Q100. Why has the Damodar River between Giridih and Durgapur been described as a biological desert?
[JPSC CCE Prelims – GS Paper II (2023)]
(A) Excess sand deposits alone
(B) Life becomes severely impaired in the polluted stretch
(C) Only its water colour is dark
(D) The river has absolutely no water
Answer: (B) Life becomes severely impaired in the polluted stretch
Explanation: Severe industrial and coal-related pollution has historically degraded stretches of the Damodar River. The phrase biological desert describes ecological damage and greatly reduced aquatic life rather than a literal absence of river water.
Q99. In which Jharkhand city was the state’s first aerobic bio-toilet inaugurated in 2018?
[JPSC CCE Prelims – GS Paper II (2023)]
(A) Ranchi
(B) Dhanbad
(C) Jamshedpur
(D) Bokaro
Answer: (C) Jamshedpur
Explanation: The archived question identifies Jamshedpur as the city. Aerobic bio-toilets rely on microorganisms operating with oxygen to break down organic wastes, providing a sanitation approach where conventional sewerage is limited.
Q98. Which factor is damaging Jharkhand biodiversity?
[JPSC CCE Prelims – GS Paper II (2023)]
(A) Uncontrolled urbanisation
(B) Unregulated industrialisation
(C) Population growth alongside forest loss
(D) All of these
Answer: (D) All of these
Explanation: Urban expansion, unplanned industry and forest clearance can destroy or fragment natural habitats. Their combined effects reduce connectivity, disturb wildlife and place pressure on the state’s biological diversity.
Q97. Which is a major consequence of water pollution for aquatic organisms?
[JPSC CCE Prelims – GS Paper II (2023)]
(A) Absence of rainfall
(B) Salt always increases
(C) Insufficient dissolved oxygen
(D) The entire water cycle stops
Answer: (C) Insufficient dissolved oxygen
Explanation: Organic pollution raises microbial oxygen consumption and may cause fish kills and ecosystem collapse. Although different pollutants have distinct effects, loss of dissolved oxygen is a major immediate danger for aquatic life.
Q96. Which conservation programme was launched in India in 1973 and became internationally well-known?
[68th BPSC CCE Prelims (2023)]
(A) Project Tiger
(B) Lion Project
(C) Sundarbans Project
(D) None of these
Answer: (A) Project Tiger
Explanation: Project Tiger began in 1973 to conserve tigers and their habitats through a network of reserves. It became a flagship wildlife-protection initiative associated with India’s conservation movement.
Q95. Which biosphere reserve contains 21 islands with coral reefs, sea grass and mangroves?
[68th BPSC CCE Prelims (2023)]
(A) Gulf of Mannar
(B) Nanda Devi
(C) Sundarbans
(D) Nilgiri
Answer: (A) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve off Tamil Nadu includes 21 islands and extensive coastal habitats. Coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves make the region particularly important for marine biodiversity.
Q94. Which gases cause global warming through the greenhouse effect?
[68th BPSC CCE Prelims (2023)]
(A) Carbon dioxide only
(B) Nitrous oxide only
(C) Methane only
(D) All three gases listed
Answer: (D) All three gases listed
Explanation: Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide all absorb outgoing infrared radiation and strengthen Earth’s greenhouse effect. They differ in atmospheric lifetime and warming potential but each contributes to anthropogenic warming.
Q93. Consider four statements about the Gangetic dolphin:
1. It is Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
2. It lacks a crystalline eye lens and is effectively blind.
3. It uses echolocation for navigation and hunting.
4. It is India’s National Aquatic Animal.
Which are correct?
[BPSC CCE Prelims (2023) (2023)]
(A) 1, 2 and 4 only
(B) 2, 3 and 4 only
(C) 1, 3 and 4 only
(D) All four statements
Answer: (D) All four statements
Explanation: The Gangetic dolphin is endangered and is India’s designated National Aquatic Animal. Its rudimentary eyes have no crystalline lens, so echolocation is crucial for finding prey and navigating muddy rivers. All four propositions are correct.
Q92. What percentage of Rajasthan was forest cover in India State of Forest Report 2021, with 16,654 sq km forest cover?
[RPSC RAS Prelims (2023)]
(A) 6.74%
(B) 7.48%
(C) 8.47%
(D) 4.87%
Answer: (D) 4.87%
Explanation: The cited 2021 report gives Rajasthan approximately 16,654 square kilometres of forest cover, about 4.87 per cent of its geographical area. The percentage concerns recorded forest cover estimates, not total legally designated forest land.
Q91. Which Rajasthan wildlife sanctuary–district pairing is incorrect?
[RPSC RAS Prelims (2023)]
(A) Shergarh – Bundi
(B) Bassi – Chittorgarh
(C) Ramsagar Van Vihar – Dholpur
(D) Sitamata – Pratapgarh
Answer: (A) Shergarh – Bundi
Explanation: Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Baran district rather than Bundi. The other three combinations correctly associate Rajasthan sanctuaries with their respective districts in the RPSC paper.
