1.

Que-1
In context of ‘Aerogel material’, consider the following:
1. Aerogels are known as “frozen smoke” because of their ghostly blue
look.
2. It exhibits extreme low densities and thermal conductivity.
3. Aerogels are made up of paraffin wax blended with carbon
nanoparticles.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1.  a) 1 and 2 only
2.  b) 2 and 3 only
3.  c) 1 and 3 only
4.  d) 1, 2 and 3

Incorrect

Solution:
Option A is correct.
1. Aerogels can be made of a wide variety of substances, including:
2. Silica, the transition metal oxides, lanthanide and actinide metal
oxides, several main group metal oxides, organic polymers, biological
polymers, semiconductor nanostructures, carbon, carbon nanotubes and
metals.
Enrich Your Learning:
Aerogels
3. Aerogels are the world’s lightest solid materials, composed of up to
99.98% air by volume.
4. Aerogels are a diverse class of porous, solid materials that exhibit an
uncanny array of extreme materials properties.
5. An aerogel is the dry, low-density, porous, solid framework of a gel
isolated in-tact from the gel’s liquid component.
6. Aerogels are known as “frozen smoke” because of their ghostly blue
look.
Characteristics:
7. Aerogels are breathable and fireproof, and it absorbs both oil and
water.
8. It exhibits extreme low densities and thermal conductivity.
9. It exhibits lowest optical index of refraction, lowest speed of sound
through a material and lowest dielectric constant.
10. Transparent super insulating silica aerogels exhibit the lowest thermal
conductivity of any solid known.
11. Carbon aerogels have properties like fast-charging super-capacitors.
They are good electricity conductors.
12. Bendable x-aerogels are the lowest-density structural materials.

1
 Drawback:
13. It takes an extraordinary amount of time and money, in part because
only a very small amount of aerogel is made in each batch.
14. A high price tag of about $1.00 per cubic centimetre. Aerogel is
currently more expensive than gold.
 2 points
Que-2
Consider the following:
1. They are native of Southeast Europe and Southwest- Southeast Asia.
2. They can be spotted in the Bandhavgarh national park and Bandipur
National Park.
3. They are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
4. They are mostly found in the semi- desert, evergreen forests, savannas
and agricultural areas.
Which of the following animal is described by above facts?
1.  a) Corsac fox
2.  b) Common warthog
3.  c) Water buffalo
4.  d) Golden Jackal

Incorrect

Answer:
Option D is correct
Enrich Your Learning:
Golden Jackals:
1. The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a wolf-like canid that is native to
Southeast Europe, Southwest Asia, South Asia, and regions of Southeast
Asia.
2. They are found in Kutch, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Haryana. It can
also be spotted in the Bandhavgarh and Bandipur National Park.
3. They are mostly found in the semi- desert, evergreen forests, savannas
and agricultural areas.
4. They are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its
widespread distribution and high density in areas with plenty of available
food and optimum shelter.
 2 points
Que-3
Why does a woman with same height and weight of a Man has same Body
Mass Index (BMI)?
1.  a) Man and woman have same Type 1 Muscle Fibres.
2.  b) BMI does doesn’t take gender into account.
3.  c) The visceral fat of Man and women of same age are same.

2
 4.  d) None of the above

Incorrect

Solution:
Option B is correct
Enrich Your Learning:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
5. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies
to adult men and women.
6. BMI can be used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health
problems but it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an
individual.
7. BMI for children is different from the adult BMI.
Calculation:
8. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by
the square of height in meters.
9. BMI = weight (kg) / height2
10. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness.
11. There are four divisions of the BMI measure which shows the fatness.
 Underweight: Your BMI is less than 18.5
 Healthy weight: Your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9
 Overweight: Your BMI is 25 to 29.9
 Obese: Your BMI is 30 or higher
12. A body mass index of 22 is in the middle of that range.
How useful is body mass index (BMI)?
13. BMI has been used to give an idea about whether people are
overweight or underweight.
14. It divides a person’s weight by their height squared.
Drawback:
15. One problem with BMI is that it does not distinguish between muscle
and fat.
16. It Doesn’t take Sex and Age into Account.
 2 points
Que-4
Consider the following gases.
1. Sulphur hexafluoride
2. Nitrous oxide
3. Perfluorocarbons
4. Water vapour
Which among the above gases are greenhouse gases?
1.  a) 1, 2 and 4 only
2.  b) 3 and 4 only

3
 3.  c) 1 and 3 only
4.  d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Incorrect

Answer:
Option D is correct
Enrich Your Learning:
Greenhouse gas emissions in India:
1. Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases.
2. India is the fourth highest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world,
accounting for 7 per cent of global emissions in 2017.
The most primary greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are:
3. Water vapor (H2O)
4. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
5. Methane (CH4)
6. Nitrous oxide (N2O)
7. Ozone (O 3)
8. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
9. Hydrofluorocarbons (incl. HCFCs and HFCs)
 2 points
Que-5
Which of the following country recently allowed commercial cultivation of
the world’s first genetically modified (GM) sugarcane?
1.  a) Argentina
2.  b) Brazil
3.  c) Uruguay
4.  d) China

Incorrect

Solution:
Option B is correct.
Enrich Your Learning:
Sequencing of sugarcane genome
5. Due to their large complex polyploid genomes, it is difficult to
sequence saccharum species.
6. It was an international team coordinated by CIRAD that achieved this
milestone.
7. Sugarcane was the last major cultivated plant to have its genome
sequenced.
8. This was because of its huge complexity due to the extreme level of
polyploidy.

4
9. The genome comprises between 10 and 12 copies of each chromosome,
when the human genome has just two.
10. It will now be possible to “modernize” the methods used to breed
sugarcane varieties. This will be a real boon to the sugar and biomass
industry.
Sequencing Method:
11. Advancing DNA sequencing technologies and strategies for genome
assembly are making the sugarcane genome more tractable.
12. Advances in long read sequencing have allowed the generation of a
more complete set of sugarcane gene transcripts.
13. This is supporting transcript profiling in genetic research. The
progenitor genomes are being sequenced.
14. The complete polyploid genome is sequenced and assembled.
15. The emerging genome will allow comparison of related genomes and
increase understanding of the functioning of this polyploidy system.
Benefits from sequencing:
16. Sugarcane is a known water-guzzling crop. If genetic sequences linked
to enduring water stress are known, breeders can find a way to incorporate
them in their breeding programmes to develop varieties that require lesser
water.
17. This is a major breakthrough, since almost 80% of the world’s sugar
comes from sugarcane.
18. the theoretical limit on the sucrose content of sugarcane is currently
around 25 per cent. If breeders can breach this limit, they can raise varieties
that are better yielding.
19. The newly-acquired insights into sugarcane genome can help develop
new molecular screening techniques that could hasten field trials of newer
varieties.
20. The reference sequence can come in handy in analysing and comparing
variations between various sugarcane varieties more effectively.
21. The plant has also recently become a frontrunner in the race to produce
biomass.
22. Sugarcane breeding for traditional sugar and new energy and
biomaterial uses will be enhanced by the availability of these genomic
resources.
Key Fact:
23. Brazil, which has the largest area in the world under sugarcane,
recently allowed commercial cultivation of the world’s first GM sugarcane.
24. India doesn’t currently allow GM food crops.
 
 2 points
Que-6

5
 With reference to Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) defined by
International Maritime Organisation (IMO), consider the following
statements:
1. Areas of unique/rare ecosystem or areas vulnerable to degradation by
natural events or human activities are only eligible under PSSA.
2. Recently, Sunderbans and Gulf of Mannars are added as Particularly
Sensitive Sea Areas.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1.  a) Only 1
2.  b) Only 2
3.  c) Both 1 and 2
4.  d) Neither 1 nor 2

Incorrect

Answer:
Option D is correct
1. Sunderbans and Gulf of Mannars not Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas
There is not a single area from India included in PSSA.
These guidelines include criteria to allow areas to be designated a PSSA if
they fulfil a number of criteria, including:
2. Ecological criteria:such as unique or rare ecosystem, diversity of the
ecosystem or vulnerability to degradation by natural events or human
activities;
3. Social, cultural and economic criteria:such as significance of the
area for recreation or tourism; and
4. Scientific and educational criteria:such as biological research or
historical value.
Enrich Your Learning:
Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA):
5. A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) is an area that needs special
protection through action by International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
because of its significance for recognized ecological or socio-economic or
scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by international
maritime activities.
6. The criteria for the identification of particularly sensitive sea areas and
the criteria for the designation of special areas are not mutually exclusive. In
many cases a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area may be identified within a
Special Area and vice versa.
Note:
7. When an area is approved as a particularly sensitive sea area, specific
measures can be used to control the maritime activities in that area, such as
routeing measures, strict application of MARPOL discharge and equipment

6
 requirements for ships, such as oil tankers; and installation of Vessel Traffic
Services (VTS).
8. MARPOL is the main international convention aimed at the prevention
of pollution from ships caused by operational or accidental causes.
 2 points
Que-7
Which of the following state became the latest state in India to report
infestation of Fall Armyworm (FAW) – a pest which can damage a wide
variety of crops?
1.  a) Assam
2.  b) Gujarat
3.  c) Chhattisgarh
4.  d) Punjab

Incorrect

Solution:
Option C is correct.
Enrich Your Learning:
Fall Armyworm
5. Fall Armywarm is a species in the order of Lepidoptera and is the
larval life stage of a fall armyworm moth.
6. The term “armyworm” can refer to several species.
7. It is regarded as a pest and can damage and destroy a wide variety of
crops, which causes large economic damage.
8. FAW larvae are seen in groups. The larva of FAW can be identified by
four characteristic spots on the last second segment forming a square.  The
head has an inverted “Y” mark.
9. The larva is the damaging stage of the insect. It generally causes
damage to corn (maize), and can attack millet, vegetables, rice, sugarcane and
sorghum.
10. Due to the strong flying ability, it has spread to most of the tropical
countries.
11. If the eradication of the pest is delayed, it can cause huge loss to crop
yield.
Integrated Pest Management of FAW:
12. IPM is an integrated strategy of pest control which aims at prevention
of pests and its damage.
13. A combination of techniques such as chemical, biological, new
cropping system, modification of cultural practices, use of resistant varieties
and through mechanical methods are used for prevention.
Key Fact:

7
14. In January 2019, Chhattisgarh became the latest state in India to report
infestation of Fall Armyworm (FAW).
15. In nine months, it has invaded crops in more than 10 states in India.
 
 2 points
Que-8
In which of the following landmark judgment, also known as Oleum Gas
Leak case, right to clean environment was challenged?
1.  a) Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India
2.  b) Shreya Singhal v. Union of India
3.  c) M. C. Mehta v. Union of India
4.  d) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

Incorrect

Answer:
Option C is correct
Enrich Your Learning:
1. C. Mehta v. Union of India:
1. The judgement on lashed out at civic authorities for allowing untreated
sewage from Kanpur’s tanneries to make its way into the Ganges in 1988.
2. In this case, apart from industries, more than 250 towns and cities also
had to set up sewage treatment plants.
3. 600 tanneries operated in a highly congested residential area of
Kolkata. The ruling shifted them out of the city and relocated them to a
planned leather complex in West Bengal.
4. The Court closed down several industries, allowing them to reopen
only after setting up effluent treatment plants and controlled pollution.
5. As a result, millions of people escaped air and water pollution in the
Ganga basin, covering eight states in India.
 2 points
Que-9
Consider the following pairs in context of Malwares, a software developed
with a malicious intent:
  Type of Malware Definition/Characteristics
1. Trojan Horses Misrepresents itself to appear usefu
2. Grayware Alludes to both adware and spywa
3. Rootkits Replicates already present files wit
 
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1.  a) 1 and 2 only
2.  b) 2 and 3 only
3.  c) 1 and 3 only

8
 4.  d) 1, 2 and 3

Incorrect

Solution:
Option A is correct.
5. Rootkits: A rootkit is a collection of software specifically designed to
permit malware that gathers information, into your system. These work in the
background so that a user may not notice anything suspicious.
 
Enrich Your Learning:
What is Malware?
6. Malware can simply be defined as malicious code.
7. It is a software that is developed with a malicious intent, or whose
effect is malicious.
8. This is software that can cripple or disrupt the system’s operation,
allowing attacker access to confidential and sensitive information, as well as
the ability to spy on personal and private computers.
9. If spread through a network, malware can cause widespread damage
and disruption, necessitating extensive recovery efforts within organizations.
10. The spectrum of malware is wide — and getting wider by the minute.
Types of Malware
11. Viruses:A virus is an urge to reproduce that is programmed into it.
This mechanism means that this type of malware will distribute copies of
itself, using any means to spread.
12. Another characteristic common to viruses is that they are covert,
making it hard to detect their presence on a system, without dedicated
security programs called antivirus.
13. They are sub catagororised in
 System or boot infectors
 File Infectors
 Macro Viruses
14. Worms: A worm is a standalone software that replicates without
targeting and infecting specific files that are already present on a computer.
15. They usually target the operating system files, and work until the drive
they are in becomes empty.
16. Trojan Horses: A Trojan is a malicious program that misrepresents
itself to appear useful. These are spread in the guise of routine software that
persuade a victim to install it on their PC.
17. Trojan horses are deadly on computers.
18. Rootkits: A rootkit is a collection of software specifically designed to
permit malware that gathers information, into your system.

9
19. These work in the background so that a user may not notice anything
suspicious.
20. Ransomware:Ransomware blocks access to the data of a victim,
threating to either publish it or delete it until a ransom is paid.
21. This type of malware basically infects the system from the inside,
locking the computer and making it useless.
22. Keyloggers:Software that records all the information that is typed
using a keyboard.
23. Keyloggers usually are not capable of recording information that is
entered using virtual keyboards and other input devices, but physical
keyboards are at risk with this type of malware.
24. Grayware:It is used to describe unwanted applications and files that
can worsen the performance of computers and lead to security risks.
25. Grayware alludes to both adware and spyware. 
 Adware
 Spyware
Adware:
26. Adware can refer to any program that is supported by advertising,
malicious adware usually shows ads in the form of popups and windows that
cannot be closed.
27. Although ad-supported software is now much more common, and
known as Adware.
28. It is the perhaps the most lucrative and least harmful malware,
designed with the specific purpose of displaying ads on your computer.
29. Adware usage is on the rise on mobile, in particular, with some
Chinese firms bundling in adware by default in certain low-cost Android
smartphones.
Spyware:
30. Spyware is the software that constantly spies on you.
31. Its main purpose is to keep track of your Internet activities in order to
send adware.
32. Spyware are also used to gather information about an organization
without their knowledge, and send that information to another entity, without
consent of the victim.
Hoax:
33. A computer virus hoax is a message warning the recipients of a non-
existent computer virus threat. The message is usually a chain e-mail that tells
the recipients to forward it to everyone they know.
34. A hoax is a false warning about a computer virus. Typically, the
warning arrives in an e-mail note or is distributed through a note in a
company’s internal network.
35. These notes are usually forwarded using distribution lists and they will
typically suggest that the recipient forward the note to other distribution lists.
10
  2 points
Que-10
With reference to water contamination in India, water pollution due to which
of the following chemical element is a major problem in Ganges Delta due to
the use of deep tubewells for water supply?
1.  a) Lead
2.  b) Fluorine
3.  c) Arsenic
4.  d) Chromium

Incorrect

Answer:
Option C is correct
Enrich Your Learning:
Arsenic Contamination:
 
5. Arsenic is natural component in the earth’s crust. It is widely
distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly
toxic in its inorganic form. Arsenic contaminated water used for drinking,
irrigation of food crops and food preparation poses the greatest threat to
public health from arsenic.
6. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can lead
to chronic arsenic poisoning. It can cause cancer, skin lesions, developmental
effects, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity and diabetes. 
 
Arsenic Contamination in India:

11
12
  
 
 
7.  
8.  
9.  
10. In India, Arsenic Contamination is a high-profile problem in the
Ganges Delta, due to the use of deep tubewells for water supply. The
groundwater in these tube wells have high concentrations of arsenic in deeper
levels.
11. Arsenic pollution is a big problem in West Bengal and neighbouring
states. In West Bengal, there are 83 blocks in eight districts where
groundwater is arsenic contaminated. Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia
districts have higher levels of arsenic concentration.
Remedies:
Technological options to combat arsenic menace, in groundwater, to ensure
supply of arsenic free water, in the affected areas can be
12. In-situ remediation of arsenic from aquifer system,
13. Ex-situ remediation of arsenic from tapped groundwater by arsenic
removal technologies,
14. Use of surface water source as an alternative to the contaminated
groundwater source,
15. Tapping alternate safe aquifers for supply of arsenic free groundwater
or combination of above techniques.

13