Question Discussion & Solution

A matter is something that occupies space, has shape, mass and volume. It can be categorized in the following categories:

• Solid: Solids are those, whose molecules are bounded tightly, hence the distance between them is the least.
  • The molecules are fixed in a position.
  • It has definite shape as well as mass.
  • It has a high density.
  • In this, vibration is the least because of tightly bound molecules
• Liquid: In this particles are more loosely packed as compared to solids. It can flow.
• Gas: In this, the molecules have a great space between them. It has no definite shape and volume.
• Plasma: It is an ionized gas substance that has sufficient energy to provide free electrons from molecules.

Concept:

• Water Harvesting: Water harvesting is a practice to conserve water by collecting rainwater in an organized way.
  • The rainwater is not allowed to flow and get wasted but collected in tanks.
  • The main purpose however is not the collection but the enhancement of groundwater level.  
  • The collected water through tubes is made to recharge groundwater.
  • Maintenance of groundwater is long term sustainable structure for water conservation.

Here the logic is the methods which consumes water:

Explanation:

Kneading:

• Kneading is a process in the making of dough by mixing water and flour.
• Example: Kneading dough for roti. 
• Consumes water

Swimming also need water to do so.

Washing clothes is also a process that consumes.

While combing hair, no need of water.

The correct answer is Chambal River.

• Kota is situated on the bank of the Chambal River.

Key Points

Important cites on the riverbank in India​

The correct answer is Ficus benghalensis.

• The botanical name of the banyan tree is Ficus benghalensis.

Additional Information

• Azadirachta indica is the botanical name of Neem Tree.
• Ficus religiosa is the botanical name of the fig tree.
• Ocimum tenuiflorum is the botanical name of holy basil.

UPDATE -  the number of wetlands in India has increased to 42.

Key Points

The Ramsar Convention:

• Ramsar Convention, 1971: on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands
• The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
• The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Since then, almost 90% of UN member states, from all the world’s geographic regions, have acceded to become “Contracting Parties”.
• India is a party to the Ramsar Convention. India signed under it on 1st February 1982.
• Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were recognized as the first Ramsar Sites of India
• Sundarbans is the largest Ramsar Site of India
• On 2nd February 2021, India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management has been set up in Chennai.
• There are 42 wetlands in India that have international importance and hence recognized as the Ramsar Sites in India. Ramsar Sites are wetlands that have international importance.

Three Pillars:

• ​Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to:
  • work towards the wise use of all their wetlands;
  • designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective management;
  • cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, and shared species.

The Montreux record:

• The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference.
• It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.