41. Consider the following statements regarding the Great Nicobar:
- Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea National Park are located here.
- It is home to the Shompen tribe.
- The leatherback sea turtle is the island’s flagship species.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Andaman & Nicobar group and houses two national parks: Campbell Bay and Galathea. It is inhabited by the indigenous Shompen tribe. The leatherback sea turtle, an endangered species, is the flagship species of the island. All three statements are correct as per official records.
42. Consider the following statements regarding the Black-Naped Pheasant-Pigeon:
- It is endemic to Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea.
- Due to insufficient data on its population, it is included in the Data Deficient category of the IUCN.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 1
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1]
Notes:
The Black-Naped Pheasant-Pigeon is endemic to Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea. However, it is not classified as Data Deficient; it is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated population of 50 to 249 birds. There is adequate information for its assessment. Thus, only statement 1 is correct.
43. Consider the following statements regarding Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2003.
- It is situated between Virar and Vasai.
- It is dominated by Tropical evergreen forests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2003 and is located between Virar and Vasai near Mumbai. The area includes dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests, but is not primarily dominated by tropical evergreen forests. Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
44. Which of the following can be considered as determinants of the digital divide in India?
- Low literacy and income levels
- Geographical restrictions
- Lack of motivation to use technology
- Lack of physical access to technology
- Digital illiteracy
Select the correct option using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 3 & 5
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
Determinants of digital divide in India include low literacy and income levels, geographical restrictions, lack of motivation to use technology, lack of physical access to technology, and digital illiteracy. All the listed factors contribute significantly to the digital divide by restricting equitable access and effective utilization of digital technologies.
45. Consider the following Pairs regarding the Pangolin:
| Concept |
Explanation |
| 1. Indian Pangolin |
Endangered |
| 2. Chinese Pangolin |
Critically Endangered |
| 3. Indian-Burmese Pangolin |
Vulnerable |
Which of the Pairs given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
- The Indian Pangolin is classified as “Endangered” (EN) and the Chinese Pangolin as “Critically Endangered” in the IUCN Red List.
- In India, both species are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which bans hunting, trade, or any form of exploitation.
- The Indo-Burmese Pangolin is a newly identified species, distinct due to its unique evolutionary history and genetic divergence from the Chinese Pangolin, which is recognized for its broader distribution.
- The Indian Pangolin, while also a distinct species, is not closely related to the Indo-Burmese Pangolin, which evolved in isolation.
- Conservation Status –It hasn’t yet been concluded.
46. Which of the following is / are sources of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere:
- Volcanic eruptions
- Industrial processes
- Vehicle emissions
- Forest fires
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4 ]
Notes:
Natural processes include volcanoes, forest fires and decaying plant matter. Manmade include industrial processes, vehicular emissions etc.
47. Question: In the context of environmental projects, consider the following statements:
- Tunnel construction is considered equivalent to underground mining and is exempt from compensatory afforestation.
- Hydel projects are recognized as environmentally friendly due to minimal surface disruption.
- Compensatory afforestation is mandatory for projects that cause ground surface disturbance.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:
- Tunnel construction is considered equivalent to underground mining and is exempt from compensatory afforestation: This is correct. Tunnel construction is treated similarly to underground mining in terms of environmental regulations.
- Hydel projects are recognized as environmentally friendly due to minimal surface disruption: This is correct. Hydel projects’ underground aspects help preserve surface ecology.
- Compensatory afforestation is mandatory for projects that cause ground surface disturbance: This is incorrect. Projects deemed environmentally friendly, like tunnels, are exempt.
48. In the context of Dibru Saikhowa National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south.
- It mainly consists of dry semi-evergreen forests and dry mixed deciduous forests.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Nor 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
- It is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south. Correct: It is a National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in the extreme east of Assam state in India. It is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south.
- It mainly consists of dry semi-evergreen forests and dry mixed deciduous forests. Incorrect: It mainly consists of moist mixed semi-evergreen forests and moist mixed deciduous forests.
49. With reference to environmental conservation initiatives for Mangroves, consider the following statements:
- The MISHTI initiative aims to restore mangrove ecosystems across India.
- India has the most mangroves in the world, representing approximately 23% of the global mangrove coverage.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only two
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
- The MISHTI initiative aims to restore mangrove ecosystems across India: This is correct. MISHTI focuses on restoring degraded mangroves to enhance coastal resilience.
- India has the most mangroves in the world, representing approximately 23% of the global mangrove coverage. Incorrect: Indonesia has the most mangroves in the world, with an estimated total area of around 3.5 million hectares, representing approximately 23% of the global mangrove coverage; making it the country with the maximum mangrove presence globally.
50. In context with lesser-known aquatic species, consider the following statements:
- Channa andrao is a newly discovered snakehead species from Northeast India.
- Channa bipuli is known for its vibrant colors and is popular in the aquarium trade.
- Channa aristonei has a unique pattern that distinguishes it from other snakeheads.
- Channa nachi is named after a local Garo term and reflects indigenous cultural significance.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:
- Channa andrao: Discovered in 2019, it exhibits a striking coloration and is endemic to India.
- Channa bipuli: This species is recognized for its bright hues and is sought after by aquarium enthusiasts.
- Channa aristonei: Identified through genetic studies, it is distinguished by its distinctive dorsal markings.
- Channa nachi: Its name reflects local Garo culture, emphasizing the connection between biodiversity and indigenous knowledge.
