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TEST BOOKLET

GENERAL STUDIES (P) 2020 – Test–2980

C
Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

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provided alongside. Do NOT write anything else on the Test Booklet.

4. This Test Booklet contains 100 items (Questions). Each item is printed in English. Each item comprises four
responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you
feel that there is more than one correct response with you consider the best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE
response for each item.

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answers sheet.

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9. Sheet for rough work are appended in the Test Booklet at the end.

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

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1. Which of the following species may be 4. Which of the following pollutants causes
classified as a monotreme or egg laying disease named Byssinosis?
mammals? (a) Silica dust
1. White-faced whistling duck (b) Cotton dust
2. Duck-Billed platypus
(c) Coal dust
3. Blue Whale
(d) Lead
4. Echidina
Select the correct answer using the code
5. In the context of Global Smart Cities
given below.
Alliance on Technology Governance,
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
consider the following statements:
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only 1. It is mandated to establish universal

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 norms and standards related to collection

2. With respect to the Boreal biome, consider
the following statements:
1. The southern most part of the boreal
ecosystem is flanked by tree line.
2. Soils in the Boreal ecosystem are acidic
and poor in nutrients.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
of data from publicly connected devices
and its usage.
2. The alliance membership is currently
limited to public institutes of the
member nations.
3. It is an initiative of the OECD countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1 and 3 only

3. Which of the following factors play a role in 6. In order for biomagnification to occur, the
the formation of ecads? pollutant must be:
1. Temperature 1. Short-lived
2. Soil moisture
2. Mobile
3. Intensity of light
3. Insoluble in fats
4. Soil nutrients
Select the correct answer using the code
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only (a) 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3
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7. Consider the following statements with 10. Which of the following is/are the uses of
reference to pyrolysis and gasification: Algae?
1. While pyrolysis is the process of thermal 1. Carbon dioxide fixation
conversion of organic matter in the
2. Purification of wastewater
presence of oxygen, gasification is a
thermo-chemical process that converts 3. Food supplements
biomass into a combustible gas in the 4. Biofuel production
absence of oxygen. Select the correct answer using the code
2. The process of gasification generally given below.
needs more temperature than pyrolysis.
(a) 1 and 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (c) 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
11. Consider the following statements with
reference to syngas:
8. Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning
1. It will help in reduction of green house
Programme: DHRUV, a recent initiative by
the government, is gas emissions.
(a) a training program to equip teachers in 2. It is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon
using digital platforms for interactive monoxide and sulphur dioxide.
teaching. 3. It is used in the production of electricity,
(b) an initiative to identify and encourage
plastics and cement.
talented children to enrich their skills
and knowledge. Which of the statements given above is/ are
(c) an ISRO-supported program to correct?
promote interest of students in the field (a) 2 only
of space research. (b) 1 and 3 only
(d) a program to include physical activity as
(c) 3 only
an integral part of learning curriculum at
(d) 2 and 3 only
upper primary school level and
thereafter.
12. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on
9. Dioxins and furans, the emerging air Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved
pollutant are classified highly contaminating Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana. It is aimed
toxic chemicals having serious effect on at:
human health. Which of the following are
(a) providing financial support to Integrated
the sources from which they are released?
1. Cigarette smoking Bioethanol Projects.
2. Dyes and pigments (b) fixing MSP for identified minor forest
3. Municipal Solid waste burning produce, which is collected by tribals in
4. Coal combustion for commercial remote areas.
purposes
(c) providing life insurance cover to worker
Select the correct answer from the codes
of unorganised sector in special category
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only states.
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) socio-economic development of tribal
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only people by way of marketing
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 development of the tribal products.
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13. The word ‘Danuvius’ is sometimes 16. They are separate species of organisms that
mentioned in news in reference to are related through their capability of
(a) a genus of a prehistoric ape. interbreeding. They are able to exchange
(b) a malware that poses serious security genes among themselves to a limited extent
threats. through hybridization.
The species in the above passage are best
(c) one of the fastest system of
described by which of the following?
supercomputers.
(a) Cenospecies
(d) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs.
(b) Cryptic Species
(c) Monotypic species
14. With reference to 'Extended Producer (d) Sibling species
Responsibility', consider the following
statements: 17. Which of the following is/are correct
1. It is a policy approach in which regarding the ‘Food Safety Mitra (FSM)’
producers take responsibility for scheme?
management of the disposal of products 1. It will support small and medium scale
after they are considered no longer food businesses to comply with the food
useful by the consumers. safety laws.
2. It shifts the economic burden of the cost 2. Under the scheme, the FSM is an
of disposal from the government to the individual professional who undergoes
training and certification by FSSAI.
producer of the product.
3. The FSMs will participate in testing of
Which of the statements given above is/are
genetically modified (GM) crops before
correct?
the crops are approved for cultivation.
(a) 1 only
Select the correct answer using the code
(b) 2 only
given below.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
15. It is a colourless and odourless gas and one (d) 1, 2 and 3
of the most serious air pollutants, produced
as a result of incomplete combustion of 18. Which of the following is/are correct
carbon. It binds to haemoglobin to form regarding Thiruvalluvar?
carboxyhaemoglobin which is highly 1. He was a Tamil poet-saint and a
poisonous to living beings because of its contemporary of the musician Tyagaraja.

ability to block the delivery of oxygen to the 2. He wrote Thirukkural which is a treatise
on the code of ethics and universal
organs and tissues.
human values.
Which of the following air pollutants is
Select the correct answer using the code
being referred to in the above passage?
given below.
(a) Carbon monoxide
(a) 1 only
(b) Sulphur dioxide (b) 2 only
(c) Carbon dioxide (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Ammonia (d) Neither 1 nor 2
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19. What are the different application areas of 22. Consider the following statements with
Microbial fuel cells? reference to bioindicators:
1. Powering underwater monitoring 1. They help in monitoring the progress of
devices environmental clean up.
2. Power supply to remote sensors
2. They are those species which may
3. Waste-water treatment
survive in highly polluted water with
4. Production of biohydrogen
low dissolved oxygen content.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. 3. Tubifex, insect larvae and frog are
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only examples of bioindicators.
(b) 1 and 4 only Which of the statements given above is/ are
(c) 2 and 3 only correct?
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
20. Permafrost, the perennially frozen soil in (c) 2 and 3 only
high latitude and altitude regions, has (d) 1, 2 and 3
exhibited increased thawing due to global
warming. Which of the following may be its
23. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled
consequences?
Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
1. It may further aggravate global warming
due to release of methane gas. Amendment Act, 2018 provides that
2. It may pose a threat to local ecosystems. (a) anticipatory bail can be given to the
3. It may cause damage to local accused persons of committing an
infrastructure. offence under the Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are (b) no public servant is to be arrested
correct? without the written permission of the
(a) 1 only appointing authority.
(b) 1 and 3 only (c) arrest in cases under the Act cannot be
(c) 2 and 3 only
made without the written permission of
(d) 1, 2 and 3
the SSP of the district.
(d) a preliminary enquiry is not required for
21. Which of the following statements is/are
registration of an FIR in cases filed
correct regarding the GEMINI system that
was recently seen in the news? under the Act.
1. It is a unique satellite-based
communication device that will be used 24. According to the recently released report by
by fishermen to make an emergency call Green peace, India is the largest emitter of
to rescue centre in the time of severe sulfur dioxide. Which of the following are
weather conditions in the sea. natural sources of sulfur dioxide?
2. It is developed by the Indian National 1. Volcanic eruption
Centre for Ocean Information Services
2. Marshes and decaying vegetation
(INCOIS) in collaboration with the
3. Hot springs
Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Select the correct answer using the code
Select the correct answer using the code
given below. given below.
(a) 1 only (a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1 and 3 only
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25. Which of the following substances 29. With reference to thermoregulation in
contribute in Eutrophication? animals, consider the following statements:
1. Nitrogen 1. In cold-blooded animals, the body
2. Phosphorus temperature tends to match with the
3. Chlorofluorocarbons environmental temperature in which
Select the correct answer using the code they live.
given below. 2. Human beings are cold-blooded species
(a) 1 and 2 only as they regulate their temperature
(b) 2 and 3 only according to the external environment.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 3. Warm blooded animals require more
(d) 1 and 3 only food and energy as compared to cold
blooded animals of the same weight.
26. In the field of ecology, the term stratification Select the correct the answer using the code
refers to the given below.
(a) decrease in populations of species down (a) 1 and 2 only
a food chain. (b) 1 and 3 only
(b) arrangement of essential minerals in the (c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
soil.
(c) vertical distribution of different species
occupying different levels. 30. Ecotypes refers to the species having a wide
(d) vertical zones in an aquatic ecosystem range of distribution which evolve
with varying levels of salinity. genetically adapted local populations. In this
context, consider the following statements
with reference to Ecotypes:
27. What is Biomining?
1. Ecotypes differ from each other on the
(a) It is the process of storing carbon
basis of morphological and
dioxide with the help of microorganism
physiological characters.
present in the soil.
2. Different ecotypes of a species are inter-
(b) It is the process of using microorganisms
fertile.
to extract metals from rock ores or mine
Which of the statements given above is/are
waste.
correct?
(c) It is the anerobic decomposition of
(a) 1 only
organic matter with the help of
(b) 2 only
microorganism.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) It is a process to detect the presence of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
minor minerals in earth’s surface with
the help of certain plant species.
31. If a plant has high ozone-forming potential,
it means
28. The Special Report on the Ocean and
(a) the plant has high potential to absorb
Cryosphere in a Changing Climate was
atmospheric ozone from its
recently released by
surroundings.
(a) Germanwatch (b) it releases volatile organic compounds in
(b) International Union for Conservation of high amounts.
Nature (c) it has developed special mechanism to
(c) World Bank store ozone in its inter cellular spaces.
(d) UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate (d) it can convert gaseous form of ozone to
Change liquid phase.
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32. Which of the following statements best
describes “planetary boundaries”?
(a) These are the thresholds below which
humanity can continue to develop for
generations to come.
(b) These represent lower atmospheric
region in which planetary winds exist.
(c) These demarcate boundary separating
two different types of air masses.
(d) These represent the principle divisions in
lithosphere based on the geophysical
features.
33. The term Ornamental Fishery refers to:
(a) breeding and rearing of coloured fish of
marine water and freshwater.
(b) conservation of exotic species of fish.
(c) cultivation of corals for commercial
purposes.
(d) use of marine fish for extraction of ores.
34. With respect to the geological time scale in
increasing order, select the correct sequence:
(a) Blue green algae-Fish-Frog-Ape
(b) Blue green algae-Frog-Ape-Fish
(c) Fish-Blue green algae-Frog-Ape
(d) Frog-Fish-Blue green algae-Ape
35. Which of the following can aid in the
cooling of earth?
1. Sulphates from the volcanic eruption
2. Salt particles
3. Pure nitrates
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
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36. Which of the following plants may be
classified as herbaceous plants?
1. Aloe vera
2. Neem
3. Banana
4. Tulsi
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
37. With reference to Geothermal Energy,
consider the following statements:
1. It is a renewable source of energy which
unlike solar and wind energy remains
available throughout the year.
2. Iceland is the world's largest producer of
geothermal energy.
3. There are no emissions associated with
the utilization of geothermal energy.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
38. Which one of the following statements best
describes the aim of Sabka Vishwas Legacy
Dispute Resolution Scheme?
(a) To provide free legal aid to the persons
who are affected by the non- inclusion in
the National Register of Citizens legacy
data.
(b) To help taxpayers in clearing the
baggage of disputes under Service Tax
and Central Excise, which are subsumed
in GST.
(c) To establish fast track courts for speedy
dissolution of cases related to acid
attacks survivors.
(d) To impart legal training to volunteers to
ensure legal aid reaches all sections of
people through the process of Para-Legal
Volunteers.
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39. Which of the following is/are the possible 42. In a historic announcement on World Polio
impacts of excess carbon in the atmosphere? Day, it was declared that wild poliovirus
1. Drastic decrease in plant productivity type 3 (WPV3) has been eradicated
2. Glacial melt worldwide. In this context, consider the
3. Increase in the pH level of Ocean following statements with reference to
Select the correct answer using the code polioviruses:
given below. 1. The last case of wild poliovirus type 3
(a) 2 only was seen in northern Nigeria in 2012.
(b) 1 and 3 only 2. WPV3 is the only wild poliovirus to be
(c) 2 and 3 only declared eliminated.

(d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Type 1 wild poliovirus is restricted to

Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Which of the statements given above is/are
40. Consider the following statements with
correct?
reference to the climate feedback
(a) 1 only
mechanism:
(b) 1 and 3 only
1. A negative feedback has a warming
(c) 2 and 3 only
effect, while positive feedback has a
(d) 1, 2 and 3
cooling effect.
2. Ice albedo feedback is a strong negative
43. Which of the following are the potential
feedback process.
advantages of hydrogen fuel cells?
Which of the statements given above is/are
1. They are cheaper and affordable
correct?
2. They are easy to handle and store
(a) 1 only
3. They do not produce harmful emissions
(b) 2 only
4. They can be used as fuel in rockets
(c) Both 1 and 2
Select the correct answer using the code
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
given below.
(a) 2 and 3 only
41. With reference to the concept of Food Chain, (b) 3 and 4 only
consider the following statements: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
1. Species at higher trophic levels appear to (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
be progressively more efficient in using
their available food supply. 44. Which of the following can cause acid rain?
2. The relative loss of energy due to 1. Nitrogen oxides
respiration is progressively greater for 2. Formic acid
higher trophic levels. 3. Chlorine
Which of the statements given above is/are Select the correct answer using the code
correct? given below.
(a) 1 only (a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1 and 3 only

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45. With reference to ecology, the term Soil 49.
Steaming refers to
(a) a farming technique that sterilizes soil
with steam in open fields or
greenhouses.
(b) decrease in productivity in the soil found
adjacent to hot springs and geysers.
(c) use of crop residues to preserve the
moisture in the soil.
(d) formation of black soil from the volcanic
eruption.
46. In the context of ecology, a mesic habitat
refers to:
(a) a hot desert which is deficient in overall
water supply.
(b) an environment with well balanced
50.
moisture.
(c) a coastal mangrove with abundance of
both terrestrial and aquatic life
(d) an estuary with presence of both fresh
and sea water.
47. Which of the following characteristics of a
species does not make it susceptible to
extinction?
(a) Large body size
(b) Low reproductive rate
(c) Feeding at high trophic levels in a food
chain
(d) Varying migratory routes
48. It is situated in the flood plains of the river
Brahmaputra and harbours the highest
density of one-horned rhinos in the world.
51.
Besides rhinoceros, the other mammals
found are Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Jungle
cat, etc. It is one of the 'important bird areas'
declared by Birdlife International. It was
recently in news due to the death of feral
buffaloes at the site.
Which of the following sites is being
described in the above passage?
(a) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
(b) Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(d) Kaziranga National Park
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Which of the following statements best
describes the term "Biodilution"?
(a) It is the decrease in concentration of a
pollutant with an increase in trophic
level.
(b) It is a process of detoxify contaminants
in the soil using plants.
(c) It is a physiochemical process which
allows certain biomass bindi
contaminants onto its cellular structure.
(d) It is a process to use microorganisms to
dilute the effect of pollution.
Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in
the population of species of bees, what could
be its likely consequence/consequences?
1. Extinction of some plant and animal
species.
2. Decrease in crop yields.
3. Increase in incidences of floods.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Hunar Haat, an initiative by the government,
aims to
(a) provide incubation and handholding to
startups in their first five years.
(b) promote linkage of handlooms-based
textile industry with the global market.
(c) encourage learning through creative
activities in primary schools.
(d) provide employment opportunities to
artisans and craftsmen.
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52. High-altitude adaptations in humans in some 55. Which of the following is/are the regulatory
areas of Asia, Africa, etc. are characterised services of ecosystem?
by which of the following? 1. Water purification
1. High haemoglobin concentration in the 2. Natural hazard mitigation
blood 3. Primary production
2. Decrease in the diameter of the blood 4. Pollination
vessel to increase the pumping of blood Select the correct answer using the code
3. Enlarged lung volume
given below.
Select the correct answer using the code
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
given below.
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
56. Aflatoxin M1 was recently in news in
53. With reference to ecological niche, consider relation to
the following statements: (a) contamination of processed milk
1. It does not include interaction with samples
abiotic factors. (b) preservation of processed foods
2. Species are more successful when they (c) usage in mosquito repellents
have an unique niche. (d) artificial ripening of fruits
3. It includes the function of reproduction
of species. 57. In the context of space discoveries, what is
Which of the statements given above are Arrokoth, recently seen in the news?
correct? (a) A moon of the Jupiter
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) The largest asteroid in the asteroid belt
(b) 2 and 3 only
between the Mars and the Jupiter
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) A Kuiper Belt Object
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) The second nearest galaxy to the Milky
Way after the Andromeda galaxy
54. Which of the following best describes
'phenotypic plasticity'?
58. Which of the following is/are the
(a) It is the ability of an organism to change
characteristics of the Tropical forest biome?
in response to environmental stimuli
without altering its genes. 1. The soil in tropical forests is relatively
(b) It is the ability of an organism to exist as rich in nutrients than temperate forests.
a genetically distinct geographic variety, 2. Pure (homogenous) stands of a tree
population or race within a species. species are abundant in Tropical forest
(c) It is the modification in the genetic pool biome.
of a species in response to an external Select the correct answer using the code
stimulus. given below.
(d) It is the permanent alteration in the DNA (a) 1 only
sequence of a species which is inherited (b) 2 only
by future generations. (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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59. What is ‘X-57 Maxwell’, recently seen in the 62. Which of the following is/are the
news? environmental impacts associated with forest
(a) Airborne observatory by ISRO fires?
1. It will increase stormwater runoff.
(b) Reusable rocket by SpaceX
2. It will result in near-zero nutrient
(c) Zero gravity simulation plane by Japan
availability in the forest soil.
(d) Electric plane by NASA 3. It may help grow native plants by killing
invasive weeds.
60. Consider the following passage: Select the correct answer using the code
"It refers to the interaction in which one given below.
species benefits and the other is neither (a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
harmed nor benefited. An orchid growing on
(c) 2 and 3 only
a mango branch is an example of this type of
(d) 1 and 3 only
interaction"
Which of the following types of interaction 63. Recently, ‘Phazolicin’ was in news, what is
is being referred to in the above passage? it?
(a) Amensalism (a) A contaminant widely found in milk
(b) Parasitism samples in India.
(b) A new drug developed to treat
(c) Mutualism
Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR
(d) Commensalism
TB).
(c) A new antibiotic produced by a soil
61. With reference to Radioactive pollution, bacterium.
consider the following statements: (d) A new species of frog found in Western
1. Radioactive pollution is caused only due Ghats.
to anthropological activities and thus is
observed only on Earth. 64. Recently, the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research conducted the “IndiGen
2. A radioactive pollutant with a longer
project” that undertook the whole-genome
half-life will have a greater impact on
sequencing of thousands of individuals. In
human health than the one with shorter this context, how can genome sequencing
half-life. (GS) be used in the immediate future?
3. Cobalt, Calcium and Iodine have 1. Identifying mutations responsible for
radioactive isotopes that cause cancer.
2. Developing Precision Medicine.
radioactive pollution and environmental
3. Help in knowing the cause of non-
degradation.
reaction of a drug on some people.
Which of the statements given above is/are Select the correct answer using the code
correct? given below.
(a) 3 only (a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
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65. 'Black Liquor', used as a fuel, is a: 68. Living root bridges are a form of tree
(a) biofuel created as a by-product in the shaping common in the southern part of the
paper and pulp industry. Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. Which
(b) derivative of the liquefaction of coal of the following trees are used for building
process. these root bridges?
(c) a crude oil which has very less amount (a) Peepal Tree
of sulphur. (b) Rubber Tree
(d) form of natural gas derived from coal (c) Sundari Tree
beds. (d) Rosewood Tree

66. What is ‘ICON', recently seen in the news? 69. Which of the following are indicators of
(a) It is the joint mission of European Space paleoclimate or past climates?
Agency and Roscosmos to find out 1. Fossilized pollen grains
whether life has ever existed on Mars. 2. Annular rings of trees
(b) It is ISRO’s mission that aims to gather 3. Cave deposits
detailed maps of solar surface. 4. Lacustrine deposits
(c) It is a rover designed by Japan space Select the correct answer using the code
agency to explore Gale crater on Mars.
given below.
(d) It is NASA’s mission to study dynamic
(a) 1 and 2 only
zone in upper atmosphere where space
(b) 3 and 4 only
weather meets earth weather.
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
67. Which of the following statements is/are
correct with respect to "Fly Ash"?
70. With respect to FasTag, consider the
1. Fly ash is recovered as a by-product
following statements:
from burning of coal in thermal power
1. It is a device that employs Radio
plants.
Frequency Identification (RFID)
2. The wet disposal of Fly ash results in
technology for making toll payments
leaching of toxic heavy metals in ground
directly from a user bank account.
water system.
2. It is issued by the Indian Highway
3. Maharashtra is the first state in the
Management Company Limited for each
country to adopt the Fly Ash Utilization
vehicle.
Policy. .
Which of the statements given above is/are
Select the correct answer using the code
correct?
given below.
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
71. With reference to the International Treaty of 74. The term “Geo tail” is frequently seen in the
Plant Genetic Resources for Food and news. What does it refer to?
Agriculture, consider the following (a) It is the region inside the earth where
statements:
shale gas is available.
1. It facilitates access to the genetic
(b) It is the region formed due to the
materials of some crops to ratifying
interactions between the Sun and Earth
nations only for research, breeding, and
training for food and agriculture. and help in scientific observation.
2. It tends to protect the traditional (c) It is the stable orbit in space where
knowledge of farmers and increase their gravitational force of sun and earth is
participation in national decision-making balances each other.
processes. (d) It is the region where dark matter and
3. It does not create any legally binding
dark energy are not observed in space
obligation on states that have joined it.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? 75. The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of a
(a) 1 and 2 only chemical compound measures the relative
(b) 1, 2 and 3 amount of degradation it can cause to the
(c) 2 and 3 only ozone layer. Which of the following
(d) 1 only
has/have the almost zero ODP?
1. Carbon dioxide
72. With regard to the National Pension System
2. HFCs
(NPS), consider the following statements:
3. Ammonia
1. It is a pension cum investment scheme
launched to provide old age security to 4. Halons
the subscriber of the scheme. Select the correct answer using the code
2. Non-resident Indians and Overseas given below.
Citizen of India are not eligible for the (a) 4 only
scheme. (b) 1 and 3 only
3. It is regulated by the Insurance (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
Regulatory and Development Authority.
(d) 2 and 4 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only 76. Consider the following statements with
(b) 2 and 3 only regard to different zones of a Lake/Pond:
(c) 2 only 1. Limnetic zone is the shallow water zone
(d) 1 only which supports rooted vegetation.
2. Profundal zone is the ideal location for
73. Which of the following classes of plants
the growth of Phytoplanktons.
is/are a feature of tropical rainforests?
3. Benthic zone is the deepest layer among
1. Saprophytes
all the zones.
2. Xerophytes
3. Epiphytes Which of the statements given above is/are
Select the correct answer using the code correct?
given below. (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (c) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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77. Consider the following substances: 80. Which of the following materials can be
1. Carbon dioxide commercially recovered during recycling of
2. Photo chemical smog e-waste?
3. Ground level Ozone 1. Gold
Which of the above is/are example/examples 2. Copper
of Secondary Pollutants? 3. Glass
(a) 1 only
4. Plastic
(b) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code
(c) 2 and 3 only
given below.
(d) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
78. Which of the following is/are correct about
(c) 1 and 4 only
the Minimum Operating Prices?
1. It is the actual price at which a product is (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

made available to a retailer.

2. It is legally mandatory to print this price 81. Primary production is defined as the amount

on the product. of biomass or organic matter produced per

3. It is fixed by the Department of unit area over a time period by plants during
Consumer Affairs. photosynthesis. The rate of biomass
Select the correct answer using the code production is called productivity. Which of
given below. the following ecosystems has the highest
(a) 1 and 2 only primary productivity?
(b) 2 and 3 only (a) Savanna
(c) 2 only (b) Tundra
(d) 1 only
(c) Desert ecosystem
(d) Estuaries
79. Which of the following is not correct
regarding the Saptaparni (Alstonia scholaris)
82. In the context of cloud seeding technique,
tree, sometimes seen in news?
consider the following statements:
(a) Its natural range covers a broad belt of
dry deciduous forests of central India. 1. Cloud seeding is presently used in

(b) Its bark is used as a traditional medicine reducing the rain and dispersing the fog.

to treat diseases like diarrhoea, 2. Calcium chloride and silver iodide are
dysentery and asthma. used to induce rainfall in clouds.
(c) It has cultural importance as it is Which of the statements given above is/are
awarded to scholars and teachers during correct?
convocation ceremonies in some (a) 1 only
universities. (b) 2 only
(d) It provides favourable breeding sites for (c) Both 1 and 2
wild bees. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
83. Consider the following techniques of bio- 87. Which of the following is/are the causes for
remediation: biodiversity loss?
1. Bioventing 1. Fragmentation of Habitat
2. Biosparging 2. Over-exploitation of natural resources
3. Composting 3. Introduction of invasive species
4. Biopiles Select the correct answer using the code
5. Bioaugmentation given below.
Which of the bioremediation techniques (a) 1 only
given above are in-situ in nature? (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 88. Which of the following statements best
describes 'Sea Ranching', a term often seen
84. 'Framework for Action on Marine Plastics in news?
Litter', sometimes in news, is an initiative of (a) It is a rearing strategy in which fish is
(a) UN Secretariat reared in a controlled laboratory
(b) G20 environment and let into the sea when
(c) UNEP they are of a certain size.
(d) International Maritime Organisation (b) It is a technique under which fish is
allowed to grow exponentially in a
85. Which of the following is/are different designated enclosure in the open sea and
methods of adaptation in animals? then let free.
1. Mimicry (c) It is a fishing method under which fish
2. Colouration seedlings are released in plankton rich
3. Aestivation water to grow for harvesting later.
4. Migration (d) It is a creation of a cultivation of coral
Select the correct answer using the code reefs in an artificial medium in the
below. laboratory.
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
89. With reference to Heavy Metal Pollution,
(c) 3 only
consider the following statements:
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
1. Heavy metal pollution is spread only
through soil and water and not through
86. Arrange the given stages of primary air pollutants.
succession in water from phytoplankton to 2. Heavy metal pollutants are persistent in
forest in ascending order: the environment and are subject to
1. Reed swampy stage bioaccumulation in food-chains.
2. Marsh meadow stage 3. Arsenic is one of the most common
3. Submerged plant stage heavy metal pollutants found in the
4. Scrub stage rivers of India.
Select the correct answer using the code Which of the statements given above are
given below. correct?
(a) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 (a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 (b) 2 only
(c) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3
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90. Consider the following statements with 93. INDAIR, recently seen in the news, is
reference to Bharat Stage VI norms in India: (a) India' s first himalayan air monitoring
1. It will be implemented in India from system installed in Uttarakhand.
(b) Campaign launched to make the people
April 2024.
aware in NCR region about hazardous
2. It aims to reduce Sulphur content in the
effects of air pollution.
fuel to 50 ppm.
(c) India's first private initiative to provide
Which of the statements given above is/are
internet connectivity in rural areas
correct? through network of stratospheric
(a) 1 only balloons.
(b) 2 only (d) India's first web based repository for air
(c) Both 1 and 2 quality research and studies.

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

94. "These species are selected for conservation-
related decisions because the conservation
91. Consider the following pairs:
and protection of these species indirectly
Pollutant Disease
affects the conservation and protection of
1. Nitrate : Blue baby’ syndrome
other species within their ecosystem. These
2. Cadmium : Black foot disease
are tied to its geographic species range.
3. Arsenic : Itai-Itai disease These help in the selection of potential
4. Mercury : Minamata disease reserve locations, as well as in determining
Which of the pairs given above are correctly the composition of the reserve".
matched? Which of the following species is being
(a) 1 and 2 only described in the above-given passage?
(a) Keystone species
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) Umbrella species
(c) 1 and 4 only
(c) Flagship species
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) Indicator species

92. Consider the following:

95. Which one of the following is the best
1. Cluster roots description of the term “Biome"?
2. Nitrogen-fixing root nodules (a) Community of plants and animals that
3. Mycorrhizae share the same environmental
Which of the above plant adaptations is/are conditions.

suited for survival in oligotrophic (nutrient (b) That part of the Earth which is inhabited
by living organisms.
deficient) soils?
(c) A community of organisms interacting
(a) 2 only
with one another.
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) Transitional area between two
(c) 3 only
geographical areas with diverse
(d) 1, 2 and 3 environmental conditions.
16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
96. Which of the following is/are the commonly 99. Consider the following characteristics:
known effect/effects of temperature increase
1. Mosses and lichens are its characteristic
due to thermal pollution?
1. Reduction in the rate of metabolism of vegetation.
marine organisms
2. Winters are here dark and cold.
2. Increased rate of decomposition of
organic matter. 3. Low precipitation and dry winds make it
3. Development of anaerobic condition in
a desert like landscape.
water bodies.
Select the correct answer using the code Which of the following biomes has the
given below.
above-given characteristics?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (a) Tundra
(c) 2 and 3 only
(b) Taiga
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Prairies
97. The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides (d) Savanna
citizens the right to secure access to
information under the control of public
authorities. Which of the following is/are 100. Which of the following are the likely effects
public authorities with respect to the Right to
of ozone layer depletion?
Information Act, 2005?
1. An NGO substantially financed by the 1. Increased evaporation of surface water
Government
2. Increased moisture content of the soil
2. The office of the Chief Justice of India
3. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) 3. Damage of building paints
Select the correct answer using the code
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only given below.
(b) 3 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
98. Consider the following statements with (d) 1, 2 and 3
reference to the Global Hunger Index
(GHI)/Report:
1. The 2019 report ranks India below
Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
2. Economic poverty is one of the four
indicators used to calculate the GHI
score.
3. It is an annual report published by
Welthungerhilfe.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3