Explanation : 

Attine Ants and Their Fungiculture Practices

Certain species of ants, particularly those in the tribe Attini, are well known for their remarkable ability to cultivate fungi. These ants engage in a mutualistic relationship with the fungi, which is often referred to as “fungiculture.”

Mutualistic Relationship Between Ants and Fungi

The attine ants, which include the leafcutter ants (genus Atta) and other related genera, actively collect plant material, such as leaves, flowers, and twigs, and bring these back to their nests. They then use this plant material to create a substrate on which they cultivate fungal gardens. The fungi break down the plant material, making the nutrients more accessible to the ants. In return, the ants provide the fungi with a stable environment, protection from pests and competitors, and a constant supply of growth substrate.

Advanced Agriculture and Symbiosis in Nature

This mutualistic relationship is quite sophisticated. The ants have evolved special behaviors and structures to manage their fungal gardens, including the use of antibiotics to control bacterial growth and the removal of unwanted fungi species. The fungi also evolve in concert with the ants, often becoming so specialized that they cannot survive outside of the ant-fungus mutualism.

The cultivation of fungi by these ants is a clear example of an advanced form of animal agriculture and is one of the most complex examples of symbiosis in nature. It is a fascinating demonstration of how two different species can evolve together to form a highly interdependent and efficient system.

Explanation : 

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India

In India, wildlife protection is governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants with the aim of ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country. Let’s analyze the statements given:

Statement Analysis

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
   This statement is not entirely accurate. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, wild animals are considered to be owned by the state government where they are found. However, this does not mean that the government has the same rights as a private owner would have over their property. The Act imposes a duty on the government to protect wildlife and its habitat, and it restricts the trade, hunting, and exploitation of wild animals.

2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled to equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
This statement is correct. The Wildlife (Protection) Act provides for the establishment of protected areas such as sanctuaries and national parks, but it also offers protection to wild animals outside these areas. Once an animal is listed in the Schedules of the Act, it receives legal protection regardless of where it is found, and offenses against protected animals are punishable under the Act.

3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
This statement is not entirely correct. While the Act does allow for the capture or killing of a protected wild animal in certain circumstances, such as when it poses a danger to human life, this is subject to strict conditions and often requires permission from the appropriate authorities. The Act also provides for the declaration of certain animals as vermin in specific areas and for specific periods, which may then be hunted or culled. However, this is not a blanket provision and is regulated to ensure the balance between human safety and wildlife conservation.

Therefore, the correct answer is “2 only,” as the second statement is the only one that is entirely accurate without qualifications.

Explanation : 

Correctly Matched Geographical Pairs

Pair 1: Anatolia and Turkey

The Anatolia – Turkey pair is correctly matched, with Anatolia being a significant region in western Asia that constitutes the larger part of what is known today as Turkey.

Pair 2: Amhara and Ethiopia

Amhara – Ethiopia: This pair is also correctly matched. Amhara is one of the regions of Ethiopia and is located in the north-central part of the country.

Incorrectly Matched Geographical Pairs

Pair 3: Cabo Delgado and Spain

Cabo Delgado – Spain: This pair is incorrectly matched. Cabo Delgado is not in Spain; it is actually a province located in the northern part of Mozambique.

Pair 4: Catalonia and Italy

Catalonia – Italy: This pair is incorrectly matched. Catalonia is not in Italy; it is an autonomous community located in northeastern Spain.

Therefore, only two pairs (Anatolia – Turkey and Amhara – Ethiopia) are correctly matched.

Explanation : 

Chad – Chinese Military Base

Contrary to some reports, there is no evidence that China has set up a permanent military base in Chad. While China has indeed expanded its military presence globally, including establishing a base in Djibouti, no such development has been confirmed in Chad.

Guinea – Military Suspension of Constitution

It is true that the military in Guinea suspended the constitution and overthrew the government in September 2021. This coup led to the detention of President Alpha Condé and the establishment of military rule.

Lebanon – Economic Crisis

Lebanon is indeed experiencing a prolonged economic depression. The nation’s economy is in crisis, with a significant devaluation of the Lebanese pound, leading to hyperinflation and widespread financial hardship.

Tunisia – Presidential Actions

In Tunisia, the president did indeed suspend the parliament and dismiss the prime minister in July 2021. This controversial move has been debated as either a step toward resolving the country’s issues or as an undemocratic power grab.

In conclusion, of the four cases analyzed, three are accurate representations of the events (Guinea, Lebanon, and Tunisia), while the statement regarding Chad is not substantiated. Thus, only three pairs are correctly matched.

Explanation : 

Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Dispute

Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands in China, are a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. They are the center of a long-standing territorial dispute between China and Japan. “China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.”

Background and Context of the Dispute

The Senkaku Islands are strategically located and are thought to be rich in natural resources, including potential oil and gas reserves. The islands are currently administered by Japan, but both China and Taiwan claim sovereignty over them. The dispute over the islands has historical roots and has been a source of tension between Japan and China for decades.

Significance of the Dispute

The significance of the dispute lies not only in the potential resources but also in the strategic control of the surrounding sea lanes, which are some of the busiest in the world. The islands are also important for national pride and domestic politics in both countries.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

The islands are not artificial; they are naturally formed. There is no permanent American military base on the islands, and the United States has not taken an official position on the sovereignty of the islands. While the U.S. is a key ally of Japan and is bound by treaty to defend Japanese territory, it has remained neutral on the sovereignty issue while recognizing Japan’s administrative control.

Current State of Affairs

The tensions over the islands have led to diplomatic standoffs, protests, and occasional confrontations at sea. Both countries have increased their maritime patrols and nationalist sentiments often flare up when incidents occur near the islands. The dispute remains a sensitive and complex issue in Sino-Japanese relations.

Explanation : 

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1994, is the international agreement that defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.

Key Provisions of UNCLOS

1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baselines determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.

Therefore, all three statements given above are correct, and the correct answer is: 1, 2, and 3.

Explanation : 

India’s Solar Energy Developments

b) 2 only

1. Gujarat was home to one of the largest solar parks in India, the Charanka Solar Park. However, the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is considered the largest solar power plant in India by capacity. So, statement 1 is incorrect.
2. Kerala’s Cochin International Airport is the first fully solar-powered airport in the world. This statement is correct.
3. The largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India is not in Goa but in Ramagundam, Telangana. The project is developed by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited). Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.

Thus, only statement 2 is correct, making option b) the correct answer.

Source:- World’s largest floating solar power plant to be built in this Indian state | Mint (livemint.com)

Explanation : 

Organization of Turkic States Membership

The Organization of Turkic States (formerly known as the Turkic Council) is an international organization comprising some of the Turkic countries. The organization aims to promote cooperation between these countries in various fields such as economy, science, education, transportation, tourism, and more.

Current Members of the Organization

As of 14 Jan 2024, the members of the Organization of Turkic States are:

• Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Turkey
• Uzbekistan

Additionally, Hungary has observer status in the organization.

Clarification on Non-Member Countries

Armenia is not a member of the Organization of Turkic States. Armenia is not a Turkic country, and its relationships with some of the Turkic states, especially Azerbaijan, are strained due to historical conflicts like the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

Croatia is not a Turkic country, and it is not a member of the Organization of Turkic States. Croatia is a Slavic country located in Southeast Europe and is a member of the European Union.

Romania is not a Turkic country, and it is not a member of the Organization of Turkic States. Romania is a Romance-speaking country located in Southeast Europe.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is “2 and 5,” which means Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are the countries among the list that are members of the Organization of Turkic States.

Explanation : 

Bidibidi Refugee Settlement: Location and Population

The correct answer is indeed 2 and 3. Here’s why:
Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement, but it is not located in north-western Kenya. Bidibidi is actually in Uganda, near the border with South Sudan. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Growth of Bidibidi as a Refuge for South Sudanese

Bidibidi has indeed become a home for many people who fled the civil war in South Sudan. Since its establishment, it has grown to become one of the largest refugee settlements in the world, hosting hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese refugees. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

Dadaab Refugee Complex in Kenya

The Dadaab refugee complex is indeed located in Kenya, and it has historically hosted a large population of refugees from Somalia, who have been fleeing the ongoing conflict and instability in their country. Dadaab has been one of the world’s largest refugee camps for many years. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

In summary, Bidibidi is in Uganda and hosts South Sudanese refugees (making statement 2 correct), and Dadaab is in Kenya and has hosted Somali refugees (making statement 3 correct).

Explanation : 

High and Low Clouds

The two statements provided address the effects of high and low clouds on Earth’s climate, specifically in terms of their interactions with solar radiation and infrared radiation. Let’s examine each statement:

High Clouds and Solar Radiation

The first statement suggests that high clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth. However, this is not entirely accurate. High clouds, such as cirrus clouds, are thin and often composed of ice crystals. They do reflect some incoming solar radiation, but they also allow sunlight to pass through and reach the Earth’s surface. Furthermore, high clouds are effective at trapping outgoing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth, leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. Consequently, the net effect of high clouds on Earth’s climate can be warming, rather than cooling.

Low Clouds and Infrared Radiation

The second statement claims that low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause a warming effect. This statement is also not entirely correct. Low clouds, such as stratus clouds, are typically thicker and have a high albedo, meaning they are good at reflecting incoming solar radiation back into space, which tends to cool the Earth’s surface. While they do absorb some infrared radiation, they are more effective at reflecting it. The overall effect of low clouds is often a cooling one, as they reflect more sunlight than the amount of infrared radiation they trap.

Given the explanations above, the correct answer is “Neither 1 nor 2” because both statements contain inaccuracies regarding the effects of high and low clouds on Earth’s climate. High clouds can have a net warming effect due to their greenhouse properties, and low clouds generally have a net cooling effect because of their ability to reflect sunlight.