Q1. Consider the following statements:
- Line of Control (LoC) is a demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
- McMahon Line is the demarcation line between the Tibetan region of China and the Northern Himalayan region of India.
Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- The term Line of Control (LoC) refers to the military control line between the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir—a line which does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, but serves as the de facto border. Originally known as the Cease-fire Line, it was redesignated as the “Line of Control” following the Simla Agreement, which was signed on 3 July 1972. The part of the former princely state that is under Indian control is divided into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, while the Pakistani-controlled part is divided into Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan. The northernmost point of the Line of Control is known as NJ9842. The India–Pakistan border continues from the southernmost point on the LoC.
- The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, formed after the 1962 war.
- The McMahon Line is the demarcation line between the Tibetan region of China and the North-east region of India proposed by British colonial administrator Henry McMahon at the 1914 Simla Convention signed between British and Tibetan representatives. It is currently the effective boundary between China and India, although its legal status is disputed by the Chinese government.
Q2. Consider the following pairs (Valley/Pass–State):
- Byans valley Himachal Pradesh
- Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand
- Rupin Pass Sikkim
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Only option 2 is correctly paired
- Rupin Pass: Rupin Pass is a high altitude pass across the Himalaya mountain range in state of Uttrakhand, India. One can witness the Garhwali culture as well as the Kinnauri culture in either side of the pass.
- Lipulekh pass links the Byans valley of Uttarakhand, India with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and forms the last territorial point in Indian territory.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Seabuckthorn:
- It is a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry.
- It is a soil-binding plant which prevents soil-erosion, checks siltation in rivers and helps preserve floral biodiversity.
- In India, it is found in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation: What is seabuckthorn?
- It’s a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry. In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti. In Himachal Pradesh, it is locally called chharma and grows in the wild in Lahaul and Spiti and parts of Kinnaur.
- As a folk medicine, seabuckthorn has been widely used for treating stomach, heart and skin problems. In the last few decades, scientific research worldwide has backed many of its traditional uses. “Its fruit and leaves are rich in vitamins, carotenoids and omega fatty acids, among other substances, and it can help troops in acclimatising to high-altitude
- Besides being an important source of fuelwood and fodder, seabuckthorn is a soil-binding plant which prevents soil-erosion, checks siltation in rivers and helps preserve floral biodiversity.
Q4. What is a ‘tidal flat’?
(a) A type of wetland ecosystem found in mountainous regions.
(b) A coastal landform characterized by a sloping beach.
(c) An area of land periodically submerged and exposed by the rise and fall of tides.
(d) A geological formation resulting from volcanic activity in the ocean.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Tidal flats are coastal landforms that experience periodic inundation and exposure due to the rise and fall of tides. They are often muddy or sandy areas and are important ecosystems with a variety of plant and animal life adapted to the changing conditions.
Q5. Regarding the ‘Gambusia fish’, which statement is accurate?
(a) Gambusia is a species of deep-sea fish found in the Atlantic Ocean.
(b) Gambusia is a freshwater fish known for its use in biological pest control.
(c) Gambusia is a saltwater fish commonly used in the aquarium trade.
(d) Gambusia is a predatory species found in the Amazon rainforest.
Ans; (b)
Explanation:
- Gambusia, also known as mosquitofish, is a freshwater fish recognized for its role in biological pest control. Gambusia species are often introduced into water bodies to control mosquito populations by feeding on mosquito larvae. This biological control method is an environmentally friendly way to manage disease-carrying mosquitoes.
- Context: The article discusses the unintended consequences of introducing mosquitofish, specifically Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki.
- Initially introduced in the 1960s as a biological control method to combat mosquito-borne diseases, these fish have proliferated beyond their intended habitats, causing severe ecological and environmental problems.
- Mosquitofish, originally from the U.S., was introduced in India to prey on mosquito larvae. However, their adaptability and high tolerance for changing environmental conditions led to their widespread distribution, displacing and preying on native fauna.
- Despite the World Health Organization’s withdrawal of the recommendation for Gambusia as a mosquito control agent in 1982 and its designation as an invasive alien species by the National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India in 2018, both government and non-governmental organizations continue to release these fish for mosquito control.
