Answer: C

Explanation:

The major grasses of the Indian Savanna are Darkantium, Sehima, Phragmites saccharum, Sancrum, Iperata and Lasiurus. Generally, the woody species of Savanna are the residual species of those forests from which Savanna originated. Common trees and shrubs of Savanna are Prosopis, Xiphis, Capparis, Ekosia, Veutia etc. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

A large number of herbivores, from microscopic insects to large mammals, are found in grasslands. Rats, deer, dogs, buffaloes, mongoose are the commonly found animals. The one-horned rhinoceros is one of the vulnerable animals found in the grasslands of this region in north-eastern India. A large number of birds are also found in the grasslands. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

According to the definition of desertification, it is a process of land degradation becoming unproductive in which the land of arid, semi-arid and waterless semi-humid areas turns into desert due to various reasons including climate change and human activities. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated every year on 17 June by the United Nations since 1995 to spread awareness about desertification at the global level. Desertification and drought prevention are also part of the Rio de Janeiro Environment Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals. It is noteworthy that the theme of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought for the year 2018 is "Land has to value-invest in it". Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) published a report on air quality of 9 major cities based on data collected in 1970 and 2010. This report was published in the name of air quality of some selected cities of India. The main reasons for increasing air pollution in cities include smoke emitted from vehicles, industrial units, power plants and burning of garbage or crop residues, etc. As the urban area expands, the demand for energy also increases along with the increase in transportation means. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) published a report on air quality of 9 major cities based on data collected in 1970 and 2010. This report was published in the name of Air Quality in Selected Cities in India. It is clear from the NEERI report that the amount of air pollutants in cities has almost doubled the prescribed limit. This situation remains dire in the current report. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Dust is present in the natural environment as solid particles. This is deadly pollution. We have to face dust while traveling and at workplaces, the deadly pollutants present in which not only harm our respiratory system but also reduce the efficiency of the lungs. Due to this, the person becomes short of breath and if the situation worsens, he may even die. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Excess of dust also affects the heart. The adverse effects of dust on health depend on the concentration of dust in the air, the duration of the exposure to dust, how fine the dust particles are and what are their chemical components. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.