1 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES – 2018 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER- 2

Physical Geography + Indian Geography + Related Current Issues ANSWER KEY

Ans:1)(a) Explanation: Use of machines for harvesting has serious implications for crop residue management at the farm level. The combine harvester cuts the crop well above the ground, leaving behind substantial amount of stubble on the field. The machine leaves the residues in such a state that it is difficult to collect them manually. “The government has no one to blame but itself, since it has not been able to supply affordable seeder machinery in sufficient numbers to eliminate the need to remove the straw.” Lack of suitable machinery is a major constraint to direct-drilling wheat seeds into combine-harvested rice residues due to the heavy straw load, and the presence of loose tough straw deposited by the harvester. Seeder machines combine two processes – stubble mulching and seed-drilling functions. Burning of wheat residue is not necessary for the farmers because of the availability of technology and its higher economic value as dry fodder. Rice straw, however, is not used as fodder as it is found to be non-palatable to animals due to its high silica content. Ans:2)(d) Explanation: The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), is an international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean. The IORA is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.[5] The Coordinating Secretariat of IORA is located at Ebene, Mauritius.

The Association comprises 21 member states and 7 dialogue partners, the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation and the Indian Ocean Research Group has observer status. Australia Bangladesh Comoros India Indonesia Iran Kenya Madagascar Malaysia Mauritius Somalia Mozambique Oman Seychelles Singapore South Africa Sri Lanka Tanzania Thailand United Arab Emirates Yemen Dialogue Partners Countries with the status of dialogue partners are: China Egypt France Germany Japan United Kingdom United States Ans:3)(c) Explanation: “Turkey is also a member of the Uniting for Consensus group of countries that oppose U.N. Security Council Memberships to be

increased, another source of friction between the two countries, where India would like to see some flexibility.” (The UfC is calling for a consensus before any decision is reached on the form and size of the Security Council.) Ans:4)(b) Explanation: India’s human development index (HDI) value of 0.624 puts it in the “medium human development” category, alongside countries such as Congo, Namibia and Pakistan. It is ranked third among the SAARC countries, behind Sri Lanka (73) and the Maldives (105), both of which figure in the “high human development” category. India still has the lowest rank among the BRICS nations. Ans:5)(d) All the projects are associated with Indus basin Ans:6)(a) Explanation: The Goal of the National Sub-Mission is option ‘b’. Option ‘c’ is a short-term measure that is already being implemented. Ans:7)(a) Explanation: The aquatic system as small as a pond, performs all the functions of any ecosystem and of the biosphere as a whole. The abiotic component is the water with all the dissolved inorganic and organic substances and the rich soil deposit at the bottom of the pond. The solar input, the cycle of temperature, day-length and other climatic conditions regulate the rate of function of the entire pond. The autotrophic components include the phytoplankton, some algae and the floating, submerged and marginal plants found at the edges. The consumers are represented by the zooplankton, the free swimming and bottom dwelling forms. The decomposers are the fungi, bacteria and flagellates especially abundant in the bottom of the pond. Ans:8)(d) Explanation: Mulch is a layer of decaying organic

matter such as leaf, litter, compost, aquatic weeds etc. on the ground.

The advantages of mulching are:

It helps in retaining soil moisture.

Help in reducing soil erosion.

Add nutrients to the soil.

Encourage favorable microbial activity.

Suppress weed growth.

Maintain temperature of the soil.

Increase fertility of the soil. Ans:9)(a) Explanation: The NAPCC (launched in 2008) identifies measures that promote development

objectives while also yielding co-benefits for addressing climate change effectively. There are eight “National Missions” which form the core of the National Action Plan. They focus on promoting understanding of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation.

2 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

The eight missions are: 1. National Solar Mission 2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency 3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat 4. National Water Mission 5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan

Ecosystem 6. National Mission for a Green India 7. National Mission fro Sustainable Agriculture 8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for

Climate Change Ans:10)(b) Explanation: Amarkantak is in Madhya Pradesh not Gujarat The Narmada, also called the Rewa, is a river in central India and the fifth longest river in the Indian subcontinent. It is the third longest river that flows entirely within India, after the Godavari, and the Krishna. It forms the traditional boundary between North Indiaand South India and flows westwards over a length of 1,312 km (815.2 mi) before draining through the Gulf of Khambhat into the Arabian Sea, 30 km (18.6 mi) west of Bharuch city of Gujarat. Narmada river rises near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh at an elevation of about 900 m and flows for about 1312 km before outfalling into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Cambay. Its principal tributaries are the Burhner , the Halon , the Heran , the Banjar , the Dudhi , the Shakkar , the Tawa , the Barna ,the Kolar , the Ganjal , the Beda, the Goi ,and the Orsang . Do you know? The major Hydro Power Project in the basin are Indira Sagar, Sardar Sarovar, Omkareshwar, Bargi & Maheshwar. Some of the important national parks and wild life sanctuaries in the valley are the following. Kanha National Park located in the upper reaches of Narmada, about 18 km (11.2 mi) from Mandla, boasts of several wild animals including the Tiger. Two tributaries of Narmada, namely, Hallon and Banjar , flow through this park. It is one of the best National Parks of Asia, which hasbeen described vividly by Rudyard Kipling in his famous creation The Jungle Book. ·Satpura National Park, set up in 1981, is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. ·Mandla Plant Fossils National Park, Dindori National Fossils Park Ghughuya is situated in Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh in India. The ‘Maa Narmada Mahotsav’ occurred between 6th

September to 15th September. Under this Mahotsav, a chariot, named ‘Narmada Rath’ would move in 10,000 villages of 24 districts to spread awareness about the importance of the project and its benefits to around four (4) crore citizens of Gujarat. Ans:11)(a) Explanation: SDG Goal 8 includes: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms

Child labour is concentrated primarily in agriculture (71%), which includes fishing, forestry, livestock herding and aquaculture, and comprises both subsistence and commercial farming; 17% in Services; and 12% in the Industrial sector, including mining. Ans:12)(b) Explanation: Beaches in coastal areas are a depositional landform and not erosional. A wave-cut platform is the narrow flat area often found at the base of a sea cliff. They along with capes and bays are erosional landform. Ans:13)(c) Explanation: The flowering of a bamboo is an intriguing phenomenon. A phenomenon not because bamboo produces any spectacular flowers... but a phenomenon because it is a unique and very rare occurrence in the plant kingdom. Most bamboos flower once every 60 to 130 years depending on the species!! The long flowering intervals are largely a mystery and still astounds many botanists today with no definitive explanation. However, not all bamboos exhibit the same flowering characteristics or patterns. Depending on the species, a bamboo can exhibit either gregarious flowering, sporadic flowering or annual flowering. President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated an ordinance under Article 123 of Constitute to amend Indian Forest Act, 1927 to encourage bamboo plantation by farmers in private lands. The ordinance omits bamboo (taxonomically a grass) grown in non-forest areas from definition of trees. The omission, thereby exempts it from requiring permits for felling or transportation of bamboo grown in non-forest areas. With this, bamboo grown in non-forest areas ceases to be tree. However, bamboo grown in forest areas continues to be governed by provisions of Indian Forest Act. The amendment to Section 2(7) of Indian Forest Act, 1927 will encourage bamboo plantation by farmers, which will contribute to doubling farmers income by 2022. By omitting bamboo grown in non-forest areas from defnition of trees, government hoped to promote cultivation of bamboo in non-forest areas to achieve the “twin objectives” of increasing the income of farmers and also increasing the green cover of the country. The amendment approved will allow free movement of bamboo and ensure that production and consumption centres are seamlessly integrated.

This will generate demand for raw material leading to planting of bamboo trees on non-forest land, provide employment and encourage growth of small and medium industries in villages and smaller towns also, and reduce our dependence on imports. Ans:14)(d) Explanation: Light pollution occurs when streetlights and other artificial light sources brighten up the night sky, disrupting ecosystems and obscuring stars. Some consequences of light pollution include: Artificial light is a threat to crop pollination – reducing the pollinating activity of nocturnal insects.

3 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

Light pollution contributes to climate change, too, by adding excess heat into the air. Urban light installations “dramatically alter” the behaviour of nocturnally migrating birds. Scientists in the UK recently found that on average, artificial light may cause trees to bud more than seven days earlier than their naturally occurring counterparts. Light pollution may be tricking plants into thinking that spring is happening earlier. When moths are attracted to the light, their predators are, too. Then the moths get eaten and can’t serve their other natural purposes in the ecosystem. Ans:15)(b) Explanation: The Barak is an important river in Manipur and Mizoram. River Tsangpo emerges from the foothills of the Central Himalayas near Namcha Barwa under the name of Siang or Dihang. Entering India and flowing southwest, it receives its main left bank tributaries, viz. Dibang or Sikang and Lohit; thereafter, it is known as the Brahmaputra. River Subansiri flows in Arunachal Pradesh; it is right-bank tributary of River Brahmaputra. Ans:16)(c) Explanation: In Delhi, there are two winds — one carrying pollutants from stubble burning in Punjab and the other bringing in moisture from Uttar Pradesh — that are colliding above the national capital. This, combined with the near-still wind conditions near the ground level, have effectively trapped the pollutants, leading to the smog. In the context of air pollution situation currently in NCT: “This stagnation occurs when there is an inversion layer in the atmosphere. An inversion layer refers to instances where the air does not cool as one moves up in the atmosphere,” it explained. “Instead, warmer air sits on top of denser, colder air near the ground. Since that cold air has no place to go thanks to the warm lid placed atop it, it just sits there gathering pollution like a hazy snow-globe,” NOAA said. Ans:17)(b) Explanation: Thunderstorms are caused by intense convection on moist hot days. A thunderstorm is a well-grown cumulonimbus cloud producing thunder and lightening. Ans:18)(a) Explanation: National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is a financing, planning, implementing, monitoring and coordinating authority for the Ganges River.

The mission of the organisation is to safeguard the drainage basin which feeds water into the Ganges by protecting it from pollution or overuse. It was established by the Government of India, in 2009 under Section 3(3) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which also declared Ganges as the "National River" of India. In July 2014, the NGRBA has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority. Ans:19)(b) Explanation: UN SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere;

UN SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; IRRI’s Mission: IRRI is a premier research organisation dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. Additional Information: CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, headquartered in France) is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secured future. IRRI is a member of the CGIAR consortium; it also is the lead centre on the CGIAR research program on rice. Ans:20)(c) Explanation: The Kurds are an ethnic group in the Middle East, mostly inhabiting a contiguous area spanning adjacent parts of eastern and southeastern Turkey, western Iran, northern Iraq, and northern Syria. The Kurds are culturally and linguistically closely related to the Iranian people. Ans:21)(b) Explanation: “The Tamil Nadu tableau depicts Toda tribe of Nilgiri district (TN) identified as one of the six primitive tribal groups of the state.” “The Toda village is called a Mund. The huts are small and half barrel-shaped, with a small doorway. The village also has a unique hut, called “Tirierl” or dairy temple. The sole occupation of Todas is Cattle-herding and dairy-work. The traditional garment of Todas consists of a single piece of cloth with red and black embroidery. Todas are vegetarians. Women make up their hair with ringlets.”

“The mountain District of the Nilgiris is also home to the flowers called “Kurinji” which blooms once in 12 years.” Ans:22)(b) Explanation: Aiming to avoid any collision and accidents of vessels on inland waterway networks, shipping ministry is launching a river information system (RIS) on the line of air traffic control (ATC). The system will also provide information on fairway (waterway), metrology and river safety. To begin with the first such system developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will be operational on the 500 km stretch of the Ganga between Haldia and Farakka. This is part of National Waterway-1, which covers Haldia to Allahabad.

4 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

This system has been implemented in different inland waterway corridors of Europe, USA, China and South America. Ans:23)(a) Explanation: The Cabinet gave more teeth to the National Mission for Clean Ganga in its fight against pollution in the river by creating a new body to administer it. The approval of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016 envisages the setting up of the National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) (NCRG). The new body will act as an authority replacing the existing National Ganga River Basin Authority for overall responsibility for superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of river Ganga Basin. The Order lays down a new institutional structure for policy and implementation in fast track manner and empowers National Mission for Clean Ganga to discharge its functions in an independent and accountable manner. The NCRG will have powers to issue directions and also to exercise the powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to enable it to carry out efficiently its mandate. The new body will be directly under the Prime Minister, who will chair it. Ans:24)(a) Explanation: A laccolith is a large blister or igneous mound with a dome-shaped upper surface and a level base fed by a pipe-like conduit from below. It arches up the overlying strata of sedimentary rocks, e.g. the laccoliths of the Henry Mountains, in Utah U.S.A. A lopolith is another variety of igneous intrusion with a saucer shape. A shallow basin is formed in the midst of the country rocks. The Bushveld lopoliths of Trnasvaal, South Africa are good examples. A phacolith is a lens-shaped mass of igneous rocks occupying the crest of an anticline or the Bottom of a syncline and being fed by a conduit from beneath. An example of a phacolith is Cordon Hill in Shropshire, England. A batholiths is a huge mass of igneous rocks, usually granite, which after removal of the overlying rocks forms a massive and resistant upland region. Ans:25) (c) Explanation: E.L. Nino is a phenomena of periodic development of warm currents along the coast of Peru as temporary replacement of the cold Peruvian current. Trade Winds strengthen which brings up more warm water. Ans:26)(b)

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated the Salma Dam (Herat Dam) on 4 June 2016. This dam also known as the Afghan-India Friendship Dam. It has been situated on the upper reaches of Hari Rud River in Herat province. It has been built by WAPCOS, an Indian―mini-ratna I. This Dam project involved construction of a 107.5 meter high earth and rock–fill dam and a 42 MW power house with three units of 14 MW each and also has a provision for releasing water for irrigation of 75,000 hectares of land. This is the most expensive of India‘s infrastructure projects in the region at over $275 million.

Ans:27)(d) Explanation: Seahorses are tiny fishes that are named for the shape of their head, which looks like the head of a tiny horse. There are at least 25 species of seahorses. Seahorses are truly unique, and not just because of their unusual equine shape. Unlike most other fish, they are monogamous and mate for life. Rarer still, they are among the only animal species on Earth in which the male bears the unborn young. Found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world, these upright- swimming relatives of the pipefish can range in size from 0.6 inches (1.5 centimeters) to 14 inches (35 centimeters) long. A female seahorse lays dozens, sometimes hundreds, of eggs in a pouch on the male seahorse‘s abdomen. Called a brood pouch, it resembles a kangaroo‘s pouch for carrying young. Seahorse young hatch after up to 45 days in the brood pouch. The baby seahorses, each about the size of a jelly bean, find other baby seahorses and float together in small groups, clinging to each other using their tails. Unlike kangaroos, baby seahorses do not return to the pouch. They must find food and hide from predators as soon as they‘re born. Ans:28)(a) Explanation: A volcano is a vent or chimney which transfers molten rock known as magma from depth to the Earth's surface. Magma erupting from a volcano is called lava and is the material which builds up the cone surrounding the vent. A volcano is active if it is erupting lava, releasing gas or generates seismic activity. A volcano is dormant if it has not erupted for a long time but could erupt again in the future. Once a volcano has been dormant for more than 10 000 years, it is termed extinct. The explosiveness of a volcanic eruption depends on how easily magma can flow and the amount of gas trapped within the magma. Large amounts of water and carbon dioxide are dissolved in magma causing it to behave in a similar way to gas expanding in fizzy drinks,which forms bubbles and escapes afteropening. As magma rises quickly through the Earth's crust, gas bubbles form and expand up to 1000 times their original size. Volcanoes can be different in appearance with some featuring perfect cone shapes while others are deep depressions filled with water. The form of a volcano provides a clue to the type

and size of its eruption which is controlled by the characteristics and composition of magma. The size, style and frequency of eruptions can differ greatly but all these elements correlated to the shape of a volcano. Three common volcanoes are: Shield volcano When magma is very hot and runny, gases can escape and eruptions are gentle with considerable amounts of magma reaching the surface to form lava flows. Shield volcanoes have a broad, flattened dome-like shape created by layers of runny lava flowing over its surface and cooling. Because the lava flows easily, it can move down gradual slopes over great distances from the volcanic vents. The

5 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

lava flows are sufficiently slow for humans to outrun or outwalk them. This type of magma has a temperature between 800°C and 1200°C and is called basaltic magma. Composite volcano (Strato) Also known as strato-volcanoes, these volcanoes are characterised by an explosive eruption style. When magma is slightly cooler it is thick and sticky, or viscous, which makes it harder for gas bubbles to expand and escape. The resulting pressure causes the magma to foam and explode violently, blasting it into tiny pieces known as volcanic ash. These eruptions create steep sided cones. They can also create lava flows, hot ash clouds called pyroclastic flows and dangerous mudflows called lahars. This type of magma has a temperature between 800°C and 1000°C and is called andesitic magma. Caldera volcano These erupt so explosively that little material builds up near the vent. Eruptions partly or entirely empty the underlying magma chamber which leaves the region around the vent unsupported, causing it to sink or collapse under its own weight. The resulting basin-shaped depression is roughly circular and is usually several kilometres or more in diameter. The lava erupted from caldera volcanoes is very viscous and generally the coolest with temperatures ranging from 650°C to 800°C and is called rhyolitic magma. Although caldera volcanoes are rare, they are the most dangerous. Volcanic hazards from this type of eruption include widespread ash fall, large pyroclastic surges and tsunami from caldera collapse. Volcanic hazards Volcanic hazards include explosions, lava flows, bombs or ballistics, ash or tephra, pyroclastic flows, pyroclastic surges, mudflows or lahars, landslides, earthquakes, ground deformation, tsunami, air shocks, lightning, poisonous gas and glacial outburst flooding known as jökulhlaups. Each hazard has a different consequence, although not all occur in all eruptions or in association with all volcanoes. Volcanic eruptions are measured using a simple descriptive index known as the Volcano Explosivity Index which ranges from zero to eight. The index combines the volume of material ejected with the height of an eruption column and the duration of the eruption. Interesting fact: Volcanic ash clouds can damage aircraft engines but ash is not visible by radar, the main navigation aid for aircraft.There are nine

Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres around the world which use satellites to help track volcanic ash clouds and provide warnings for aircraft. Ans:29)(d) Explanation: Chinook, warm, dry, gusty, westerly wind that blows down the Rocky Mountains into the mountains' eastern slopes and the western prairies. The chinook, a native word meaning "snow eater," belongs to a family of winds experienced in many parts of the world where long mountain chains lie more or less at right angles to the prevailing wind. Examples include the foehn in Europe, the zonda in Argentina and the berg in South Africa

It experienced on the leeward side of mountains when descending air becomes compressed with increased pressure. These winds are experienced on the eastern slopes of the Rockies in USA and Canada in winter In North America it is called Chinook, meaning ̳the snow-eater‘. But it has its blessing too, it hastens the growth of crops and fruits and thaws the snow covered pastures. Ans:30)(c) Explanation: The Himalaya consists of three parallel ranges in its longitudinal extent. The northernmost range is known as the Great of Inner Himalayas or the ‘Himadri’. Ans:31)(d) Explanation: Pamir plateau in Central Asia forms a mountainous knot from which several mountain chains run out in different directions. These mountain chains enclose huge plateaus and desert basins. It is the highest plateau of the world and is refered to as “roof of the world”. Ans:32)(b) Explanation: The correctly arranged capitals from West to East are London, Oslo, Stockholm and Kiev. London, Oslo, Stockholm and kiev are the capitals of U.K., Norway, Sweden and Ukrain respectively. Ans:33)(b) Explanation: Rivers Outflow

1. Po Adriatic Sea 2. Danube Black Sea 3. Dnieper Black Sea 4. Loire Bay of Biscay

Ans:34)(d) Explanation: The Ocean Forecast System will offer, high wave alerts, port warnings, forecast, oil spill advisory services along the ship routes in addition to tsunami and storm surge warnings and help in search and rescue operations. These ocean services are aimed towards safety at the sea. Ans:35)(d) Explanation: For e.g. Tundra is an area where tree growth is difficult because of cold temperatures and short seasons. Vegetation in tundra is limited to a few shrubs, grasses, and mosses. Statement 3: Slope not only determines the stability of soil (for vegetation growth) but also the ability of soil to retain and hold water. On too steep slopes, water may not be allowed to seep down resulting in drier soils and poor vegetation. Statement 4: Thicker the soil, greater are the chances of finding minerals and organic matter in

the soil. Statement 5: With the change in height, the climate changes and that changes natural vegetation. Ans:36)(b) Explanation: The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is the section of the Himalayas within India, spanning the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the hill regions of two states - Assam and West Bengal. Western Ghats are a chain of mountains running parallel to India's western coast, approximately 30-50 km inland.

6 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

The Western Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Pulicat Lake formerly PralayaKaveri is the second largest brackish water lake or lagoon in India, after Chilika Lake. It straddles the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states with over 40% of it in Andhra Pradesh and 60% in Tamil Nadu situated on the Coromandal Coast in South India. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal and is home to the SatishDhawan Space Centre. Ans:37)(a) Explanation: Tropic of Cancer passes through following African countries Mauritania, Mali, Algeria, Libya and Egypt. Ans:38)(d) Explanation: Depending on the rock structure, different regions have varying incidences of landslides. Soft and unconsolidated formations like Himalayas have High to very high incidence of landslides. North-eastern Hills too have High incidence. Western Ghats and the Nilgiris have moderate to low and Vindhayachal has low incidence due to the hard and consolidated rock structure. Learning: There seems to be a relation between intensity of rainfall and slope failures in Western Ghats. Almost all mass movements occur during monsoons (SW and NE monsoon) in the western flank of Western Ghats and during occasional cyclonic events in the eastern flank indicating that main triggering mechanism is the over- saturation of overburden caused by heavy rains. Ans:39)(a) Explanation: It acts as an insurance against failure of crop in abnormal year.Moreover, as land utilization improve with the use of more than one crop the yield and income levels are higher. It also balances nutrient uptake since the same nutrient is not depleted over and over again. Different nutrients are uptaken from different levels of soil thus helping in natural recovery of soil. Statement 3: Different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times to protect the soil from rain wash or runoff. So 3 is wrong. Learning: However, intercropping system is uneconomical and undesirable during rabi. Some kharif crops that are often considered for intercropping are Pearl millet, Red gram or Horse

gram / Kidney bean / cow pea Inter row of pearl millet. Ans:40)(d) Explanation: CPRs are resources accessible to and collectively owned\held\managed by an identifiable community and on which no individual has exclusive property rights are called common property resources. Statement 1: It is 15% Percentage of Common Property Land Resources in total geographical area. CPRs include all resources like village pastures and grazing grounds, village forest etc. Ans:41)(a) Explanation: Ecosystems are of two major types: terrestrial and aquatic. Terrestrial ecosystem can

be further be classified into ‘biomes’.A biome is a plant and animal community that covers a large geographical area.Therefore, a biome can be defined as the total assemblage of plant and animal species interacting within specific conditions. These include rainfall, temperature, humidity and soil conditions. Some use broad classifications and count as few as six biomes. These are forest, grassland, freshwater, marine, desert, and tundra. Ans:42)(a) Explanation: They are known as granaries due to the huge surplus of wheat production.The temperate grasslands of North America are known as the Prairies. It is a region of flat,gently sloping or hilly land. For the most part, prairies are treeless but, near the low lying plains, flanking river valleys,woodlands can be found. The prairies are bound by the Rocky Mountains in the West and the Great Lakes in the East. Ans:43)(a) Explanation: The horse latitudes are located at about 30 degrees north and south of the equator. It is common in this region of the subtropics for winds to diverge and either flow toward the poles (known as the prevailing westerlies) or toward the equator (known as the trade winds). These diverging winds are the result of an area of high pressure, which is characterized by calm winds, sunny skies and little or no precipitation. Ans:44)(a) Explanation: The largest volcanic region on Earth — with nearly 100 volcanoes — has been discovered two km below the surface of the vast ice sheet in west Antarctica. The height of these newly discovered volcanoes range from 100 to 3,850 metres, with the highest almost as tall as Switzerland’s 3,970-metre Eiger Mountain. These active peaks are concentrated in a region known as the west Antarctic rift system — which stretches 3,500 km from Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf to the Antarctic Peninsula. Geologists say this huge region is likely to dwarf east Africa’s volcanic ridge — currently rated as the densest concentration of volcanoes in the world. Ans:45)(b) Explanation: Nicobarese and Shompens are Mongoloid Tribes.The Negrito are several ethnic groups who inhabit isolated parts of Southeast Asia. Their current populations include Andamanese peoples of the Andaman Islands, Semang peoples of Malaysia, the Mani of Thailand,

and the Aeta , Agta , Ati , and 30 other peoples of the Philippines. Negritos are believed to descend from ancient Australoid -Melanesian settlers of Southeast Asia. Genetically, they are most similar to neighboring populations. Ans:46)(b) Explanation: The channels of a river by which it distributes its water is called distributaries. A triangular tract which is mde up of alluvial deposit at the mouth of a river is called delta. Cape is a headland which projects into the sea. A river which joins a larger river during its course is called tributary. Yamuna is a tributary of Ganga.

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Ans:47)(c) Explanation: Trade Winds weaken which brings up less cold water. Ans:48)(b) Explanation: Moon is very hot during the day and very cold during the night. Ans:49)(c) Explanation: Slash and burn Agriculture/ Shifting cultivation Primitive subsistence agriculture or shifting cultivation is widely practised by many tribes in the tropics, especially in Africa, south and central America and south east Asia The vegetation is usually cleared by fire, and the ashes add to the fertility of the soil. Shifting cultivation is thus, also called slash and burn agriculture. The cultivated patches are very small and cultivation is done with very primitive tools such as sticks and hoes. After sometime (3 to 5 years) the soil loses its fertility and the farmer shifts to another parts and clears other patch of the forest for cultivation. The farmer may return to the earlier patch after sometime. One of the major problems of shifting cultivation is that the cycle of jhum becomes less and less due to loss of fertility in different parcels. It is prevalent in tropical region in different names, e.g. Jhuming in North eastern states of India, Milpa in central America and Mexico and Ladang in Indonesia and Malaysia. Ans:50)(c) Explanation: According to their height, expanse, density and transparency or opaqueness clouds are grouped under four types : (i) cirrus; (ii) cumulus; (iii) stratus; (iv) nimbus Cirrus: Cirrus clouds are formed at high altitudes (8,000 - 12,000m). They are thin and detached clouds having a feathery appearance. They are always white in colour. Cumulus: Cumulus clouds look like cotton wool. They are generally formed at a height of 4,000 -7,000 m. They exist in patches and can be seen scattered here and there. They have a flat base. Stratus: As their name implies, these are layered clouds covering large portions of the sky. These clouds are generally formed either due to loss of heat or the mixing of air masses with different temperatures. Nimbus: Nimbus clouds are black or dark gray. They form at middle levels or very near to the surface of the earth. These are extremely dense and opaque to the rays

of the sun. Sometimes, the clouds are so low that they seem to touch the ground. Nimbus clouds are shapeless masses of thick vapour. Ans:51)(d) Explanation: SAUNI PROJECT It aims to fill up 115 major dams in Saurashtra by diverting overflow of water from Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River. It is an out-and-out irrigation and drinking water project designed solely for Saurashtra peninsula. Its unique feature involves making pipe canals instead of conventional open canals which has led to no acquisition of land and involve less loss of water.

It has network of canals comprising 1,125-km network of pipelines that will help to channel water into farms. Tikdam: the 115 major dams in Saurashtra by diverting overflow of water from Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River and not Sabarmati River. Therefore, eliminating the statement 3 will help you arrive at the answer logically. Hence, from the answer options only option d is right. You need not know about other details or statements. Ans:52)(d) Explanation: Cirrus ice clouds extend their thin and wispy tendrils in the upper troposphere, at altitudes of about 5-15 kilometres. Researchers say that these thin clouds are known with confidence to have a net warming effect on our planet, since their ice crystals re-emit infrared radiation absorbed from the sun-warmed surface back down towards ground. So if we can make cirrus thinner still, we’ll let out more heat and cool the globe. One of the largest Geo engineering experiments, known as Lohafex, was an Indian-German experiment in 2009 which involved dumping six tonnes of an iron solution into the South Atlantic to encourage plankton to bloom – trapping carbon which would then be sent to the seabed when the organisms died. Results showed limited success. Large volcano eruptions inject ash particles and sulphur-rich gases into the troposphere and stratosphere and these clouds can circle the globe within weeks of the volcanic activity. The small ash particles decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the surface of the earth and lower average global temperatures. The sulphurous gases combine with water in the atmosphere to form acidic aerosols that also absorb incoming solar radiation and scatter it back out into space. Ans:53)(a) Explanation: Seafloor spreading hypothesis, theory that oceanic crust forms along submarine mountain zones, known collectively as the mid-ocean ridge system, and spreads out laterally away from them. -This idea played a pivotal role in the development of plate tectonics, a theory that revolutionized geologic thought during the last quarter of the 20th century. -Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent plate boundaries. Seafloor spreading is not consistent at all mid-ocean ridges. Slowly spreading ridges are the sites of tall, narrow underwater cliffs and mountains. -Rapidly spreading ridges have a much more gentle

slopes. -Seafloor spreading disproves an early part of the theory of continental drift. Rather,Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. Ans:54)(d) Explanation: Based on a study of samples from tiger post-mortems and collection from live tigers, a new study has found that India has three distinct and genetically connected tiger populations. These are in: south India; central India, the Terai and north-east India; and in Ranthambore. The Ranthambore population has the least genetic diversity and may suffer from isolation.

8 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

There are two issues here: populations require genetic flow to remain robust; securing healthy tiger numbers are not enough for tiger health. we are in an age of active management. When tigers go extinct in an area, they are flown in or carried in from other areas — as was done in the case of Panna (Madhya Pradesh) and Sariska (Rajasthan). But are these management devices a suitable proxy for genetic flow through actual habitat corridors? Genetically isolated or stranded populations can suffer from genetic depression, and subsequently, mutations and ailments. This has already happened to species which have had stranded populations such as the Florida panther and possibly the Great Indian Bustard. Wildness and wildlife conservation also include preserving ecological processes which hold their own evolutionary potential. A robust forest or habitat corridor between tiger reserves is an important means of maintaining these ecological processes and may hold the key to the survival and adaptation of the species. Ans:55)(c) Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard is the State Bird of Rajasthan (but it can be found as far south as Karnataka). The Sangai is the State Animal of Manipur. The Pangolin can be found all over India (except for the Himalayan regions). Ans:56)(b) Explanation: Opening a new canal in Kra Insthums can reduce the navigation time and distance. The Malacca strait is the main shipping channel between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and links the India, China, Japan and South Korea. The issue of deepening of the Malacca strait is linked to its economic importance rather than “time of navigation and distance”. The issue is that most of the ships cannot pass through it and the size of the biggest ships which can enter through it is called Malaccamax. Now the deepening of the strait would certainly help in “Increasing the volume of the business” because ships of larger sizes can pass thru it, there is no significance of distance and navigation. Ans:57)(c)

• After a prolonged decline, world hunger appears to be on the rise again. The estimated number of undernourished people increased to 815 million in 2016, up from 777 million in 2015.

• Much of the recent increase in food insecurity can be traced to the greater number of conflicts, often exacerbated by climate-related shocks. Even in

some peaceful settings, food security has deteriorated as economic slowdowns challenge access to food for the poor.

• Multiple forms of malnutrition coexist, with countries experiencing simultaneously high rates of child undernutrition, anaemia among women, and adult obesity. Rising rates of overweight and obesity add to these concerns. Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing in most regions, and in all regions for adults.

• Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in conflict-affected situations cannot be “business as usual”. It requires a conflict-sensitive approach that aligns actions for immediate humanitarian

assistance, long-term development and sustaining peace. Ans:58)(b) Explanation: Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, to its south is Kuwait city.Then comes Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia followed by San'a (the capital of Yemen) to extreme south of peninsula. Ans:59)(c) Explanation: India and Morocco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in the health sector on 14 December 2017. The main areas of cooperation include the following:

• Non-communicable diseases, including child cardiovascular diseases and cancer;

• Drug Regulation and Pharmaceutical quality control;

• Communicable Diseases; • Maternal, child and neonatal health; • Hospital twinning for exchange of good practices

and • Training in administration and management of

health services and Hospitals Ans:60)(a) Explanation: Conservation tillage is any method of soil cultivation that leaves the previous year’s crop residue (such as corn stalks or wheat stubble) on fields before and after planting the next crop, to reduce soil erosion and runoff. Conservation tillage systems also benefit farmers by reducing fuel consumption and soil compaction. By reducing the number of times the farmer travels over the field, farmers realize significant savings in fuel and labor. There are some concerns about it, particularly concerning impacts on water quality and on pests. Conservation tillage systems offer numerous benefits that intensive or conventional tillage simply can’t match:

1. Reduces labor, saves time 2. Saves fuel 3. Reduces machinery wear 4. Improves soil tilth 5. Increases organic matter 6. Traps soil moisture to improve water availability 7. Reduces soil erosion 8. Improves water quality 9. Increases wildlife 10. Improves air quality

Ans:61)(c) Explanation: Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been left or lost in the ocean by fishermen. These nets, often nearly invisible in the dim light, can be

left tangled on a rocky reef or drifting in the open sea. The underwater ghost nets is posing threat to the marine ecosystem off Kerala coast . It may become major threat to the natural habitat and breeding ground of underwater fish. Did you know? There are four types of ghost nets that penetrate the bottom of the seas:

1. The first are the large fishing vessels that stray into the territorial waters and deploy large nets.

2. The second type of ghost nets are smaller and are used by fishermen, but are cut off by a passing vessel.

9 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

3. The third type of ghost nets are those that get caught in violent currents and swivel down to the ocean floor, where they get stuck.

4. The fourth type are ghost nets are those which get abandoned at sea after three or four uses. Ans:62)(c) Explanation: In mixed farming the land is used for growing food and fodder crops and rearing livestock. Mixed farming is one in which crop production is combined with the rearing of livestock. The live stock enterprises are complementary to crop production; so as to provide a balance and productive system of farming. In mixed farming at least 10% of its gross income must be contributed by livestock activity. The upper limit being 45% under Indian condition. So the farm on which at least 10 to 49% income is found from livestock is called mixed farm. Do you know? If farmers are rearing cows, buffaloes, sheep goat, and fisheries with crop cultivation this type of farming is called diversified farming. Advantages:

1. It offers highest return on farm business, as the byproducts of farm are properly utilized.

2. It provides work throughout year. 3. Efficient utilization of land, labour, equipment and

other resources. 4. The crop by products such as straw, bus, fodder

etc. is used for feeding of livestock and in return they provide milk.

5. Manures available from livestock maintain soil fertility.

6. It helps in supplying all the food needs of the family members.

7. Intensive cultivation is possible. 8. If one source of income is lost he can maintain his

family from other source of income. 9. Milk cattle’s provide draft animals for crop

production and rural transport. 10. Mixed farming increases social status of the

farmer. Ans:63)(d) Explanation: Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks are the oldest type of rocks on the earth. All the other types of rocks are formed from igneous rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when magma (molten materials) rise from the earth’s interior. Igneous rocks can be sub classified further according to their depth of formation. The rocks that form below the earth surface are called as

intrusive igneous rocks, and rocks that form on the earth surface are called extrusive igneous rocks (volcanic rocks). These rocks contain silica 40% to 80%. Magnesium and iron are important among others. Granite, pegmatite, gabbro, dolerite, and basalt are some examples for igneous rocks. Metamorphic Rocks Metamorphic rocks are formed due to metamorphism from existing igneous or sedimentary rocks, or even from existing metamorphic rocks. When existing rocks undergo changes due to high pressure and/or high temperature and/or high shearing stresses, metamorphic rocks are formed.

Usually metamorphic rocks are formed deep in the earth. Heat comes from magma, while pressure comes from the layer of rocks on top of the other layers. Metamorphic rocks are classified based on foliation as foliated rocks and non-foliated rocks. Foliation means the existence of series of parallel surface. These rocks usually contain crystal. Gneiss, slate, marble, and quartzite are some of the metamorphic rocks. What is the difference between Igneous Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks? Igneous rocks are the oldest rocks, while metamorphic are being derivative of igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks. Igneous rocks are the major proportion (nearly 95%) of the total rocks, while metamorphic rocks are found in a very small percentage. Igneous rocks are made up of two or more minerals, while metamorphic rocks are usually made up of only one mineral. Igneous rocks have no fossils, while, metamorphic rocks rarely have fossils. Metamorphic rocks are harder than igneous rocks. Resistance to weathering and erosion is less to metamorphic rocks compared to igneous rocks. Tendency to react with acids is higher to metamorphic rocks when compared to igneous rocks. Ans:64)(c) Explanation: Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field , is the magnetic field that extends from the Earth's interior to where it meets the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emanating from the Sun. Its magnitude at the Earth's surface ranges from 25 to 65 microteslas (0.25 to 0.65 gauss). Roughly speaking it is the field of a magnetic dipole currently tilted at an angle of about 10 degrees with respect to Earth's rotational axis, as if there were a bar magnet placed at that angle at the center of the Earth. Unlike a bar magnet, however, Earth's magnetic field changes over time because it is generated by a geo dynamo (in Earth's case, the motion of molten iron alloys in its outer core). Ans:65)(c) Explanation: Shipki La is a mountain pass and border post on the India-China border. The river Sutlej, which is called Langqên Zangbo in Tibet, enters India (from Tibet) through this pass. It is an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road and is one of the highest motorable passes in the world at 5669m (18,599 feet).

It is located in Kinnaur district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, and Tibet, China. The pass is India's second border post for trade with Tibet after Nathu La in Sikkim, and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand. Ans:66)(d) Explanation: Statement 1 – tropic of cancer (231⁄2°) lies in northern hemisphere. Statement 2 – tropic of Capricorn (231⁄2°) lies in southern hemisphere. Torrid Zone –

Lies between the area of tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn.

It receives maximum heat as sun rays strikes directly.

10 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

Mid-day sun shines overhead at least once a year on all latitudes between tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn Temperate Zone –

In northern hemisphere it lies between tropic of cancer and arctic circle while in southern hemisphere it lies between tropic of Capricorn and Antarctic circle

It receives moderate heat as sun rays are slanting.

Mid-day sun never shines overhead between any latitude beyond the tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn Frigid Zone –

In northern hemisphere it lies between arctic circle and north pole while in southern hemisphere it

lies between tropic of Capricorn and south pole

They are the coldest places on Earth and have extreme weather conditions

These Polar Regions experience a midnight sun,

when the sun is above the horizon for 24 hours, and a polar night, when the sun does not rise for 24 hours.

The centres of both Frigid Zones, where the north and south poles are located, have six months of daylight and six months of night.

Prime meridian – meridian which passed through Greenwich

Its value is 0° longitude

From this meridian we count 180° eastward and 180° westward. Ans:67)(a) Ans:68)(c) Ans:69)(c) Ans:70)(c) Ans:71)(a) Explanation: Harmattan wind (the doctor): A dry, dusty, north-easterly or easterly wind which occurs in West Africa north of the equator. Its effect extends from just north of the equator in January, almost to the northern tropic in July. In West Africa it is known as ‘the doctor’ because of its invigorating dryness compared with humid tropical air. The Harmattan wind stream occasionally extends south of the equator during the northern winter as an upper air wind over the south-westerly monsoon. The Harmattan season differs from winter, because

it is characterized by cold, dry, dust-laden wind, and also wide fluctuations in the ambient temperatures of the day and night. Temperatures can easily be as low as 9 °C (48 °F) all day, but sometimes in the afternoon the temperature can also soar to as high as 30 °C (86 °F), while the relative humidity drops under 10%. The air is particularly dry and desiccating when the Harmattan blows over the region. The Harmattan brings desert-like weather conditions: it lowers the humidity, dissipates cloud cover, prevents rainfall formation and sometimes creates big clouds of dust which can result in dust storms or sandstorms. The wind can increase fire risk and cause severe crop damage. Ans:72)(c) Explanation: Western Ghats Older than the Himalaya mountains, the mountain chain of the Western Ghats represents geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. The site’s

high montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather pattern. Moderating the tropical climate of the region, the site presents one of the best examples of the monsoon system on the planet. It also has an exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism and is recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity. The forests of the site include some of the best representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests anywhere and are home to at least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species. Note: Western Ghats are not high enough to experience snowfall. Ans:73)(d) Explanation: Karewas are lacustrine deposits [deposits in lake] in the Valley of Kashmir and in Bhadarwah Valley of the Jammu Division.

• These are the flat topped mounds that border the Kashmir Valley on all sides.

• They are characterized with fossils of mammals and at places by peat.

• The karewas are mainly devoted to the cultivation of saffron, almond, walnut, apple and orchards.

• The karewas, devoted to saffron cultivation are fetching good income to the growers. Ans:74)(c) Explanation: The pollutants considered are PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. Ans:75)(b) Explanation: Continental crust is less dense than the oceanic crust because continental crust is made of mix of dense and light rocks types while oceanic crust is mainly composed of dense rocks such as basalt. Magma is composed of molten rock and is stored in earth’s crust while lava is also molten magma which comes out from the interior of the earth on to surface. When this lava cools it solidifies and contains very fine grained structure. These rocks are called as extrusive igneous rocks. Basalt (not granite) is example of same. About 60 million years ago when Indian plate was moving towards Eurasian plate, it passed through reunion hotspot near Madagascar and while passing a lot of flood basalt was poured out from inside the magma chamber of reunion hotspot and this formed Deccan traps. Rocks Examples Igneous Granite and basalt Sedimentary Conglomerate, sandstone, limestone, shale, Coal Metamorphic Gneiss, slate, marble and diamond

Ans:76)(b) Explanation: In Equatorial climate while the morning is clear, by noon dark clouds surround and bring heavy but short duration rainfall. This is a typical feature of Equatorial climate. Ans:77)(a) Explanation: Large and continuous supply of warm and moist air is the most important condition for formation of tropical cyclone. Where coriolis force is zero (like equator), tropical cyclones do not develop. An upper level outflow of air (and not inflow) helps in formation of tropical cyclone. Ans:78)(b) Explanation: India has benefitted immensely from the free and frank deliberations and exchange of

11 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

ideas in IMO. As we expand our maritime activities, the guidance of IMO will become even more valuable. India has been one of the founder members of IMO and has been part of the IMO Council since then, except in 1983-84. In Category B of the Council, India represents the developing world and the nations with the largest share in international sea borne trade. India remains an observer member of the Arctic Council. India continues to participate in all global forum to eradicate piracy in the Somalia region. India has been elected as a Co-chair for Working Group 1 of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS). Ans:79)(c) Explanation: National Park is an area having adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. Its boundaries are marked by legislation. Whenever it appears to the State Government that an area by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological association or importance, needs to be constituted as a National Park for the purpose of protectin& propagating or developing wildlife therein or its environment, it may, by notificLtion, declare its intention to constitute such area as a National Park. Alteration of the boundaries of a National Park can be made only through a resolution passed by the Legislature of the State. Unlike a Sanctuary, where certain rights can be allowed, in a National Park, no rights are allowed. No grazing of any livestock shall also be permitted inside a National Park while in a Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control or prohibit it. Ans:80)(a)

The air at the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone

(ITCZ) rises because of convection caused by high insolation and a low pressure is created.

The winds from the tropics converge at this low pressure zone. The converged air rises along with the convective cell.

It is a region of no action hence known as Doldrums. Ans:81)(c) Explanation: Relative humidity (RH) decreases when cold front passes over an area. Cold fronts are associated with clear sky and weather while warm fronts have clouds and rainfall. Ans:82)(a)

Explanation: Fringing Reefs: It is a coral reef, which is attached to the shore, either as a continuous wave-washed erosion platform or separated from the coastline by shallow lagoon. Barrier Reefs: This is an elongated accumulation of corals lying at low-tide level parallel to the coast, but separated from it by a wide and deep lagoon or strait. Atoll: A ring of narrow growing corals of horseshoe shape and crowned with palm tree, generally found around an island or in the elliptical form on a submarine platform. There is a lagoon in the middle of the coral ring.

Ans:83)(c) The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is much more powerful than the Bay of Bengal branch because –

1. Arabian sea is larger than the Bay of Bengal and 2. Entire Arabian sea current advances towards India,

whereas only a part of the Bay of Bengal current enters India. Ans:84)(c) Explanation: Primary circulation – planetary winds, includes polar easterlies. Secondary circulation – cyclones, anticyclones, monsoon etc Tertiary winds – local winds like land and sea breezes, mountain and valley winds etc. Ans:85)(a) Explanation: Precipitation associated with a warm front is of long duration. Heavy but short duration precipitation occurs because of cold front. Ans:86)(b) Explanation: Areas having cyclones have converging air flow and are therefore not suited for formation of air masses. Air masses are formed over an extensive area with broadly uniform surface of earth like hot desert region in tropical areas. Anticyclone over an area also helps in formation of air masses as they have divergent air flow. Ans:87)(d) Explanation: The prospective sites for exploitation of tidal energy in India are:

Gulf of Kutch

Gulf of Cambay

Sunderban delta

Sites near Lakshdweep and Andaman and Nicobar

Islands. Ans:88)(d) Ans:89)(c) Explanation: Atlas Mountains, series of mountain ranges in northwestern Africa, running generally southwest to northeast to form the geologic backbone of the countries of the Maghrib (the western region of the Arab world)—Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Ans:90)(a) Ans:91)(d) Ans:92)(d) Explanation: Oceanic Deeps or Trenches: These areas are the deepest parts of the oceans. The trenches are relatively steep sided, narrow basins. They are some 3-5 km deeper than the surrounding ocean floor. They occur at the bases of continental slopes and along island arcs and are associated with active volcanoes and strong earthquakes. Ans:93)(a) Ans:94)(d) Ans:95)(c) Ans:96)(d) Explanation:

• India has expressed interest to operate Sri Lanka’s second international airport situated in Mattala, about 40 km from the southern town of Hambantota, where China has majority stake in a strategic port it built.

• The development comes less than a fortnight after Sri Lanka signed a $1.1 billion deal with China, giving the state-run China Merchants Port Holdings a 70% stake in a joint venture to run the port. Additionally, Colombo also roped in China to help

12 AIPTS GS – 2 Ans Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

develop an industrial zone in the adjoining land, spanning some 15,000 acres.

• With India expressing interest to run the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) nearby, Hambantota appears poised to become a hub of rival strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. Ans:97)(c) Explanation: There are five BPM points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Bum La and Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Daulat Beg Oldi and Chushul in Ladakh, and Nathu La in Sikkim. Ans:98)(d) Explanation: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) was implemented 2014-15 under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology. The Mission objectives are as follows: (i) Increasing the reach of farm mechanisation to small and marginal farmers and in the regions where the availability of farm power is low; (ii) Promoting ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high cost of individual ownership; (iii) Creating hubs for hi-tech & high-value farm equipment; (iv) Creating awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities; (v) Ensuring performance testing and certication at designated testing centres located all over the country. Ans:99)(a) Explanation: Eleven countries joined hands in 2007 to combat land degradation and restore native plant life to the landscape – the Sahel-Sahara region. The project has since expanded to include

countries in both northern and western Africa. The green wall, when completed, will stretch across the entire width of the continent (approximately 8,000kms). In recent years, northern Africa has seen the quality of arable land decline significantly due to climate change and poor land management. Desertification is aggravating the problem. Uniting under the banner of the “Great Green Wall” initiative, national and regional leaders hope to reverse this trend. The World Bank, UN, and the African Union, among others, have pledged funds for this project. So far, Senegal has made the best progress under this project.

• The project focuses on planting Acacia trees which are drought resistant and the roots help retain water in the soil. Wells that were devoid of any water now have enough of it to help cultivate crops.

• Fallen leaves are used as compost, and presence of trees has increased the humidity in this dry region. The shade provided by the trees reduces loss of water, thereby further reducing the requirement of water for crops.

• Women are increasingly finding work, children are attending and staying back in school for longer than before. The “wall” has helped generate a new economy.

• It is also preventing people from migrating. Ans:100)(d) Explanation: The tsutsugamushi triangle and geographical relationship of Taiwan with other countries in East Asia.

• It extends from northern Japan and far-eastern Russia in the north, to northern Australia in the south, and to Pakistan in the west.