1st May Static Quiz 2021 (Environment)

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Background: GEAC is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
It was set up under ‘Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989’, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The Rules of 1989 also define five competent authorities i.e. IBSC, RCGM, GEAC, State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC) and District Level Committee (DLC) for handling of various aspects of the rules.

Justification:
Statement 1: Its main function is to note, examine and approve proposals involving r- DNA work; to ensure adherence of r-DNA Safety Guidelines- 1990 of Government and inspection of containment facilities at R&D and production units.
Statement 2: Main functions of RGCM are:
To bring out manuals of guidelines specifying producers for regulatory process on GMOs in research, use and applications including in industry with a view to ensure environmental safety.
To review all on going r-DNA projects involving high risk category and controlled field experiments
To lay down producers for restriction or prohibition, production, sale, import & use of GMOs both for research and applications.
To authorize imports of GMOs/ transgenes/ transgenic seeds for research purposes.

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Justification: Ahar-pyne system is an indigenous irrigation technology. This system has evolved from an understanding of the particular agro-climatic conditions of the South Bihar plains of India. Ahars are reservoirs and consist of a major embankment across the line of the drainage with two side embankments running backwards up to the line of the drainage gradually losing their heights because of the gradient of the surface.
Thus, an ahar resembles a rectangular catchment basin with only three embankments, and the fourth side left open for the drainage water to enter the catchment basin following the natural gradient of the country.

Learning: A model of water conservation adopted successfully by the authorities in Nalanda district of south central Bihar, has been selected for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee programme (MGNREGP), by the ministry of rural development.
The award for excellence will be conferred on ‘Project Jal Sanchay’, the water conservation model.
‘Project jal sanchay’ was launched under MGRNREGP, to offer farmers a wide spectrum of solutions to water crisis.

Correct Answer : C
Answer Justification :
Justification: Statement 1: Organic mulches also improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose.
This improves root growth, increases the infiltration of water, and also improves the water-holding capacity of the soil.
Organic matter is a source of plant nutrients and provides an ideal environment for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.

Learning: Both organic and inorganic mulches can be used.
While inorganic mulches have their place in certain landscapes, they lack the soil improving properties of organic mulches. Inorganic mulches, because of their permanence, may be difficult to remove if crop plans need to be changed.

Correct Answer : D
Answer Justification :
Justification: Organic farming is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, genetically modified organisms and livestock food additives.
To the maximum extent possible organic farming system rely upon crop rotations, use of crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off farm organic wastes etc.
It also focuses on the use of biofertilizers, mechanical cultivation, mineral bearing rocks and aspects of biological control to maintain soil productivity and tilth to supply plant nutrients and to control insect, weeds and other pests

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Dibag is in Arunachal Pradesh, Kanha and Panna are in MP. Ranthambore is in Rajasthan.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies in the eastern part of Rajasthan state. It comprises of the Ranthambore National Park as well as Sawai Mansingh and Keladevi Sanctuaries, each with varied conservation history. Geographically, narrow corridors link the two sanctuaries to the reserve’s core– the National Park. The vegetation includes grasslands on plateaus and dense forests along the seasonal streams.