The correct answer is: c) 48A

Explanation: Article 48A of the Constitution of India falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy. It specifically refers to the protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife. It states that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. This provision was added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation as a responsibility of the State.

The correct answer is: a) La Nina

Explanation: La Nina is a climatic phenomenon characterized by cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, near the equator. It is part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which includes both La Nina (cooling phase) and El Nino (warming phase). La Nina typically influences global weather patterns, often leading to increased rainfall in some regions and droughts in others.

The other options do not describe this specific phenomenon. El Nino refers to warmer sea surface temperatures, Monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern, and Tornado is a localized weather event involving rotating winds.

The correct answer is: d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation:

1. The littoral zone is indeed the shallow water zone around the edge of a lake. It is the area where sunlight penetrates to the bottom, allowing aquatic plants to grow. This makes statement 1 correct.

2. The limnetic zone refers to the open water zone in a lake, away from the shore, where sunlight can penetrate. This zone supports the growth of phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants that perform photosynthesis. This makes statement 2 correct.

3. The profundal zone is the deep, dark zone of a lake where sunlight cannot reach. As a result, photosynthesis does not occur here, and it is typically inhabited by organisms adapted to low light and oxygen levels. This makes statement 3 correct.

Since all three statements are correct, the correct answer is option d) 1, 2 and 3.

Correct Answer: b) I & II

Explanation: 

I. High maternal mortality – TRUE
– This directly reduces the number of females in the population
– Maternal deaths decrease the adult female population, affecting the overall sex ratio

II. Sex selective female abortions – TRUE
– This directly impacts sex ratio by preventing female births
– Common in societies with son preference

III. Change in sex ratio at birth – FALSE
– Natural sex ratio at birth is relatively constant (approximately 105 males to 100 females)
– This biological ratio is fairly stable and isn’t a reason for low sex ratio
– What affects sex ratio are human interventions (like sex-selective abortions) rather than natural changes in birth sex ratio

Therefore, only statements I and II are correct reasons for low sex ratio.

The correct answer is: a) 1921.

Explanation: The year 1921 is referred to as the “Year of Demographic Divide” in India. This is because it marked a significant turning point in the population trends of the country. Before 1921, India’s population was fluctuating due to high birth rates and high death rates, which often balanced each other out. However, starting from 1921, the death rate began to decline due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and living conditions, while the birth rate remained high. This led to a steady increase in population. Hence, 1921 is considered the year when the demographic transition began in India.

The correct answer is: c) 1 and 2.

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: “It is conceived to arrest the rampant overuse of groundwater in India.”
This statement is correct. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) is designed to address the critical issue of groundwater depletion and promote sustainable groundwater management in India. It aims to improve groundwater resources through community participation and demand-side interventions.

2. Statement 2: “It is supported by the World Bank.”
This statement is also correct. The Atal Bhujal Yojana is a central sector scheme that is partially funded by the World Bank. The World Bank provides financial assistance to support the implementation of this scheme.

3. Statement 3: “It is a sub-scheme under National Groundwater Management Improvement Scheme (NGMIS).”
This statement is incorrect. Atal Bhujal Yojana is an independent scheme and not a sub-scheme under the National Groundwater Management Improvement Scheme (NGMIS). There is no such linkage between the two.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making option c) the right answer.

Correct answer is Option B: Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation: Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are often considered among the poorest states in India based on various socio-economic indicators such as per capita income, poverty rate, literacy levels, and access to basic services. These states face challenges like high population density, lack of industrial development, and limited infrastructure, which contribute to their economic struggles. While other states mentioned in the options may also have poverty issues, these three states consistently rank at the bottom in terms of overall development and poverty alleviation.

The correct answer is: b) Cost of Living.

Explanation: In India, the wage policy is primarily determined by the cost of living. This means that wages are set based on the expenses required to meet basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare, and education. The cost of living serves as a benchmark to ensure that workers can maintain a minimum standard of living. While factors like productivity and standard of living may influence wage considerations, the cost of living is the most significant determinant in formulating wage policies in India.

The correct answer is: d) All of these.

Explanation:

Poverty determination involves assessing the extent and severity of poverty in a population. The following measures are commonly used for this purpose:

1. Poverty Gap Index: This measures the intensity of poverty by calculating the average shortfall of income or consumption from the poverty line. It provides insight into how far below the poverty line the poor are, on average.

2. Head Count Ratio: This is a simple measure that calculates the proportion of the population living below the poverty line. It gives an idea of the prevalence of poverty but does not account for the depth or severity of poverty.

3. Sen Index: This is a more comprehensive measure that combines the Head Count Ratio, Poverty Gap Index, and inequality among the poor. It provides a broader understanding of poverty by considering both its extent and distribution.

Since all these indices contribute to measuring and understanding poverty, the correct answer is “All of these”.

The correct answer is: NSSO

Explanation: The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) is the organization responsible for collecting data on various socio-economic aspects in India, including poverty. It conducts large-scale surveys and provides statistical data that helps in understanding the poverty levels, employment, consumption patterns, and other related indicators in the country.

The other options are not correct because:
– MGNERGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is a government scheme aimed at providing employment to rural households, not collecting poverty data.
– SJSRY (Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana) is a scheme for urban employment and poverty alleviation, but it does not collect data on poverty.
– None of these is incorrect because NSSO does collect poverty-related data.

Hence, the correct answer is NSSO.