Q1. What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
(a) A global environmental protection program aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
(b) An international space exploration project led by NASA.
(c) A massive infrastructure and economic development project launched by China.
(d) A United Nations initiative for conflict resolution and peacekeeping.
Ans: (c)
Explanation: What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to invest in over 150 countries and international organizations, creating road, rail, and sea routes for trade and connectivity. The initiative, often referred to as “One Belt One Road” (OBOR), is a key part of China’s foreign policy and has been compared to the American Marshall Plan.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC):
- It is an infrastructure development project that aims to create connectivity through rail and shipping networks.
- The USA and EU are the participating countries.
- It is part of the Partnership for Rail and Shipping Corridors Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII).
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) is an infrastructure development project that aims to create connectivity through rail and shipping networks, energy cables, and data links.
- Participating Countries India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy, USA, EU
- Objectives IMEC seeks to boost trade, clean energy, and economic growth while providing an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Part of It is part of the Partnership for Rail and Shipping Corridors Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) and focuses on enhancing global trade and cooperation through critical infrastructure development.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- The Kerala Government has launched Nilgiri Tahr conservation project, an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr.
- There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature.
- Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species, endemic to western ghats.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Tamil Nadu government launched Nilgiri Tahr conservation project, an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, the State animal.
- Under the Nilgiri Tahr project, the government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through surveys and radio telemetry studies; reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat; address proximate threats; and increase public awareness of the species. The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
- According to the order, there are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years. The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life. It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
- The animal is endemic to the Western Ghats. It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
- It is an endangered species and the sole Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metre above sea level. It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild.
Q4. Consider the following statements about Nilgiri Tahr:
- It is an endangered species and the sole Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India.
- It inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metre above sea level.
- It was designated as the State animal of Kerala in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- According to the order, there are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years. The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life. It was designated as the State animal of Tamil Nadu in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
- It is an endangered species and the sole Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metre above sea level. It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was known to inhabit a large portion of the Western Ghats. But today it remains restricted to a few scattered patches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- The park was created to protect its keystone species, the Nilgiri tahr.
- The park is characterised by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas in a high-altitude area of high rainfall, near-freezing temperatures and high winds.
- The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The above statements mainly refer to:
(a) Mukurthi National Park
(b) Mudumalai National Park
(c) Eravikulam National Park
(d) Silent Valley National Park
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Mukurthi National Park (MNP) is a protected area located in the western corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu state in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India. The park was created to protect its keystone species, the Nilgiri tahr.
- The park is characterised by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas in a high-altitude area of high rainfall, near-freezing temperatures and high winds. It is home to an array of endangered wildlife, including royal Bengal tiger and Asian elephant, but its main mammal attraction is the Nilgiri tahr. The park was previously known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
- The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first International Biosphere Reserve. As part of the Western Ghats, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1 July 2012.
