Ans: A

Exp:
Gravity-based structures (GBS) are fixed structures that are held in place against environmental actions solely by their weight plus that of any contained ballast, together with foundation resistance resulting from their weight and lateral resistance from any skirts. The majority of gravity structures are constructed of concrete, although a very limited number have been built of steel.

• GBSs have been utilised mostly for upstream oil projects. So far, only one has been built for LNG-Adriatic LNG in Italy and the only liquefaction facility (which converts gas to LNG) would be Russia’s Arctic LNG 2.
• GBS LNG units offer a safer working environment because sea wave volatility does not affect its structural stability. There is no extra pressure on ports. It has an offshore landfall point, and the pipeline to land is from under the seabed. So, it doesn’t need a large footprint on land. 
• A GBS unit can be hauled to another offshore location and handed over to another operator. So, the economic life of the asset is much longer, and it can be evacuated to a new market if, for any reason, it cannot continue to operate at the initial location.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Cancer is a disease of the genome. It is caused by changes in genes that cause some cells to divide in an uncontrolled way. These changes can be inherited or acquired. Inherited genetic variants form the basis of many hereditary cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer.

Statement 2 is correct: A non-communicable disease (NCD)  is a disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another. NCDs include Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases, strokes, heart diseases, cancers, diabetes etc. 

Ans: C

Exp:

The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve was declared officially in the year 1978 and has been recognized by the Project Tiger in the year 1983. This Reserve has been renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1992. It is one of the biggest tiger reserves in our country.

Statement 1 is correct: It is situated in the deciduous Nallamala forests.

Statement 2 is correct: The Krishna river which rises in Sahyadri Hills and makes its way through Maharashtra and Karnataka flows across Nallamala tiger reserve. 

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Scheme entails provisions for financial assistance for various fisheries’ activities, including seaweed cultivation.

Seaweed is globally seen as an important source of nutrients and as a carbon sequester hence its growth and uses are important for mitigating environmental degradation, balancing marine ecosystems and fulfilling nutritional requirements for the human population. The economic importance of seaweed in India stems from its contributions to agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aquaculture, and the potential for biofuel production. It generates employment, supports the blue economy, and offers export opportunities.

Statement 2 is correct: PMMSY scheme primarily focuses on adopting ‘Cluster or Area based approaches’ and creation of Fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages. Special focus will be given for employment generation activities such as seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation. It emphasises interventions for quality brood, seed and feed, special focus on species diversification, critical infrastructure, marketing networks etc.

Statement 3 is incorrect:  e- Gopala app the digital platform is helping farmers in managing livestock including buying and selling of disease free germplasm in all forms (semen, embryos, etc); availability of quality breeding services and guiding farmers for animal nutrition, treatment of animals using appropriate ayurvedic medicine/ethno veterinary medicine. 

The app also sends alerts to farmers (on due date for vaccination, pregnancy diagnosis, calving etc) and informs farmers about various government schemes and campaigns in the area.

Ans: A

Exp:

Laughing gull, a migratory bird from North America, has been sighted for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district, Kerala. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. 

The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls and has travelled thousands of kilometres to reach the southern State. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 

Their habitat is Coastal and island marshes, bays, beaches, and dredge-spoil sites.