The Western Ghats are recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot. Which of the following amphibian groups is particularly diverse and endemic to this region?
A Frogs of the genus Fejervarya
B Caecilians (limbless amphibians)
C Salamanders of the genus Tylototriton
D Toads of the genus Bufo
Answer: B
The Western Ghats are known for their high diversity of caecilians, a group of limbless, burrowing amphibians, many species of which are endemic to the region and are facing significant threats.
972.
According to recent reports, what is the primary reason cited for the decline in amphibian diversity in the Western Ghats?
A Natural evolutionary processes and species competition.
B Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and land-use change.
C Introduction of invasive amphibian species from other regions.
D A sudden and widespread amphibian disease outbreak.
Answer: B
The most significant driver of amphibian decline in the Western Ghats, as highlighted by numerous studies, is the destruction and fragmentation of their habitats due to human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
973.
The National Coastal Resilience Mission is expected to address which of the following key challenges faced by India's coastline?
A Only sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
B Increased frequency and intensity of cyclones and storm surges.
C Salinization of coastal aquifers and damage to coastal ecosystems like mangroves.
D All of the above.
Answer: D
The mission is designed to be comprehensive, addressing a range of climate-related threats to the coastline, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, increased cyclone activity, storm surges, salinization of groundwater, and the degradation of vital coastal ecosystems.
974.
Which ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the National Coastal Resilience Mission?
A Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
B Ministry of Earth Sciences
C Ministry of Home Affairs
D Ministry of Shipping
Answer: B
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is the nodal ministry for the National Coastal Resilience Mission, focusing on scientific research, monitoring, and developing strategies for coastal adaptation and mitigation.
975.
What is the primary objective of the National Coastal Resilience Mission launched by India?
A To promote coastal tourism and infrastructure development.
B To enhance the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems to climate change impacts and natural disasters.
C To regulate fishing activities and maritime trade along the Indian coastline.
D To establish a dedicated naval force for coastal security.
Answer: B
The National Coastal Resilience Mission aims to strengthen the capacity of coastal regions to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion, thereby protecting both human populations and natural ecosystems.
976.
Which of the following is a key objective of the Indian Navy's efforts to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness?
A To monitor and deter illegal fishing activities
B To track the movement of all commercial shipping
C To ensure freedom of navigation and deter maritime threats
D All of the above
Answer: D
Enhanced MDA by the Indian Navy serves multiple purposes, including combating illegal activities, ensuring safe passage for legitimate maritime traffic, and safeguarding national interests against various maritime threats.
977.
The Indian Navy's Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) plays a crucial role in:
A Designing new naval vessels
B Coordinating joint military exercises
C Consolidating and analyzing maritime data for situational awareness
D Training naval personnel in combat operations
Answer: C
IMAC serves as the nodal hub for the Indian Navy's maritime data fusion and analysis, providing real-time situational awareness of the Indian Ocean Region.
978.
Which of the following technologies is being increasingly utilized by the Indian Navy to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)?
A Satellite Imagery and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
B Sonar and Underwater Acoustic Systems
C Coastal Radar Chains and Automatic Identification System (AIS)
D All of the above
Answer: D
The Indian Navy employs a multi-pronged approach using satellite imagery, UAVs for surveillance, advanced sonar for underwater detection, coastal radar networks, and AIS for tracking vessels to achieve comprehensive MDA.
979.
iCET पहल एक रणनीतिक संवाद है जिसका उद्देश्य निम्नलिखित में से किन डोमेन में सहयोग के लिए एक द्विपक्षीय ढांचा स्थापित करना है?
A Space Exploration and Satellite Technology
B Critical and Emerging Technologies
C Nuclear Energy and Renewable Energy
D Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
Answer: B
The full name of the initiative, 'Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology', clearly indicates its focus on fostering cooperation in these specific technological domains.
980.
Which organizations are the primary nodal agencies for the India-US iCET initiative from the Indian side?
A DRDO and ISRO
B Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs
C National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Department of Defence Production (DDP)
D Indian Army and Indian Air Force
Answer: C
The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence are the key Indian agencies driving the iCET initiative.
