Q1. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under which law?
a) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
b) Forest Rights Act, 2006
c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
d) Project Tiger Guidelines, 1973
Answer: a) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Explanation:
- NTCA is a statutory body constituted under Section 38L of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, inserted by the 2006 amendment.
- Purpose: To strengthen tiger conservation, oversee Project Tiger, and coordinate state and central efforts.
- Functions include: Approval of tiger reserves, monitoring tiger population, and providing technical and financial support to states.
Q2. Which of the following institutions is responsible for implementing free legal aid across India?
a) Law Commission of India
b) Bar Council of India
c) Department of Justice
d) National Legal Services Authority
Answer: d) National Legal Services Authority
Explanation:
- NALSA, established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, is the apex body for legal aid.
- Responsibilities: Providing free legal services to marginalized groups, conducting Lok Adalats, and overseeing state-level DLSAs and Taluka-level legal service institutions.
- NALSA ensures Article 39A (Directive Principle) of the Constitution is implemented effectively.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding functional foods:
- Functional foods are foods enriched with additional nutrients that promote health and help prevent disease.
- Biofortification, nutrigenomics, 3D food printing, and microbial bioprocessing are technologies used to develop functional foods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — Functional foods are specifically designed to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Examples include iron-fortified wheat, omega-3 milk, and probiotic curd.
- Statement 2: Correct — Biofortification (enhancing micronutrients), nutrigenomics (gene–nutrient interactions), 3D food printing, and microbial bioprocessing are modern technologies enabling personalized, nutrient-dense functional foods.
- Significance: Supports nutritional security, reduces malnutrition, and complements sustainable food systems.
Q4. Which of the following pollutants emerged as the most dangerous indoor pollutant in India according to the IAQ study?
a) Benzene
b) Carbon monoxide
c) PM10
d) Formaldehyde
Answer: a) Benzene
Explanation:
- Research by BITS Pilani Hyderabad identified benzene as the most hazardous indoor pollutant in Indian homes.
- Health impact: Long-term exposure can cause cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
- Context: Indoor air pollution is 2–10 times more toxic than outdoor air in poorly ventilated Indian homes.
Q5. The Ayni airbase, recently in news due to India’s withdrawal, is located in:
a) Kyrgyzstan
b) Uzbekistan
c) Tajikistan
d) Turkmenistan
Answer: c) Tajikistan
Explanation:
- The Ayni airbase near Dushanbe, Tajikistan, was India’s only overseas military base.
- Strategic relevance:
- Close to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, providing access for counterterrorism operations.
- Served as a logistical hub and symbol of India’s regional presence.
- Withdrawal reasons: Tajikistan’s balancing between China and Russia, logistical challenges, and India’s strategic shift toward maritime and Indo-Pacific focus.
