With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The question asks to identify the correct statement(s) regarding the BRICS grouping. We need to evaluate each statement based on factual knowledge about the formation and expansion of BRICS.
B) 2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect as the first BRIC summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. Statement 2 is correct because South Africa was the last country to join the original BRIC group, forming BRICS.
Consider the following diseases:
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
The question asks to identify which of the listed diseases have been eradicated in India. This requires knowledge of public health achievements and disease eradication programs in the country.
B) 3 only — Smallpox is the only disease among the given options that has been officially eradicated in India and globally.
Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?
1. Continental drift
2. Glacial cycles
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The question asks about phenomena that might have influenced the evolution of organisms. We need to consider how large-scale geological and climatic changes can impact life on Earth.
C) Both 1 and 2. Both continental drift and glacial cycles are major geological and climatic events that have significantly shaped the evolution of life on Earth by altering habitats, creating geographical barriers, and imposing selective pressures.
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
The question asks to identify reasons, other than poaching, for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins. We need to evaluate each given statement for its impact on the dolphin population.
C) 1, 3 and 4 only. Statements 1, 3, and 4 correctly identify significant threats to the Ganges River Dolphin population, apart from poaching.
The question asks about the primary purpose for which the Radcliffe Committee was appointed. This requires knowledge of the historical context surrounding the partition of India in 1947.
C) delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan. The Radcliffe Committee, officially known as the Boundary Commissions (one for Punjab and one for Bengal), was chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe. Its sole purpose was to demarcate the boundaries between the dominion of India and the dominion of Pakistan, a task that had to be completed within a very short timeframe before the transfer of power on August 15, 1947.
Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The question asks about the concerns associated with the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). We need to evaluate two statements regarding their environmental degradation and accumulation in living organisms.
Brominated flame retardants are known for their persistence in the environment. This means they do not break down easily through natural processes like microbial action or sunlight. Their chemical structure makes them stable, leading to their accumulation in various environmental compartments such as soil, water, and air over long periods. This persistence is a major environmental concern.
Due to their lipophilic (fat-loving) nature and resistance to degradation, BFRs can bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, including humans and animals. They can also biomagnify up the food chain, meaning their concentrations increase at higher trophic levels. This accumulation can lead to various health issues, making it a significant concern.
Both statements accurately describe the concerns associated with brominated flame retardants. Their persistence in the environment (resistance to degradation) and their ability to accumulate in living organisms are well-documented environmental and health concerns.
Correct Option: C) Both 1 and 2
Both statements correctly identify key concerns regarding brominated flame retardants. Their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative nature are the primary reasons for their controversial use and efforts to find safer alternatives.
Consider the following:
1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents
The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?
1 and 2 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above
The question asks to identify which of the given animals exhibit the phenomenon of hibernation. Hibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression in endotherms, characterized by lower body temperature, slower breathing, and lower metabolic rate. It is typically observed during winter months to conserve energy when food is scarce.
Based on these observations, all three categories of animals listed (Bats, Bears, and Rodents) exhibit forms of hibernation or similar prolonged states of torpor to survive adverse environmental conditions.
Correct Option: C) 1, 2 and 3
The question asks to identify the largest Committee of the Parliament among the given options. This requires knowledge of the composition and strength of various parliamentary committees in India.
B) The Committee on Estimates
The Estimates Committee is the largest among the options listed, comprising 30 members, all of whom are from the Lok Sabha (House of the People). Its primary function is to examine the estimates included in the budget and suggest economies in public expenditure.
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 3 only
2 only
1, 2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
The question asks to identify processes that add carbon dioxide to the Earth's carbon cycle. We need to evaluate each given option based on its role in the carbon cycle.
C) 1, 2 and 4 only. Volcanic action, respiration, and the decay of organic matter all release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thus adding it to the carbon cycle. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The question asks to identify which bird(s) commonly exhibit the behavior of stalking alongside cattle to feed on insects disturbed by the cattle's movement. This is a common ecological interaction, often a commensalistic relationship, where one organism benefits and the other is largely unaffected.
B) 2 only. The Common Myna is well-known for its commensal relationship with cattle, where it feeds on insects disturbed by the cattle's movement through grass.