Ans: D

Exp:

• • Coastal erosion is the loss of coastal lands due to the net removal of sediments or bedrock from the shoreline.

• Factors causing coastal erosion:

• • • Waves: It is due to the powerful waves generated by wind and tides erode the coastline over time.
      • The intensity of wave action depends on factors such as coastal geomorphology, wind patterns, and sea currents

• Sea level rise: Rising sea levels due to global warming and climate change contribute to coastal erosion.

• • • • As sea levels rise, waves reach farther inland, leading to erosion of coastal land.

• Sediment loss: Natural processes like coastal currents and longshore drift can cause the loss of sediment along the coastline.

• • • This reduces the availability of sediment to replenish eroded areas. Option (d) is correct.

Ans. C

Exp: 

• Statement 1 is correct:The Indian Constitution follows ‘asymmetrical’ federalism. 
  • Asymmetrical federalism is where some States and areas have more autonomy than others. 
    • In India, there are a few States/ areas that enjoy more autonomy or have special provisions under the Constitution than others.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Sixth Schedule is applicable to the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.
• Statement 3 is correct: Apart from the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, there are special provisions applicable to many of the northeastern States under Part XXI of the Constitution. 
  • These are contained in Articles 371A (Nagaland), 371B (Assam), 371C (Manipur), 371F (Sikkim), 371G (Mizoram) and 371H (Arunachal Pradesh). 
  • They provide for the protection of local customary laws and practices with respect to Nagaland and Mizoram; mandates committees of MLAs from ‘Tribal Areas’ and ‘Hill areas’ in Assam and Manipur respectively.

Ans: C

Exp:

• Statement 1 is correct: It is mainly composed of methane gas. 
• Biogas is a mixture of inflammable gases (methane, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, etc) produced by microbial activity that can be used as a fuel
• Statement 2 is not correct: Biogas is a naturally occurring and renewable energy source that is produced by the breakdown of organic matter.
  • It is preferred over other conventional energy fuels because it is a cleaner fuel, has no foul smell and can be used as a source of energy as it is inflammable.
• Statement 3  is correct: It is formed by the decomposition of cow dung in the absence of oxygen.
• Statement 4  is correct: It burns without smoke and leaves no residue. 
• Biogas is an excellent fuel because it contains up to 75% methane. It produces no smoke and produces no residue, unlike wood, charcoal, and coal burning.

Ans: D

Exp:

• Statement 2 is correct:Introduced in August 2005, the OCI scheme provides for registration of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on January 26, 1950, or thereafter, or were eligible to become citizens of India on the said date.
• Statement 3 is correct:An OCI card holder — essentially a foreign passport holder — gets a multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India, and is exempt from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in the country.
• Statement 1 is correct: An applicant is not eligible to get an OCI card if his/her parents or grandparents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh. 
  • However, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI, whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for not less than two years, can apply for an OCI card.

Ans: C

Exp:

• • The central government launched the five-year Cruise Bharat Mission, aiming to boost cruise tourism in India to 1 million passengers and create 400,000 jobs by 2029.
  • The mission aims to boost cruise tourism by doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029.
  • Statement 1 is correct:The mission includes setting up of a dedicated fund, easing of cabotage regulations and financial incentives.
  • Statement 2 is correct:The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is the nodal ministry of its implementation.

• Phased implementation:

• • Phase 1 (2024-2025): Conduct market studies, form cruise alliances, and modernize cruise terminals.
  • Phase 2 (2025-2027): Develop new cruise terminals and activate high-potential locations.
  • Phase 3 (2027-2029): Integrate cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent.