Prelims

Consider the following statements regarding environment issues of India: I. Gulf of Manner is one of the biosphere reserves. II. The Ganga Action Plan, phase II has been merged with the National River Conservation Plan. III. The National Museum of Natural History at New Delhi imparts non-formal education in environment and conservation. IV. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) acts as a decentralised information network for environmental information. Which of these statements are correct ?

The prices at which the Government purchases food grains for maintaining the public distribution system and for building up buffer-stocks is known as

Assertion (A): Ceiling on foreign exchange for a host of current account transaction heads was lowered in the year 2000. Reason (R): There was a fall in foreign currency assets also.

Assertion (A): During the Neap Tides, the high tide is lower and the low tide is higher than usual. Reason (R): The Neap Tide, unlike the Spring Tide, occurs on the New Moon instead of on the Full Moon.

Assertion (A): There was an increase in industrial production during 1999-2000. Reason (R): The period witnessed a stable exchange rate and improved business sentiments.

Assertion (A): India’s software exports increased at an average growth rate of 50% since 1995-96. Reason (R): Indian software companies were cost-effective and maintained international quality.

Assertion (A): Anti-cyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low. Reason (R): Winter rainfall in Northern India causes development of anticyclonic conditions with low temperatures.

Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly. Reason (R): He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.

Assertion (A): The Battle of Khanua was certainly more decisive and significant than the First Battle of Panipat. Reason (R): Rana Sanga, the Rajput hero, was certainly a more formidable adversary than Ibrahim Lodi.

Who amongst the following was the Chairman of ISRO when INSAT-3B was launched ?