861: Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth?

(a) The Earth's magnetic field diverts them towards its poles

(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space

(c) Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth

(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
862: What is/are the importance of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'?

1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programs and supportive inter-national partnerships.

2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.

3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
863: Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

(a) Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports

(b) Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee denominated Masala Bonds

(c) Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing

(d) Following an expansionary monetary policy
864: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists :

List I List II

(Local Wind) (Region)

I. Fohn (A) Argentina
II. Samun (B) Kurdistan
III. Santa Ana (C) California
IV. Zonda (D) Alps

Codes:

(a) I-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
(b) I-D, II-B, III-C, IV-A
(c) I-B, II-D, III-C, IV-A
(d) I-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
865: Fog is common around Newfoundland coast because:

(a) Icebergs melt around the coast

(b) Warm and cold currents meet

(c) The rainfall is heavy

(d) High tides cause storms