Aakriti Kankaria − Profile

i) The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) includes two initiatives related to forestry: 1. Green India Mission: This initiative aims to increase forest cover and improve the quality of forests in India. It focuses on afforestation, reforestation, and eco-restoration of degraded forests. 2. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: This mission includes measures to protect and enhance forest cover in the Himalayan region, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. ii) As a student, I can help create awareness on afforestation among my friends in school by: 1. Organizing tree-planting drives: I can initiate and lead tree-planting activities within the school premises or in nearby areas, involving my friends and classmates. 2. Creating informational posters: I can design and display posters highlighting the importance of forests and the benefits of afforestation in school corridors and classrooms. 3. Giving presentations: I can prepare and deliver short presentations during school assemblies or in classrooms about the significance of forests and how students can contribute to afforestation efforts. 4. Starting an eco-club: I can form a club dedicated to environmental issues, including afforestation, and encourage my friends to join and participate in various activities. 5. Using social media: I can create and share informative posts about afforestation on social media platforms popular among my peers to spread awareness beyond the school environment.

The passage describes a weather forecast from The Economic Times dated December 29, 2024. It predicts cold wave conditions for parts of northern India as they enter the new year. According to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast, cold to severe cold wave conditions are expected in some areas of: 1. Himachal Pradesh 2. Jammu and Kashmir 3. Punjab 4. Haryana 5. Rajasthan The cold wave is predicted to last from December 30 to January 11. This forecast suggests that residents and visitors in these areas should prepare for very low temperatures and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during this period.

c) Kalka-Shimla The Kalka-Shimla railway is a narrow gauge heritage route in India. It was built in 1903 to connect the summer capital of British India, Shimla, with the rest of the Indian rail system. This scenic 96 km long route passes through 103 tunnels and crosses 864 bridges, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas. It remains one of the few operational narrow gauge railways in India, preserved for its historical and tourism value.

c) Recycling The image illustrates the practice of recycling to reduce the impact of e-waste on the environment. Recycling involves collecting and processing used electronic devices and components to recover valuable materials and safely dispose of hazardous substances. This practice helps conserve natural resources, reduces pollution, and minimizes the amount of waste sent to landfills. Proper e-waste recycling also prevents toxic materials from contaminating soil and water sources.

The fibre being described is Cotton. Cotton is a natural, soft, and breathable fibre widely used in the textile industry. It is known for its durability, comfort, and versatility, making it a popular choice for clothing and bed linens. Cotton is predominantly grown in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra in India. Key characteristics of cotton: 1. Softness and comfort 2. Breathability 3. Durability 4. Absorbency 5. Versatility in textile applications Cotton cultivation is significant in Gujarat and Maharashtra due to suitable climate conditions and soil types. These states are among the largest producers of cotton in India, contributing significantly to the country's cotton production and textile industry.

(a) Khadins The correct answer is Khadins. This traditional rainwater harvesting technique, also known as dhora, is used in the arid regions of Rajasthan. Khadins are designed to harvest surface runoff water for agriculture. They consist of an earthen embankment built across the slope of a catchment to collect and store rainwater runoff from the catchment area. This stored water is then used for crop irrigation and drinking purposes. (a) Brass The correct answer for the second part of the question is Brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is formed by combining copper (primary metal) with zinc in various proportions, typically ranging from 65% to 90% copper and 35% to 10% zinc. Brass is known for its golden color, corrosion resistance, and acoustic properties, making it popular in musical instruments, decorative items, and various industrial applications.

The traditional rainwater harvesting technique used in certain parts of Rajasthan, which involves creating small earthen check dams to capture and store rainwater for agricultural and drinking purposes, is called Khadin. Khadins are an ancient water harvesting system particularly suited to the arid regions of Rajasthan. They help in conserving soil and water in areas with low and erratic rainfall.

The traditional rainwater harvesting technique used in certain parts of Rajasthan, which involves creating small earthen check dams to capture and store rainwater for agricultural and drinking purposes, is called Khadin. Khadins are an ancient water harvesting system particularly suited to the arid regions of Rajasthan. They help in conserving soil and water in areas with low and erratic rainfall.

c) Terrace farming Reasoning: Terrace farming is a technique used in hilly or mountainous areas to create level surfaces for cultivation on steep slopes. This method helps prevent soil erosion, conserves water, and allows for farming in areas that would otherwise be difficult to cultivate. iii) Stilted roots: Littoral Forest Reasoning: Stilted roots are a common adaptation found in trees of littoral forests, which are coastal forests growing along shorelines. These specialized roots help the trees anchor themselves in unstable, water-logged soils and provide better access to oxygen in poorly aerated environments. a) Mahogany: Furniture Reasoning: Mahogany is a high-quality hardwood prized for its durability, rich color, and beautiful grain. It is extensively used in the furniture industry for making premium furniture pieces due to its strength and aesthetic appeal. b) Sandalwood: Tropical deciduous forest Reasoning: Sandalwood trees are commonly found in tropical deciduous forests. These forests experience distinct wet and dry seasons, which suit the growth requirements of sandalwood trees. The valuable aromatic wood of sandalwood is harvested from these forests for various purposes, including perfumes, incense, and carvings.