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With reference to MXenes, consider the following statements: 1. MXenes are a class of two-dimensional materials derived from MAX phases. 2. They exhibit high electrical conductivity and hydrophilic properties.

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3. It excludes traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources from its scope. 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) All three Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — it is a supplementary agreement to CBD. Statement 2 is correct — core objective is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Statement 3 is incorrect — it explicitly includes traditional knowledge (TK). The protocol ensures that benefits arising from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly with the provider country and indigenous communities. Additional Information:  Adopted: 2010 (Nagoya, Japan)  Enforced: 2014  India ratified: 2012  Linked to: o Biopiracy debates o Traditional knowledge protection (e.g., neem, turmeric cases)  Supports sustainable development + biodiversity conservation Q5. With reference to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by a virus belonging to the family Picornaviridae. 2. It affects only cattle and does not infect other livestock animals. 3. Vaccination is the primary and most effective method of prevention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — FMD is caused by Aphthovirus (Picornaviridae family). Statement 2 is incorrect — it affects all cloven-hoofed animals:  Cattle  Sheep  Goats  Pigs Statement 3 is correct — vaccination is the only effective preventive method. FMD spreads rapidly and has serious economic consequences, especially for countries dependent on livestock exports. Additional Information:  Classified as Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD)  Spread through: o Airborne transmission o Contaminated feed, equipment  High mortality in young animals (myocarditis)  Important for: o Dairy economy o Export restrictions (WTO-SPS norms)

Mega Quiz Correct Answer with Explanation Q1.Butis bargabhimae, recently discovered in India, belongs to which category? (a) Amphibian (b) Marine mammal (c) Estuarine fish (d) Reptile Answer: (c) Explanation: Butis bargabhimae is a new species of estuarine fish discovered in the Rupnarayan River (West Bengal). It belongs to the butid family (gudgeon gobies), typically found in brackish waters. Distinctive features include:  Interorbital scales  Unique fin band patterns Additional Information:  Named after Bargabhima deity  Estuaries are biodiversity hotspots  Important for fisheries and ecological balance Q2. With reference to the Kanha Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements: 1. It is located in the Maikal ranges of the Satpura hills in Madhya Pradesh. 2. It is the first tiger reserve in India to introduce an official mascot representing the Barasingha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (c) Explanation: Both statements are correct. Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in the Maikal range, which forms the eastern extension of the Satpura hill system. It is one of India’s most well-managed protected areas and played a crucial role in Project Tiger. The second statement is also correct. Kanha became the first tiger reserve in India to introduce an official mascot, named “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”. This was done to promote conservation awareness, especially for the endangered hard-ground swamp deer (Barasingha). Kanha is globally recognized for successfully reviving the Barasingha population, which was once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and hunting. Additional Information:  Barasingha Conservation Model → Example of in-situ conservation success  Corridors: o Kanha–Pench o Kanha–Achanakmar (important for gene flow)  Vegetation: Moist deciduous forest dominated by Sal  Tribal communities: Gond and Baiga  Important for landscape-level conservation approach Q3. With reference to the Sahitya Akademi Award, consider the following statements: 1. The Sahitya Akademi recognises only the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. 2. It was established in 1954 as India’s national academy of letters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (b) Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because Sahitya Akademi recognises 24 languages, which include: 22 scheduled languagorganism shows both male and female characteristics in different body parts. This distinction is crucial:  Hermaphroditism → Both reproductive organs functional  Gynandromorphy → Mosaic of male&female traits (not fully functional) Additional Information:  Family: Gecarcinucidae  Silent Valley: o Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) o River: Kunthipuzha  Important for evolutionary biology&developmental genetics  es  English and Rajasthani (non-scheduled) Statement 2 is correct. It was established in 1954 as India’s National Academy of Letters to promote literary activities. The Akademi functions as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture and plays a key role in literary dialogue, translation, and publication. Additional Information:  Award includes: o ₹1 lakh o Shawl o Plaque  Promotes inter-language translation  Comparable institutions: o Lalit Kala Akademi (Art) o Sangeet Natak Akademi (Performing Arts) Q4. With reference to the Nagoya Protocol, consider the following statements: 1. It is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2. It establishes a framework for fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.