Answer: (c)
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is primarily designed for launching communication satellites, not earth observation or remote sensing satellites. GSLV is used to deploy satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO), allowing them to orbit the Earth once a day at an altitude of approximately 37,000 km.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
• GSLV is a space launch vehicle developed and operated by ISRO to deploy satellites and other space objects into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).
• Satellites in GTO orbit the Earth once a day at an altitude of approximately 37,000 km, maintaining a relatively fixed position over the ground.
• GSLV boasts the capability to place heavier payloads (up to 5,000 kg) into orbit compared to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which can carry payloads of up to 2000 kg into space at altitudes ranging from 600 to 900 km.
• While PSLV primarily serves for delivering earth observation or remote sensing satellites, GSLV is primarily designed for launching communication satellites.
• GSLV places satellites into a higher elliptical orbit known as GTO.
• This 3-stage launcher features strap-on motors for added thrust.
• The first stage employs a solid rocket motor with four liquid engine strap-on motors, generating maximum thrust.
• The second stage utilizes a liquid rocket engine known as the Vikas engine.
• The third stage is powered by a Cryogenic engine, which uses liquefied oxygen and hydrogen as fuel.
• GSLV MKIII, now designated as Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3).
• •Approved in 2002, the GSLV MKIII Project aimed to develop a launch vehicle capable of deploying a 4-ton (4000 kg) class satellite into Geosynchronous orbit, using indigenous technology.
• GSLV MKIII is structured as a 3-stage vehicle featuring two solid strap-on motors (S200), recognized as among the largest globally, along with a liquid core stage and a high-thrust Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).

Answer: (b)
Rip Currents flow from the Open Ocean towards the beach.
Rip Currents are strong flows of water that run from a beach back to the Open Ocean, sea, or lake. They are one of the most well-known coastal hazards and typically flow from the shore towards the sea. This motion can carry floating objects, including people, out to just beyond the zone of the breaking waves. Option b) correctly identifies the direction of flow of rip currents.

Answer: (c)
The riverine areas or islands formed by the Brahmaputra River, locally known as “Char/Chapori”.
Char Areas refer to the riverine islands formed by the Brahmaputra River in its course. These areas, locally known as “Char/Chapori,” experience a unique pattern of migration due to erosion and deposition processes. They are subjected to erosion on their upstream sides and deposition on their downstream sides, leading to their migration downstream over time. This movement affects the geometry and location of the Char Areas, particularly during floods. Option c correctly identifies Char Areas as the riverine areas or islands formed by the Brahmaputra River.

Answer: (b)
Statement 2 is correct, 1 is not correct.
India’s definition of Forests
• The definition of forest cover has clearly been defined in all the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) and in all the International communications of India.
• The forest cover is defined as ‘all land, more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10 percent irrespective of ownership and legal status.
• Such land may not necessarily be a recorded forest area.
• It also includes orchards, bamboo and palm’.

Answer: (d)
Both La Nina and El Nino are associated with the Pacific Ocean.
La Nina is the name given to the situation when the West equatorial Pacific becomes exceptionally warm and the East Equatorial Pacific becomes exceptionally cold. It is the opposite of the El Nino situation.
La Nina has an effect on the Indian monsoon. It is associated with excess rainfall during the monsoon season.