichloroethane B) Toluene C) Trichloroehtylene D) Bromopropane Ans. A This question has been framed keeping in mind that Uttarakhand High court has banned the use of Whitener. Thinner contains organic solvents (volatile organic compounds), unused correction fluid thickens over time as volatile solvents escape into the air. It can become too thick to use, and sometimes completely solidifies. Thinner originally contained toluene, which was banned due to its toxicity. Later, it contained 1,1,1-trichloroethane, a skin irritant now widely banned under the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, and then the slightly safer trichloroethylene. Thinners currently used with correction fluid include bromopropane Whiteners contain hydrocarbons which is deadly solvents that can infuse easily with the blood and can affect the central nervous system of a person. little free space and thus it is not clear what the hall was used for. FRAMED FROM THE HINDU & WIKEPEDIA Q.8 Recently India has hosted Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), consider the following statements : 1. It is a biennial conference jointly organized by all Asian countries 2. It is a voluntary and non-binding treaty which recognizes that the UN member State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk 3. ‘Asian Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework’ has been adopted in this conference Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only2 B) 1 & 3 C) Only 1 D) 2 & 3 Ans. D India is hosting the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) from November 3 to 5, 2016 in New Delhi. This will be second time India hosting AMCDRR. The conference will

Q.1 Some substances known as ‘Short-Lived Climate Forcers’ (SLCF) assume importance in the context of climate change. Which of the following is/are SLCF? 1. Black carbon 2. Carbon dioxide 3. Hydrofluorocarbons 4. Methane A) 1,3,4 B) Only 2 & 4 C) 2,3,4 D) Only 1 & 3 Ans. A Q.2 In food processing, which of the following is/are used as emulsifiers? 1. Carboxymethyl cellulose 2. Ethylene diamine tetra acetate 3. Propylene glycol Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 1 C) 2 & 3 D) Only 3 Ans.A Q.3 Recently for the conservation & management of which of the following lake, Ministry of Environment & Forests has constituted a team ? A) Damdama lake B) Loktak lake C) Dal lake D) Chilika lake Ans. B Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and is famous for the phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition) floating over it. Keibul Lamjao is the only floating national park in the world. It is located near Moirang in Manipur state, India. Q.4 Which among the following is the purpose of growing plants along the river banks ? A) To prevent heavy rainfall B) To prevent seepage of water underground C) To prevent siltage & floods D) To prevent pollution Ans. A Q.5 With reference to the Temperate rainforests, consider the following statements : 1.These are found in a belt around the equator of the Earth 2. They are less abundant than tropical rainforests 3. Temperate rainforests have soil that is richer in nutrients, relatively young and less prone to damage Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) Only 1 B) 2 & 3 C) Only 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. B – Temperate rainforests are found along the Pacific coast of the USA and Canada (from northern California to Alaska), in New Zealand, Tasmania, Chile, Ireland, Scotland and Norway. They are less abundant than tropical rainforests — Temperate rainforests have soil that is richer in nutrients, relatively young and less prone to damage. FRAMED FROM enchanted learning . com Q.6 Which among the following foods were originally from rainforests around the world ? 1. Cashewnuts 2. Brazil nuts 3. Starchy root 4. Macadamia nuts Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) Only 1 & 3 B) 2,3,4 C) Only 3 D) 1,2,3,4 Ans. D Q.7 With reference to the tropical rainforests, consider the following statements: 1. Rainforests are very dense, warm, wet forests that are havens for millions of plants and animals. 2. These are found in a belt around the equator of the Earth 3. Soil of a tropical rainforest is only about 3-4 inches thick and thick clay lies underneath the soil. 4. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their roots, stems, leaves, and branches Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) Only 1 & 2 B) 1,2,4 C) Only 3 D) 1,2,3,4 Ans. D Q.8 Which among the following is/are the examples of detrivores ? 1. Vultures 2. Worms 3. Crabs Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 2 B) Only 1 C) 2 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans.D Q.9 Chinook is : A) Warm & dry wind on the eastern slopes of the rockies B) Violent & extremely cold wind of the Tundras C) Extremely cold wind in central Siberia D) Dry & dusty wind off the west coast of Africa blowing from the deserts Ans. A Chinook means the ‘snow-eater’.This is the hot and dry wind blowing along the eastern slope of the Rockies and covers an area from the southern part of Colorado in the south to British Columbia in Canada in the North. The Chinook is a föhn wind, a rain shadow wind which results from the subsequent adiabatic warming of air which has dropped most of its moisture on windward slopes (orographic lift). As a consequence of the different adiabatic rates of moist and dry air, the air on the leeward slopes becomes warmer than equivalent elevations on the windward slopes. As moist winds from the Pacific (also called Chinooks) are forced to rise over the mountains, the moisture in the air is condensed and falls out as precipitation, while the air cools at the moist adiabatic rate of 5 °C/1000 m (3.5 °F/1000 ft). Plants can be visibly brought out of dormancy by persistent Chinook winds, or have their hardiness reduced even if they appear to be remaining dormant. Q.10 Recently Zealandia has been given the status of a continent. Which among the following habitable areas fall under zealandia ? 1. New Zealand 2. New Caledonia 3. Norfolk Island 4. Lord Howe Island Group Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 1 C) 1,2,3 D) All are correct Ans. D It is located on the southwest Pacific Ocean mostly surrounding, in what is the current land mass of New Zealand and its adjoining islands. Zealandia has recently been given the status of a continent by several geologists who say that the long lost continent is submerged under water. While there is no formal recognition of the same by the New Zealand government, which is the major habitable administration on Zealandia; there is, however, wide interest in the media about the continent.

Q.1 Under IUCN Manatee has been classified under which category ? A) Endangered B) Vulberable C) Extinct D) Critically endangered Ans. A They are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows All three species of manatee are listed by the World Conservation Union as vulnerable to extinction. It is illegal under federal and Florida law to injure or harm a manatee. They are classified as “endangered” by both the state and the federal governments. Manatees inhabit the shallow, marshy coastal areas and rivers of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico (T. manatus, West Indian manatee), the Amazon basin (T. inunguis, Amazonian manatee), and West Africa (T. senegalensis, West African manatee). West Indian manatees prefer warmer temperatures and are known to congregate in shallow waters. They frequently migrate through brackish water estuaries to freshwater springs. They cannot survive below 15 °C (60 °F). Their natural source for warmth during winter is warm, spring-fed rivers. Q.2 Consider the following : 1. Ferrel cell         :       Intertropical Convergence Zone 2. Hadley cell         :       Horse latitude 3. Polar cell                  :       Polar front Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 3 C) 2 & 3 D) Only 2 Ans. B Hadley cell    : Intertropical Convergence Zone Ferrel cell    : Horse latitude Q.3 Consider the following : 1. Nilgiri biosphere reserve   :       Nilgiri tahr & Lion tailed macaque 2. Nanda devi                  :       Snow leopard & Himalayan Black bear 3. Gulf of mannar              :       Dugong Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 3 C) 2 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D Other biosphere reserves : Nokrek : Red panda Manas   : Golden Langur, Red Panda Simlipal       : Gaur, Royal Bengal tiger , Asian elephant Dihang-Dibang : Mishmi Takin, Musk deer Pachmarhi biosphere reserve : flying squirrel & Giant squirrel Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve : Four-horned antelope, Indian wild dog, Sarus crane, White-rumped vulture, Philautus sanctisilvaticus(Sacred grove bush frog) Great Rann of Kutch : Indian wild    ass Cold Desert : Indian wild ass Khangchendzonga : Snow leopard, red panda Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve : Nilgiri tahr, elephants Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve : Saltwater crocodile Dibru-Saikhowa : Golden langur Seshachalam Hills  : Slender Loris Q.4 Which among the following is/are correct with respect to the Sambhar lake ? 1. It is an elliptically shaped lake surrounded on all sides by the Himalayas 2.  It is not part of the Ganga river basin area Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. B The lake receives water from an endorheic basin with 5700 square km catchment area.It is not part of the Ganga river basin area and is geographically a separate land locked river basin.The lake is actually an extensive saline wetland, with water depths fluctuating from as few as 60 centimetres (24 in) during the dry season to about 3 meters (10 ft) after the monsoon season.It occupies an area of 190 to 230 square kilometers, based on the season.It is an elliptically shaped lake 35.5 km long with a breadth varying between 3 km and 11 km.It is located in Nagaur and Jaipur districts and it also borders the Ajmer district.The circumference of the lake is 96 km, surrounded on all sides by the Aravali hills.The Sambhar lake basin is divided by a 5.1 km long dam made of sandstone.It is India’s largest saline lake and is the source of most of Rajasthan’s salt production.Sambhar has been designated as a Ramsar site (recognized wetland of international importance) because the wetland is a key wintering area for tens of thousands of flamingos and other birds that migrate from northern Asia.The specialized algae and bacteria growing in the lake provide striking water colours and support the lake ecology that, in turn, sustains the migrating waterfowl. There is other wildlife in the nearby forests, where Nilgai move freely along with deer and foxes. The salt (NaCl) concentration in this lake water differs with season.The salt concentration in the pans Kyars varies and accordingly the color ranges from green, orange, pink, purple pink, red due to the bloom of haloalkaliphilic microorganisms. Q.5 Which among the following is/are correctly matched ? 1. Sunabeda tiger reserve      :       West Bengal 2. Guru Ghasidas               :       Chhattisgarh 3. Ratapani Tiger Reserve      :       Rajasthan Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) 2 & 3 C) 1 & 3 D) Only 2 Ans. D Ratapani Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda Tiger Reserve (Odisha), and Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh). Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa), Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu),  Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh) and Cauvery-MM Hills (Karnataka) There are 50 tiger reserves in India which are governed by Project Tiger which is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA). India is home to 70 percent of tigers in the world. In 2006, there were 1,411 tigers which increased to 1,706 in 2011 and 2,226 in 2014. The total number of wild tigers have gone upto 3891 in 2016 according to World Wildlife Fund and Global Tiger Forum. FRAMED FROM NCERT Q.6  Which among the following is/are the wetlands ? 1. Swamps 2. Mangroves 3. Ferns Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 2 C) 1,2,3 D) 2 & 3 Ans. C Wetlands occur naturally on every continent except Antarctica,the largest including the Amazon River basin, the West Siberian Plain,and the Pantanal in South America. The water found in wetlands can be freshwater, brackish, or saltwater. The main wetland types include swamps, marshes, bogs, and ferns; and sub-types include mangrove, carr, pocosin, and varzea. The UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment determined that environmental degradation is more prominent within wetland systems than any other ecosystem on

Q.1 Excessive accumulation of nitrates in water body can result in : 1. Proliferation of biodiversity 2. Algae blooms 3. Acidification Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) 2 & 3 C) Only 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. B Q.2 Which of the following is not true of the Western Ghats? A) UNESCO declared 39 places in the Western Ghats as ‘World Heritage Sites’ in 2012 B) It is one of the eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity in the world C) It has two reserves and thirteen national parks D) ONGC surveys have recently found huge oil reserves Ans. D The range runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain, called Konkan, along the Arabian Sea. A total of thirty-nine properties including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests were designated as world heritage sites – twenty in Kerala, ten in Karnataka, five in Tamil Nadu and four in Maharashtra.The range starts near the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, south of the Tapti river, and runs approximately 1,600 km (990 mi) through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu ending at Swamithoppe, near Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of India.The Western Ghats block southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau.The average elevation is around 1,200 m (3,900 ft).The area is one of the world’s ten “Hottest biodiversity hotspots” and has over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian species, 6,000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species; it is likely that many undiscovered species live in the Western Ghats. At least 325 globally threatened species occur in the Western Ghats.The Western Ghats are the mountainous faulted and eroded edge of the Deccan Plateau.Basalt is the predominant rock found in the hills reaching a thickness of 3 km (2 mi). Other rock types found are charnockites, granite gneiss, khondalites, leptynites, metamorphic gneisses with detached occurrences of crystalline limestone, iron ore, dolerites and anorthosites. Residual laterite and bauxite ores are also found in the southern hills.The Western Ghats extend from the Satpura Range in the north, stretching from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. It traverses south past the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. Major gaps in the range are the Goa Gap, between the Maharashtra and Karnataka sections, and the Palghat Gap on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border between the Nilgiri Hills and the Anaimalai Hills.The northern portion of the narrow coastal plain between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is known as the Konkan, the central portion is called Kanara and the southern portion is called Malabar. The foothill region east of the Ghats in Maharashtra is known as Desh, while the eastern foothills of the central Karnataka state is known as Malenadu.[13] The range is known as Sahyadri in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Western Ghats meets the Eastern Ghats at Nilgiris in northwestern Tamil Nadu. Nilgiris connects Biligiriranga Hills in southeastern Karnataka with the Shevaroys and Tirumala hills. South of the Palghat Gap are the Anamala Hills, located in western Tamil Nadu and Kerala with smaller ranges further south, including the Cardamom Hills, then Aryankavu pass, Aralvaimozhi pass near Kanyakumari. In the southern part of the range is Anamudi (2,695 metres (8,842 ft)), the highest peak in Western Ghats.The Western Ghats form one of the four watersheds of India, feeding the perennial rivers of India. The major river systems originating in the Western Ghats include Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Thamiraparani and Tungabhadra. Majority of streams draining the Western Ghats join these rivers and carry large volume of water during the monsoon months. These rivers flow to the east due to the gradient of the land and drain out into the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries include Kali, Bhadra, Bhavani, Bhima, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Hemavathi and Kabini. Periyar, Bharathappuzha, Netravati, Sharavathi, Mandovi and Zuari rivers flow westwards towards the Western Ghats, draining into the Arabian Sea and are fast-moving, owing to the steeper gradient.Most notable of these projects are the Koyna in Maharashtra, Linganmakki and Sivasamudram in Karnataka, Mettur and Pykara in Tamil Nadu, Parambikulam and Idukki in KeralaTalakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri and the Kuduremukha range is the source of the Tungabhadra. Western Ghats have several man-made lakes and reservoirs with major lakes at Ooty (34 hectares (84 acres)) in Nilgiris, Kodaikanal (26 hectares (64 acres)) and Berijam in Palani Hills, Pookode lake, Devikulam (6 hectares (15 acres)) and Letchmi (2 hectares (4.9 acres)) in Kerala.The eastern region of the Western Ghats which lie in the rain shadow, receive far less rainfall of about 100 centimetres (39 in) resulting in an average rainfall of 250 centimetres (98 in) across regions.The Western Ghats are home to four tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregions – the North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, North Western Ghats montane rain forests, South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, and South Western Ghats montane rain forests.Above 1,000 meters are the South Western Ghats montane rain forests, also cooler and wetter than the surrounding lowland forests, and dominated by evergreen trees, although some montane grasslands and stunted forests can be found at the highest elevations. The South Western Ghats montane rain forests are the most species-rich ecologic region in peninsular India; eighty percent of the flowering plant species of the entire Western Ghats range are found in this ecologic region.The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve comprising 5,500 square kilometres (2,100 sq mi) of the evergreen forests of Nagarahole and deciduous forests of Bandipur in Karnataka, adjoining regions of Wayanad-Mukurthi in Kerala and Mudumalai National Park-Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu forms the largest contiguous protected area in the Western Ghats.[20] Silent Valley in Kerala is among the last tracts of virgin tropical evergreen forest in IndiaThere are at least 139 mammal species. Of the 16 endemic mammals, 13 are threatened and amongst the 32 threatened species include the critically endangered Malabar

Q.1 Excessive accumulation of nitrates in water body can result in : 1. Proliferation of biodiversity 2. Algae blooms 3. Acidification Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) 2 & 3 C) Only 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. B Q.2 Which of the following is not true of the Western Ghats? A) UNESCO declared 39 places in the Western Ghats as ‘World Heritage Sites’ in 2012 B) It is one of the eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity in the world C) It has two reserves and thirteen national parks D) ONGC surveys have recently found huge oil reserves Ans. D The range runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain, called Konkan, along the Arabian Sea. A total of thirty-nine properties including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests were designated as world heritage sites – twenty in Kerala, ten in Karnataka, five in Tamil Nadu and four in Maharashtra.The range starts near the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, south of the Tapti river, and runs approximately 1,600 km (990 mi) through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu ending at Swamithoppe, near Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of India.The Western Ghats block southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau.The average elevation is around 1,200 m (3,900 ft).The area is one of the world’s ten “Hottest biodiversity hotspots” and has over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian species, 6,000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species; it is likely that many undiscovered species live in the Western Ghats. At least 325 globally threatened species occur in the Western Ghats.The Western Ghats are the mountainous faulted and eroded edge of the Deccan Plateau.Basalt is the predominant rock found in the hills reaching a thickness of 3 km (2 mi). Other rock types found are charnockites, granite gneiss, khondalites, leptynites, metamorphic gneisses with detached occurrences of crystalline limestone, iron ore, dolerites and anorthosites. Residual laterite and bauxite ores are also found in the southern hills.The Western Ghats extend from the Satpura Range in the north, stretching from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. It traverses south past the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. Major gaps in the range are the Goa Gap, between the Maharashtra and Karnataka sections, and the Palghat Gap on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border between the Nilgiri Hills and the Anaimalai Hills.The northern portion of the narrow coastal plain between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is known as the Konkan, the central portion is called Kanara and the southern portion is called Malabar. The foothill region east of the Ghats in Maharashtra is known as Desh, while the eastern foothills of the central Karnataka state is known as Malenadu.[13] The range is known as Sahyadri in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Western Ghats meets the Eastern Ghats at Nilgiris in northwestern Tamil Nadu. Nilgiris connects Biligiriranga Hills in southeastern Karnataka with the Shevaroys and Tirumala hills. South of the Palghat Gap are the Anamala Hills, located in western Tamil Nadu and Kerala with smaller ranges further south, including the Cardamom Hills, then Aryankavu pass, Aralvaimozhi pass near Kanyakumari. In the southern part of the range is Anamudi (2,695 metres (8,842 ft)), the highest peak in Western Ghats.The Western Ghats form one of the four watersheds of India, feeding the perennial rivers of India. The major river systems originating in the Western Ghats include Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Thamiraparani and Tungabhadra. Majority of streams draining the Western Ghats join these rivers and carry large volume of water during the monsoon months. These rivers flow to the east due to the gradient of the land and drain out into the Bay of Bengal. Major tributaries include Kali, Bhadra, Bhavani, Bhima, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Hemavathi and Kabini. Periyar, Bharathappuzha, Netravati, Sharavathi, Mandovi and Zuari rivers flow westwards towards the Western Ghats, draining into the Arabian Sea and are fast-moving, owing to the steeper gradient.Most notable of these projects are the Koyna in Maharashtra, Linganmakki and Sivasamudram in Karnataka, Mettur and Pykara in Tamil Nadu, Parambikulam and Idukki in KeralaTalakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri and the Kuduremukha range is the source of the Tungabhadra. Western Ghats have several man-made lakes and reservoirs with major lakes at Ooty (34 hectares (84 acres)) in Nilgiris, Kodaikanal (26 hectares (64 acres)) and Berijam in Palani Hills, Pookode lake, Devikulam (6 hectares (15 acres)) and Letchmi (2 hectares (4.9 acres)) in Kerala.The eastern region of the Western Ghats which lie in the rain shadow, receive far less rainfall of about 100 centimetres (39 in) resulting in an average rainfall of 250 centimetres (98 in) across regions.The Western Ghats are home to four tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregions – the North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, North Western Ghats montane rain forests, South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, and South Western Ghats montane rain forests.Above 1,000 meters are the South Western Ghats montane rain forests, also cooler and wetter than the surrounding lowland forests, and dominated by evergreen trees, although some montane grasslands and stunted forests can be found at the highest elevations. The South Western Ghats montane rain forests are the most species-rich ecologic region in peninsular India; eighty percent of the flowering plant species of the entire Western Ghats range are found in this ecologic region.The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve comprising 5,500 square kilometres (2,100 sq mi) of the evergreen forests of Nagarahole and deciduous forests of Bandipur in Karnataka, adjoining regions of Wayanad-Mukurthi in Kerala and Mudumalai National Park-Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu forms the largest contiguous protected area in the Western Ghats.[20] Silent Valley in Kerala is among the last tracts of virgin tropical evergreen forest in IndiaThere are at least 139 mammal species. Of the 16 endemic mammals, 13 are threatened and amongst the 32 threatened species include the critically endangered Malabar

Q.1 Which among the following is/are true with respect to the whitley awards ? 1. These are awarded annually by the WWF for the national & regional conservation 2. It also serves as a forum between employers and employees for the conservation of wildlife Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D Whitley awards – For Wildlife conservation The Whitley Awards are made annually by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) to recognise and celebrate effective national and regional conservation leaders across the globe. The awards are worth £35,000 (2017) and are now amongst the most high profile of conservation prizes – they have been called the “Green Oscars”. FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.2 Which among the following species is/ are not the extinct species under the IUCN status ? 1. Steller’s sea cow 2. Short tailed albatross 3. Spectacled cormorant Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) 2 & 3 C) 1 & 3 D) Only 2 Ans. D The Bering Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean.It comprises a deep water basin, which then rises through a narrow slope into the shallower water above the continental shelves. There is a small portion of the Kula Plate in the Bering Sea. The Kula Plate is an ancient tectonic plate that used to subduct under Alaska The sea supports many whale species including the beluga, humpback whale, bowhead whale, gray whale and blue whale, the vulnerable sperm whale, and the endangered fin whale, sei whale and the rarest in the world, the North Pacific right whale. Other marine mammals include walrus, Steller sea lion, northern fur seal, orca and polar bear. Seabird species include tufted puffins, the endangered short-tailed albatross, spectacled eider, and red-legged kittiwakes. Two Bering Sea species, the Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas) and spectacled cormorant (Phalacrocorax perspicillatus), are extinct because of overexploitation by man. In addition, a small subspecies of Canada goose, the Bering Canada goose (Branta canadensis asiatica) is extinct due to overhunting and introduction of rats to their breeding islands. FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.3 As per Vavilov’s centre of origin which among the following comes under the Indo-Burma region ? 1. Assam 2. North West Punjab 3. Burma Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) 2 & 3 C) Only 1 D) 1,2,3 Ans. A FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.4 Consider the following : 1. Melghat Tiger reserve       :       Maharashtra 2.Tansa Wildlife sanctuary     :       Tripura 3. Purna wildlife sanctuary    :       Gujarat Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 2 & 3 B) 1 & 2 C) Only 2 D) 1 & 3 Ans. D In Gujarat, the owlet can be found in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra The forest owlet remains critically endangered, and the population in 2015 was estimated by Birdlife International at less than 250. An individual was located in Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Thane district in 2014 FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.5 Which among the following can remove cyanobacterial blooms from water-based systems ? 1. Calcium hypochlorite 2. Copper sulphate 3. Simazine Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 2 B) Only 2 C) 2 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D Several chemicals can eliminate cyanobacterial blooms from water-based systems. They include: calcium hypochlorite, copper sulphate, cupricide, and simazine. Cyanobacteria can produce neurotoxins, cytotoxins, endotoxins, and hepatotoxins Oncolites are sedimentary structures composed of oncoids, which are layered structures formed by cyanobacterial growth. Oncolites are similar to stromatolites, but instead of forming columns, they form approximately spherical structures that were not attached to the underlying substrate as they formed. Cyanobacteria use the energy of sunlight to drive photosynthesis, a process where the energy of light is used to synthesize organic compounds from carbon dioxide. Because they are aquatic organisms, they typically employ several strategies which are collectively known as a “carbon concentrating mechanism” to aid in the acquisition of inorganic carbon (CO2or bicarbonate). Cyanobacteria can be found in almost every terrestrial and aquatic habitat—oceans, fresh water, damp soil, temporarily moistened rocks in deserts, bare rock and soil, and even Antarctic rocks. They can occur as planktonic cells or form phototrophic biofilms. They are found in almost every endolithic ecosystem. A few are endosymbionts in lichens, plants, various protists, or sponges and provide energy for the host. Some live in the fur of sloths, providing a form of camouflage Aquatic cyanobacteria are known for their extensive and highly visible blooms that can form in both freshwater and marine environments. FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.6 Which among the following is/are the right tributary of the river ganga ? 1. Kosi 2. Gandak 3. Yamuna 4. Ramganga Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) 2,3,4 C) Only 2 & 3 D) Only 3 Ans. D Ganga : >Left tributaries: q       Ramganga q       Gomati q       Ghaghar q       Gandak q       Kosi >Right tributaries: §      Yamuna §      Son Hugli FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.7 Which among the following plant(s) is/are considered as the Weeds ? 1. Dandelion 2. Burdrock 3. Amarnath Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 3 C) 1 & 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D Weeds : Dandelion, Burdrock, Lamb’s quarter, Amarnath, Cornockle Many plants known as weeds can have beneficial properties. A number of weeds, such as the dandelion (Taraxacum) and lamb’s quarter, are edible, and their leaves or roots may be used for food or herbal medicine. Burdock is common over much of the world, and is sometimes used to make soup and medicine in East Asia. An example of a crop weed that is grown in gardens is the corncockle, (Agrostemma githago), which was a common weed in European wheat fields, but is now sometimes grown as a garden plant. Weeds

Q.1 The meaning of carbon footprint is described by the amount of : A) Carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization or community B) Greenhouse gases emitted by industries contributing to global warming C) Carbon emissions released by the burning of jet fuel D) Increase in the carbon content of the atmosphere due to the felling of trees Ans. A A carbon footprint is historically defined as the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organisation, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent A measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of interest. Calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent using the relevant 100-year global warming potential(GWP100). Carbon footprint is one of a family of footprint indicators, which also includes water footprint and land footprint. •     4Indirect carbon emissions: the carbon footprints of products o     4.1Food o     4.2Textiles o     4.3Materials o     4.4Cement •     5Schemes to reduce carbon emissions: Kyoto Protocol, carbon offsetting, and certificates Carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, and the emissions of other GHGs, are often associated with the burning of fossil fuels, like natural gas, crude oil and coal. The Kyoto Protocol defines legally binding targets and timetables for cutting the GHG emissions of industrialized countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Accordingly, from an economic or market perspective, one has to distinguish between a mandatory market and a voluntary market. Typical for both markets is the trade with emission certificates: •     Certified Emission Reduction (CER) •     Emission Reduction Unit (ERU) •     Verified Emission Reduction (VER) local emissions reduction schemes have no status under the Kyoto Protocol itself, they play a prominent role in creating the demand for CERs and ERUs, stimulating Emissions Trading and setting a market price for emissions. Q.2 As per Kyoto Protocol agreement, which among the following is/are the parties of Annex-I Countries ? 1. Kazakhstan 2. Belarus 3. Turkey Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) 2 & 3 C) Only 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. B Belarus, Malta, and Turkey are Annex I Parties but do not have first-round Kyoto targets Q.3 Consider the following : 1. Bastar Iron Craft        :     Chhatisgarh 2. Screw Pine handicraft    :     Odisha 3. Pipili Aplique Work      :     Kerala Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 2 & 3 B) Only 2 C) 1 & 3 D) Only 1 Ans. D Bastar Iron Craft           :     Chhatisgarh Screw Pine handicraft       :     Kerala Pipili Aplique Work         :     Odisha Q.4 Which among the following is/are the examples of the Invasive Species ? 1. Water Hyacinth 2. Wild rose 3. Mimosa Invisa Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) 1 & 3 C) 1 & 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D The invasive water hyacinth is very common, often choking the water bodies, but it is cleared during destructive floods. Another invasive species, Mimosa invisa, which is toxic to herbivores, was cleared by Kaziranga staff with help from the Wildlife Trust of India in 2005 Invasive species such as Mimosa and wild rose have posed a threat to the native plants in the region. Q.5 Which among the following comes under the classification of Microfauna ? 1. Bacteria 2. Protozoa 3. Fungi 4. Mites Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 4 B) 1,3,4 C) 2,3,4 D) 2 & 4 Ans. D -Microflora : Bacteria , Fungi, Actinomycetes, Microscopic Algae -Microfauna : Protozoans, Rotifers, Polycads, Nematodes, Mites, Copepods (20-200 micron) FRAMED FROM WIKIPEDIA Q.6 With reference to the news, which among the following is/are correct with respect to the SAWEN ? 1. It is regional inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body launched in 2013. 2. All the south Asian countries are the members of the SAWEN regional network Select the correct answers using the code given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D SAWEN is regional inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body launched in January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan. It aims at working collectively . as a strong regional inter-governmental body to combat wildlife crime by attainting common mutual goals and approaches for combating illegal trade in the region. SAWEN’s regional network comprises of eight South Asia countries: Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Q.7 Which of the following is correct ? A) Guindy national park is known for tiger reserve B) Namdapha national park is meant for lion conservation C) Jaldapara is a biosphere reserve D) Rann of Kutch is wild ass sanctuary Ans. D Guindy National Park is a 2.70 km2 (1.04 sq mi) Protected area of Tamil Nadu, located in Chennai, South India, is the 8th smallest National Park of India and one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. -There are over 14 species of mammals including blackbuck, chital or spotted deer, jackal, small Indian civet, common palm civet, bonnet macaque, hyena, pangolin, hedgehog, common mongoose and three-striped palm squirrel. Guindy Snake Park, formerly the location of Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, is next to the Guindy National Park. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary) is a national park situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar District of northern West Bengal and on the banks of the Torsa River. The nearby Chilapata Forests is an elephant corridor between Jaldapara and the Buxa Tiger Reserve[4] Near by is the Gorumara National Park, known for its population of Indian rhinoceros. Toto tribes and Mech Tribes (Bodos) used to stay in this area before 1800. Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and is located in Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. It is also the third largest

Q.1 Which among the following species is/are the examples of the Waterfowl ? 1. Wood Sandpiper 2. Little cormorant 3. Painted Stork Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 2 & 3 B) Only 3 C) 1 & 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D The most common waterfowl are : Gadwall, shoveler, common teal, cotton teal, tufted duck, knob-billed duck, little cormorant, great cormorant, Indian shag, ruff, painted stork, white spoonbill, Asian open-billed stork, oriental ibis, darter, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper and green sandpiper. The sarus crane, with its spectacular courtship dance, is also found here Q.2 Which among the following are the migratory wetland species ? 1. White-bellied Heron 2. Siberian Crane 3. Red-headed Vulture 4. Spoon-billed Sandpiper Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 4 B) 2 & 3 C) 1 & 2 D) 2 & 4 Ans. D Migratory wetland species: Baer’s Pochard, Siberian Crane and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Non-migratory wetland species: White-bellied Heron. Grassland species:Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Jerdon’s Courser and Sociable Lapwing. Forest species:Forest Owlet. Scavengers: Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Slender-billed Vulture. Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck are now considered Extinct for all practical purposes. Q.3 With reference to the CITES what are Appendix II species ? A) species that are listed after one member country has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade in a species B) species that are threatened with extinction and are or may be affected by trade C) species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless trade in specimens of such species D) Species that are preserved under the biosphere reserves to prevent their extinction Ans. C Appendix I : species that are threatened with extinction and are or may be affected by trade Appendix II : species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless trade in specimens of such species Appendix III : species that are listed after one member country has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade in a species Q.4 Consider the following statements : 1. Deposition of iron-rich dust into ocean waters enhances carbon sequestration. 2. Biochar is added to a landfill or used as a soil improver to create terra preta 3. Harvesting of Seeweed is done to generate electricity or as a replacement for natural gas Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 2 C) 2 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. D Carbon Sequestration Carbon sequestration is the process involved in carbon capture and the long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide.[1] Carbon sequestration involves long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to mitigate or defer global warming. It has been proposed as a way to slow the atmospheric and marine accumulation of greenhouse gases, which are released by burning fossil fuels  artificial capture and sequestration of industrially produced CO 2 using subsurface saline aquifers, reservoirs, ocean water, aging oil fields, or other carbon sinks. Carbon dioxide may be captured as a pure by-product in processes related to petroleum refining or from flue gases from power generation.[5] CO 2 sequestration includes the storage part of carbon capture and storage, which refers to large-scale, artificial capture and sequestration of industrially produced CO 2 using subsurface saline aquifers, reservoirs, ocean water, aging oil fields, or other carbon sinks. Biosequestration or carbon sequestration through biological processes affects the global carbon cycle. Examples include major climatic fluctuations, such as the Azolla event, which created the current Arctic climate. Such processes created fossil fuels, as well as clathrate and limestone. By manipulating such processes, geoengineers seek to enhance sequestration. Peat bogs are a very important carbon store. Wetland soil is an important carbon sink; 14.5% of the world’s soil carbon is found in wetlands, while only 6% of the world’s land is composed of wetlands. Ocean iron fertilization is an example of such a geoengineering technique.[23] Iron fertilization[24] attempts to encourage phytoplankton growth, which removes carbon from the atmosphere for at least a period of time. Natural iron fertilisation events (e.g., deposition of iron-rich dust into ocean waters) can enhance carbon sequestration. The iron rich feces causes phytoplankton to grow and take up more carbon from the atmosphere. When the phytoplankton dies, some of it sinks to the deep ocean and takes the atmospheric carbon with it. By reducing the abundance of sperm whales in the Southern Ocean, whaling has resulted in an extra 200,000 tonnes of carbon remaining in the atmosphere each year’ Seaweed grows very fast and can theoretically be harvested and processed to generate biomethane, via Anaerobic Digestion to generate electricity, via Cogeneration/CHP or as a replacement for natural gas. Ideal species for such farming and conversion include Laminaria digitata, Fucus serratus and Saccharina latissima Bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) ‘BECCS refers to biomass in power stations and boilers that use carbon capture and storage Biochar is charcoal created by pyrolysis of biomass waste. The resulting material is added to a landfill or used as a soil improver to create terra preta. Q.5 Which among the following is/are true with respect to the CITES ? 1. CITES is the conservation agreement with the largest membership with 183 Parties 2. It is legally binding on the Parties Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN It provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented

Q.1 Consider the following : Hill Ranges           Place 1. Rajpipla      :   Gujarat 2. Mahadeo       :   Madhya Pradesh 3. Maikala range :   Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) 1 & 3 B) Only 2 C) 1 & 2 D) 1,2,3 Ans. C Maikala range    :   Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh Q.2 Consider the following statements : 1. Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake is home to the endangered Sangai deer 2. Keibul Lamjao is an integral part of the Loktak Lake Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C Lok tak lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for the phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition) floating over it. The lake is located near Moirang in Manipurstate, India. The etymology of Loktak is Lok = “stream” and tak = “the end”. The largest of all the phumdis covers an area of 40 km2(15 sq mi) and is situated on the southeastern shore of the lake. Located on this phumdi, Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world. The park is the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai (state animal), Rucervus eldii eldii or Manipur brown-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), one of three subspecies of Eld’s deer The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is 40 km2 (15.4 sq mi) in area, the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. To preserve the natural refuge of the endangered Manipur Eld’s deer or brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), or sangai also called the dancing deer, listed as an endangered species by IUCN, the park which was initially declared to be a sanctuary in 1966, was subsequently declared to be a national park in 1977 through a gazette notification. The act has generated local support and public awareness. Q.3 “Championing Green Growth and Climate Resilience”  to promote green growth , emerged at : A) Global Green Growth Institute B) Greenpeace C) European Environment Agency D) World Sustainable Development Summit 2011 Ans. A The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international organization headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The organization aims to promote green growth, a growth paradigm that is characterized by a balance of economic growth and environmental sustainability. GGGI provides research and stakeholder engagement for green growth plans, especially in developing countries, aiming to replace the more typical paradigm based on industrial development. Founded to support green economic growth that simultaneously addresses poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, GGGI works across four priority areas that are considered to be essential to transforming national economies, including energy, water, land use, and green cities. Motto    Championing Green Growth and Climate Resilience Formation    16 June 2010 Headquarters Seoul, Republic of Korea Membership   30 Member countries Council chair    Ban Ki Moon Director-General Frank Rijsberman Budget   USD 55 million (2018 Q.4 The term “Climate Neutrality” sometimes mentioned in the news are related to : A) World Wild life Fund B) UNFCCC Secretariat C) Biocarbon Fund D) World wildlife Trust Ans. B The UNFCCC secretariat launched its Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015. The following year, the secretariatlaunched a new pillar under its Momentum for Change initiative focused on Climate Neutral Now, as part of larger efforts to showcase successful climate action around the world. The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change) was established in 1992 when countries adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With the subsequent adoption of the Kyoto Protocol  in 1997 and the Paris Agreement  in 2015, Parties to these three agreements have progressively reaffirmed the secretariat’s role as the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. Since 1995, the secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany. The secretariat provides technical expertise and assists in the analysis and review of climate change information reported by Parties and in the implementation of the Kyoto mechanisms. It also maintains the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) established under the Paris Agreement, a key aspect of implementation of the Paris Agreement. The secretariat organizes and supports between two and four negotiating sessions each year. The largest and most important is the Conference of the Parties, held annually and hosted in different locations around the globe. It is the largest annual United Nations conference, attended on average by around 25,000 participants. In addition to these major conferences, the secretariat organizes annual sessions of the so-called subsidiary bodies as well as a large number of meetings and workshops throughout the year. In recent years, the secretariat also supports the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, agreed by governments to signal that successful climate action requires strong support from a wide range of actors, including regions, cities, business, investors and all parts of civil society. At UN Climate Change Conferences, a large number of events demonstrate how non-Party stakeholders are working with governments and the UN system to implement the Paris Agreement. FRAMED FROM “NDC PARTNERSHIP.ORG” Q.5 With reference to the Special Climate Change Fund, consider the following statements : 1. It was established in 1991 under UNFCCC to finance projects which enable the adaptation to climate change 2. It is operated by United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) & World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D It was established in 2001 under UNFCCC to finance projects which enable the adaptation to climate change It is operated by Global Environment Facility (GEF) EXPLANATION : In 2001, Parties to the UNFCCC

Q.1 With reference to Suez Canal, consider the following statements : 1. It allows ships to travel between Europe & South Asia without navigating around Africa thereby reducing the sea voyage distance between Europe & India by about 7000 km 2. A new stretch of the canal was just opened in 2015 . The northern terminus is Port said where there are two outlets to the sea ; the Southern terminus is Port Tewfik at the city of Suez , where there is one outlet to the sea 3. The canal is single lane with passing places in the Ballah bypass & Great Bitter lake How many of the above statements are correct A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None Ans. C All three are correct The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez and dividing Africa and Asia. The 193.30 km (120.11 mi) long canal is a popular trade route between Europe and Asia. In 1858, Ferdinand de Lesseps formed the Suez Canal Company for the express purpose of building the canal. Construction of the canal lasted from 1859 to 1869. The canal officially opened on 17 November 1869. It offers vessels a direct route between the North Atlantic and northern Indian oceans via the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, avoiding the South Atlantic and southern Indian oceans and reducing the journey distance from the Arabian Sea to London by approximately 8,900 kilometres (5,500 mi), to 10 days at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) or 8 days at 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph). The canal extends from the northern terminus of Port Said to the southern terminus of Port Tewfik at the city of Suez. In 2021, more than 20,600 vessels traversed the canal (an average of 56 per day Q.2 The water logged soils are rendered infertile because of 1. Lack of aeration 2. Reduced soil temperature 3. Weed growth 4. Enhanced soil erosion How many of the above statements are correct A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) Only Four Ans. B 1 & 2 Statements are correct Q.3 With reference to Dampier & Hodges line, consider the following statements : 1. It is an imaginary line passing through 24 parganas south & North districts of Sunderbans 2. It indicates the northern most limits of the estuarine zone affected by tidal fluctiations’ Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. C This line indicates the eco region of Sunderbans in India It is an imaginary line passing through 24 parganas south & North districts of Sunderbans It indicates the northern most limits of the estuarine zone affected by tidal fluctiations’ Q.4 Which among the following is not an Alpine Plant ? A) Forbs B) Lichens C) Cushion Plants D) Cotton Grass Ans. D Examples of Plants found in the Tundra: Arctic Moss, Arctic Willow, Caribou Moss, Labrador Tea, Arctic Poppy, Cotton Grass, Lichens and Moss. What are Alpine Plants? Alpine plants are those that grow at a high elevation and above the tree line. These plant species generally grow in alpine tundra. The species include perennial grasses, forbs, cushion plants, mosses and lichens. Q.5 With reference to the Rudraksh tree, consider the following statements : 1. It is a large evergreen tree that has broad-leaves whose seed is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism and Buddhism 2. It is mainly found in Western Ghats of Karnataka & Kerala Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. A MoU for Plantation of Rudraksh Trees; CTBTO Offers India Observer Status – Current Affairs Project aims at planting 10,000 Rudraksh trees in the Ganga Basin area in Uttarakhand in association with the local community. • Project aims at planting 10,000 Rudraksh trees in the Ganga Basin area in Uttarakhand in association with the local community. About Rudraksh Tree: •Elaeocarpus ganitrus or Rudraksh Tree is a large evergreen tree. It has broad-leaves whose seed is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism and Buddhism. •Rudraksh tree develops the fruit in three to four years. It is mainly found in Gangetic plain, foothills of Himalyas, Nepal, Indonesia etc. Q.6 Consider the following : Protected Area Network                 Fauna 1. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve :   Saltwater crocodile 2. Seshachalam hills           :   Sloth bear 3. Cold Desert                 :   Snow Leopard Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ? A) 1 & 3 B) Only 1 C) 2 & 3 D) 1,2,3 Ans. A Seshachalam hills         :   Slender Loris Panna                     :   Tiger, Chittal ,Chinkara, Sambhar & Sloth Bear Q.7 With reference to the Hope Spots, consider the following statements : 1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Lakshadweep Islands have very recently been named as the new Hope Spots 2. These are declared under the Wildlife protection Act, 1972 Select the correct answer using the codes given below : A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both are correct D) Both are incorrect Ans. D -Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Lakshadweep Islands have recently (Not very recently)  been named as the new Hope Spots -List of Hope spots is prepared by the IUCN & Mission Blue -Hope Spots are areas of an ocean that need special protection because of their wildlife & significant underwater habitats Q.8 In which of the following region in India are you most likely to come across the ‘Golden Langur’ in its natural habitat ? A) Grasslands of Western Ghats B) Malabar region of Kerala C) Western Assam D) Sand deserts of north-west India Ans. C Golden langur, is an Old World monkey found in a small region of western Assam, India and in the neighboring foothills of the Black Mountains of Bhutan. It is one of the