1. Consider the following differences between ‘gharial’ and ‘mugger crocodile’:
- While gharial is listed as critically endangered; mugger crocodile as vulnerable.
- While gharial is a freshwater species; mugger crocodile is a saltwater species.
- While gharial is extinct in Indian subcontinent; mugger crocodile is extinct only in Bhutan and Myanmar.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1
[D] Only 1 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1]
Notes:- The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile belongs to Gavialidae family. Adult males have a distinct boss at the end of the snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known as a ghara, hence the name “gharial”. It is an indicator species of fresh river water. Once found from Pakistan to Myanmar, the reptile’s range has shrunk to two countries: India, along the Chambal, Girwa, and Son Rivers; and Nepal, along the Narayani River. The Satkosia gorge in the Mahanadi is the southernmost limit of gharials. These are listed as critically endangered in IUCN Red Data book. The gharial is listed on CITES Appendix I and also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- The mugger crocodile is a freshwater crocodile and can also be found in lakes, rivers and marshes where the wate is slow moving and shallow. It is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding countries, including India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It is already extinct in Bhutan and Myanmar. It is listed as vulnerable in IUCN Red Data book. It is listed on CITES Appendix I and also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
2. With reference to the Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR), consider the following factors:
- Tenor Premium
- Repo Rate
- 91-days Treasury Bill
- Operating Expenses
Which of the above influence the determination of MCLR? Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2 & 4
[D] Only 1 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 & 4]
Notes:
MCLR is based on internal bank factors like tenor premium and operating expenses, not external policy rates. Repo rate and 91-days T-bill rates are used for external benchmark lending rates (EBLR), not for MCLR calculation. Hence, only Tenor Premium and Operating Expenses (statements 1 and 4) influence MCLR determination.
3. Consider the following statements:
- System of Rice Intensification method was discovered in Madagascar.
- Fish- rice farming method helps to reduce methane emission.
- Direct seeding of rice method aims to sow short duration varieties.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[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:- System of Rice Intensification method was discovered in the 1980s in Madagascar. In this method, fewer seeds are planted in the field in a well-spaced-out manner. Organic manure is used for fertilizing the fields. Instead of continuously maintaining flooded conditions, the crops are subjected alternatively to dry and wet conditions. The method increases the crops’ resilience to floods and droughts while increasing the yield by 20% and reducing water use. The method works by reducing competition among the plants and improving oxygen supply.
- Fish- rice farming method: In this method, fishes are reared in the flooded rice fields. These fishes reduce methane emission from the rice fields and act as additional income source for the farmers apart from adding nutrients to the soil. This reduces dependence on pesticides and fertilizers.
- DSR is direct seeding of rice in which seeds are sown in the field rather than by transplanting seedlings from the nursery. It aims to sow short duration and high yield varieties. It is done through DSR machines which are used for planting seeds of rice directly into the fields.
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