IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Topic- Environment and Current Affairs
Q.1) The rate of biomass production is called productivity. It is expressed in terms of
a)
b)
c)
d)
kcal m–2
g –2
g–2 yr–1
None of the above
Q.1) Solution (c)
A constant input of solar energy is the basic requirement for any ecosystem to function and
sustain. Primary production is defined as the amount of biomass or organic matter
produced per unit area over a time period by plants during photosynthesis. It is expressed in
terms of weight (g –2) or energy (kcal m–2). The rate of biomass production is called
productivity. It is expressed in terms of g–2 yr–1 or (kcal m–2) yr–1 to compare the
productivity of different ecosystems. It can be divided into gross primary productivity (GPP)
and net primary productivity (NPP). Gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is the rate
of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. A considerable amount of GPP is
utilised by plants in respiration. Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses (R), is
the net primary productivity (NPP).
Q.2) Consider the following about Ecological Pyramids:
1. It takes into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels
2. Saprophytes plays a vital role in ecological pyramids
3. Pyramid of energy is the only pyramid which is always upright
Select the incorrect statement/s
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 Only
1 and 2
2 only
None
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Q.2) Solution (b)
The base of each pyramid represents the producers or the first trophic level. Apex
represents tertiary or top level consumers. In general, all pyramids are upright, but there
are few exceptions.
There are three ecological pyramids that are usually studies:
1. Pyramid of Number:
It represents the total number of organisms at each trophic level. It is always upright but in
a tree ecosystem pyramid of number is inverted.
2. Pyramid of Biomass:
It represents total weight of the organisms in each trophic level.
It can be:
(i) Upright, e.g., in grasslands.
(ii) Inverted, e.g., in pond ecosystem.
3. Pyramid of Energy:
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
It represents total energy of the organisms in each trophic level. Pyramid of energy is always
upright, i.e., it can never be inverted, because when energy is transferred from a particular
trophic level to the next trophic level some energy is always lost as heat at each step.
Some important points about ecological pyramids are given under:
(i) A given organism may occupy more than one trophic level simultaneously.
(ii) Trophic level represents a functional level.
(iii) A given species may occupy more than one trophic level in the same ecosystem at the
same time.
For example, a sparrow is primary consumer, when it eats seeds, fruit, peas, etc., and a
secondary consumer when it eats insects and worms.
(iv) In most ecosystems, all the pyramids of number, biomass, energy are upright, i.e.,
producers are more in number and biomass than the herbivores and herbivores are more in
number and biomass than carnivores.
(v) Also energy at lower trophic level is always more at higher trophic level. However, there
are exceptions to this generalisation.
(vi) Pyramid of biomass in sea is inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of
phytoplankton.
(vii) Each bar in the energy pyramid indicates the amount of energy present at each trophic
level in a given time or annually per unit area.
Limitations of Ecological Pyramids:
(i) It never takes into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels.
(ii) It assumes a simple food chain, something that almost never exists in nature.
(iii) It does not accommodate a food web.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
(iv) Saprophytes are not given any place in ecological pyramids even though; they play an
important role in ecosystem.
Q.3) Consider the statements regarding Carbon and Phosphorous Cycle:
1. Like carbon cycle, there is respiratory release of phosphorus into atmosphere
2. Atmospheric inputs of phosphorus through rainfall are much greater than carbon
inputs
3. Gaseous exchanges of phosphorus between organism and environment are
negligible unlike carbon
Select the incorrect statement/s
a)
b)
c)
d)
Only 2
2 and 3
1 and 2
Only 1
Q.3) Solution (c)
Unlike carbon cycle, there is no respiratory release of phosphorus into atmosphere: Focus
on basic concept (How can phosphorous be released through respiration?)
Atmospheric inputs of phosphorus through rainfall are much smaller than carbon inputs:
Gaseous exchanges of phosphorus between organism and environment are negligible unlike
carbon
Basic Info:
Hint
Nutrients are basically required by all organisms for the overall growth,
development, reproduction and to carry out various life processes. The interesting fact is
that the nutrient amount is fixed in the environment. Thus, the nutrients are naturally
recycled for the constant supply to the organisms. This movement of the nutrients through
various components of the ecosystem is called nutrient cycling. Broadly, we have two types
of nutrient cycling in nature:
Gaseous cycling – This kind of cycling takes place for the gases and the atmosphere acts as
the reservoir for these gases i.e Carbon
Sedimentary cycling – This kind of cycling takes place for the nutrients that exist in their
elemental form and the earth’s crust acts as the reservoir i.e Phosphorous
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding Flowering and Non-flowering plants1. Both flowering and non-flowering plants have seeds
2. Flowering plants are known as gymnosperms while non-flowerings are known as
angiosperms
3. Examples of angiosperms includes, grass and bananas while pine and conifers are
examples of gymnosperms
Select the correct statement/s from above
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
2 and 3
Only 3
1 and 3
Q.4) Solution (d)
Flower is the reproductive organ of the plant. Flowers can be composite or simple. Anyway
using flower as the classification criteria makes this a natural classification.
Flowering plants are also known as Angiosperms.
Angiosperms
Angiosperms are plants that
are
seed-bearing.
Their
reproductive structures are
flowers were the ovules are
enclosed
in
an
ovary.
Angiosperms can found in
most habitats from forests,
grasslands, sea margins and
even deserts. The leaves of angiosperms are flat. Examples of Angiosperms are grass,
Apples, Oranges and Bananas.




Angiosperms are plants that have flowers and their reproduction is done by flowers.
All flowering plants produce seeds and it is covered by a fruit.
Angiosperms have complicated flowers with complicated structure.
These are the most developed plants in the world.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
There are 2 types of Angiosperms namely Dicotyledonous Plants and Monocotyledonous
plants.
1. Dicotyledonous Plants
Dicotyledonous flowering plants are the widely expanded around the world. The seed of this
type of plants have 2 cotyledons inside it. Also the root system has a long tap root. The
leaves have webbed veins and the flowers have 5 or multiple of 5 petals.
Examples for Dicotyledonous plants





Jak
Mango
Lemon
Apple
Tomato
2. Monocotyledonous Plants
Monocotyledonous flowering plants are very few when compared to dicotyledonous plants.
These plants don’t have a tap root system, but a fibrous root system. The seed has only 1
cotyledons and the veins of the leaves are parallel. Number of petals in the flowers are 3 or
multiples of 3.
Examples for Monocotyledonous plants





Coconut
Wheat
Palm
Rice
Garlic
Non-Flowering Plants
Non-flowering plants do have reproductive organs available in the flowers, but these are not
complicated as Dicotyledonous flowers. We can further classify non-flowering plants as with
seeds and without seeds.
Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms are plant with seeds and the embryo is inside a seed. The seed is not covered
(not enclosed) in a fruit. These are the less advanced type of seed plants.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Examples for Gymnosperms plants





Yews
Ginkgo
Cycads
Conifers
Pine
Bryophyta
Bryophyta doesn’t have seeds. There are so many species under this type and body of the
plant may be a thallus. Sometimes they do have leaves. There are no true roots, but roots
like structures available. These are also known as Rhizoids and grow on moist walls and
ground.
Hint: India Year Book: Environment
Q.5) Consider the following regarding Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
1. It publishes Red Data Book on Indian Animals
2. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is the premier taxonomic research organization in
India
3. It was established after the independence of India
Select the correct statement/s
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
2 and 3
Only 2
1, 2 and 3
Q.5) Solution (a)
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey,
exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects
of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´ British Indian Empire ´. The survey has its genesis
in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875. By
gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research program, the Survey has met the
challenge of the past and is on its way to meet the demands of the future.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Primary objectives










Exploring, Surveying, Inventorying and Monitoring of faunal diversity in various
states, selected ecosystems and protected areas of India.
Taxonomic studies of the faunal components collected.
Status survey of Threatened and Endemic species.
Preparation of Red Data Book, Fauna of India and Fauna of States.
Bio-ecological studies on important communities/species.
Preparation of database for the recorded species of the country.
Maintenance and Development of National Zoological Collections.
Training, Capacity Building and Human Resource Development.
Faunal Identification, Advisory services and Library Services.
Publication of results including Fauna of India, Fauna of States and Fauna of
Conservation Areas.
Secondary objectives







GIS and Remote Sensing studies on recorded animal diversity as well as on
threatened species.
Chromosomal Mapping and DNA Barcoding.
Environmental Impact Studies.
Maintenance of Musea at Headquarters and Regional Centres.
Development of ENVIS and CITES Centers.
Research Fellowship, Associateship and Emeritus Scientists Programme.
Collaborative research programmes on Biodiversity with other Organizations in India
and abroad.
Q.6) Consider the following w.r.t Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
1. The Animal Welfare Board of India is a non-statutory advisory body on Animal
Welfare Laws and promotes animal welfare in the country.
2. It was established under the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
3. World Animal Day is celebrated on 4th October
Select the incorrect statements
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
1 and 3
2 and 3
1, 2 and 3
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Q.6) Solution (a)
The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body on Animal Welfare Laws and
promotes animal welfare in the country. Established in 1962 under Section 4 of the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
World Animal Day - 4 October
MISSION: TO RAISE THE STATUS OF ANIMALS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE WELFARE STANDARDS
AROUND THE GLOBE
Q.7) Consider the following regarding Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
1. This was the first umbrella act which established schedules of protected plant and
animal species.
2. The act has six schedules that extends to whole of India
3. It has given criterions to declare national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
Select the correct statement/s
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
1 and 3
2 and 3
1, 2 and 3
Q.7) Solution (b)
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection
of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks.
This was the first umbrella act which established schedules of protected plant and animal
species. By this act, hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed.
Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species;
hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed.
The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters
connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India,
except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules
which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide
absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Species
listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
lower. Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted. The plants in Schedule VI are
prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have
the power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the
offenders). Up to April 2010 there have been 16 convictions under this act relating to the
death of tigers.
Q.8) Consider the following statements:
1. Native rocks predominantly contribute nitrogen to plants or animals
2. Nitrogen fixation in aquatic ecosystems is done by free-living microbes
3. Nitrogen fixation in terrestrial ecosystem is carried out by symbiotic microbes
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
2 and 3
Only 3
1, 2 and 3
Q.8) Solution (b)
Remember that, the ultimate source of nitrogen to the ecosystem is molecular nitrogen in
the atmosphere which cannot be directly metabolized by plants or animals.
Native rocks do not contain nitrogen hence do not contribute nitrogen to plants or animals.
And nitrogen fixation in terrestrial ecosystem is predominantly carried out by symbiotic
microbes, whereas bulk of fixation in aquatic ecosystems is done by free-living microbes.
Q.9) Consider the following statements
1. Tropical rain forests soils are poorly leached
2. Tropical rain forest soils contain less organic matter than temperate forests
3. Tropical rain forests have very thick topsoil
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
Only 2
2 and 3
None of the above
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Q.9) Solution (b)
Did you know that tropical soils are among the deepest in the world! Many tropical soils
have been under forest cover for millions of years. Over this period, and under high rainfall
conditions, deep tropical soils have been formed from the underlying rock.
Tropical soils are often several metres deep, but the soils are often washed out, or
strongly leached, with large amounts of nutrients and minerals being removed from the
subsoils and considerable thickness of rock broken down to produce soil. Over many
millions of years this leaching has left most of the soils lacking many of the fundamental
nutrients needed by the above ground vegetation.
So how does such a lush vegetation exist if the soils are so depleted of nutrients? The
answer lies in the very thin topsoils, made up mainly of decaying vegetal and animal
remains. An amazing cycle exists between the huge body of vegetation above ground and
this thin topsoil. The rainforest depends for its nutrients on the constant recycling of its
enormous biomass.
Millions of years of weathering and torrential rains have washed most of the nutrients out
of the soil. More recent volcanic soils, however, can be very fertile. Tropical rain forest soils
contain less organic matter than temperate forests and most of the available nutrients are
found in the living plant and animal material. Nutrients in the soil are often in forms that are
not accessible by plants.
Q.10) Consider the following statements regarding Tropic Levels
1. The respiration cost decreases along the successive higher tropic levels.
2. The length of food chains in an ecosystem is limited because of 10% law.
Select the correct statement/s
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 Only
2 Only
Both
None
Q.10) Solution (b)
Respiration cost will increase sharply along successive higher tropic levels.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
The efficiency with which energy or biomass is transferred from one trophic level to the next
is called the ecological efficiency.
Consumers at each level convert on average only about 10% of the chemical energy in their
food to their own organic tissue (the ten-percent law). For this reason, food chains rarely
extend for more than 5 or 6 levels.
At the lowest trophic level (the bottom of the food chain), plants convert about 1% of the
sunlight they receive into chemical energy. It follows from this that the total energy
originally present in the incident sunlight that is finally embodied in a tertiary consumer is
about 0.001%.
Q.11) Consider the following
1. Primary succession is faster than Secondary succession
2. Pioneer species are required in secondary succession
Which of the given statements is/are true?
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 Only
2 Only
Both
None
Q.11) Solution (d)
Ecological succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over
time. Nothing remains the same and habitats are constantly changing. There are two main
types of succession, primary and secondary.
Primary succession is the series of community changes which occur on an entirely new
habitat which has never been colonized before. For example, a newly quarried rock face or
sand dunes.
Secondary succession is the series of community changes which take place on a previously
colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat. For example, after felling trees in a woodland,
land clearance or a fire.
Simply put, secondary succession is the ecological succession that occurs after the initial
succession has been disrupted and some plants and animals still exist. It is usually faster
than primary succession as:
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017


Soil is already present, so there is no need for pioneer species;
Seeds, roots and underground vegetative organs of plants may still survive in the
soil.
Q.12) Which of the following are ectoparasites?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Protozoa
Mites
Lice
Ticks
Select from the given code:
a)
b)
c)
d)
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
All of the above
Q.12) Solution (b)
Parasitism is a non-mutual relationship between species, where one species, the parasite,
benefits at the expense of the other, the host.
Parasites are classified based on their interactions with their hosts and on their life cycles.
An obligate parasite is totally dependent on the host to complete its life cycle, while
a facultative parasite is not. A direct parasite has only one host while an indirect parasite
has multiple hosts. For indirect parasites, there will always be a definitive host and an
intermediate host.
Parasites that live on the outside of the host, either on the skin or the outgrowths of the
skin, are called ectoparasites (e.g. Ticks, lice, fleas, and some mites).
Those that live inside the host are called endoparasites (including all parasitic worms).
Endoparasites can exist in one of two forms: intercellular parasites (inhabiting spaces in the
host's body) or intracellular parasites (inhabiting cells in the host's body). Intracellular
parasites, such as protozoa, bacteria or viruses, tend to rely on a third organism, which is
generally known as the carrier or vector. The vector does the job of transmitting them to the
host. An example of this interaction is the transmission of malaria, caused by a protozoan of
the genus Plasmodium, to humans by the bite of an anopheline mosquito.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Those parasites living in an intermediate position, being half-ectoparasites and halfendoparasites, are called mesoparasites.
An epiparasite is one that feeds on another parasite. This relationship is also sometimes
referred to as hyperparasitism, exemplified by a protozoan (the hyperparasite) living in the
digestive tract of a flea living on a dog.
Social parasites take advantage of interactions between members of social organisms such
as ants, termites, and bumblebees.
Q.13) Consider the following statements
1. Mutualisms is exemplified by the nitrogen fixing bacteria
2. Algae and fungi exhibit mutually beneficial relationship in lichens
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
Q.13) Solution (c)
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation occurs in plants that harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria within their
tissues. The best-studied example is the association between legumes and bacteria in the
genus Rhizobium.
Each of these is able to survive independently (soil nitrates must then be available to the
legume), but life together is clearly beneficial to both. Only together can nitrogen fixation
take place. A symbiotic relationship in which both partners benefits is called mutualism.
The fungi provide protection to algae and the algae prepares food for the fungi, thereby
exhibiting mutually beneficial relationship.
Q.14) Consider the following statements
1. The interaction where one species is benefitted and the other is neither benefitted
nor harmed is called amensalism
2. In commensalism on the other hand one species is harmed whereas the other is
unaffected.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
Q.14) Solution (d)
The statements are interchanged. It is vice-versa
Q.15) Consider the statements regarding ‘Aquatic Biome’
1. The topmost zone near the shore of a lake or pond is the littoral zone.
2. The near-surface open water surrounded by the littoral zone is the profundal zone.
3. The deep-water part of the lake or pond is the limnetic zone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 2
1 Only
2 and 3
3 Only
Q.15) Solution (b)
The aquatic biome can be broken down into two basic regions, freshwater (i.e, ponds and
rivers) and marine (i.e, oceans and estuaries).
Freshwater Regions
Freshwater is defined as having a low salt concentration—usually less than 1%. Plants and
animals in freshwater regions are adjusted to the low salt content and would not be able to
survive in areas of high salt concentration (i.e, ocean). There are different types of
freshwater regions: ponds and lakes, streams and rivers, and wetlands. The following
sections describe the characteristics of these three freshwater zones.
Ponds and Lakes
These regions range in size from just a few square meters to thousands of square
kilometers. Scattered throughout the earth, several are remnants from the Pleistocene
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
glaciation. Many ponds are seasonal, lasting just a couple of months (such as sessile pools)
while lakes may exist for hundreds of years or more. Ponds and lakes may have limited
species diversity since they are often isolated from one another and from other water
sources like rivers and oceans. Lakes and ponds are divided into three different “zones”
which are usually determined by depth and distance from the shoreline.
The topmost zone near the shore of a lake or pond is the littoral zone. This zone is the
warmest since it is shallow and can absorb more of the Sun’s heat. It sustains a fairly diverse
community, which can include several species of algae (like diatoms), rooted and floating
aquatic plants, grazing snails, clams, insects, crustaceans, fishes, and amphibians. In the case
of the insects, such as dragonflies and midges, only the egg and larvae stages are found in
this zone. The vegetation and animals living in the littoral zone are food for other creatures
such as turtles, snakes, and ducks.
The near-surface open water surrounded by the littoral zone is the limnetic zone. The
limnetic zone is well-lighted (like the littoral zone) and is dominated by plankton, both
phytoplankton and zooplankton. Plankton are small organisms that play a crucial role in the
food chain. Without aquatic plankton, there would be few living organisms in the world, and
certainly no humans. A variety of freshwater fish also occupy this zone.
Plankton have short life spans—when they die, they fall into the deep-water part of the
lake/pond, the profundal zone. This zone is much colder and denser than the other two.
Little light penetrates all the way through the limnetic zone into the profundal zone. The
fauna are heterotrophs, meaning that they eat dead organisms and use oxygen for cellular
respiration.
Temperature varies in ponds and lakes seasonally. During the summer, the temperature can
range from 4° C near the bottom to 22° C at the top. During the winter, the temperature at
the bottom can be 4° C while the top is 0° C (ice). In between the two layers, there is a
narrow zone called the thermocline where the temperature of the water changes rapidly.
During the spring and fall seasons, there is a mixing of the top and bottom layers, usually
due to winds, which results in a uniform water temperature of around 4° C. This mixing also
circulates oxygen throughout the lake. Of course there are many lakes and ponds that do
not freeze during the winter, thus the top layer would be a little warmer.
Q.16) Tirot Sing was in news recently. He was associated with
a)
b)
c)
d)
Bhil Uprising
Khasi Uprising
Ahom’s Revolt
Chuar Uprising
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Q.16) Solution (b)
The Khasi uprising took place in 1833 in the regions between the Khasi hills and Jaintia Hills,
against a planned British Road in that area. The leader of this uprising was Tirot Sing.
Tirot Sing’s contribution happened years before even before the first war of Independence.
‘He was also hanged a century before Bhagat Singh and others were hanged. This is an
indication of the fact that India’s freedom cry began from Meghalaya long before Gandhi
arrived on the scene.
U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma were among the three prominent
freedom fighters in Meghalaya and whose legendary battles against the British do not find a
mention in history text books.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/Honouring-themartyrs/article14569990.ece
Q.17) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Croatia’
1.
2.
3.
4.
It has a long coastline on the Ionian Sea
It shares borders with Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia
It was a part of Yugoslavia
It is a member of NATO
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
1, 2 and 3
All of the above
Q.17) Solution (a)
Croatia is located in Central and Southeast Europe, bordering Hungary to the northeast,
Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Montenegro to the southeast,
the Adriatic Sea to the southwest and Slovenia to the northwest.
The SFR Yugoslavia was a conglomeration of eight federated entities, roughly divided along
ethnic lines, including six republics—Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia—and two autonomous provinces within Serbia,
Vojvodina and Kosovo.
Croatia is an Eastern European country with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
Encompassing more than a thousand islands, it's also crossed by the Dinaric Alps. Its inland
capital, Zagreb, is distinguished by its medieval Gornji Grad (Upper Town) and diverse
museums. The major coastal city Dubrovnik has massive 16th-century walls encircling an Old
Town with Gothic and Renaissance buildings.
Albania and Croatia joined NATO in the sixth enlargement in 2009.
Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=148705
Q.18) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Maglev’
1. It is a transport method to move vehicles without touching the ground
2. It is constructed based on Meissner’s effect
3. Maglev trains float on tracks because of mechanical repulsion
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
1 and 3
1 and 2
2 and 3
All of the above
Q.18) Solution (b)
Maglev is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without
touching the ground.
A maglev train floats above the tracks on a "cushion" of magnetic field.
A vehicle can travel along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion,
thereby reducing friction by a great extent and allowing high speeds.
Magnets on the track push and lift the train up in the air by about 1 inch to 6 inches.
These "track" magnets are controlled by computers which keep shifting forward the
magnetic force of the "track" magnets so that the vehicle is pulled forward.
Meissner effect - the expulsion of magnetic flux when a material becomes superconducting
in a magnetic field.
Maglev trains float on tracks because of electromagnetism.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/indian-railways-torun-magnetic-trains-soon-116081500795_1.html
Q.19) ‘Hairatan’ was in news recently. It is located in which of the following countries?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Uzbekistan
Afghanistan
Mongolia
Turkmenistan
Q.19) Solution (b)
Hairatan is the border town of Afghanistan located close to Uzbekistan.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
It was in news wrt. China’s first cargo train service to Afghanistan as part of OBOR.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Silk-Road%E2%80%99-train-toreach-Afghanistan-on-Sept.-9/article14594743.ece
Q.20) Identify the 'element'—
1. BARC has recently developed a simple, user friendly, quick and cost effective kit for
onsite determination of this 'element' and to check its water-contamination
capacity.
2. The element is widely used in various industries like leather, steel, chrome plating,
paint manufacturing, wood preservation etc.
3. One of its types is toxic and the World Health Organization has classified it as
carcinogenic and has mentioned that it can cause stomach ulcers and cancers, and
severe damage to kidneys and liver.
Choose the correct 'element' being discussed about:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Cadmium
Iron
Chromium
Beryllium
Q.20) Solution (c)
Chromium –




Chromium is widely used in various industries like leather, steel, chrome plating,
paint manufacturing, wood preservation etc.
Untreated effluents from these industries cause widespread contamination of water
as been reported in several parts of the country.
Chromium in the environment primarily exists as Trivalent Chromium Cr (III) and
Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI). The later is toxic and the World Health Organization
has classified it as carcinogenic that also causes stomach ulcers, and cancers and
severe damage to kidneys and liver.
As per Indian standard IS10500 for drinking water, the maximum permissible
concentration of Cr (VI) in drinking water is 50 microgram per litre. The US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a still lower permissible
concentration of 10 microgram per litre.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Detection of Cr (VI) 
At such low levels it is not only technically challenging but also expensive and time
consuming since it involves collection of water samples from affected areas,
transportation to laboratory, storage and finally analysis. The method can be used
for limited water samples with errors due to conversion of Cr (III) to Cr(VI) and vice
versa during transport and storage.
BARC 


BARC has developed a simple, user friendly, quick and cost effective kit for onsite
determination of Cr (VI), which meets IS10500 as well as EPA criterion.
It provides the much needed solution to measure the level of Chromium
contamination in drinking water and tap water, lakes, rivers as well as ground water.
Procedure involves adding a specified amount of specific reagents to the water
sample and identifying the developed colour.
Colour chart 



Colour develops within 5 minutes and the distinction can be made with naked eye.
For ease of comparison a colour chart is provided with the kit.
Water samples can be immediately categorized as being safe or toxic for drinking
from Chromium (VI) point of view.
Kit provides several advantages including onsite detection and instantaneous results,
elimination of use of sophisticated instruments for analysis, low investment on
infrastructure for production of the kit, easy availability of raw materials and very
good accuracy for the intended purpose.
Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=148984
Q.21) Consider the following statements about Ethanol Blending in India
1. It is the practice of blending petrol with ethanol
2. Ethanol blending first found mention in the Auto fuel policy of 2003
3. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell ethanol blended petrol with percentage of
ethanol up to 20%
Select the correct statements
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q.21) Solution (a)
Ethanol blending is the practice of blending petrol with ethanol. Many countries, including
India, have adopted ethanol blending in petrol in order to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions
and also to reduce the import burden on account of crude petroleum from which petrol is
produced.
OMCs sell ethanol blended petrol with percentage of ethanol upto 10%. In 2015, the
Government has asked OMCs to target 10 % blending of ethanol in as many States as
possible.
National Policy on Bio-fuels (http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/biofuel_policy.pdf),
announced in December 2009, oil companies were required to sell petrol blended with at
least 5% of ethanol. It proposed that the blending level be increased to 20% by 2017.
Ethanol blending first found mention in the Auto fuel policy of 2003. It suggested developing
technologies for producing ethanol/ bio fuels from renewable energy sources and
introducing vehicles to utilise these bio fuels.
Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=148302
Q.22) Which of the following statements about Totaliser machines is/are correct?
1. It mixes votes from various booths for counting
2. It prevents disclosure of voting patterns across polling stations
Select the correct code
a)
b)
c)
d)
Only 1
Only 2
Both 1 and 2
None of the above
Q.22) Solution (c)
It mixes votes from various booths for counting.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Current Counting –
● Votes from each EVM are counted separately and thus it reveals the voting trends in
each polling station.
● Voters in that vicinity open to harassment, intimidation and post-election
victimisation
Totaliser Machines –
● Prevent disclosure of voting patterns across polling stations
● This will allay the fears of voters against any pre-poll intimidation or post-poll
victimisation by any candidate.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-moves-on-vote-totalisermachines/article9046763.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/election-commission-for-new-machine-toenhance-voter-secrecy/article7065217.ece
Q.23) Akashvani Maitree is
a) A radio programme that people receive on their phones via Bluetooth
b) A voice-based news portal that allows anyone in the remotest parts of the country,
to report and listen to stories on local issues a using mobile phone
c) A platform for blending content both from India and Bangladesh and preserving
Bengali culture.
d) A radio programme hosted by Prime Minister in which he addresses the people of
the nation on radio, DD National and DD News.
Q.23) Solution (c)
The All India Radio (AIR) during the Bangladesh Liberation Movement in 1971 had launched
Akashvani Maitree, a Bangla radio service. The channel had played a historic role during the
Bangladesh liberation movement. However, it was discontinued in 2010.
Akashvani Moitree Channel is an initiative of Kolkata Akashvani Kendra. It will provide a
platform for blending content both from India and Bangladesh and preserving Bengali
culture.
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Source:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/president-pranabmukherjee-launches-akashvani-maitree-channel-2992012/
Q.24) Match the following
List-1
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sciophytes
Heliophytes
Hydrphytes
Halophytes
List-2
A. Sun adapted plants
B. Plants permanently immersed in water
C. Plants of saline environment
D. Shade loving plants
Select the correct code:
A-B-C-D
a)
b)
c)
d)
3-4-1-2
1-2-3-4
4-1-3-2
2-3-4-1
Q.24) Solution (d)
Self-explanatory
Q.25) Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Nastoc
Spirogyra
Anabaena
Aulosira
Select the correct code:
a)
b)
c)
d)
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
1, 2, 3 and 4
IASbaba’s Prelims 60 Day Plan – Day 6 2017
Q.25) Solution (c)
Nastoc, Anabaena and Aulosira are the most important nitrogen-fixation cynobacteria.
Spirogyra is a type of green algae