The question asks to identify the state that is only partially covered under the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). This requires knowledge of the geographical extent of the Himalayas within India and the administrative boundaries of the listed states.
B) West Bengal is partially covered under the Indian Himalayan Region. Only its northern districts, such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, are part of the Himalayan foothills, while the majority of the state lies in the Gangetic plains.
The question asks for the reasons behind the formation of the ozone hole in the Antarctic region. This phenomenon is primarily driven by specific atmospheric conditions unique to the polar regions during winter and the presence of ozone-depleting substances.
Therefore, the combination of the polar front (polar vortex), stratospheric clouds, and the inflow of chlorofluorocarbons are key factors.
Correct Option: B) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
The question asks to identify the correct applications of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are known ozone-depleting substances. We need to evaluate each given statement based on the historical and industrial uses of CFCs.
Based on the evaluation, statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
C) 1, 3 and 4 only. This option correctly identifies the applications of CFCs in plastic foam production, cleaning electronic components, and as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans.
The question asks about the major role of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with respect to carbon. This requires understanding the ecological function of large forest ecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions like the Himalayas, in the global carbon cycle.
Correct Option: C) Carbon sink. The extensive forests and ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan Region absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in biomass and soil, thus acting as a major carbon sink.
The question asks to identify the correct reasons for the concern over the short supply of rare earth metals. We need to evaluate each statement based on general knowledge about rare earth metals and global supply chains.
Based on the evaluation, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
Correct Option: C) 1 and 3 only
The question asks about the causative agents responsible for producing aflatoxins, which are harmful toxins found in improperly handled and stored cereal grains and oilseeds. Understanding the biological origin of these toxins is key to answering this question.
C) moulds — Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain species of fungi, commonly referred to as moulds (e.g., Aspergillus flavus).