1. Consider the following statements with respect to novel Corona virus (nCoV)-2019.
- Rapid urbanisation can create perfect conditions for zoonotic outbreaks of viral diseases.
- nCoV-2019 has shown greater transmissibility due to the contagious capability in incubation period.
- Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that are often the source of respiratory infections.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1.Answer-d
Explanation
New virus belonging to the Corona virus family (now named novel coronavirus 2019nCoV) has claimed over 200 lives in China. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a global emergency, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. Normally, coronaviruses is a large family of viruses that are often the source of respiratory infections, including the common cold.
Most of the viruses are common among animals and only a small number infect humans. Sometimes, an animal based coronavirus mutates and successfully finds a human host. Rapid urbanisation that forces animals and humans into closer proximity (as in the “wet market” in Wuhan) creates a perfect petri dish from where such zoonotic outbreaks can originate. The virus is contagious even during incubation that is even before a patient exhibits any symptoms. This characteristic amplifies transmissibility
2.Consider the following statements regarding pesticides application on the crops.
- Aerial application of pesticides on crops does not need permission from the Central Insecticides Board.
- Aerial spraying has increased the efficacy on the target pests and thus prevents ecological damage.
- Application of pesticides is regulated under the Insecticides Act 1968.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2.Answer-a
Explanation
As per the provisions of Insecticides Act 1968, aerial application of pesticides needs approval/ permission from the Central Insecticides Board (CIB). Further, no permission/ approval have been granted by the CIB in the past for the use of drones to spray pesticides. Aerial spraying impacts a larger area, while decreasing the efficacy on the target pests and thus lead to ecological damage.
3. Consider the following statements with respect to pardoning power of President.
- A mercy petition can be filed before the President under Article 72 of the Constitution.
- Pardoning power of the Governor is narrower than the pardoning power of the President.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Answer-c
4. Consider the following statement in the context of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
1.Vembanad Lake is the only site included as a Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area under CRZ regulations.
2.CRZ is an area up to 500 meters from the high tide line (HTL) all along the coast.
3.The CRZ regulations do not allow “eco-tourism activities such as mangrove walks, tree huts, nature trails, etc” in eco-sensitive areas, demarcated as CRZ-IA.
4.CRZ regulations are notified under Environment Protection Act 1986.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
4. Answer-b
Explanation-
CRZ regulations are notified under Environment Protection Act 1986. CRZ is an area up to 500 meters from the high tide line (HTL) all along the coast. The latest notification does allow “eco-tourism activities such as mangrove walks, tree huts, nature trails, etc” in eco-sensitive areas, demarcated as CRZ-IA. The latest notification drastically shrinks No Development Zone (NDZ) to 50 m from HTL in densely populated areas. The ecological significance of the Vembanad Lake system has been reiterated by the CRZ notifications time and again. The 2019 notification too listed Vembanad as a Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area and clubbed it along with the Sundarbans of West Bengal and the Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch of Gujarat. Section 3.1 of the CRZ rules states that critically vulnerable coastal areas should be managed with the involvement of coastal communities, including
Fisher folk who depend on coastal resources for their sustainable livelihood.
5.Which of the following Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and State is correctly matched?
Wildlife Sanctuary State
- Someshwara WLS: Karnataka
- Mitiyala WLS: Bihar
- Pania WLS: Punjab
- Bhagwan Mhaveer WLS: Goa
Choose the correct option.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
5.Answer-d
Explanation-
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the western ghats of Karnataka. Tropical evergreen, semi evergreen forest and moist deciduous forest are found around this wildlife sanctuary. Pania Sanctuary and Mitiyala Sanctuary are situated in Gujrat, while Bhagwan Mhaveer WLS is in Goa.