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Not Available

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Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. These caves, dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE, are situated in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe, along the Waghora river. They are renowned for their magnificent frescoes and sculptures, which are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

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Common Carbon Metric (CCM)

The Common Carbon Metric (CCM) is an initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), particularly through its Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI). The CCM is a standardized method for measuring the carbon emissions of buildings. Its purpose is to establish a consistent framework for quantifying the energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with building operations on a global scale.

Objectives of the Common Carbon Metric

The CCM aims to provide a way to benchmark, compare, and track the energy and carbon performance of buildings over time. It supports the efforts of governments, industry, and building owners in understanding and reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.

Components of the Common Carbon Metric

The Common Carbon Metric typically includes:

• Baseline or operational carbon emissions: This refers to the emissions related to the energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and other building operations.
• Embodied carbon emissions: Some versions of the CCM also consider the emissions associated with the materials and construction processes throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Impact of the Common Carbon Metric

The CCM is part of a broader effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, which is a significant contributor to global emissions. By using a standardized approach, stakeholders can more effectively implement strategies to improve building performance, contribute to national and international climate goals, and work towards sustainable development.

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Factors Influencing Market Demand for a Good

When considering the market demand for a good, various factors can influence whether demand increases or decreases. Here’s a breakdown of how each factor affects demand:

1. Price of Its Substitute Increases

If the price of a substitute good increases, consumers may shift their demand to the original good, as it becomes relatively more affordable. This is a correct statement, exemplified by consumers opting for tea when the price of coffee rises.

2. Price of Its Complement Increases

An increase in the price of a complementary good typically leads to a decrease in demand for the original good. This is because the combined cost of using both goods is higher. Thus, this statement is incorrect in suggesting an increase in market demand for the original good.

3. The Good is an Inferior Good and Income of Consumers Increases

For an inferior good, demand decreases as consumer income rises, as consumers tend to choose higher-quality alternatives. Consequently, an increase in consumer income would not increase demand for an inferior good, making this statement incorrect.

4. Its Price Falls

According to the law of demand, a decrease in the price of a good, ceteris paribus, leads to an increase in the quantity demanded. This is because the good becomes more accessible to consumers, making this statement correct.

In summary, the factors that correctly indicate an increase in market demand for a good are the rise in the price of its substitute and a fall in its own price. Therefore, statements 1 and 4 are accurate.

Explanation : 

New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF)

The NYDF was first endorsed and announced at the United Nations Climate Summit in September 2014.

Global Timeline to End Forest Loss

The NYDF outlines ambitious targets for the protection and restoration of forests, including halving the rate of loss of natural forests by 2020 and striving to end natural forest loss by 2030.

Non-Binding Commitment

The NYDF is not a legally binding treaty or international declaration. It is a voluntary and non-binding action agenda that brings together a coalition of willing partners.

Diverse Endorsement

The NYDF has been endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, multinational companies, civil society, and indigenous peoples’ organizations.

India’s Involvement

While India has engaged in various international efforts to combat deforestation and climate change, the NYDF is not a treaty with “signatories” in the traditional sense. Instead, it is endorsed by various entities, and it is not clear from public records whether India was among the initial endorsers in 2014. However, India has been involved in other international forest conservation efforts.

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Both statements regarding the influence of prevailing winds on ocean temperatures are correct, and here’s the explanation for each:

Tropical Zone: Influence of Trade Winds

In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections due to the influence of trade winds. These easterly winds, blowing from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere, push surface water westward. This results in the accumulation of warm surface water in the western parts of the tropical oceans, such as the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These conditions foster warm western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio. Conversely, cooler water upwells on the eastern sides, leading to cooler ocean temperatures there.

Temperate Zone: Influence of Westerlies

In the temperate zone, the westerlies contribute to making the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections. These winds, blowing from the southwest in the Northern Hemisphere and from the northwest in the Southern Hemisphere, influence ocean surface currents and lead to the formation of warm eastern boundary currents. Examples include the North Atlantic Drift and the North Pacific Drift, which warm the eastern shores of North America and Asia. In contrast, the western sections are cooled by currents such as the California Current and the Labrador Current.

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Permaculture Farming

In the realm of agriculture, permaculture farming stands in stark contrast to conventional chemical farming by actively discouraging monocultural practices. Instead, it promotes polycultures and a variety of plant and animal species to foster a self-regulating ecosystem. Conventional farming, with its focus on monocultures, may lead to issues such as pest infestations and soil degradation.

Impact on Soil Salinity

Conventional chemical farming can inadvertently increase soil salinity, particularly when fertilizers and irrigation are mismanaged. This accumulation of salts can be detrimental to plant life and overall farm productivity. In contrast, permaculture farming employs organic techniques like composting and crop rotation, which help maintain the soil’s health without contributing to salinity.

Adaptability to Semi-Arid Regions

Contrary to the belief that permaculture is unsuitable for semi-arid regions, it can be tailored to fit such environments. Permaculture design principles take into account local conditions, focusing on water conservation, soil preservation, and the selection of crops and livestock that thrive in arid climates. This is in comparison to conventional farming, which also operates in these regions but often relies heavily on irrigation and chemical aids.

The Role of Mulching in Agriculture

Mulching is a core component of permaculture farming, where it serves multiple purposes, including moisture conservation, weed suppression, and soil fertility enhancement. While mulching is also present in conventional farming, it is not as integral to the practice as it is in permaculture, where it contributes to the overarching goal of creating a sustainable ecosystem.

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Adenoviruses and Retroviruses

The virology field often categorizes viruses based on their genetic material and replication methods. A common misconception is that adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes, while it is actually the opposite. Adenoviruses are known for their double-stranded DNA genomes. They can infect various body systems, including the respiratory tract and nervous system.

Contrastingly, retroviruses are equipped with single-stranded RNA genomes. They utilize an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase to transcribe their RNA into DNA, which is then incorporated into the host’s genome. Although the resulting DNA is double-stranded, the retrovirus’s original genome is RNA.

Viruses and Diseases: Common Cold and AIDS

The common cold can be attributed to various viruses, including adenoviruses, in addition to rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. These viruses can cause respiratory symptoms akin to those of the common cold.

In the case of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the culprit is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus. HIV is notorious for attacking the immune system, leading to AIDS when not properly managed.

The statement about adenoviruses having single-stranded DNA is incorrect, while the association of the common cold with adenoviruses and AIDS with a retrovirus is correct. Therefore, “2 only” is the accurate answer.

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Bollgard I and II: Revolutionizing Cotton Agriculture

The Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are significant advancements in the field of genetically modified (GM) crop plants, particularly for cotton. Developed by Monsanto, now a part of Bayer Crop Science, these technologies incorporate genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the cotton genome. The Bt genes are responsible for producing proteins toxic to certain insect pests, like bollworm larvae, which pose a significant threat to cotton crops.

Bollgard I: Introducing Pest Resistance

The introduction of Bollgard I marked a milestone in GM technology by providing cotton plants with resistance to pests such as the tobacco budworm, pink bollworm, and cotton bollworm. However, the reliance on a single Bt gene led to the development of resistance among some insect populations, prompting the need for a more durable solution.

Bollgard II: Enhancing Pest Resistance and Reducing Resistance Development

To address the issue of insect resistance, Bollgard II was developed, featuring two distinct Bt genes. This dual-gene approach significantly improves the plant’s defense mechanisms against pests and reduces the chance of insects developing resistance to the Bt toxins, as the probability of simultaneous resistance to two toxins is considerably lower.

The creation of Bollgard I and Bollgard II exemplifies the potential of genetic engineering to enhance crop plants. By inserting specific genes, scientists can bestow new traits such as pest resistance, which can lead to a reduction in chemical pesticide use, potential cost savings, and increased crop yields.

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Recombinant Vector Vaccines

Genetic engineering is a pivotal technique in the field of vaccine development. By manipulating an organism’s genes, scientists are able to create recombinant vector vaccines that stimulate the immune system without causing disease. This process involves inserting genetic material from a pathogen into a harmless vector.

Role of Genetic Engineering in Vaccine Development

Genetic engineering is crucial in the development of these vaccines. It allows for the precise insertion of pathogen antigens into the genetic makeup of a vector, which then instructs the vector to produce these antigens. When introduced into the human body, these vectors prompt an immune response that prepares the body to fight the actual pathogen in future encounters.

Using Bacteria and Viruses as Vectors

Bacteria and viruses are commonly used as vectors in the creation of recombinant vector vaccines. Viruses, such as modified adenoviruses, are especially effective due to their natural ability to enter cells and deliver genetic material. These viruses are engineered to be safe and incapable of causing disease. Although less common, bacteria can also serve as vectors in vaccine development, providing another method of delivering protective antigens to the host’s immune system.