Answer : B

Explanation :
• Statement 1 is correct because The SATHI Portal (Seed Authentication Traceability and Holistic Inventory) is a key feature of the NMEO Oilseeds mission.
o It will facilitate a 5 year rolling seed plan to ensure the timely availability of high quality seeds for farmers.
o The portal will enable states to establish advance tie ups with seed producing agencies including cooperatives Farmer Producer Organizations FPOs and government or private seed corporations ensuring a steady supply of certified seeds.

• Statement 2 is incorrect as India currently meets only 43% of its domestic edible oil demand through domestic production, with the remaining 57% imported.
  o The mission aims to increase domestic production to meet 72% of the projected domestic requirement by 2030-31, reducing import dependency.
  o Major sources of edible oil imports include Indonesia, Malaysia, and Argentina, which supply palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, respectively.
• Statement 3 is correct as The mission aims to expand oilseed cultivation by 40 lakh hectares by targeting rice and potato fallow lands, promoting intercropping, and encouraging crop diversification.
  o This expansion will help utilize underutilized agricultural land, enhance farmer income, and reduce reliance on imports.
  o The mission also emphasizes the adoption of high yielding high oil content seed varieties and advanced technologies like genome editing to improve productivity.
  o Additionally, the development of 600 Value Chain Clusters across 347 districts will provide farmers with access to high quality seeds, training on Good Agricultural Practices GAP, and advisory services on weather and pest management.

Answer : C

Explanation : A rift valley is a linear-shaped lowland between several highlands or mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic rift or fault. It is formed due to the tectonic plates pulling apart, causing the land to sink and form a valley.

• The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward for approximately 1,312 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It passes through Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, supporting agriculture in these regions.
  o The Narmada River flows through a rift valley and has several tributaries, including the Burhner, Banjar, and Tawa rivers. Several hydroelectric projects, such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Indira Sagar Dam, are located on the Narmada River. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• The Tapti River originates from Multai in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward for approximately 724 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It passes through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, supporting agriculture in these regions.
  o The Tapti River flows through a rift valley and has several tributaries, including the Purna, Girna, and Bori rivers. Several hydroelectric projects, such as the Ukai Dam and the Kakrapar Dam, are located on the Tapti River. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• The Mahi River originates from the Minda village in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward for approximately 860 km before emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat. It passes through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, supporting agriculture in these regions.
  o The Mahi River flows through a rift valley and has several tributaries, including the Som, Anas, and Panam rivers. Several hydroelectric projects, such as the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam and the Kadana Dam, are located on the Mahi River. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• The Sabarmati River originates from the Dhebar Lake in Rajasthan and flows westward for approximately 371 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It passes through Rajasthan and Gujarat, supporting agriculture in these regions. Unlike the other three rivers, the Sabarmati River does not flow through a rift valley.
  o It has several tributaries, including the Wakal and Hathmati rivers. Several hydroelectric projects, such as the Dhebar Dam and the Hathmati Dam, are located on the Sabarmati River. Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect.

Answer : B

Explanation :
• Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, at an elevation of 5,430 m (17,800 ft) according to the Government of Sikkim. It is located in the Great Himalayas in the Mangan District in the Indian state of Sikkim, and considered sacred by Buddhists and Sikhs. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, who visited it in the 8th century.
• Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is another high-altitude lake in Sikkim, India. It is a glacial lake revered by Buddhists.
• Sela Lake is a high-altitude lake situated in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is a glacial lake considered sacred by Buddhists.

Answer : B

Explanation : The "laterite soil" of India is primarily formed due to the weathering of Basalt rock, with limestone also contributing in some areas, under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to a process called laterization where soluble minerals are leached away leaving behind iron and aluminum oxides that characterize laterite soil.

• Formation of Laterite Soil:
  • Laterite soil is formed under hot and wet tropical climates with high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
  • It results from the leaching process, where silica is washed away, leaving behind iron and aluminum oxides.
  • The parent rocks for laterite soil are typically rich in iron and aluminum, such as basalt, granite, gneiss, and limestone.

Characteristics of Laterite Soil:

1. Color: Reddish-brown due to the presence of iron oxides.
2. Texture: Porous and friable when wet, but hardens like a brick when exposed to air and sunlight.
3. Fertility: Generally low in fertility due to the leaching of nutrients liker silica, lime, and magnesium.
4. Acidity: Highly acidic in nature, which limits its agricultural productivity.

Mineral Content: Rich in iron and aluminum oxides but poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.

Answer : C

Explanation :
• Statement 1 is correct as Satopanth Glacier is a prominent glacier located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It lies near the Chaukhamba peak and is a source of the Alaknanda River.
• Statement 2 is incorrect as Batura Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the world, and it is situated in the Karakoram Range. (Glacier Guide also)
• Statement 3 is correct as The Kafni Glacier is located in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi. The glacier gives rise to the Kafni River, which is a tributary of the Pindar River. The Pindar River is a tributary to the Alaknanda River, which eventually is one of the two headstreams of the Ganges.
• Statement 4 is incorrect as Milam Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Kumaon Himalayas. It is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and is part of the Kumaon Himalayas.