Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023:
- It seeks to restrict the conservation scope of the Act to only certain forest lands.
- It exempts border lands from the obligation to seek permissions to clear forests in order to construct “strategic linear projects of national importance”.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
Key provisions of Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023:
About:
Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 allows for the diversion of forest land for various projects, including roads, railways, and strategic national security projects, within 100 km of India’s international borders. It amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Objective:
To clarify and enhance the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Scope:
Applicability to land designated as forest since 1980.
Exemptions:
- Land within 100 km of borders for national security.
- Forest land along a rail line or a public road maintained by the government.
- Land up to 10 hectares, proposed to be used for constructing security-related infrastructure, etc.
- Assignment of Forest Land:
- Prior approval is required from the central government for all entities.
- Permitted Activities:
- Expanded to include check posts, fencing, bridges, zoos and safaris under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; eco-tourism facilities; and silvicultural operations (enhancing forest growth), etc.
Q2.Consider the following statements regarding the major features of Chola age paintings:
- They were often done on temple panels.
- They show narrations and aspects related to Lord Shiva.
- They avoid depictions of humans and plants.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- The most important Chola paintings are those in Brihadeswara temple. The paintings were executed on the walls of the narrow passage surrounding the shrine.
- The great tradition of painting shows narrations and aspects related to Lord Shiva, Shiva in Kailash, Shiva as Tripurantaka, Shiva as Nataraja, a portrait of the patron Rajaraja and his mentor Kuruvar, dancing figures, etc.
- The paintings of Brihadeswara temple exemplify the stylistic maturity the artists evolved over the years.
- Sinuous pre-determined flow of lines, supple modelling of figures, elongation of the physiognomic features of human figures—all these represent the perfection the Chola artist had achieved during the period on the one hand and the phase of transition on the other.
Q3. Which of the following statements about Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) is correct?
(a) FTAs always result in the complete elimination of all trade barriers between participating countries.
(b) FTAs are only concerned with reducing tariffs and do not address non-tariff barriers.
(c) FTAs are bilateral agreements that involve only two countries.
(d) FTAs can lead to both economic benefits and potential challenges for participating countries.
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- The correct statement is D) FTAs can lead to both economic benefits and potential challenges for participating countries.
- FTAs can lead to economic benefits such as:
- Increased trade and investment, which can lead to job creation and economic growth.
- Lower prices for consumers, as goods can be imported more cheaply.
- Increased competition, which can lead to innovation and improved efficiency.
Q4. Which of the following statements about the human embryo is correct?
(a) The human embryo is formed through fertilization in the fallopian tube.
(b) The human embryo undergoes implantation in the uterus approximately 2 weeks after fertilization.
(c) The human embryo has a functional circulatory system and well-developed organs at 4 weeks of development.
(d) The human embryo is typically referred to as a fetus after 12 weeks of gestation.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- The correct statement is B) The human embryo undergoes implantation in the uterus approximately 2 weeks after fertilization.
- The other statements are incorrect.
- Statement A is incorrect because fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, but the embryo does not implant in the uterus until about 2 weeks after fertilization.
- Statement C is incorrect because the human embryo does not have a functional circulatory system or well-developed organs at 4 weeks of development. These structures develop later in the pregnancy.
- Statement D is incorrect because the human embryo is typically referred to as a fetus after 8 weeks of gestation, not 12 weeks.
Q5. Which of the following statements about the Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean is most accurate?
(a) The Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean is the process of the Arctic Ocean becoming warmer and more saline, due to the influx of Atlantic Ocean water.
(b) The Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean is the process of the Arctic Ocean becoming shallower and less productive, due to the melting of sea ice.
(c) The Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean is the process of the Arctic Ocean becoming wider and more connected to the Pacific Ocean, due to the opening of the Bering Strait.
(d) The Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean is the process of the Arctic Ocean becoming less salty and more stratified, due to the melting of sea ice.
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- The correct answer is A) The Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean is the process of the Arctic Ocean becoming warmer and more saline, due to the influx of Atlantic Ocean water.
- Atlantification is a term used to describe the changes that are taking place in the Arctic Ocean due to the influx of warm, salty water from the Atlantic Ocean. These changes are caused by a number of factors, including:
- The melting of sea ice, which exposes the Arctic Ocean to warmer Atlantic Ocean water.
- The weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which is a major ocean current that helps to transport warm water from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic Ocean.
