Explanation : 

The Paramaras of Malwa: The Paramara dynasty rose to prominence later in the 9th century and was a major power during the medieval period in the region of Malwa (central India).

The Yadavas of Devagiri: The Yadavas (also known as the Seuna dynasty) established their kingdom much later, around the 12th century, with their capital at Devagiri (in present-day Maharashtra).

Explanation : 

Dholavira’s Ingenious Water Management

Dholavira, one of the most prominent sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization), is well-known for its sophisticated water conservation system, which was a necessity in its arid environment. Located on the Khadir bet island in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India, this ancient town showcases the ingenuity of its inhabitants in water management.

Elaborate System of Reservoirs and Channels

The people of Dholavira built an elaborate system of reservoirs, dams, channels, and waterways to harness and manage water. The town had a series of reservoirs that were excavated around the city walls and interconnected through channels. These reservoirs collected rainwater and stored it for use during the dry seasons. The water management system was not only used for irrigation and domestic purposes but also played a significant role in the town’s defense strategy.

Advanced Hydro-Engineering Techniques

The sophisticated design of the water system included rock-cut channels that directed the flow of water from the city’s stormwater drains into the reservoirs. The inhabitants also constructed check dams across seasonal streams to capture and store rainwater. This advanced hydro-engineering allowed Dholavira to sustain itself in a region with scarce water resources and is a testament to the advanced urban planning and engineering skills of the Harappan people.

Explanation : 

Bhavabhuti (c. 7th-8th century CE) was a celebrated Indian playwright and poet, known for his Sanskrit plays. He was not a Jain monk; rather, he is believed to have been a Brahmin, possibly associated with the Vidarbha region. Bhavabhuti’s most famous works include “Malatimadhava,” “Mahaviracharita,” and “Uttararamacharita,” which are considered masterpieces of Sanskrit literature. His plays are known for their sophisticated use of the Sanskrit language and their deep emotional impact.

Explanation :

By 1st quarter of 17th century , English East India Company had established factories at Surat, Broach, Ahmedabad, Agra, and Masulipatam and not at Chicacole and Tichonopoly.

Explanation:

Biochar in Vertical Farming

Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming. This is true. Biochar is a highly porous carbon-rich material obtained from the pyrolysis of organic biomass under limited oxygen conditions. Its structure is beneficial for use in growing mediums because it can help improve soil structure, aeration, and water holding capacity, which are crucial factors in the confined spaces of vertical farming systems.

Promoting Nitrogen-Fixing Microorganisms

When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. This statement is also correct. Biochar has been found to provide a conducive habitat for various microorganisms, including those that fix nitrogen. Its porous structure not only offers shelter but also can help in retaining nutrients that are beneficial for these microorganisms. Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms are essential for converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can absorb and use, thus enhancing soil fertility and plant growth.

Enhancing Water Retention

When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for a longer time. This is accurate as well. One of the key properties of biochar is its ability to retain water. This is due to its high porosity and large surface area, which can hold water molecules effectively. In farming, especially in conditions where water might be scarce or in systems like vertical farming where efficient water use is crucial, biochar can help in maintaining moisture levels within the growing medium, reducing the need for frequent watering and enhancing drought resistance of the plants.

Therefore, all three statements given about the use of biochar in farming are correct, making option d) 1, 2, and 3 the right answer.

Explanation:

Coal Ash and its Contaminants

Coal ash, the residue left after coal is burned, contains a variety of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and mercury. These substances are harmful to human health and the environment. If not properly managed, they can contaminate water sources and soil.

Pollutants Released by Coal-Fired Power Plants

When coal is burned in power plants, it releases various pollutants into the atmosphere. Among these pollutants are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). SO2 contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems, while NOx plays a significant role in the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, also contributing to respiratory issues.

High Ash Content in Indian Coal

Indian coal is known for its high ash content, often ranging from 30% to 45%. This ash content is significantly higher than that found in coal from many other parts of the world. The high ash content poses challenges for combustion and pollution control in power plants. It also requires more sophisticated handling and disposal methods to manage the large volumes of ash produced.

Explanation:

Copper Slag

Copper slag is a by-product of copper extraction. Its use in road construction can be considered environmentally friendly because it recycles a waste product that would otherwise require disposal, potentially in landfills. It can be used as a replacement for sand in concrete mixtures or as a sub-base material in road construction. This contributes to sustainability by reducing the demand for virgin materials.

Cold Mix Asphalt Technology

Cold mix asphalt technology allows for the production and placement of asphalt at lower temperatures compared to traditional hot mix asphalt. The lower temperatures mean that less energy is required for heating, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, cold mix asphalt can often be produced using more recycled materials than hot mix asphalt, further enhancing its environmental benefits.

Geotextiles

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. They are often made from synthetic polymers (such as polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene) or natural fibers, and their use in road construction can improve soil stabilization and drainage, reducing the need for natural aggregate materials and promoting longer road life. This can lead to less frequent road repairs and maintenance, indirectly contributing to sustainability.

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology

Hot mix asphalt technology is a traditional method of producing asphalt that involves heating the asphalt binder to decrease its viscosity and mixing it with heated aggregate materials. While effective for creating durable road surfaces, the process is energy-intensive and produces significant carbon emissions. Therefore, it is less preferred from an environmental sustainability perspective compared to cold mix asphalt technology.

Portland Cement

Portland cement is a key ingredient in concrete and is widely used in road construction. However, the production of Portland cement is energy-intensive and generates a significant amount of CO2 emissions. While concrete roads are durable, the environmental impact of cement production makes this option less desirable for reducing carbon footprint.

Given the analysis above, the options that are preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint in rural road construction are:

• Copper slag (1), due to its recycling of waste materials.
• Cold mix asphalt technology (2), because of its lower energy requirements and potential for using recycled materials.
• Geotextiles (3), as they can improve road durability and reduce the need for virgin materials.

Therefore, the correct answer is: a) 1, 2, and 3 only

Explanation:

Musk Deer and its Habitat

The musk deer, known for its valuable musk pod, is primarily found in the forested and alpine scrub habitats of the Himalayas. Given the options, we need to identify the locations that are part of or close to the Himalayan region and known for their alpine or forested environments where the musk deer could naturally reside.

1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Uttarakhand, India, near the Himalayas. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, which includes a variety of species adapted to the Himalayan environment. It is a plausible habitat for the musk deer due to its location and ecological characteristics.

2. Gangotri National Park

Gangotri National Park is also situated in Uttarakhand, India, and encompasses a significant portion of the upper catchment of the Ganges River. The park is part of the Himalayan region and features rugged terrain with high-altitude forests and meadows. It is an ideal habitat for species like the musk deer.

3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, India. This region is located in the Terai area, far from the Himalayas. It primarily consists of moist deciduous forests and is known for its tiger, leopard, and deer populations, but it is not a typical habitat for the musk deer, which prefers higher altitudes.

4. Manas National Park

Manas National Park is located in Assam, India, at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. While it is close to the Himalayan region, its elevation and ecological characteristics are quite different from the high-altitude habitats preferred by the musk deer. Manas is more famous for its population of tigers, elephants, and rhinos, among other species.

Given the information and focusing on the natural habitat preferences of the musk deer, the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat among the given options would be:

• Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gangotri National Park

Therefore, the correct answer is a) 1 and 2 only.

Explanation:

Steel Slag Applications

1. Construction of Base Road

Steel slag, a byproduct of steel manufacturing, has proven to be a suitable material for the construction of road bases. Its physical properties, including high density, hardness, and angular shape, make it an excellent choice for road construction. The use of steel slag provides strength and durability to the road structure, offering good compaction and load-bearing properties. It is commonly used in base and sub-base layers of roads.

2. Improvement of Agricultural Soil

Steel slag contains essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which can greatly benefit agricultural soils. It can be utilized to adjust soil pH, improve soil structure, and enhance nutrient availability. These improvements in soil quality can lead to increased crop yields.

3. Production of Cement

Steel slag can also be utilized in the production of cement. It can be used as a raw material in the cement manufacturing process or as a blending material for cement. The inclusion of steel slag in cement contributes to its properties by providing hydraulic reactivity. This reactivity leads to the formation of additional cementitious compounds when mixed with water, resulting in enhanced strength and durability of the cement produced.

Considering the mentioned applications, the correct answer is: d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park, located in the Madhya Pradesh state of India, is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer, known as the Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi). This particular sub-species is unique because it has adapted to thrive on hard ground, unlike other swamp deer that prefer marshy or swampy areas. This adaptation is significant because it showcases the evolutionary flexibility and resilience of the species. The Barasingha in Kanha National Park is exclusively graminivorous, meaning its diet consists solely of grasses.

Other Options

The other options listed:

• Manas National Park is located in Assam and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Indian rhinoceros, tigers, and various species of birds, but not specifically for the Barasingha.
• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is renowned for its significant elephant population and diverse wildlife but again, not specifically for the Barasingha.
• Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan is famous for its large population of blackbucks and various species of birds, particularly during the migration season, and not for the Barasingha.