1. Which of the following landforms is/are formed by the process of chemical weathering?
- Stalagmite
- Stalactite
- Icicle
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Stalagmites and stalactites are formed by chemical weathering as mineral-laden water dissolves calcium carbonate, depositing it in caves. Icicles result from the freezing of dripping water, indicating a physical change. Thus, only stalagmite and stalactite correctly represent features formed by chemical weathering processes in limestone caves.
2. With respect to the Intergovernmental Science-policy platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service (IPBES), which of the following statements is not correct?
[A] It is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to biodiversity and ecosystem.
[B] Its secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany.
[C] It is an independent intergovernmental body, established in 2012.
[D] Its objective is to strengthen the research, evidence-based policy making for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to biodiversity and ecosystem. ]
Notes:- Intergovernmental Science-policy platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service (IPBES) released its report on the sustainable use of wild species of plants, animals, fungi and algae around the world.
- It is an independent intergovernmental body, established by member States in 2012, with the objective to strengthen the research, evidence-based policy making for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Its secretariat is in Bonn, Germany.
- According to the report, about 70% of the world’s poor population is directly dependent on wild species. 20% source their food from wild plants, algae and fungi.
- Wild tree species account for two thirds of global industrial roundwood, trade in wild plants, algae and fungi is a billion-dollar industry, and even non-extractive uses of wild species are big business.
- About 34% of marine wild fish stocks are overfished and 66% are fished within biologically sustainable levels.
- The survival of an estimated 12% of wild tree species is threatened by unsustainable logging.
- Unsustainable gathering is one of the main threats for several plant groups, notably cacti, cycads and orchids.
- Unsustainable hunting has been identified as a threat for 1,341 wild mammal species.
- Certain species have cultural importance such as Wild rice (Zizania palustris L.) is a cultural keystone species, providing physical, spiritual and cultural sustenance for many indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region of North America.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the G20:
- Italy, Indonesia, and India are the current Troika countries.
- The first G20 Summit was held in London.
- Italy, France, Spain, and Germany are all member countries of the G20.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 3
[C] Only 1 and 2
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct: Italy, Indonesia, and India are presently part of the G20 Troika. Statement 2 is incorrect as the first G20 Summit took place in 2008 in Washington DC, not London. Statement 3 is incorrect as Spain is not a formal G20 member; it participates as a permanent guest. Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.
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