DAY – 68 (InstaTest-68): Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2022: Topic – Environment & Agriculture Full Syllabus (Third Revision), PREVIOUS YEAR UPSC PAPER 2016, March 2022 CA

Solution: C

The Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB) is a statutory organisation which was constituted in September, 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

It was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Important functions:

1. to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.
2. to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

Solution: A

Luni is the largest river system of Rajasthan, west of Aravali. It originates near Pushkar in two branches, i.e. the Saraswati and the Sabarmati, which join with each other at Govindgarh. From here, the river comes out of Aravali and is known as Luni.

It flows towards the west till Telwara and then takes a southwest direction to join the Rann of Kuchchh.

 The entire river system is ephemeral.

Solution: D

Gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) is a hydrated calcium sulphate used widely in various industries because of its special property of losing three-fourth of the combined water of crystallization when moderately heated (calcined) to about 1300C. Besides, calcined gypsum when cooled, finely ground and made plastic with water can be spread out, cast or moulded to any desired surface or form. On drying, it sets into a hard rock-like form. Selenite is a colourless, transparent, naturally occuring crystalline variety of gypsum and is used extensively in Ceramic Industry and for manufacturing surgical grade plaster of Paris, whereas alabaster is a fine-grained, massive variety, white or shaded in colour. Silky and fibrous variety of gypsum is called satin spar. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is a calcium sulphate mineral found associated with gypsum commonly as a massive or fibrous mineral.

Of the total reserves/resources, Fertilizer/Pottery grade accounts for about 80% and Cement/Paint grade 13%. The Unclassified and Not-known grades together account for 5%resources. The remaining two percent of resources is shared by Surgical Plaster and Soil Reclamation grades. By States, Rajasthan alone accounts for 81% resources, Jammu & Kashmir 14% and Tamil Nadu 2% resources. The remaining 3% resources are in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Solution: B

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa:

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Spread over an area of 211 square kilometres, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the newly established wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. It is located in the eastern part of the state, near the Sanguem Taluka. The sanctuary gets its name from a tributary of the Zuari River that also goes by the name of Netravali.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary With the number of Royal Bengal tigers that can be found at the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, authorities are considering to promote the place as one of the Project Tiger Reserves. Among the very popular sanctuaries of Goa, it is located near Valpoi town in Sattari Taluka.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary & Mollem National Park The Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Goa and is located in Sanguem taluka. It spreads over an area of 240 square kilometres. Along with the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary also encompasses the very famous Dudhsagar Falls and a number of temples from the era of the Kadamba Dynasty. You can also visit the famous Devil’s Canyon View Point, a perfect place to spot wildlife and birds.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Set up in 1968 and spread over an area of 105 square kilometres, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the southern part of Goa, near Canacona Taluka. The sanctuary is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts as it boasts of eight natural trails spread over the region ranging from 500 metres to five kilometres. One can follow these trails or join an organised trekking group arranged by the forest department.

Molem Wildlife Sanctuary The core area of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is known as the Molem Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Sanguem region and is claimed to house up to 120 different species of birds such as drongo, golden oriole, the great Indian hornbill, three-toed kingfisher, wagtails, and fairy bluebird. There also are wildlife safaris conducted in the sanctuary. This could be a perfect family experience to explore the wilderness making it one of the best places to visit in Goa. Apart from the safari, you can also opt to trek along with your family in the sanctuary.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Located in the Ponda region, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa. It is spread over an area of just about eight square kilometres. Surrounded by lush greenery and moist deciduous woods, the sanctuary lies in the foothills of the Western Ghats.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Named after the prominent ornithologist, Dr Salim Ali who was known for his affection for rare exotic birds, the sanctuary was set up in the year 1988. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 440 acres and is located on the Churao Island along the Mandovi River. It is typically a mangrove swamp. You will need the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department to enter the sanctuary.

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharashtra state, India. It was created in 1986 to preserve some of the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats and consists of 6,979 ha of forest, grasslands and wetlands

Solution: A

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986. It is located in the Western Ghats and includes 2 of the 10 biogeographical provinces of India. Wide ranges of ecosystems and species diversity are found in this region. Thus, it was a natural choice for the premier biosphere reserve of the country.

• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established mainly to fulfill the following objectives:
• To conserve insitu genetic diversity of species
• To restore degraded ecosystems to their natural conditions
• To provide baseline data for ecological and environmental research and education
• To function as an alternate model for sustainable development

Protected Areas under biosphere

• Silent Valley National Park
• Mukurthi National Park
• Bandipur-Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve

Solution: A

Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. India has a rich and complex history in silk production and its silk trade dates back to 15th century. Sericulture industry provides employment to approximately 8.25 million persons in rural and semi-urban areas in India during 2015-16. Of these, a sizeable number of workers belongs to the economically weaker sections of society, including women. India’s traditional and culture bound domestic market and an amazing diversity of silk garments that reflect geographic specificity have helped the country to achieve a leading position in silk industry.

Silk production in India

India has the unique distinction of being the only country producing all the five known commercial silks, namely, mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri and muga, of which muga with its golden yellow glitter is unique and prerogative of India.

Mulberry sericulture is mainly practised in five states namely, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Bodoland, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu are major silk producing states in the country.

North East has the unique distinction of being the only region producing four varieties of silk viz., Mulberry, Oak Tasar, Muga and Eri. Overall NE region contributes 18% of India’s total silk production.

India is the second largest producer of silk in the world. Among the four varieties of silk produced in 2015-16, Mulberry accounts for 71.8% (20,434 MT), Tasar 9.9% (2,818 MT), Eri 17.8% (5,054 MT) and Muga 0.6% (166 MT) of the total raw silk production of 28,472 MT.

Solution: D

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that mainly infects cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs.

Humans can get infected if they come in direct contact with infected animals or by eating or drinking contaminated animal products or by inhaling airborne agents.

According to the WHO, most cases of the disease are caused by ingesting unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.

Solution: B

Problems arising due to soil loss

• Deforestation
• Leaching
• Erosion

Deforestation leads to loss of top soil, soil erosion, nutrient leaching. It takes 2,000 years for the top soil to develop. Due to deforestation, on open, bare land, soil gets dissipated or carried away by monsoon rains and deposited in rivers, tanks and ponds, thus leading to silt formation, thereby reducing their water holding capacity. The exposed poor soil in agricultural lands makes it unfit for cultivation.

Soil erosion occurs due to wind and rain. Prolonged soil erosion may lead to formation of gullies and may lead to landslides.

Acidic Soils

In humid regions where rainfall is high, the continued leaching of soils results in the replacement of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium ions by hydrogen ions, leading to the formation of acidic soils. Lime application neutralizes to some extent the acidity in the soil.

Crops like millets, oats, peas and soyabeans, can tolerate moderate acidity and trees like Derris indica, Gliricidia and Tamarind can be grown in this soil.

Solution: D

Given below are 16 micro and macro nutrients essential for plant growth.

Other nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and chlorine too play vital roles in plant growth.

Solution: B

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a 437-hectare zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Established in 1960, it was opened to the public in 1979 and became the first zoo in India to join World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2009

About the Park:

Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Adjacent to Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Uniqueness of the Zoo:

It is the only zoological park in India to become an institutional member of World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA).

Host zoo for white tigers. White tigers born to normal coloured parents in the year 1980.

First captive breeding centre for endangered Gharials in the year 1980.

Solution: C

Coal:

One of the important minerals which is mainly used in the generation of thermal power and smelting of iron ore. Coal occurs in rock sequences mainly of twohtra mines is that they are located far from geological ages, namely Gondwana and tertiary deposits.

The types of coal:

There are four major types (or “ranks”) of coal. Rank refers to steps in a slow, natural process called “coalification,” during which buried plant matter changes into an ever denser, drier, more carbon rich, and harder material. The four ranks are:

• Anthracite: The highest rank of coal. It is a hard, brittle, and black lustrous coal, often referred to as hard coal, containing a high percentage of fixed carbon and a low percentage of volatile matter.
• Bituminous: Bituminous coal is a middle rank coal between subbituminous and anthracite. Bituminous usually has a high heating (Btu) value and is the most common type of coal used in electricity generation in the United States. Bituminous coal appears shiny and smooth when you first see it, but look closer and you may see it has layers.
• Subbituminous: Subbituminous coal is black in color and dull (not shiny), and has a higher heating value than lignite.
• Lignite: Lignite coal, aka brown coal, is the lowest grade coal with the least concentration of carbon.

Also, there is peat. Peat is not actually coal, but rather the precursor to coal. Peat is a soft organic material consisting of partly decayed plant and, in some cases, deposited mineral matter. When peat is placed under high pressure and heat, it becomes coal.

Solution: D

Soil Pollution

Land is a very valuable but limited resource, as the population increases rapidly. Many highly urbanised cities are faced with acute space problems, as in calcutta or bombay. Besides the limited availability of land, 175 million hectares of land are becoming less productive every year. India loses 20 tons of topsoil per hectare in a year due to floods, rainfall and deforestation. 20 % to 50 % of lands under irrigation can go out of cultivation at this rate because of water logging and salinity.

The scenario of desertification is compounded by pollution which includes

• Indiscriminate discharge of industrial effluents on land and into water bodies
• An increase in the use of fertilisers for agriculture
• Open defecation by animals and human beings
• Accumulation of solid waste; this is a major problem in developed countries like india where the garbage and refuse products are not degraded
• Radioactive substances from nuclear plants which are released into the soil

Major soil pollutants and their effect on human health

Solution: C

Tropical thorn forests occur in the areas which receive rainfall less than 50 cm. These consist of a variety of grasses and shrubs. It includes semi-arid areas of south west Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. In these forests, plants remain leafless for most part of the year and give an expression of scrub vegetation. Important species found are babool, ber, and wild date palm, khair, neem, khejri, palas, etc. Tussocky grass grows upto a height of 2 m as the under growth.

Solution: B

Vembanad (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is the longest lake in India, and the largest lake in the state of Kerala[Mangrove with area 2114 sq. Km is the second largest Ramasar site in India only after Sunderbans in West Bengal] Spanning several districts in the state of Kerala.

Solution: B

What is Contempt?

While the basic idea of a contempt law is to punish those who do not respect the orders of the courts, in the Indian context, contempt is also used to punish speech that lowers the dignity of the court and interferes with the administration of justice.

Contempt of court can be of two kinds:

Civil,that is the willful disobedience of a court order or judgment or willful breach of an undertaking given to a court.

Criminal, that is written or spoken words or any act that scandalises the court or lowers its authority or prejudices or interferes with the due course of a judicial proceeding or interferes/obstructs the administration of justice.

Relevant provisions:

Article 129 and 215 of the Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and High Court respectively to punish people for their respective contempt.

Section 10 of The Contempt of Courts Act of 1971 defines the power of the High Court to punish contempts of its subordinate courts.

The Constitution also includes contempt of court as a reasonable restriction to the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19, along with elements like public order and defamation.

Solution: C

Solution:

• In northeast India, the hoolock is found south of Brahmaputra and the North Bank areas and east of the Dibang Rivers.

Its range extends into seven states covering Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura (The seven northeastern states of India).

Solution: B

Solution:

• The Nilgiri tahr can be found only in India. It inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests ecoregion. At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 m (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into large grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
• These grassland habitats are surrounded by dense forests at the lower elevations.
• The Nilgiri tahrs formerly ranged over these grasslands in large herds, but hunting and poaching in the 19th century reduced their population.
• Nilgiri tahr is the State animal of Tamil Nadu.

Solution: A

Solution:

• The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family.
• It occurs in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• It is predominantly frugivorous, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds.
• It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2018. It is known to have lived for nearly 50 years in captivity.
• Due to its large size and colour, it is important in many tribal cultures and rituals. The Government of Kerala declared it as the official state bird.

Solution: A

Solution:

• Swordfish is an Indian active electronically scanned array (AESA) long-range tracking radar specifically developed to counter ballistic missile threat. It will be a part of the Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Programme.
• First testing of this radar was in March 2009. Main aim of the test was to validate the capabilities of the Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR). “The missile to be hit will be fired from a longer distance than it was in the earlier test. DRDO tested whether the radar could track the incoming missile from that distance or not,” said a member of the project.
• This radar is an acknowledged derivative of the Israeli EL/M-2080 Green Pine long range radar, which is the critical component of that country’s Arrow missile defense system.
• However, it differs from the Israeli system as it employs Indian Transmit Receive modules, signal processing, computers and power supplies. It is also more powerful than the base Green Pine system and was developed to meet India’s specific BMD needs.

Solution: C

Solution:

• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (UNCCD) is a Convention to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements

• The Convention, the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Conference’s Agenda 21, was adopted in Paris, France, on 17 June 1994 and entered into force in December 1996. It is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification. The Convention is based on the principles of participation, partnership and decentralization—the backbone of good governance and sustainable development.

Answer A

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there is no scientific basis for preservation of cord blood for future self use and this practice therefore raises ethical and social concerns.

The ICMR does not recommend commercial stem cell banking.

Answer A

It is an online transit pass generation system for timber, bamboo and other forest produce.

It was launched recently by the Union Environment Ministry.

The pilot project will be functional in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana for now.

Answer C

Aim of the Mission:

It aims to inter-alia supplement farm income of farmers with focus on the development of a complete value chain of the bamboo sector linking growers with industry.

Implementation:

The scheme is being implemented in non-forest Government land, farmers field in States where it has social, commercial and economical advantage, including the bamboo rich States of North Eastern region and Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Answer A

India has nearly 30 percent of area under land degradation and achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030

Answer C

Coral bleaching occurs when coral polyps expel algae that live inside their tissues. Normally, coral polyps live in an endosymbiotic relationship with these algae, which are crucial for the health of the coral and the reef.

Factors responsible for Coral Bleaching

• Increased water temperature (most commonly due to global warming), or reduced water temperatures
• Oxygen starvation caused by an increase in zooplankton levels
• Increased solar irradiance (photosynthetic active radiation and ultraviolet light)
• Increased sedimentation (due to silt runoff)
• Bacterial infections
• Changes in salinity
• Herbicides
• Extreme low tide and exposure
• Cyanide fishing
• Pollutants such as oxybenzone, butylparaben, octyl methoxycinnamate, or enzacamene: four common sunscreen ingredients that are nonbiodegradable and can wash off of skin
• Ocean acidification due to elevated levels of CO2 caused by air pollution
• Being exposed to Oil or other chemical spills

Answer : D

Solution : Let us fix the position of A and determine the position of the remaining with respect to him. There are two possibilities of arrangement as shown below

Hence, it is clear from the above diagrams that, B and E are neighbours.

Answer : A

We shall find the day on 1st June, 2005.

1st June, 2005 = (year 2004 + Period from 01.01.2005 to 01.06.2005)

Odd days in year 2000 = 0

4 years = (1 leap year + 3 ordinary years) = (1 x 2 + 3) days = 5 odd days

So, total number of days; = total number of days = 0+ 5+ 5=10 = 1 week and 3 odd days

Then, 1st June, 2005 was Wednesday.

6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June are Monday.

Answer A:

Solution : the pattern is 1 x3 = 3; 3 x5 = 15

5 x15 =75

15 x 15 = 1125

15 x 1125 = 84375

So  ?= 75