Explanation : 

Factors Contributing to the Drying of Lake Faguibine

Several factors have contributed to the drying of Lake Faguibine:

1. Climate Change: The Sahel region, where Lake Faguibine is located, has been subject to prolonged periods of drought since the late 20th century. Climate change has exacerbated these conditions, leading to reduced rainfall and higher temperatures, which increase evaporation rates.

2. Water Management: Upstream water management, including the construction of dams and irrigation systems, has altered the natural flow of the Niger River. This has reduced the amount of water reaching Lake Faguibine and other lakes in the region.

3. Overuse of Resources: The increasing demand for agricultural land and water for irrigation has led to the overuse of the limited water resources available, further depleting the lake.

4. Desertification: The process of desertification in the region, partly due to human activities such as overgrazing and deforestation, has also contributed to the drying of the lake.

As a result of these factors, Lake Faguibine has shrunk significantly, and large portions of the lakebed have become dry, leading to the loss of aquatic habitats, affecting local biodiversity, and impacting the livelihoods of the communities that depend on the lake for fishing, agriculture, and livestock.

In contrast to Lake Faguibine, the other lakes listed—Lake Victoria, Lake Oguta, and Lake Volta—have not experienced the same level of drying and desertification. Lake Victoria is one of the African Great Lakes and is the largest lake in Africa by area. Lake Oguta is a smaller lake in Nigeria, and Lake Volta is a large reservoir in Ghana formed by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River. These lakes continue to hold significant amounts of water, although they may face their own environmental challenges.

Explanation : 

System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agricultural methodology aimed at increasing the yield of rice produced in farming. It is a low-water, labor-intensive method that changes how rice is grown around the world.

Reduced seed requirement

SRI practices involve planting young and singly spaced seedlings, which means fewer seeds are needed to plant the same area of land compared to traditional methods where seeds are often broadcast more densely. This can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of seed required for planting.

Reduced methane production

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and rice paddies are a significant source of methane emissions due to the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in the flooded fields. SRI involves alternate wetting and drying of fields rather than continuous flooding, which introduces oxygen into the soil and reduces the anaerobic conditions that lead to methane production. As a result, SRI can lead to a reduction in methane emissions from rice cultivation.

Reduced electricity consumption

In many agricultural regions, water for irrigation is pumped from underground sources or diverted from rivers using electric pumps. Since SRI requires less water due to the alternate wetting and drying cycles, there is a reduced need for irrigation. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in the electricity consumed for pumping water, assuming that electric pumps are used for irrigation.

Therefore, all three outcomes (1, 2, and 3) are associated with the adoption of the System of Rice Intensification, making the correct answer “1, 2 and 3“.

Explanation : 

Rice Cultivation: A Major Source of Greenhouse Gases

Rice cultivation is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) among the crops listed. The primary reason for this is the unique water management and soil conditions associated with paddy fields, where rice is typically grown.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential many times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. It is produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in waterlogged soils, which is a common condition in rice paddies. When rice fields are flooded, oxygen levels in the water drop, creating an anaerobic environment that is conducive to the activity of methanogenic archaea, microorganisms that produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism.

Role of Water Management in Methane Emission

Water management in rice paddies is a critical factor in methane emission. The flooding of fields leads to anaerobic conditions necessary for methanogenic archaea to thrive. These microorganisms are responsible for the production of methane in the absence of oxygen.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Rice Paddies

Nitrous oxide, another powerful greenhouse gas with a long atmospheric lifetime, is produced by the microbial processes of nitrification and denitrification in soils. These processes are influenced by factors such as soil type, temperature, moisture, and the availability of nitrogen from fertilizers. In rice paddies, the application of nitrogenous fertilizers and the alternating wet and dry conditions can enhance the production of nitrous oxide.

Comparing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Different Crops

While other crops like wheat and sugarcane also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when fertilizers are used, the waterlogged conditions specific to rice cultivation make it a more significant source of both methane and nitrous oxide. Cotton, on the other hand, is not typically associated with waterlogged conditions and therefore does not contribute as significantly to methane emissions, although it can be a source of nitrous oxide due to fertilizer use.

Explanation : 

Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds a significant role within the Indian parliamentary system. Understanding the rules and conventions that govern this position is essential for grasping the functioning of India’s democracy.

Election Date Set by Speaker

As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of the Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix. This aligns with Rule 8 of the said rules, confirming the statement as correct.

No Mandatory Provision for Party Affiliation

Contrary to some beliefs, there is no mandatory provision that dictates the election of a Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha to be necessarily from the principal opposition party or the ruling party. This absence of a constitutional or procedural mandate makes the second statement incorrect.

Powers of the Deputy Speaker

When the Deputy Speaker presides over a sitting of the House, they wield the same powers as that of the Speaker. No appeal can be made against the rulings of the Deputy Speaker, thus emphasizing the authority and finality of their decisions.

Appointment Practice

It is a common misconception that the motion for the election of the Deputy Speaker is exclusively moved by the Speaker and seconded by the Prime Minister. In reality, any member of the House can move the motion, which is typically done by consensus. This clarifies that the fourth statement is incorrect.

Explanation : 

Lok Sabha Exclusive Powers in India’s Bicameral Parliament

The Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament, holds several key powers within the government structure. Among these powers, some are exclusive to the Lok Sabha, distinguishing its role from that of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house.

Ratification of Emergency Declaration

The power to ratify a declaration of Emergency is not exclusive to the Lok Sabha. Both Houses of Parliament, which include the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, need to approve the proclamation of Emergency within one month of the issuance. This approval requires a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, as per Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.

No-Confidence Motion Against the Council of Ministers

The Lok Sabha does have the exclusive power to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers. This is a significant power as the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If a motion of no-confidence is passed by the Lok Sabha, the Council of Ministers is obligated to resign. The provision for this power is found in Article 75 of the Indian Constitution.

Impeachment of the President of India

The impeachment process of the President of India is not an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha. It can be initiated by either House of Parliament. The process involves the signing of impeachment charges by one-fourth of the members of the House and a subsequent 14-day notice period to the President. Following the framing of charges, they must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of that House. The other House then investigates the charges, and if they also pass the resolution by a two-thirds majority of the total membership, the President is impeached as outlined in Article 61 of the Indian Constitution.

In conclusion, among the options provided, the exclusive power of the Lok Sabha is “2 only,” which refers to the ability to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers.

Explanation : 

Countries Sharing a Border with Afghanistan

Among the listed countries, the ones that share a border with Afghanistan are:

3. Tajikistan

It shares a significant border with Afghanistan to the south, which includes a long stretch along the Panj River and the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land connecting Afghanistan with China.

4. Turkmenistan

It has a border with Afghanistan to the southeast. The border is relatively short compared to Tajikistan’s and runs along the Amu Darya River.

5. Uzbekistan

It shares a border with Afghanistan to the south. The border is not very long and is marked by the Amu Darya River as well.

The other two countries listed do not border Afghanistan:

1. Azerbaijan: It is located to the northwest of the Caspian Sea and does not share a border with Afghanistan. It is separated from Afghanistan by the Caspian Sea and several countries, including Turkmenistan and Iran.

2. Kyrgyzstan: It is located further to the northeast and does not share a border with Afghanistan. It is separated from Afghanistan by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Therefore, the correct answer is “3, 4 and 5 only” as these are the countries that have borders with Afghanistan.

Note: Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia and Central Asia. It shares its borders with the following countries:

1. Pakistan to the east and south.
2. Iran to the west.
3. Turkmenistan to the northwest.
4. Uzbekistan to the north.
5. Tajikistan to the north and northeast.
6. China to the far northeast (specifically the region of Xinjiang), though this border is very short compared to the others.

Explanation : 

Indian Constitution: Ministerial Ranks and the 91st Amendment

The Constitution of India does not explicitly classify ministers into four ranks. The classification into Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State, and Deputy Minister is more of a convention that has developed through practice within the parliamentary system of government. It is not specified in the Constitution itself. The Constitution does mention the Council of Ministers and their responsibility to aid and advise the President, but it does not go into the specifics of the different ranks.

The 91st Amendment and its Implications

The 91st Amendment to the Constitution of India, made in 2003, added a provision that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha. This is mentioned in Article 75(1A) of the Constitution. The purpose of this amendment was to prevent an excessively large number of ministers in the government, which could lead to an unnecessary burden on the public exchequer and could also be seen as a means to create political patronage.

Explanation : 

Pairs of Peaks and Himalayan Regions

Let’s evaluate each pair:

1. Namcha Barwa – Garhwal Himalaya

Namcha Barwa is not located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is actually situated in the easternmost part of the Himalayas, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Therefore, this pair is not correctly matched.

2. Nanda Devi – Kumaon Himalaya

Nanda Devi is indeed located in the Kumaon Himalayas, which is a region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in India and the highest entirely within the country (Kangchenjunga being on the border with Nepal). This pair is correctly matched.

3. Nokrek – Sikkim Himalaya

Nokrek is not a peak in the Sikkim Himalayas. It is actually a hill located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, India, and is known for the Nokrek National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Therefore, this pair is not correctly matched.

Given the above explanations, the correct answer is “2 only,” meaning that only the second pair (Nanda Devi – Kumaon Himalaya) is correctly matched.

Explanation : 

Household Financial Savings and Government Borrowings

In India, household savings are a significant source of funds for the government. Households invest in various financial instruments such as bank deposits, pension funds, insurance schemes, and government securities. A portion of these savings is channeled into government borrowings through the purchase of government bonds and securities. This helps the government to finance its deficit and undertake public expenditures.

Role of Dated Securities in Government’s Internal Debt

The Indian government raises funds through the issuance of dated securities, which are long-term government bonds with a fixed maturity date. These securities are issued at market-related rates, meaning that the interest rates are determined by the demand and supply dynamics in the market. The government conducts auctions for these securities, where various financial institutions and investors bid to purchase them. These dated securities constitute a large portion of the government’s internal debt, which is the debt owed by the government to domestic creditors.

Explanation : 

Process of Amending the Indian Constitution

The process of amending the Indian Constitution is a critical aspect of the country’s parliamentary democracy. This process is governed by Article 368 of the Indian Constitution, which lays down the procedure for its amendment. Here’s an in-depth look at the statements provided to clarify the procedure.

Presidential Recommendation for Constitution Amendment Bills

Contrary to the first statement, a Constitution Amendment Bill does not require a prior recommendation of the President of India to be introduced in the Parliament. Members of either House of Parliament can introduce such a bill without the President’s recommendation. However, for amendments that affect the federal structure, ratification by state legislatures is necessary.

Presidential Assent to Constitution Amendment Bills

The second statement is accurate as it highlights the obligatory nature of the President’s assent. Once a Constitution Amendment Bill has been passed by both Houses of Parliament with the required special majority, the President must give his/her assent, thereby making it mandatory.

Special Majority and No Provision for Joint Sitting

The third statement correctly mentions that a Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha with a special majority. Additionally, it emphasizes that there is no provision for a joint sitting in case of a deadlock between the two Houses, which is a unique aspect of the amendment process.

In conclusion, statements 2 and 3 provide an accurate representation of the constitutional amendment process in India, while statement 1 does not align with the procedural requirements as per the Indian Constitution.