Q1. The IUCN Red List status of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), including the Indian elephant, is:
a) Vulnerable
b) Near Threatened
c) Endangered
d) Critically Endangered
Answer: c) Endangered
Explanation: The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is classified as Endangered (EN) due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human–elephant conflict.
Q2. With reference to Consumer Commissions in India, consider the following statements:
- They are part of the regular judicial hierarchy under the Constitution.
- They were created to provide simple, inexpensive, and speedy redressal to consumers.
- They function as quasi-judicial bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Consumer Commissions are quasi-judicial bodies, not part of the regular judiciary, and were designed for speedy and low-cost justice.
Q3. The orbit in which the BlueBird Block-2 satellite will be deployed is:
a) Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
b) Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
c) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
d) Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Answer: d)
Explanation: The satellite is part of a LEO constellation, essential for low latency broadband.
Q4. Which of the following correctly describes the geographical extent of the Southern Ocean?
a) From the Antarctic coast to 30°S latitude
b) From the Antarctic Circle to the Equator
c) South of 60°S latitude, encircling Antarctica
d) Between 40°S and 60°S latitudes only
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Southern Ocean is officially defined as the ocean south of 60°S latitude.
Q5. The All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) is conducted at which of the following intervals?
a) Every 2 years
b) Every 3 years
c) Every 4 years
d) Every 5 years
Answer: c) Every 4 years
Explanation: AITE is conducted once every four years and is the world’s largest wildlife monitoring exercise.
