51) Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective?
(a)  It was the hot theater during the Second World War
(b)  Its location between the Asian powers of China and India
(c)  It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period
(d)  Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its pre-eminent maritime character


52) Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following ?
1.   Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2.   Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)  1 only
(b)  2 only
(c)  Both 1 and 2
(d)  Neither 1 nor 2


53) Regarding the International Monetary Fund, which one of the following statements is correct ?
(a)  It can grant loans to any country
(b)  It can grant loans to only developed countries
(c)  It grants loans to only member countries
(d)  It can grant loans to the central bank of a country


54) Recently, the USA decided to support India's membership in multi-lateral export control regimes called the "Australia Group" and the "Wassenaar Arrangement". What is the difference between them ?
1.   The Australia Group is an informal arrangement which aims to allow exporting countries to minimize the risk of assisting chemical and biological weapons proliferation, whereas the Wassenaar Arrangement is a formal group under the OECD holding identical objectives.
2.   The Australia Group comprises predominantly of Asian, African and North American countries, whereas the member countries of Wassenaar Arrangement are pre-dominantly from the European Union and American continents.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)  1 only
(b)  2 only
(c)  Both 1 and 2
(d)  Neither 1 nor 2


55) Consider the following statements :
1.   Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2.   Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a)  1 only
(b)  2 only
(c)  Both 1 and 2
(d)  Neither 1 nor 2



56) The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge ?
(a)  The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
(b)  The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
(c)  The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami
(d)  The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots


57) Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land ?
(a)  It greatly increases the crop production
(b)  It makes some soils impermeable
(c)  It raises the water table
(d)  It fills the air spaces in the soil with water


58) The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
1.   Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2.   Threatened plant and animal species.
3.   Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a)  1 and 3
(b)  2 only
(c)  2 and 3
(d)  3 only



59) Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways :
1.   Soil formation.
2.   Prevention of soil erosion
3.   Recycling of waste
4.   Pollination of crops

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a)  1, 2 and 3 only
(b)  2, 3 and 4 only
(c)  1 and 4 only
(d)  1, 2, 3 and 4


60) Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
(a)  Biosphere Reserve
(b)  Botanical Garden
(c)  National Park
(d)  Wildlife Sanctuary