481: The term Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
482: The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of
(a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
(b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs. .
(c) Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
(d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
483: With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: Famous work of Site Sculpture
1. A grand image : Ajanta of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana With numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below
2. A huge image of : Mount Abu Varaha Avatar (boar Incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters sculpted on rock
3. "Arjuna's Penance"/ : Mamallapuram "Descent of Ganga" sculpted on the surface of huge boulders
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
484: With reference to 'stem cells', frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
485: The temperature and rainfall of a meteorological station are given below:
Temperature (°C) Rainfall (cm)
J 9.4 12.2
F 10.6 9.1
M 11.7 7.9
A 12.2 2.5
M 13.3 1.8
J 13.9 0.3
J 13.9 -
A 14.4 -
S 15.6 0.8
O 15.0 2.5
N 13.3 6.1
D 10.6 11.7
Average Temperature : 12.8 °C
Average Rainfall : 54.9 cm per annum
Identify the region having the above climatic pattern from amongst the following :
(a) Mediterranean region
(b) Monsoon region
(c) Steppe region
(d) N.W. European region