Which of the following is not true as per the passage?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

It came as a shock to learn that the world’s cattle population of 1,530 million plays a bigger role in effecting global warming than all of the world’s cars taken together. This is no gimmick; a United Nations report not only makes such a shocking claim, but also backs it up with the requisite data.

Cattle also supplement the depletion of our forests and water bodies; this is mostly the case in developing countries where the number of cattle per human is high. The high proportion of cattle in developing countries is because the people there are dependent on cattle more than their counterparts in the west. As the population of the world multiplies at alarming rates, the stress on natural resources increases manifold. Dwindling of the natural resources is a prominent concern for all.

This United Nations report has ominous signs, especially for India, as the country proudly says that it has 18 per cent of the world’s cattle. Even with the presence of sacred and holy attachments towards cattle, their numbers are diminishing. Vastly considered a taboo, government figures indicate that conscious culling of cattle is widespread all through the sub-continent. This, of course, has lead to a steady decrease in the number of cattle. A big portion of the total cattle population in such countries is old, sterile and is left to die of hunger. When they wander onto a farm, they are mercilessly beaten. Some lucky or unlucky ones, depending on your perspective, die a peaceful death from poisonous substances or after asphyxiating from plastic bags. The carcasses are of no use and are left on their own.

Despite of all the facts which advocate the reduction in the number of cattles, it is quite improbable that we will see any policies, such as a "flatulence tax" put into effect by the politicians; policies which may help both the cattle and humans in the long run.

The term 'flatulence tax' has been used in the passage in the context of a measure to

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

It came as a shock to learn that the world’s cattle population of 1,530 million plays a bigger role in effecting global warming than all of the world’s cars taken together. This is no gimmick; a United Nations report not only makes such a shocking claim, but also backs it up with the requisite data.

Cattle also supplement the depletion of our forests and water bodies; this is mostly the case in developing countries where the number of cattle per human is high. The high proportion of cattle in developing countries is because the people there are dependent on cattle more than their counterparts in the west. As the population of the world multiplies at alarming rates, the stress on natural resources increases manifold. Dwindling of the natural resources is a prominent concern for all.

This United Nations report has ominous signs, especially for India, as the country proudly says that it has 18 per cent of the world’s cattle. Even with the presence of sacred and holy attachments towards cattle, their numbers are diminishing. Vastly considered a taboo, government figures indicate that conscious culling of cattle is widespread all through the sub-continent. This, of course, has lead to a steady decrease in the number of cattle. A big portion of the total cattle population in such countries is old, sterile and is left to die of hunger. When they wander onto a farm, they are mercilessly beaten. Some lucky or unlucky ones, depending on your perspective, die a peaceful death from poisonous substances or after asphyxiating from plastic bags. The carcasses are of no use and are left on their own.

Despite of all the facts which advocate the reduction in the number of cattles, it is quite improbable that we will see any policies, such as a "flatulence tax" put into effect by the politicians; policies which may help both the cattle and humans in the long run.

According to the passage, which of the following reasons cannot be attributed to the disappearance of wetlands?

1. The pressure of overpopulation leading to the development of human habitat
2. Over-exploitation of wetlands
3. The negative attitude of the common masses
4. The industrial policies of the states

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Wetlands are indeed the vital link between water and land. It is the collective term for marshes, swamps, and bogs, found along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes and coastlines. Wetlands can be found in nearly every country and climatic zone. Indeed wetlands are found from the Tundra to the Tropics and on every continent. They are so varied. Some are wet all the time. Some wetlands are large and some are very small. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, building of roads, dams and towns. Wetlands are regarded wastelands sources of mosquitoes, flies, snakes and diseases. People had negative views about them and they eliminated them. Original wetlands have been destroyed; some of them have been converted into farmland, some others filled by industrial wastes.
Wetlands vary widely because of topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry and vegetation. Wetlands are the coastal mangrove forests, lake marshes and seasonally flooded lands along river courses. Palm swamps, sea grass beds, salt flats, and coral reefs are common wetlands. They are of two types: tidal wetlands and non-tidal (inland) wetlands. Tidal wetlands are found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf Coasts. The salt water and fluctuating water levels create a difficult environment. Some plants have adapted to the environment of saline conditions. Inland wetlands are common in the margins of lakes and rivers. They include wet meadows dominated by herbaceous plants, swamps and shrubs and tall trees. The prolonged presence of water favours the growth of specially adapted plants.
States and tribes play a critical role in the protection and management of wetlands. With the growth of education, people have started understanding ecological processes and their attitude towards wetlands have changed. They have recognised the ecological significance of the wetlands; they are a source of valuable natural wealth. They help regulating water levels within watersheds; reduce flood and storm damages; and provide fish and wildlife habitat. They support hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world. They have been described as biological supermarkets as they provide great volumes of food and attract many animal species. A variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals are found in these wetlands. Many species of birds, animals, rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter. The microbes, insects and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen, and sulphur. They store carbon within their plant communities and thus help to moderate climate conditions.

How can wetlands help reduce the intensity of global warming?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Wetlands are indeed the vital link between water and land. It is the collective term for marshes, swamps, and bogs, found along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes and coastlines. Wetlands can be found in nearly every country and climatic zone. Indeed wetlands are found from the Tundra to the Tropics and on every continent. They are so varied. Some are wet all the time. Some wetlands are large and some are very small. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, building of roads, dams and towns. Wetlands are regarded wastelands sources of mosquitoes, flies, snakes and diseases. People had negative views about them and they eliminated them. Original wetlands have been destroyed; some of them have been converted into farmland, some others filled by industrial wastes.
Wetlands vary widely because of topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry and vegetation. Wetlands are the coastal mangrove forests, lake marshes and seasonally flooded lands along river courses. Palm swamps, sea grass beds, salt flats, and coral reefs are common wetlands. They are of two types: tidal wetlands and non-tidal (inland) wetlands. Tidal wetlands are found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf Coasts. The salt water and fluctuating water levels create a difficult environment. Some plants have adapted to the environment of saline conditions. Inland wetlands are common in the margins of lakes and rivers. They include wet meadows dominated by herbaceous plants, swamps and shrubs and tall trees. The prolonged presence of water favours the growth of specially adapted plants.
States and tribes play a critical role in the protection and management of wetlands. With the growth of education, people have started understanding ecological processes and their attitude towards wetlands have changed. They have recognised the ecological significance of the wetlands; they are a source of valuable natural wealth. They help regulating water levels within watersheds; reduce flood and storm damages; and provide fish and wildlife habitat. They support hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world. They have been described as biological supermarkets as they provide great volumes of food and attract many animal species. A variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals are found in these wetlands. Many species of birds, animals, rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter. The microbes, insects and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen, and sulphur. They store carbon within their plant communities and thus help to moderate climate conditions.

Which of the following statements is/are true as per the passage?

I. The world governments have to girdle up to meet the challenge of cattle menace. II. Cattle are a greater source of global warming than all the acts of humans taken together. III. India has almost one fifth of the world's cattle population.

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

It came as a shock to learn that the world’s cattle population of 1,530 million plays a bigger role in effecting global warming than all of the world’s cars taken together. This is no gimmick; a United Nations report not only makes such a shocking claim, but also backs it up with the requisite data.

Cattle also supplement the depletion of our forests and water bodies; this is mostly the case in developing countries where the number of cattle per human is high. The high proportion of cattle in developing countries is because the people there are dependent on cattle more than their counterparts in the west. As the population of the world multiplies at alarming rates, the stress on natural resources increases manifold. Dwindling of the natural resources is a prominent concern for all.

This United Nations report has ominous signs, especially for India, as the country proudly says that it has 18 per cent of the world’s cattle. Even with the presence of sacred and holy attachments towards cattle, their numbers are diminishing. Vastly considered a taboo, government figures indicate that conscious culling of cattle is widespread all through the sub-continent. This, of course, has lead to a steady decrease in the number of cattle. A big portion of the total cattle population in such countries is old, sterile and is left to die of hunger. When they wander onto a farm, they are mercilessly beaten. Some lucky or unlucky ones, depending on your perspective, die a peaceful death from poisonous substances or after asphyxiating from plastic bags. The carcasses are of no use and are left on their own.

Despite of all the facts which advocate the reduction in the number of cattles, it is quite improbable that we will see any policies, such as a "flatulence tax" put into effect by the politicians; policies which may help both the cattle and humans in the long run.

Wetlands are useful for human beings because

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Wetlands are indeed the vital link between water and land. It is the collective term for marshes, swamps, and bogs, found along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes and coastlines. Wetlands can be found in nearly every country and climatic zone. Indeed wetlands are found from the Tundra to the Tropics and on every continent. They are so varied. Some are wet all the time. Some wetlands are large and some are very small. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, building of roads, dams and towns. Wetlands are regarded wastelands sources of mosquitoes, flies, snakes and diseases. People had negative views about them and they eliminated them. Original wetlands have been destroyed; some of them have been converted into farmland, some others filled by industrial wastes.
Wetlands vary widely because of topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry and vegetation. Wetlands are the coastal mangrove forests, lake marshes and seasonally flooded lands along river courses. Palm swamps, sea grass beds, salt flats, and coral reefs are common wetlands. They are of two types: tidal wetlands and non-tidal (inland) wetlands. Tidal wetlands are found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf Coasts. The salt water and fluctuating water levels create a difficult environment. Some plants have adapted to the environment of saline conditions. Inland wetlands are common in the margins of lakes and rivers. They include wet meadows dominated by herbaceous plants, swamps and shrubs and tall trees. The prolonged presence of water favours the growth of specially adapted plants.
States and tribes play a critical role in the protection and management of wetlands. With the growth of education, people have started understanding ecological processes and their attitude towards wetlands have changed. They have recognised the ecological significance of the wetlands; they are a source of valuable natural wealth. They help regulating water levels within watersheds; reduce flood and storm damages; and provide fish and wildlife habitat. They support hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world. They have been described as biological supermarkets as they provide great volumes of food and attract many animal species. A variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals are found in these wetlands. Many species of birds, animals, rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter. The microbes, insects and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen, and sulphur. They store carbon within their plant communities and thus help to moderate climate conditions.

Which of the following statements cannot be derived in respect of Dennis Tito?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Dennis Tito surprised the world when he paid $20 million to the Russian space agency to enjoy the adventure of the space flight. Some reporters denounced his profligacy while others eulogised his adventurous spirit. Whatever be the social or moral constraints, his private visit created sensation in the world. Many others also expressed their willingness to visit space and soon the agency got fully booked until 2009. Space tourism was once considered a dream of the lunatics. Today, however, it is no longer an outlandish vision from the realm of science fiction. The days are not far off when it would be a lucrative industry in the world of business. Several space tourism companies are planning to build suborbital vehicles and orbital cities within the next two decades. Very shortly, orbital flights will depart from many different airports and orbital facilities will grow, making space tourism popular and affordable. As in the case of tourism on Earth, there will be a small high-end segment for the rich, but the greater majority of space tourists will be middle class customers. Like any other business, once the industry gets started, it will develop progressively. It is now passing through high priced pioneering phase. After some years the prices are bound to get slashed as the number of tourists rise.

There are conservatives who say developing space tourism is very difficult and will take a long time. They also express their apprehensions and ask why would anyone want to go to orbit? There is nothing there, no air, no shops; it is just cold, dark nothing. But for those who have been to orbit, there are spectacular scenes of wonder, mystery and romance. In the space, stars do not twinkle, they are much brighter and closer and their colours are clearer.

Some companies are planning to build hotels in the space that could act as temporary space stations for the space tourists. The service will be nearer to adventure travel and orbital accommodation will be safe. Hotels in orbit would offer two unique experiences, splendid romantic view of the Earth and space, and the endless entertainment of living in zero gravity. It is a mind boggling experience of thrill and awe to look at the Earth from space and to enjoy weightlessness. Space walking will be another thrilling experience. The small gravitational pull created by the rotating space city would allow space tourists to walk around and function normally within the structure. Those who wish to stay longer in space can become passenger workers. Many producers of the Hollywood film industry are planning to shoot films in space; the space criminal stories, the space love stories will add new flavor and are likely to be box office hits.

Ironically few people are aware of how much work has been done to show that space tourism is a realistic goal and how the private companies are seriously engaged to boost space tourism industry. Space is no longer confined to research or military activities and the day is not far off when space tourism would become popular like the aviation industry; and equally affordable. It is estimated that by 2020 the space tourism will be as affordable as aviation flights.

It can be inferred from the passage that

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Dennis Tito surprised the world when he paid $20 million to the Russian space agency to enjoy the adventure of the space flight. Some reporters denounced his profligacy while others eulogised his adventurous spirit. Whatever be the social or moral constraints, his private visit created sensation in the world. Many others also expressed their willingness to visit space and soon the agency got fully booked until 2009. Space tourism was once considered a dream of the lunatics. Today, however, it is no longer an outlandish vision from the realm of science fiction. The days are not far off when it would be a lucrative industry in the world of business. Several space tourism companies are planning to build suborbital vehicles and orbital cities within the next two decades. Very shortly, orbital flights will depart from many different airports and orbital facilities will grow, making space tourism popular and affordable. As in the case of tourism on Earth, there will be a small high-end segment for the rich, but the greater majority of space tourists will be middle class customers. Like any other business, once the industry gets started, it will develop progressively. It is now passing through high priced pioneering phase. After some years the prices are bound to get slashed as the number of tourists rise.

There are conservatives who say developing space tourism is very difficult and will take a long time. They also express their apprehensions and ask why would anyone want to go to orbit? There is nothing there, no air, no shops; it is just cold, dark nothing. But for those who have been to orbit, there are spectacular scenes of wonder, mystery and romance. In the space, stars do not twinkle, they are much brighter and closer and their colours are clearer.

Some companies are planning to build hotels in the space that could act as temporary space stations for the space tourists. The service will be nearer to adventure travel and orbital accommodation will be safe. Hotels in orbit would offer two unique experiences, splendid romantic view of the Earth and space, and the endless entertainment of living in zero gravity. It is a mind boggling experience of thrill and awe to look at the Earth from space and to enjoy weightlessness. Space walking will be another thrilling experience. The small gravitational pull created by the rotating space city would allow space tourists to walk around and function normally within the structure. Those who wish to stay longer in space can become passenger workers. Many producers of the Hollywood film industry are planning to shoot films in space; the space criminal stories, the space love stories will add new flavor and are likely to be box office hits.

Ironically few people are aware of how much work has been done to show that space tourism is a realistic goal and how the private companies are seriously engaged to boost space tourism industry. Space is no longer confined to research or military activities and the day is not far off when space tourism would become popular like the aviation industry; and equally affordable. It is estimated that by 2020 the space tourism will be as affordable as aviation flights.

With which of the following statements is the author most likely to disagree?

1. Preservation of wetlands is necessary in the interest of biodiversity and long term survival of humanity.
2. Tidal wetlands are as prone to human degradation as the inland non-tidal wetlands.
3. Awareness about the need to protect the wetlands has not filtered across the general populace.

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Wetlands are indeed the vital link between water and land. It is the collective term for marshes, swamps, and bogs, found along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes and coastlines. Wetlands can be found in nearly every country and climatic zone. Indeed wetlands are found from the Tundra to the Tropics and on every continent. They are so varied. Some are wet all the time. Some wetlands are large and some are very small. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, building of roads, dams and towns. Wetlands are regarded wastelands sources of mosquitoes, flies, snakes and diseases. People had negative views about them and they eliminated them. Original wetlands have been destroyed; some of them have been converted into farmland, some others filled by industrial wastes.
Wetlands vary widely because of topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry and vegetation. Wetlands are the coastal mangrove forests, lake marshes and seasonally flooded lands along river courses. Palm swamps, sea grass beds, salt flats, and coral reefs are common wetlands. They are of two types: tidal wetlands and non-tidal (inland) wetlands. Tidal wetlands are found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf Coasts. The salt water and fluctuating water levels create a difficult environment. Some plants have adapted to the environment of saline conditions. Inland wetlands are common in the margins of lakes and rivers. They include wet meadows dominated by herbaceous plants, swamps and shrubs and tall trees. The prolonged presence of water favours the growth of specially adapted plants.
States and tribes play a critical role in the protection and management of wetlands. With the growth of education, people have started understanding ecological processes and their attitude towards wetlands have changed. They have recognised the ecological significance of the wetlands; they are a source of valuable natural wealth. They help regulating water levels within watersheds; reduce flood and storm damages; and provide fish and wildlife habitat. They support hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world. They have been described as biological supermarkets as they provide great volumes of food and attract many animal species. A variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals are found in these wetlands. Many species of birds, animals, rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter. The microbes, insects and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen, and sulphur. They store carbon within their plant communities and thus help to moderate climate conditions.

The author's attitude towards space travel is

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Dennis Tito surprised the world when he paid $20 million to the Russian space agency to enjoy the adventure of the space flight. Some reporters denounced his profligacy while others eulogised his adventurous spirit. Whatever be the social or moral constraints, his private visit created sensation in the world. Many others also expressed their willingness to visit space and soon the agency got fully booked until 2009. Space tourism was once considered a dream of the lunatics. Today, however, it is no longer an outlandish vision from the realm of science fiction. The days are not far off when it would be a lucrative industry in the world of business. Several space tourism companies are planning to build suborbital vehicles and orbital cities within the next two decades. Very shortly, orbital flights will depart from many different airports and orbital facilities will grow, making space tourism popular and affordable. As in the case of tourism on Earth, there will be a small high-end segment for the rich, but the greater majority of space tourists will be middle class customers. Like any other business, once the industry gets started, it will develop progressively. It is now passing through high priced pioneering phase. After some years the prices are bound to get slashed as the number of tourists rise.

There are conservatives who say developing space tourism is very difficult and will take a long time. They also express their apprehensions and ask why would anyone want to go to orbit? There is nothing there, no air, no shops; it is just cold, dark nothing. But for those who have been to orbit, there are spectacular scenes of wonder, mystery and romance. In the space, stars do not twinkle, they are much brighter and closer and their colours are clearer.

Some companies are planning to build hotels in the space that could act as temporary space stations for the space tourists. The service will be nearer to adventure travel and orbital accommodation will be safe. Hotels in orbit would offer two unique experiences, splendid romantic view of the Earth and space, and the endless entertainment of living in zero gravity. It is a mind boggling experience of thrill and awe to look at the Earth from space and to enjoy weightlessness. Space walking will be another thrilling experience. The small gravitational pull created by the rotating space city would allow space tourists to walk around and function normally within the structure. Those who wish to stay longer in space can become passenger workers. Many producers of the Hollywood film industry are planning to shoot films in space; the space criminal stories, the space love stories will add new flavor and are likely to be box office hits.

Ironically few people are aware of how much work has been done to show that space tourism is a realistic goal and how the private companies are seriously engaged to boost space tourism industry. Space is no longer confined to research or military activities and the day is not far off when space tourism would become popular like the aviation industry; and equally affordable. It is estimated that by 2020 the space tourism will be as affordable as aviation flights.

Which of the following statements can be directly derived from the passage?

I. Cattle slaughter is widespread in India despite the moral and religious sentiments. II. The old and infirm livestock is a bane for countries like India and a strain on their fragile economy. III. The steep increase in the rate of human population increase is no less a cause of concern.

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

It came as a shock to learn that the world’s cattle population of 1,530 million plays a bigger role in effecting global warming than all of the world’s cars taken together. This is no gimmick; a United Nations report not only makes such a shocking claim, but also backs it up with the requisite data.

Cattle also supplement the depletion of our forests and water bodies; this is mostly the case in developing countries where the number of cattle per human is high. The high proportion of cattle in developing countries is because the people there are dependent on cattle more than their counterparts in the west. As the population of the world multiplies at alarming rates, the stress on natural resources increases manifold. Dwindling of the natural resources is a prominent concern for all.

This United Nations report has ominous signs, especially for India, as the country proudly says that it has 18 per cent of the world’s cattle. Even with the presence of sacred and holy attachments towards cattle, their numbers are diminishing. Vastly considered a taboo, government figures indicate that conscious culling of cattle is widespread all through the sub-continent. This, of course, has lead to a steady decrease in the number of cattle. A big portion of the total cattle population in such countries is old, sterile and is left to die of hunger. When they wander onto a farm, they are mercilessly beaten. Some lucky or unlucky ones, depending on your perspective, die a peaceful death from poisonous substances or after asphyxiating from plastic bags. The carcasses are of no use and are left on their own.

Despite of all the facts which advocate the reduction in the number of cattles, it is quite improbable that we will see any policies, such as a "flatulence tax" put into effect by the politicians; policies which may help both the cattle and humans in the long run.

Which of the following is not a difference between terrestrial aviation and space tourism as per the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Dennis Tito surprised the world when he paid $20 million to the Russian space agency to enjoy the adventure of the space flight. Some reporters denounced his profligacy while others eulogised his adventurous spirit. Whatever be the social or moral constraints, his private visit created sensation in the world. Many others also expressed their willingness to visit space and soon the agency got fully booked until 2009. Space tourism was once considered a dream of the lunatics. Today, however, it is no longer an outlandish vision from the realm of science fiction. The days are not far off when it would be a lucrative industry in the world of business. Several space tourism companies are planning to build suborbital vehicles and orbital cities within the next two decades. Very shortly, orbital flights will depart from many different airports and orbital facilities will grow, making space tourism popular and affordable. As in the case of tourism on Earth, there will be a small high-end segment for the rich, but the greater majority of space tourists will be middle class customers. Like any other business, once the industry gets started, it will develop progressively. It is now passing through high priced pioneering phase. After some years the prices are bound to get slashed as the number of tourists rise.

There are conservatives who say developing space tourism is very difficult and will take a long time. They also express their apprehensions and ask why would anyone want to go to orbit? There is nothing there, no air, no shops; it is just cold, dark nothing. But for those who have been to orbit, there are spectacular scenes of wonder, mystery and romance. In the space, stars do not twinkle, they are much brighter and closer and their colours are clearer.

Some companies are planning to build hotels in the space that could act as temporary space stations for the space tourists. The service will be nearer to adventure travel and orbital accommodation will be safe. Hotels in orbit would offer two unique experiences, splendid romantic view of the Earth and space, and the endless entertainment of living in zero gravity. It is a mind boggling experience of thrill and awe to look at the Earth from space and to enjoy weightlessness. Space walking will be another thrilling experience. The small gravitational pull created by the rotating space city would allow space tourists to walk around and function normally within the structure. Those who wish to stay longer in space can become passenger workers. Many producers of the Hollywood film industry are planning to shoot films in space; the space criminal stories, the space love stories will add new flavor and are likely to be box office hits.

Ironically few people are aware of how much work has been done to show that space tourism is a realistic goal and how the private companies are seriously engaged to boost space tourism industry. Space is no longer confined to research or military activities and the day is not far off when space tourism would become popular like the aviation industry; and equally affordable. It is estimated that by 2020 the space tourism will be as affordable as aviation flights.

Wetlands are a source of

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Wetlands are indeed the vital link between water and land. It is the collective term for marshes, swamps, and bogs, found along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes and coastlines. Wetlands can be found in nearly every country and climatic zone. Indeed wetlands are found from the Tundra to the Tropics and on every continent. They are so varied. Some are wet all the time. Some wetlands are large and some are very small. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, building of roads, dams and towns. Wetlands are regarded wastelands sources of mosquitoes, flies, snakes and diseases. People had negative views about them and they eliminated them. Original wetlands have been destroyed; some of them have been converted into farmland, some others filled by industrial wastes.
Wetlands vary widely because of topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry and vegetation. Wetlands are the coastal mangrove forests, lake marshes and seasonally flooded lands along river courses. Palm swamps, sea grass beds, salt flats, and coral reefs are common wetlands. They are of two types: tidal wetlands and non-tidal (inland) wetlands. Tidal wetlands are found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf Coasts. The salt water and fluctuating water levels create a difficult environment. Some plants have adapted to the environment of saline conditions. Inland wetlands are common in the margins of lakes and rivers. They include wet meadows dominated by herbaceous plants, swamps and shrubs and tall trees. The prolonged presence of water favours the growth of specially adapted plants.
States and tribes play a critical role in the protection and management of wetlands. With the growth of education, people have started understanding ecological processes and their attitude towards wetlands have changed. They have recognised the ecological significance of the wetlands; they are a source of valuable natural wealth. They help regulating water levels within watersheds; reduce flood and storm damages; and provide fish and wildlife habitat. They support hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world. They have been described as biological supermarkets as they provide great volumes of food and attract many animal species. A variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals are found in these wetlands. Many species of birds, animals, rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter. The microbes, insects and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen, and sulphur. They store carbon within their plant communities and thus help to moderate climate conditions.

What is the prediction of the skeptics about space tourism?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

Dennis Tito surprised the world when he paid $20 million to the Russian space agency to enjoy the adventure of the space flight. Some reporters denounced his profligacy while others eulogised his adventurous spirit. Whatever be the social or moral constraints, his private visit created sensation in the world. Many others also expressed their willingness to visit space and soon the agency got fully booked until 2009. Space tourism was once considered a dream of the lunatics. Today, however, it is no longer an outlandish vision from the realm of science fiction. The days are not far off when it would be a lucrative industry in the world of business. Several space tourism companies are planning to build suborbital vehicles and orbital cities within the next two decades. Very shortly, orbital flights will depart from many different airports and orbital facilities will grow, making space tourism popular and affordable. As in the case of tourism on Earth, there will be a small high-end segment for the rich, but the greater majority of space tourists will be middle class customers. Like any other business, once the industry gets started, it will develop progressively. It is now passing through high priced pioneering phase. After some years the prices are bound to get slashed as the number of tourists rise.

There are conservatives who say developing space tourism is very difficult and will take a long time. They also express their apprehensions and ask why would anyone want to go to orbit? There is nothing there, no air, no shops; it is just cold, dark nothing. But for those who have been to orbit, there are spectacular scenes of wonder, mystery and romance. In the space, stars do not twinkle, they are much brighter and closer and their colours are clearer.

Some companies are planning to build hotels in the space that could act as temporary space stations for the space tourists. The service will be nearer to adventure travel and orbital accommodation will be safe. Hotels in orbit would offer two unique experiences, splendid romantic view of the Earth and space, and the endless entertainment of living in zero gravity. It is a mind boggling experience of thrill and awe to look at the Earth from space and to enjoy weightlessness. Space walking will be another thrilling experience. The small gravitational pull created by the rotating space city would allow space tourists to walk around and function normally within the structure. Those who wish to stay longer in space can become passenger workers. Many producers of the Hollywood film industry are planning to shoot films in space; the space criminal stories, the space love stories will add new flavor and are likely to be box office hits.

Ironically few people are aware of how much work has been done to show that space tourism is a realistic goal and how the private companies are seriously engaged to boost space tourism industry. Space is no longer confined to research or military activities and the day is not far off when space tourism would become popular like the aviation industry; and equally affordable. It is estimated that by 2020 the space tourism will be as affordable as aviation flights.

The author is mainly concerned with

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

It came as a shock to learn that the world’s cattle population of 1,530 million plays a bigger role in effecting global warming than all of the world’s cars taken together. This is no gimmick; a United Nations report not only makes such a shocking claim, but also backs it up with the requisite data.

Cattle also supplement the depletion of our forests and water bodies; this is mostly the case in developing countries where the number of cattle per human is high. The high proportion of cattle in developing countries is because the people there are dependent on cattle more than their counterparts in the west. As the population of the world multiplies at alarming rates, the stress on natural resources increases manifold. Dwindling of the natural resources is a prominent concern for all.

This United Nations report has ominous signs, especially for India, as the country proudly says that it has 18 per cent of the world’s cattle. Even with the presence of sacred and holy attachments towards cattle, their numbers are diminishing. Vastly considered a taboo, government figures indicate that conscious culling of cattle is widespread all through the sub-continent. This, of course, has lead to a steady decrease in the number of cattle. A big portion of the total cattle population in such countries is old, sterile and is left to die of hunger. When they wander onto a farm, they are mercilessly beaten. Some lucky or unlucky ones, depending on your perspective, die a peaceful death from poisonous substances or after asphyxiating from plastic bags. The carcasses are of no use and are left on their own.

Despite of all the facts which advocate the reduction in the number of cattles, it is quite improbable that we will see any policies, such as a "flatulence tax" put into effect by the politicians; policies which may help both the cattle and humans in the long run.