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Journalism of Courage
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress.
Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The World Meteorological Organisation declared the year 2024 to be the warmest ever since measurements began.
Statement 2: The average annual mean temperature of the Earth during the year was more than 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels (1850-1900 period).
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.
(d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.
Explanation
— The World Meteorological Organisation declared 2024 to be the warmest year since measurements began. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The Earth’s average annual mean temperature was more than 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed earlier this month that 2024 was also the warmest year in India. However, the extent of warming across India varies greatly from the rest of the world. According to IMD, the temperature in 2024 will be 0.65 degrees Celsius higher than normal. In this example, normal refers to the average for the years 1991 to 2020.
— Because of the baseline differences, the two sets of data reflecting warming over India and the world as a whole in 2024 cannot be directly compared. IMD’s dataset begins in 1901, hence there is no temperature data for India from 1850 to 1900 to allow for a direct comparison.
— The average from 1901 to 1910 may be a more relevant baseline for comparing temperature rise in India to the global average. According to IMD data, the temperature over India in 2024 was around 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than the average from 1901 to 1910.
Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
This Tiger Reserve is a wildlife reserve located in eastern Madhya Pradesh. The National Park was established in 1975. In 1951, the Maharaja of Rewa discovered and rescued the world-famous white tiger “MOHAN” from this landscape’s jungle. This Reserve is most renowned for its evergreen Sal woodland, which supports a variety of bird, animal, reptile, and amphibian species.
The above mentioned lines refer to:
(a) Guru Ghasidas National Park
(b) Melghat Tiger Reserve
(c) Tadoba Tiger Reserve
(d) Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve
Explanation
— A resort and conference hall constructed within tiger reserve corridors in Madhya Pradesh’s Sanjay Dubri and Bandhavgarh have become a source of disagreement between the state’s Wildlife and Tourism departments.
— The Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is a wildlife wonderland in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district. The National Park was established in 1975.
— In 1951, the Maharaja of Rewa discovered and rescued the world-famous white tiger “MOHAN” from this landscape’s jungle.
— Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is most renowned for its evergreen Sal forest, which is home to around 152 bird species, 32 animal species, 11 reptile species, 3 amphibian species, and many more, as well as 34 freshwater fish species. Tiger, Sloth bear, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambar (restricted to steep terrain and in very small numbers), leopard, Dhole (wild dog), Jungle Cat, Hyena, Porcupine, Jackal, Fox, Indian Wolf, Indian Python, Four-horned Antelope, and Barking Deer are among the most common species encountered.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to the Oriental Pied Hornbill, consider the following statements:
1. They are categorised as vulnerable by the IUCN.
2. They feed on small animals such as reptiles and birds.
3. They nest in suitable tree holes, closing the majority of the holes with mud and plant fibre plaster.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— The Oriental Pied Hornbill, 55-60 cm in size, is a pied hornbill similar to the species of Indian Grey Hornbill.
— Its optimal environment includes forests, mango orchards, and parks. Overall black, it has a noticeable white eye patch, a yellow bill, and a casque (located above the top beak) that is flat from the front. It has blue gular (throat) skin, a white belly, and outside tail feathers.
— The Oriental Pied Hornbill is a huge bird with black feathers and white patches. Its big beak is pale yellow.
— They nest in suitable tree holes, closing the majority of the hole with a mud and plant fibre plaster. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
— Their diet consists primarily of fruits, although they also consume small creatures such as reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— They are categorised as least concerned by the IUCN. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
With reference to the e-AMRIT, consider the following statements:
1. It is a web portal on electric vehicles (EVs) launched at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.
2. It is developed by NITI Aayog.
3. The portal does not provide information on subsidies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 only
Explanation
— Presently, road transport contributes 12% of CO2 emissions related to energy in India and plays a significant role in urban air pollution, as reported by the IEA.
— In response to these environmental challenges, Indian automakers are investing heavily in electrification, in addition to the Government of India’s subsidy plans to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
— At the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, India introduced ‘E-Amrit’, an online gateway for electric vehicles (EVs). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— NITI Aayog created the portal, which gives information on EV adoption, buying, investment opportunities, policies, and subsidies. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is not correct.
— It also compliments the UK government’s initiatives to enhance consumer awareness and sensitise them to the benefits of electric vehicles.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: Yellow mealworm larvae are commonly used in food formulations.
Statement 2: Yellow mealworm larvae contain high-quality protein and fat.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.
(d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.
Explanation
— All food production has an environmental cost. However, there is significant variance within this. Beef, for example, emits 100 times more greenhouse gases than pea farming.
— Edible insects are not the only approach for creating a more sustainable food system. They do, however, offer a more nutritious and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional beef. Their productivity, versatility, and diversity suggest that they will play an increasingly important role in a more circular food system.
— The yellow mealworm, a pest of wheat and grain, is one of the most common insects used as food or feed.
— Yellow mealworm larvae include high-quality protein and fats. Because of their nutritional benefits, they are often employed in food formulations. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
— Insects are classed as holometabolous or hemimetabolous based on their life cycle. Yellow mealworms are holometabolous insects that go through a complete metamorphosis from egg or embryo to larva, pupa, and adult.
Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 94)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 94)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 94)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 93)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 93)
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 93)
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