Q1: With reference to biofuels, consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
- Second generation biofuels are produced from microorganisms.
- Genetically engineered crops are used in third generation biofuels.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : d
Explanation
First generation biofuels:
These are made from food sources such as sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats using conventional technology.
Common first-generation biofuels include Bioalcohols, Biodiesel, Vegetable oil, Bioethers, Biogas.
Second generation biofuels:
These are produced from non-food crops or portions of food crops that are not edible and considered as wastes, e.g. stems, husks, wood chips, and fruit skins and peeling.
Examples include cellulose ethanol, biodiesel.
Third generation biofuels:
These are produced from microorganisms like algae.Example- Butanol.
Micro-organisms like algae can be grown using land and water unsuitable for food production, therefore reducing the strain on already depleted water sources.
Fourth Generation Biofuels:
In the production of these fuels, crops that are genetically engineered to take in high amounts of carbon are grown and harvested as biomass.
The crops are then converted into fuel using second generation techniques.
Q2:
With reference to the National Solar Mission, consider the following statements and choose the incorrect option:
- It is one of the seven national missions outlined in India’s National Action Plan on
Climate Change.
- It targets installing 175 GW grid-connected solar power plants by the year 2022.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : c
Explanation
Solar energy has taken a central place in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change with the National Solar Mission as one of the key Missions. National Solar Mission is one of the Eight national missions outlined in the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Eight key missions are-
National Solar Mission
National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
National Water Mission
National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
National Mission for A Green India
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
National Solar Mission (NSM) was launched on 11 January, 2010.
Its objective is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating
the policy conditions for solar technology diffusion across the country as quickly as possible.
It targets installing 100 GW grid-connected solar power plants by the year 2022 (175 GW by 2022 is India’s total renewable energy target).
Q3:
With reference to rejuvenation of river Ganga, which of the following is/are not correct?
- Ganga Action Plan was the first River Action Plan that was taken to improve the river water quality.
- The National River Conservation Plan is an extension to the Ganga Action Plan.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : d
Explanation
Ganga Action Plan was the first River Action Plan that was taken up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 1985.
It was launched to improve the water quality by the interception, diversion, and treatment of domestic sewage.
The National River Conservation Plan is an extension to the Ganga Action Plan. It aims at cleaning the Ganga river under Ganga Action Plan phase-2.
Q 4: ‘Bhadbhut project’ recently seen in the news is located on which river?
- Narmada
- Godavari
- Mahanadi
- Kaveri
Answer : a
Explanation
Bhadbhut Project is located across the river Narmada, 5 km from Bhadbhut village and 25 km from the mouth of the river, where it flows into the Gulf of Khambhat.
The project is part of the larger Kalpasar Project, which entails construction of a 30- km dam across the Gulf of Khambhat between Bharuch and Bhavnagar districts. Kalpasar Project aims to store Gujarat’s 25% average annual surface water
resources..
This reservoir will store about 8,000 million cubic metres (MCM) of surface water and will be one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs in the sea.
It will stop most of the excess water flowing out of the Sardar Sarovar Dam from reaching the sea and will create a sweet water lake of 600 MCM on the river, solving the freshwater problems in Bharuch.
Q5:
With reference to Gothic Architecture, consider the following statements and choose the correct option :
- This architecture emerged from France and England.
- Pointed arches with ribbed vaults is the unique feature of this architecture.
- Victoria Memorial is an example of Indo-Gothic architecture.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer : d
Explanation
Gothic Architecture is a European style of architecture popular in the 12 -16 century. This architecture has its roots in France and England.
Gothic style can vary according to location, age, and type of building, it is often characterized by 5 key architectural elements: large stained glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.
The Britishers merged some Indian features of architecture to the Gothic architecture, which resulted in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture.
Examples of Indo-Gothic style of architecture: Madras High Court, Victoria Memorial, The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (previously Victoria Terminus) etc.
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