1. “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?
(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Answer: (a)
Explanation: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20150506-why-we-should-electrify-the-ocean
Biorock Technology, or mineral accretion technology is a method that applies safe, low voltage electrical currents through seawater, causing dissolved minerals to crystallize on structures, growing into a white limestone similar to that which naturally makes up coral reefs and tropical white sand beaches.
This material has a strength similar to concrete. It can be used to make robust artificial reefs on which corals grow at very rapid rates.
The change in the environment produced by electrical currents accelerates formation and growth of both chemical limestone rock and the skeletons of corals and other shell-bearing organisms.
2. The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
This method of afforestation was developed by the Japanese botanist and plant ecology expert Professor Akira Miyawaki, and draws inspiration from nature’s ecosystems to create 100% organic, dense and diverse pioneer forests in as little as 20-30 years.
Miyawaki forests grow 10x faster, are 30 x denser and contain 100x more biodiversity.
Since they’re quick to establish, maintenance-free after the first two-to-three years, and can be created on sites as small as 3 sq m, Miyawaki forests are viable solutions for cities looking to rapidly build climate resilience.
3. Consider the following statements:
1 . The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organisation.
2 . The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
India Sanitation Coalition (ISC), launched in June 2015, at Federation of Indian Chamber Commerce and Industry (FICCI), enables and supports safe and sustainable sanitation by bringing multiple organizations on a common platform through a range of catalytic actions.
These include supporting the unlocking of WASH financing with focus on the private sector, forging partnerships with allied organizations for leading the discourse on sustainable sanitation; convening, curating and disseminating best practices in the sanitation advocacy — space and providing inputs into the policy aspects of sanitation through participation at allied forums. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Established in 1976, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), is a premier Institute of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India for research and capacity building for the urban sector in India. It provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
4. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ?
(a) Central Water Commission
(b) Central Ground Water Board
(c) Central Ground Water Authority
(d) National Water Development Agency
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Central Ground Water Authority has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control development and management of ground water resources in the country. It issues necessary regulatory directions for the purpose. It exercises powers under the Act for the appointment of officers.
5. Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?
(a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
(b) It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
(c) It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
(d) It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
International Maritime Organization’s International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) is mandatory under both the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
The Polar Code covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the inhospitable waters surrounding the two poles.
6. Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?
(a) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
(b) Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
(c) Ignoring the consequences disastrous ecological while infrastructure development undertaking
(d) Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/greenwashing.asp
7. With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :
1 . Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2 . When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3 . Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, wild animals are the property of the Government (State or Central). In 2012, in a significant verdict, the Bombay High Court ruled that wild animals including tigers should be treated as government property for all purposes and any damage caused by them should be compensated by the Government.Hence , statement 1 is correct.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, does not discriminate between animals found in protected areas and outside. It provides for equal protection for wild animals irrespective of where they are found. Hence , statement 2 is correct.
Just the apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is not a sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Only if the wild animal becomes a danger to human life or is diseased or disabled beyond recovery can it be allowed to be captured or killed by the competent authority i.e., the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State. Hence , statement 3 is not correct.
8. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
(a) Ant
(b) Cockroach
(c) Crab
(d) Spider
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The attine ants are a group of more than 200 species that use several different agricultural techniques to cultivate mutualistic fungi which they raise in fungus gardens. Unlike the fungi cultivated by lower attines, those grown by the leaf-cutters have lost the ability to grow freely and depend entirely on the ants for their propagation. These fungi also produce nutritious swellings which the ants use as food, similar to the fruits and vegetables we cultivate. In a word, they’ve been domesticated by the ants. https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/accumulating-glitches/ant_agriculture/
9. Consider the following:
1 . Carbon monoxide
2 . Nitrogen oxide
3 . Ozone
4 . Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Burning of fossil fuels (which contain sulphur and nitrogenous matter) such as coal and oil in power stations and furnaces or petrol and diesel in motor engines produce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. SO2 and NO2 after oxidation and reaction with water are major contributors to acid rain, because polluted air usually contains particulate matter that catalyse the oxidation.
10. Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ?
(a) Cotton
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Wheat
Answer: (b)
Explanation: https://fotisedu.com/rice-source-of-both-methane-and-nitrous-oxide/
Agriculture is estimated to account for 10%–20% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide ; it accounts for 50% and 60% of the total anthropogenic methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, respectively.
According to IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land – Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) activities accounted for around 13% of CO2, 44% of methane (CH4), and 81% of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from human activities globally during 2007-2016, representing 23% of total net anthropogenic emissions of GHGs.
Rice paddies are considered one of the most important sources of CH4 and N2O emissions, which have attracted considerable attention due to their contribution to global warming.
11. Consider the following pairs:
Wetland/Lake : Location
1 . Hokera Wetland Punjab
2 . Renuka Wetland Himachal Pradesh
3 . Rudrasagar Lake Tripura
4 . Sasthamkotta Tamil Nadu
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Hokera wetland is located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hence , pair 1 is not correctly matched.
Renuka Wetand is located in Himachal Pradesh. It is a natural wetland with freshwater springs . Hence , pair 2 is correctly matched.
Rudrasagar lake is located in Tripura. Hence , pair 3 is correctly matched.
Sasthamkotta lake is located in Kerala. It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala .Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.
12.“Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :
(a) Database created by coalition of research organisations
(b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
(c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
(d) Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The Climate Action Tracker is an independent scientific project that tracks government climate action and measures it against the globally agreed Paris Agreement aim of “holding warming well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.”
A collaboration of two organisations, Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute, the CAT has been providing this independent analysis to policymakers since 2009.
13. Consider the following statements:
1 . The Climate Group is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2 . The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3 . EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4 . Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5 . The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1,2, 4 and 5
(b) 1,3 and 4 only
(c) 2,3 and 5 only
(d) 1,2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The Climate Group is an international non-profit organisation founded in 2003. Its goal is for a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. It builds and runs networks. It joins up organisations to unlock the power of collective action that shares the same ambitions and creates influence. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
EP100 is a global initiative led by the international non-profit Climate Group. It is not launched by the International Energy Agency. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
EP100 brings together over 120 energy smart businesses committed to measuring and reporting on energy efficiency improvements. Taking energy efficiency from the boiler room to the boardroom, members are reducing emissions whilst improving competitiveness and inspiring others to follow their lead. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Many Indian companies like Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd; Godrej Industries Ltd; JSW Cement Ltd; and, UltraTech Cement Limited are members of EP100. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
The Under2 Coalition brings together over 270 governments representing 1.75 billion people and 50% of the global economy. Its members commit to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C with efforts to reach 1.5°C. Climate Group is the secretariat to the Under2 Coalition. Hence, statement 5 is not correct.
14. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement?
(a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
(b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
(c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
(d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Wetlands are vital for humans, for other ecosystems and for our climate, providing essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification. Wetlands also absorb carbon dioxide thus helping in slowing down global heating and reduce pollution, hence have often been referred to as the “Kidneys of the Earth”.
15. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
1 . The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
2 . In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3 . PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4 . Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
According to WHO Air Quality Guidelines, the annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not exceed 15 μg/m3 more than 3 – 4 days per year. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Ground-level ozone, is formed more efficiently in sunny, hot weather. The reactions that create harmful ozone in our atmosphere require sunlight. In the summers and especially during extreme heat waves, ozone often reaches dangerous levels in cities or nearby rural areas.
Humidity can help to decrease ozone pollution. Afternoon thunderstorm clouds block sunlight, causing ozone production to slow down for the day, while moisture from the storm destroys the ozone that has formed. Hence , statement 2 is not correct.
Studies have shown that PM with a diameter of 10 μm (PM10) can enter the lungs but not the bloodstreams. PM particles with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) can further reach the distal lung segments, including the alveoli, pass into the bloodstream, and are capable of penetrating blood-organ barriers affecting multiple organ systems, such as the brain, heart, liver and kidney. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Ozone pollution is the result of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide emissions from motor vehicles or other sources, mixed in the presence of sunlight. It causes increased wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, especially among susceptible children who play outdoors in polluted environments. Excessive ozone can trigger asthma because it is very irritating to the lungs and airways. Hence , statement 4 is correct.
16. With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
1 . It is a fungus.
2 . It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3 . It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, Gucchi mushrooms are the costliest among fungi in the world. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
They grow in conifer forests across temperate regions, and the cool foothills of the Himalayas, in Himachal, Uttaranchal and Jammu & Kashmir are ideal territory for them. They grow best during the rains, but it can take months before enough can be collected, dried and brought to the market. Hence, statement 2 is correct
They are not commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. Hence , statement 3 is not correct.
17. With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements:
1 . Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2 . Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3 . Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4 . Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the predominant polyester used for fibre production. They are often used in durable-press blends with other fibres such as rayon, wool, and cotton, reinforcing the inherent properties of those fibres while contributing to the ability of the fabric to recover from wrinkling. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Particularly for highly concentrated spirits in small PET bottles and high storage temperatures the water permeation is unfavourable. In fact, the leaching effects of plastic and plastic chemical substances (such as ethylene glycol) have the tendency to leach considerably into alcohol stored if the temperature goes up during storage. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
PET bottles can be recycled back into bottles, fibres, film, thermoformed packaging and strapping. Hence , statement 3 is correct.
The burning of plastics releases toxic gases like dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (better known as BCPs) into the atmosphere, and poses a threat to vegetation, and human and animal health. Hence , statement 4 is not correct.
18. Which of the following is not a bird?
(a) Golden Mahseer
(b) Indian Nightjar
(c) Spoonbill
(d) White Ibis
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Golden Mahseer is a species of cyprinid fish. Mahseer roughly translates as mahi – fish and
sher – tiger, and hence is also referred as tiger among fish.
19. Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?
1 . Alfalfa
2 . Amaranth
3 . Chickpea
4 . Clover
5 . Purslane (Kulfa)
6 . Spinach
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation by alfalfa provides substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) to livestock
operations, subsequent crops, and soil organic matter. Hence, point 1 is correct.
Chickpeas form root nodules that support biological N fixation (BNF) and host symbiotic Nfixing
bacteria. Hence, point 3 is correct
Nitrogen is “fixed” in clovers through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria that
infects the plant’s roots. The plant provides energy for the bacteria, and bacteria provide the
“machinery” necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form available to plants. Hence,
point 4 is correct.
Amaranth, Purslane (Kulfa), Spinach are not nitrogen-fixing plants.
20 . “System of Rice intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice field
is practised, results in:
1 . Reduced seed requirement
2 . Reduced methane production
3 . Reduced electricity consumption
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
The System of Rice Intensification involves cultivating rice with as much organic manure as possible, starting with young seedlings planted singly at wider spacing in a square pattern; and with intermittent irrigation that keeps the soil moist but not inundated, and frequent inter cultivation with weeder that actively aerates the soil.
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agroecological and climate-smart rice production methodology that allows farmers to:
1 . increase yields by 30-50% or more
2 . use 90% less seed. Hence , point 1 is correct
3 . use 30-50% less irrigation water (through AWD and other methods) by conserving electricity. Hence, point 3 is correct.
4 . use 30-100% less chemical fertiliser and pesticides
5 . reduction in methane emission. Hence, point 2 is correct.
