Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – August 19, 2022 [Mock Test]
August 19, 2022 August 19, 2022
1. With respect to the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), consider the following statements:
- ESZ is a fragile area that exists within 1 kilometer of protected areas.
- These are declared under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Commercial mining, stone quarrying, wastewater disposal etc. are not allowed in ESZ.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 3]
Notes:- Recently, the Supreme Court directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary across the country should have a mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of a minimum one km starting from their demarcated boundaries.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone means the fragile area that exists within 10 kilometers of protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. These areas act as “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
- The ESZ around protected areas are declared by the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Activities not permitted in ESZ include commercial mining, stone quarrying, crushing units, tourism activities like flying over protected areas in an aircraft or hot air balloon, setting up industries that cause pollution, establishment of hydro-electric projects, commercial use of firewood, solid waste disposal or wastewater disposal, etc.
- Activities permitted in ESZ include ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, adoption of green technology and use of renewable energy sources.
2. Consider the following statements:
- Earthworms help reduce flooding and soil erosion.
- Springtails recycle nutrients from dead leaves.
- Actinomycetes can act as antibiotics for the plant.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- Earthwormsare quite important to reduce flooding and soil erosion, and to improve soil health.
- Springtails also play crucial roles in soils, especially by recycling nutrients from dead leaves, which helps with plant growth.
- Actinomycetes were once classified as fungi, and act similarly in the soil. However, some actinomycetes are predators and will harm the plant while others living in the soil can act as antibiotics for the plant.
3. Which of the following climatic conditions are favorable conditions for Millet cultivation?
- Temperature between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
- Warm and temperate climate.
- Loamy and well-drained soils.
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- A warm, temperate climate is essential for the sprouting and germination of the millet seeds to keep the soil temperature cozy since they are susceptible to damage by cold weather and frosts.
- The sustainable temperature for millet growth is 20-30 degrees Celsius.
- Most millets have a short growing season.
- Most millets can do with little moisture since they have efficient water utilization abilities.
- The usual soil type in which millets grow in include well-drained, loamy soils with balanced moisture content.
