1. Consider the following statements regarding Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs):
- They can be declared by the state government under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- They serve as a type of in-situ conservation.
- Commercial use of natural water and erection of electrical cables are prohibited activities in ESZs.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2]
Notes:
ESZs are notified by the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not by state governments under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. They promote in-situ conservation of biodiversity. Activities like commercial use of natural water and erection of electrical cables are typically restricted, not outright prohibited. Hence, only statement 2 is correct.
2. Which of the following countries are members of the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA)?
- India
- Philippines
- Taiwan
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
Select the correct option using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
India, Philippines, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives are all members of the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA). India is a founding member. The 2022 executive board included all these nations, and AAEA currently has 20 Asian election bodies as members. The association was established in 1998 to foster cooperation among Asian election authorities.
3. Consider the following statements:
- A cloning vector is a small DNA fragment that should be capable of functioning in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
- Plasmids act as vectors that encode proteins essential for their own replication.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Neither 1 nor 2
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Both statements are correct. A cloning vector must be able to function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts to facilitate gene transfer. Plasmids, a type of natural cloning vector found in various organisms, possess self-replicating abilities due to genes encoding replication proteins. Their reliable replication mechanism enables effective gene cloning and manipulation.
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