The concept of 'Eco-sensitive Zones' (ESZs) around Protected Areas in India is primarily aimed at:
A Promoting tourism within core areas of PAs.
B Facilitating industrial development near PAs.
C Creating a buffer zone to regulate certain activities and minimize negative impacts on PAs.
D Allowing unrestricted human settlement around PAs.
Answer: C
Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Their purpose is to regulate and manage activities in these areas to minimize the negative impacts on the fragile ecosystems of the Protected Areas.
222.
In India, which category of Protected Areas typically offers the highest level of legal protection to wildlife and their habitats, with human activities generally restricted?
A Wildlife Sanctuaries
B National Parks
C Community Reserves
D Conservation Reserves
Answer: B
National Parks generally have a higher degree of protection compared to Wildlife Sanctuaries. In National Parks, no human activity is permitted, except for those specifically allowed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, whereas in Wildlife Sanctuaries, some human activities like grazing or collection of minor forest produce may be allowed.
223.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) promotes the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level. What is the primary role of these BMCs?
A To manage national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
B To regulate industrial activities in biodiversity-rich areas.
C To prepare People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.
D To conduct scientific research on endangered species.
Answer: C
Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are formed at the local body level (Panchayat, Municipality) to promote conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity. Their key functions include preparing People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and facilitating Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms.
224.
Which of the following initiatives by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) aims to document local biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and practices related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use?
A Green India Mission
B People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)
C Project Tiger
D National Wetland Conservation Programme
Answer: B
People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) are comprehensive documents containing details of local biodiversity resources, their medicinal or any other use, and associated traditional knowledge. They are prepared by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level under the guidance of the NBA.
225.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 by the Government of India under which of the following acts?
A Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
B Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
C Biological Diversity Act, 2002
D Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Answer: C
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory autonomous body established in 2003 by the Government of India under Section 8 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Its headquarters are in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
226.
The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was established with the primary objective of:
A Funding research on renewable energy technologies.
B Supporting concrete adaptation activities in vulnerable sectors and states.
C Providing financial assistance for disaster relief.
D Promoting international cooperation on climate change mitigation.
Answer: B
The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was established in 2015-16 to support concrete adaptation activities which are not covered under ongoing schemes of the State and National Governments. It aims to assist vulnerable states and union territories in implementing adaptation projects.
227.
India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement include a significant focus on adaptation. Which of the following best describes India's adaptation goal?
A To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
B To enhance investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies.
C To achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
D To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
Answer: B
While options a, c, and d are also part of India's NDCs, they primarily relate to mitigation. Option b, 'To enhance investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies,' directly addresses the adaptation goal of building resilience to climate change impacts.
228.
Which of the following is NOT one of the eight missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?
A National Solar Mission
B National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
C National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
D National Mission for Urban Development
Answer: D
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) comprises eight missions: National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, National Water Mission, National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission for a Green India, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. The National Mission for Urban Development is not part of NAPCC.
229.
The Agni-V missile is known for its advanced capability to carry multiple warheads, each capable of striking different targets. What is this technology called?
A Stealth Technology
B Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV)
C Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)
D Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Capability
Answer: C
MIRV technology allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each of which can be directed to a different target, significantly enhancing its strategic deterrence capability.
230.
Which Indian organization is primarily responsible for the design and development of the Agni series of missiles, including Agni-V?
A Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
C Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
D Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
Answer: B
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the primary agency responsible for the research, design, and development of various defense technologies, including the Agni series of missiles.
