Answer: (D)

Explanation:

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had recently recovered 14.63 MT of Red Sanders. Intelligence was developed by DRI that red sanders logs were concealed in an export consignment declared to contain “assorted toiletries”, for being smuggled out of the country. Accordingly, Operation Rakth Chandan was launched and close surveillance was kept on the suspect export consignment. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Red Sanders is a flora-species that is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh and falls under ‘endangered list’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Red Sanders is also listed in Appendix-II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Its rich hue and therapeutic properties are responsible for its high demand across Asia, particularly China, for use in cosmetics, medicinal products and high-end furniture/woodcraft. The export of Red Sanders from India is prohibited as per the Foreign Trade Policy. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• The study under National Mission on Himalayan Studies revealed a strong link between habitat use by Snow Leopard and its prey species Siberian ibex and blue sheep. Spiti Valley possessed a good habitat in and outside the protected areas which could support a viable population of both snow leopard and its prey species. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list and listed in Schedule-I species of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, snow leopards are elusive mountain cats whose survival depends primarily on wild ungulates. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
• Higher up in the mountains, predators such as snow leopards regulated the populations of herbivores such as the blue sheep and Siberian ibex, thereby safeguarding the health of grasslands and a long-term absence of snow leopards could cause trophic cascades as ungulate populations would likely increase, leading to depletion of vegetation cover. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Snow leopards have a vast but fragmented distribution across the mountainous landscape of central Asia, which covers different parts of the Himalayas such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• Mosses are a common flowerless plant found in all cities especially in damp (humid) or shady locations. It generally absorbs water and nutrients from their immediate environments.
• So, according to scientists, delicate mosses found on rocks and trees in cities around the world can be used as a low-cost bio indicator to monitor urban pollution and to measure the impact of atmospheric change.
• As a bioindicator,moses respond to pollution or drought-stress by changing its shape, density or disappearing.This characteristic will allow scientists to calculate atmospheric alterations and air pollution.

Statements 2 and 3 are not related to the statement ‘Mosses is a bioindicator’.

Hence, option(a) is correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

• Coalbed methane (CBM) is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams. CMB is formed during the process of coalification (the transformation of plant material into coal). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• CBM can be used for power generation, as compressed natural gas (CNG) auto fuel, as feedstock for fertilisers, industrial uses such as in cement production, rolling mills, steel plants, and for methanol production. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• CBM production behaviour is complex and difficult to predict in the early stages of recovery. Another concern is the effect water discharges from CBM development could potentially have on downstream water sources. Disposal of the highly salinized water that must be removed in order to release the methane creates a challenge, as its introduction into freshwater ecosystems could have adverse effects. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Additional Informations-

Coalbed methane (CBM): CBM, like shale gas, is extracted from what are known as unconventional gas reservoirs — where gas is extracted directly from the rock that is the source of the gas (shale in case of shale gas and coal in case of CBM). The methane is held underground within the coal and is extracted by drilling into the coal seam and removing the groundwater. The resulting drop in pressure causes the methane to be released from the coal.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Gas hydrates are ice-like crystalline minerals that form when low molecular weight gas (such as methane, ethane, or carbon dioxide) combines with water and freezes into a solid under low temperature and moderate pressure conditions. • Most gas hydrates are formed from methane (CH4), which has led to the terms “gas hydrate” and “methane hydrate” often being used interchangeably.

• On Earth, gas hydrates occur naturally in some marine sediments and within and beneath permafrost. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• They are also speculated to form on other planets. • Gas hydrate deposits may contain roughly twice the carbon contained in all reserves of coal, oil, and conventional natural gas combined, making them a potentially valuable energy resource. Their decomposition can release large amounts of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that could impact Earth’s climate. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Sudden release of pressurized methane gas may cause submarine landslides, which in turn can trigger tsunamis. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.