Q1.With reference to the Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, consider the following statements:
- The FRA 2006 provides for the “right of ownership, access to collect, use, and dispose of minor forest produce” which has been traditionally collected within or outside village boundaries.
- The definition of Minor Forest Produce under FRA includes all non-timber forest produce of plant origin, including bamboo and tendu leaves.
- Once Community Forest Rights (CFR) are recognized, State-level nationalization laws automatically become void regarding the trade of that produce.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: FRA (Section 3(1)(c)) grants ownership, access, collection, use, and disposal rights over MFP, including produce collected within or outside village boundaries.
- Statement 2 – Correct: MFP includes all non-timber forest produce of plant origin, explicitly covering bamboo and tendu/kendu leaves.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect :
- FRA has overriding intent, but state monopoly laws do not automatically become void.
- Requires administrative deregulation/denationalisation, leading to implementation gaps (e.g., Odisha kendu leaf issue).
Q2.With reference to the “Alternate Wetting and Drying” (AWD) and “Direct Seeded Rice” (DSR) techniques mentioned in the context of carbon credits, consider the following statements:
- AWD involves periodic drying of the soil, which inhibits the activity of methanogenic bacteria that thrive in anaerobic conditions.
- DSR eliminates the need for nursery preparation and manual transplanting, thereby reducing the labor cost but increasing the total water footprint compared to traditional flooding.
- Both techniques contribute to carbon credit generation by reducing the emission of Methane (CH₄), which has a higher global warming potential than Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: AWD creates aerobic phases, disrupting methanogenic bacteria → reduces CH₄ emissions.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: DSR actually reduces water usage (no puddling/flooding), along with lower labour costs.
- Statement 3 – Correct:
- Both techniques reduce Methane (CH₄) emissions.
- CH₄ has ~27–30 times higher GWP than CO₂, making them relevant for carbon credit markets.
Q3.In the context of tribal and cultural festivals like Thrissur Pooram, which of the following is the primary challenge cited for the slow adoption of “Noiseless” firework technology in India?
A) Cold spark technology is prohibited under the Explosives Act, 1884.
B) Lack of visual appeal as cold sparks cannot produce colors.
C) High cost of units and the cultural preference for high-decibel displays.
D) Cold spark systems are highly hazardous to elephants due to ultrasonic frequencies.
Correct Answer: C) High cost of units and cultural preference
Explanation:
- Economic constraint: Cold spark systems have high initial costs.
- Cultural constraint: Strong preference for loud, traditional fireworks in festivals like Thrissur Pooram.
- Other options are incorrect:
- No blanket legal prohibition
- Cold sparks do provide visual effects
- No scientific evidence of ultrasonic harm
Q4.Which of the following bodies is/are typically responsible for handling grievances related to discrimination in Indian Universities?
- Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs)
- Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
- SC/ST Cells
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1, 2, and 3 only
C) 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Explanation:
- EOCs: Address discrimination and inclusivity issues.
- ICC: Handles sexual harassment cases (POSH Act, 2013); overlaps with discrimination.
- SC/ST Cells: Focus on caste-based grievances (UGC mandate).
- NCSC (Article 338): Constitutional body with investigative powers across institutions.
Q5.Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Methane emissions from flooded paddy fields are a primary target for agricultural carbon credit deals because Methane has a global warming potential nearly 27 times higher than CO₂.
Statement-II: Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is a sustainable rice cultivation practice that reduces methane emissions by maintaining anaerobic conditions throughout the crop cycle.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
B) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
C) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
D) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Correct Answer: C) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation:
- Statement-I – Correct: Methane (CH₄) has ~27x higher GWP than CO₂ → major focus in carbon markets.
- Statement-II – Incorrect:
- AWD reduces methane by creating aerobic (oxygen-rich) conditions, not anaerobic.
- Continuous flooding (anaerobic) actually increases methane emissions.
