Which of the following materials is often recommended for pavements and surfaces in Indian cities to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, due to its high reflectivity?
A Dark asphalt
B Standard concrete
C Light-colored, reflective materials (cool pavements)
D Porous asphalt
Answer: C
Light-colored and reflective materials, often referred to as 'cool pavements', have a higher albedo (reflectivity) than dark materials like asphalt. This means they reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, thus helping to lower surface temperatures and reduce the UHI effect.
2.
To mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, Indian cities are increasingly adopting strategies like 'Green Roofs'. What is the primary benefit of implementing green roofs?
A Increased structural load on buildings.
B Reduced insulation and increased energy consumption for cooling.
C Absorption of solar radiation and reduction of surface temperature.
D Creation of habitats for invasive species.
Answer: C
Green roofs, covered with vegetation, absorb solar radiation and reduce the amount of heat transferred into the building and released into the surrounding environment. This helps in lowering surface temperatures and mitigating the UHI effect, while also providing insulation benefits.
3.
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. Which of the following is a major contributing factor to UHI in Indian cities?
A Increased green cover and parks.
B Use of reflective materials in construction.
C Dense concentration of concrete structures and reduced vegetation.
D Widespread use of solar energy.
Answer: C
The dense concentration of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure made of concrete and asphalt, coupled with a lack of vegetation, absorbs and retains more heat, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural surroundings. This is a primary driver of the UHI effect.
4.
Which international convention, actively supported by India's conservation initiatives, aims to combat desertification and land degradation?
A Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
B United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
C Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
D Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Answer: B
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the primary international treaty addressing land degradation and desertification. India's conservation efforts, including those focused on biodiversity, often align with and contribute to the goals of the UNCCD.
5.
The 'Mangrove Initiative' is a significant biodiversity conservation effort in India. Which of the following coastal regions is a major focus area for this initiative?
A The Himalayas
B The Thar Desert
C The Sundarbans
D The Western Ghats
Answer: C
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's largest mangrove forest and a critical ecosystem for biodiversity. India has ongoing initiatives, including the Mangrove Initiative, to conserve and restore these vital habitats.
6.
In 2026, India launched the 'Amrit Dharohar Initiative' aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation. Which of the following is a primary objective of this initiative?
A To establish national parks in every state.
B To promote the sustainable use of wetlands and enhance their conservation.
C To ban all forms of tourism in ecologically sensitive areas.
D To focus solely on marine biodiversity conservation.
Answer: B
The Amrit Dharohar Initiative, launched in 2023 and continuing its focus in 2026, aims to promote the sustainable use of wetlands, enhance their conservation, and encourage local communities to participate in their management, thereby promoting biodiversity.
7.
Which organization is primarily responsible for the design and development of the Akash-NG missile system?
A Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
B Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
C Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
D Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Answer: C
The Akash-NG missile system has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
8.
What is the primary purpose of the Akash-NG missile system?
A To engage naval targets at long range.
B To provide air defense against aerial threats like fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drones.
C To deliver precision strikes against ground targets.
D To intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Answer: B
The Akash-NG system is developed to provide comprehensive air defense, capable of neutralizing various aerial threats including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
9.
What type of missile is the Akash-NG, recently tested by DRDO?
A Air-to-air missile
B Surface-to-air missile
C Anti-tank guided missile
D Ballistic missile
Answer: B
Akash-NG (New Generation) is a state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept high-maneuvering aerial threats.
10.
TROPEX is a major inter-service exercise. Besides the Indian Navy, which other services are generally involved in this exercise?
A Indian Army and Indian Air Force
B Indian Coast Guard only
C Indian Army only
D Indian Air Force only
Answer: A
TROPEX is a large-scale exercise that involves assets from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard, in addition to the Indian Navy.
