Answer: D

Explanation:

Rill erosion is the first stage of soil erosion, where small channels form on the soil surface due to water flow. These channels can be caused by heavy rains, irrigation or runoff from roads or other areas. Rill erosion can be a significant problem in agricultural fields, as it can lead to the loss of topsoil and nutrients. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.

Sheet erosion is the second stage of soil erosion, where a thin layer of topsoil is removed uniformly across the field. This type of erosion is caused by water flowing over the soil surface. The water can be from rain, irrigation or runoff from other areas. Sheet erosion is a serious problem because it can remove a significant amount of topsoil in a short period of time. Topsoil is the most fertile layer of soil and it is essential for plant growth. When topsoil is lost, it can take many years for it to be replaced. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.

Gully erosion is the third and most advanced stage of soil erosion. It occurs when water flowing over the soil surface is concentrated in a narrow channel, causing the soil to be eroded away. Gullies can be several feet deep and hundreds of feet long. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

Splash erosion is the process of soil particles being detached and moved by raindrops hitting the soil surface. It is the first stage of soil erosion and it can lead to the formation of rills and gullies. This erosion is caused by the impact of raindrops on the soil surface. When raindrops hit the soil they create a force that can detach soil particles and move them away from the impact site. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 and currently has 171 Contracting Parties. The Convention defines wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters." Hence, statement I is correct.

The Ramsar Convention focuses on the conservation of wetlands, not marine biodiversity. Marine biodiversity is the diversity of life in the ocean. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international treaty that focuses on the conservation of marine biodiversity. Hence, statement II is correct.

Here, statements I and II both are correct and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

ESAs are designated regions that are important for the conservation of biodiversity. They are typically found in areas with high biodiversity, such as forests, wetlands and mountains. In these areas, human activities are regulated to protect the environment and biodiversity. The main purpose of ESAs is to conserve biodiversity. This is done by regulating human activities that could harm the environment or biodiversity. For example, mining, logging and construction are often restricted or prohibited in ESAs. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

ESAs also help to provide ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from the environment. For example, forests provide us with clean air and water, wetlands help to regulate floods, and mountains provide us with scenic beauty. They are an important tool for the conservation of biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services. They help to protect our natural environment and ensure that we can continue to benefit from it in the future. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is a central legislation in India that provides for the protection and conservation of wild animals, birds and plants. It is the principal legislation governing wildlife in India. The Act prohibits the hunting, killing, trapping, poisoning and sale of wild animals. It also establishes a number of protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and bird sanctuaries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is a central legislation in India that aims to conserve the biological diversity of the country and regulate access to biological resources. The Act defines biological diversity as "the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems." The Act establishes a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) to oversee the implementation of the Act. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is a central legislation in India that is primarily concerned with the prevention and control of water pollution. The Act prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into any water body without a permit from the appropriate authority. It also establishes a number of standards for the quality of water in different water bodies. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is a statutory body responsible for the conservation and management of the Ganga river basin. It was established by the Government of India in 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The NGRBA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and has as its members the Union Ministers concerned, the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows and other dignitaries. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It was established in 2007 under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It was established in 1992 under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.