Miscellaneous

Total Questions: 37

21. For weather science dispatch, which of the following is used to fill balloons? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997]

(a) Oxygen
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Methane
(d) Helium

Correct Answer: (d) Helium

Solution:Helium is an inert gas which is filled in balloons used for weather science dispatch. Helium is lighter than air, which allows weather balloons to rise and float in the atmosphere. These balloons are used to collect data about the atmosphere, such as temperature, humidity, and wind direction, using instruments attached to the balloon. Unlike hydrogen, another lighter-than-air gas, helium is non-flammable, making it a safer choice for balloon filling. While primarily used in weather balloons, helium is also used in other applications, such as diving tanks, cooling nuclear reactors, and as a cryogenic fluid.

22. For the betterment of human life, which of the following steps is important? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]

(a) Afforestation
(b) Ban on mining
(c) Protection of Wildlife
(d) Reduce the use of natural resources

Correct Answer: (a) Afforestation

Solution:

Afforestation tends to focus on planting trees on abandoned agricultural or other lands owing to low soil quality or overgrazing.
The soil becomes drained over time, and not much can currently grow there.
Smaller afforestation operations can be carried out in abandoned urban areas, such as land that was formerly cleared for buildings that no longer exist.
Afforestation can occur on land that may or may not have previously been covered in forests.
There may be no evidence of a forest being in the area designated for afforestation, or deforestation may have occurred on lands hundreds of years ago.
Afforestation of abandoned areas, usually completely empty, has become more prevalent in the previous 50 years, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Grasslands and pastures are currently being converted to forests across Europe.
Afforestation projects are being carried out in China, India, North and Central Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.

23. If LANDSAT data for an area is received today, then the data for an adjacent area to its west will be available- [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

(a) In the next orbit of the satellite on the same day.
(b) Next day at the same local time.
(c) After a certain number of days at the same local time.
(d) After the variable controllable time.

Correct Answer: (c) After a certain number of days at the same local time.

Solution:If LANDSAT data for an area is received today, the data for an adjacent area to it's west will be available after the certain number of days at the same local time due to the revolution of the satellite around the earth. Landsat satellites orbit the Earth in a polar sun-synchronous orbit, which means they pass over the same part of the Earth at the same local time each day. The Earth rotates from west to east. As the satellite orbits, it will sequentially acquire data for areas to the east of the previously acquired area.
Landsat satellites have a repeat cycle, meaning they return to the same area at the same local time after a certain period. For Landsat 8 and 9, this repeat cycle is 16 days. Since the Earth rotates, the area adjacent to the west of the previously acquired area will be acquired after the satellite completes its 16-day repeat cycle.

24. Which of the following hurricane affected the north- eastern and eastern coastal area of USA in 2012? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014]

(a) Katrina
(b) Vilma
(c) Rita
(d) Sandy

Correct Answer: (d) Sandy

Solution:Hurricane Katrina, Vilma and Rita stormed the USA in 2005 while hurricane Sandy stormed coastal area of north-east and east of the USA in 2012.

Hurricanes are the biggest and most violent storms on the planet. Tropical cyclones or hurricanes use warm, moist air as fuel, and therefore form over warm Equatorial water.
Mechanism:

When the warm, moist air rises upward from the surface of the ocean, it creates an area of low air pressure below.
When this happens, the air from the surrounding areas rushes to fill this place, eventually rising when it becomes warm and moist too.
An eye forms in the centre. It is the calmest part of the cyclone. Before the wind reaches the centre it gets warmed up and rises upwards.
When the warm air rises and cools off, the moisture forms clouds. This system of clouds and winds continues to grow and spin.
This disturbance is fuelled by the ocean's heat and the water that evaporates from its surface. Such storm systems rotate faster and faster.
Storms that form towards the north of the equator rotate counterclockwise, while those that form to the south spin clockwise because of the rotation of the Earth.

Names in Different Regions of the World:

Typhoons: Tropical cyclones are known as Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Hurricanes: In the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Willy-willies: In north-western Australia and
Tropical Cyclones: In the Indian Ocean Region.

25. Which of the following is called "grave yard of Dinosaurs"? [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]

(a) China
(b) Montana
(c) Argentina
(d) Brazil

Correct Answer: (b) Montana

Solution:Montana in the United States of America is called as the graveyard of Dinosaurs. Montana has been a hotspot for paleontological discoveries for decades, with numerous dinosaur fossils unearthed, including complete skeletons and fragments. The geological formations in Montana, like the Morrison Formation, are conducive to preserving dinosaur fossils. These formations consist of sedimentary rocks that were deposited in ancient river valleys and floodplains, where dinosaurs lived and died.
Many of these fossil-rich rock layers are exposed on the surface, making them easier to find and study. Montana has a long history of paleontological research, with sites like the Lance Formation and others contributing to our understanding of dinosaurs.

26. The 'Eco Mark' Scheme was launched in 1991 to encourage consumers to buy products of less harmful environmental impact. Which one of the following consumer products is not notified under this Scheme? [U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]

(a) Soaps and Detergents
(b) Paper and Plastics
(c) Cosmetics and Aerosols
(d) Drugs and Antibiotics

Correct Answer: (d) Drugs and Antibiotics

Solution:Eco-Mark is an eco-labelling scheme which was constituted by the Government of India in 1991 for easy identification of environment-friendly product. Drugs and antibiotics are not in this list.

The Government of India has instituted a scheme for labeling environment-friendly products to be known as ECO Mark. Eco-mark is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as a certification mark for the products which are ecologically safe conforming to the standards prescribed by the BIS.
The Eco-mark scheme falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The scheme first saw its application in 1991.
Eco-Marks helps in identifying eco-friendly products in the market. The mark is being issued in around 16 categories like food, medicines, chemicals, electronic goods, paper, lubricating oils, packing materials, etc.

27. Which Indian scientist is recognised by 'UNEP' as Father of Economic Ecology? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]

(a) B.P. Pal
(b) Yash Pal
(c) M.S. Swaminathan
(d) R. Mishra

Correct Answer: (c) M.S. Swaminathan

Solution:The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognised Dr. M.S. Swaminathan as Father of Economic Ecology. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to both agriculture and environmental science, particularly his leadership in the Green Revolution and his advocacy for sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Swaminathan is a prominent figure in Indian agriculture and has been awarded numerous accolades for his work, including the World Food Prize and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. His contributions have been instrumental in making India self-sufficient in food production and in promoting sustainable agriculture practices globally.

28. When was World Health Organization (W.H.O.) established? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

(a) 5 May (1951)
(b) 10 June (1950)
(c) 07 April (1948)
(d) 10 July (1949)

Correct Answer: (c) 07 April (1948)

Solution:WHO's Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948-a date we now celebrate every year as World Health Day. The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable - so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
Some of the important objectives of WHO are:
Lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage.
Focus on the areas of disease prevention, control and elimination, and the promotion of health and well-being.
Provide leadership on global health issues, set standards for public health, and provide technical assistance and support to countries.
Collaborate with various partners, including other UN agencies, governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

29. Glaciation of peninsular India occurred during which of the following ice-age? [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010]

(a) Huronian ice age
(b) Carboniferous ice age
(c) Pleistocene Ice age
(d) Little Ice age

Correct Answer: (c) Pleistocene Ice age

Solution:Glaciation of peninsular India occurred in Pleistocene Ice age. The Pleistocene Ice Age refers to the most recent period of repeated glaciations on Earth, spanning from roughly 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago. This period is often colloquially called simply the "Ice Age
The Huronian glaciation was a period of intense glaciation that occurred during the Proterozoic era, roughly 2.4-2.2 billion years ago. It is named after the Huronian Supergroup of sedimentary rocks in Ontario, Canada, where evidence of this glaciation is found.
The Carboniferous Ice Age occurred during the Carboniferous period, roughly 360-300 million years ago. This was a time of significant global cooling and glaciation, associated with the formation of the supercontinent Pangea.
The Little Ice Age was a period of relatively cooler temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere that lasted from roughly the mid-14th to the mid-19th centuries. While it caused notable changes in climate and glaciers, it was not on the same scale as the Pleistocene Ice Age.

30. With reference to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]

1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.

3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

Solution:Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) India is one of the largest non-governmental organization. a BNHS is wildlife research organization, has been promoting the cause of nature conservation since 1883. Main activities of BNHS are -

Natural history collection

Research on various species and habitats

Conservation of landscapes and seascapes

Environmental Information System

Outreach (Camp, exhibitions, lectures, other events)

Communications and Advocacy

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