Q1. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
- The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 and 3: Teesta River originates from the Pahunri glacier. Brahmaputra originates in Angsi glacier. Teesta is a tributary of Brahmaputra. So, 1 is wrong.
- But, Teesta flows through West Bengal and Sikkim, before going to Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh. Statement 3 is incorrect.
- Statement 2: Rangeet is a tributary of the Teesta river, which is the largest river in Sikkim. It also originates in Sikkim.
Q2. A Member of Parliament (MP) can be disqualified from the Lok Sabha on the following grounds:
- Statement 1: If the MP is convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more.
- Statement 2: If the MP voluntarily gives up their membership of the political party from which they were elected.
- Statement 3: If the MP is expelled from their political party for anti-party activities.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- A Member of Parliament (MP) can be disqualified from the Lok Sabha for a number of reasons, including:
Disqualification-Reason-Description:
- Conviction-An MP loses their membership if convicted of a crime and sentenced to at least two years in prison-They are also disqualified for six years after the conviction unless the conviction order is suspended.
- Defection-If an MP elected as a representative of one political party joins another political party after the election, they are disqualified.
- Office of Profit-Holding an “office of profit” under the Government of India or any State government leads to disqualification.
- Joining a Political Party After Election-Being elected as an independent candidate and later joining a political party can result in disqualification.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant.
- India is a leading producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
- The National Turmeric Board is an organization managed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Context: The Indian government has officially established the National Turmeric Board, responding to a longstanding demand from turmeric farmers across the country.
- The board, under the Union Commerce Ministry, will be dedicated to the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric-related products in India.
- India is a leading producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
- The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. India has more than 62% share of world trade in turmeric
- Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It’s a relative of ginger and has been used in cooking for hundreds of years.
- Turmeric is a deep, golden-orange colour and has a warm, bitter taste. It’s often used to flavour or colour: Curry powders, Mustards, Butters, Cheeses.
- Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Curcumin also gives turmeric its yellow colour.
Q4. Which of the following statements about palm oil is correct?
(a) Palm oil is primarily produced in South America.
(b) Palm oil is a significant contributor to deforestation and habitat destruction.
(c) Palm oil is a type of nut oil commonly used in cooking.
(d) Palm oil has no health or environmental concerns associated with its production and use.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- B) This statement is correct. Palm oil cultivation has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the loss of biodiversity in regions where it is produced. Large-scale palm oil plantations often lead to the clearing of tropical rainforests, which has adverse environmental consequences.
- A) This statement is incorrect. Palm oil is primarily produced in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, rather than South America.
- C) This statement is partially correct. Palm oil is not a nut oil but rather an edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree. It is commonly used in cooking, as well as in various processed foods and products.
- D) This statement is incorrect. Palm oil production and use have raised concerns about their environmental impact, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, there have been health concerns related to the consumption of palm oil due to its high saturated fat content. These issues have prompted efforts to promote sustainable palm oil production and use.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Coral reefs:
- Coral reefs cover more than 25% of the earth’s surface.
- Coral reefs help in substantially reducing coastal flooding and erosion.
- Increased ocean temperature causes reefs to expel the symbiotic algae responsible for their colour.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Coral reefs are essentially just big limestone structures built by thousands of tiny coral creatures called polyps.
- Increased ocean temperature caused by climate change is the main cause of coral bleaching events. That’s when reefs expel the symbiotic algae responsible for their colour. If that happens over longer periods, the corals can eventually die.
- Coral reefs act like low-crested breakwaters and absorb 97% of wave energy. This substantially reduces coastal flooding and erosion.
- Coral reefs cover less than 0.5% of the earth’s surface, but they are home to about 25% of all marine species.
