1. Consider the following:
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Kyoto Protocol
The United States Government has ratified which among the above?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] Only 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 2 ]
Notes:
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international environmental treaty which was adopted in 1992. It became effective in 1994. The location of the organization is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2. Consider the following statements in context with the Biodiversity Act 2002:
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites can be declared by the Union Government under the Bio Diversity Act 2002
- The Vaids and Hakims who have been practicing indigenous medicine, are now required to give prior intimation to the State Biodiversity Board to use the bio-resources of the country.
- The patents related to Biological Resources can not be applied for without due permission from the National Biodiversity Authority.
Which among the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 is correct
[B] Only 1 & 2 are correct
[C] Only 1 & 3 are correct
[D] Only 3 is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 3 is correct]
Notes:
No patent shall be provided without the required permission from the National Biodiversity Authority in cases if the invention uses biological material from India or the source and/or the origin of the biological material is from India as per the disclosure in the specification. The Vaids and Hakims who have been practicing indigenous medicine, do not need to give prior intimation to the State Biodiversity Board to use the bio-resources of the country.
3. Consider the following statements about Keibul Lamjao National Park:
- It is an integral part of Loktak lake and is the only floating national park in the world.
- It is home to the endangered Brow-antlered deer.
- It is famous for floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
All three statements are correct. Keibul Lamjao National Park is part of Loktak Lake and is the world’s only floating national park. It is renowned for the endangered Brow-antlered deer (Sangai) and its unique phumdis – floating mats of decomposed vegetation. The park is located in Manipur and plays a crucial role in local ecology and culture.
4. Which among the following results in the conservation of the water?
- Wastewater treatment
- Wasteland Development
- Meat export
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Wasteland Development itself refers to the development of degraded land into productive land, which can provide bio-mass. It would result in water conservation when it is integrated with water harvesting / protection. A country which exports more food items is likely to consume more water. Thus, meat export will consumer virtual water and that is the reason that vegetarnaiasm is promoted for conservation of water.
5. Consider the following differences between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol:
- Under the Paris Agreement, emission reduction targets are not mandatory as in the Kyoto Protocol.
- Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries are not required to provide finance to developing countries for emission reduction actions and adaptation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct: While the Kyoto Protocol had binding targets, under the Paris Agreement, countries set their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), making them non-mandatory. Statement 2 is incorrect: Developed countries still need to provide finance to developing countries for both emission reductions and adaptation under the Paris Agreement, as under the Kyoto Protocol.
6. Consider the following statements regarding Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5):
- PM2.5 can be detected only using an electron microscope.
- Afforestation is highly effective in significantly minimizing atmospheric PM2.5 levels.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Neither 1 nor 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
PM2.5 can be detected by various methods including optical and gravimetric techniques, not exclusively with electron microscopes. While afforestation provides several environmental benefits, it is not a highly effective method to substantially lower PM2.5 concentrations; emission control remains the principal intervention. Therefore, neither statement is correct.
7. With reference to the Giant African Snail, which was recently in news, consider the following statements:
- It is an invasive species that causes significant damage to ecosystems and agriculture.
- It acts as a host for Rat lungworm, which can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans, especially children.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The Giant African Snail is an invasive species that severely impacts agriculture and local biodiversity. It also serves as an intermediate host for the parasitic Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which may cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans, particularly affecting children. Both statements are correct and scientifically established.
8. Consider the following objectives of the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF):
- To provide funds to states for setting up solar panels
- To provide funds for research in clean energy field
- To invest in entrepreneurial ventures related to clean energy
Which of the above objectives is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 and 3]
Notes:
The National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) focuses on financing research and innovation in clean energy technologies and supports entrepreneurial ventures in the sector. It does not provide funds directly to states for setting up solar panels. Thus, only statement 2 and 3 are correct, and statement 1 is incorrect.
9. Consider the following statements about waste-to-energy systems that capture greenhouse gases from hog waste and use them to produce electricity:
- They can help to reduce global warming.
- They create carbon offset credits.
- They create a low carbon economy.
- They result in carbon sequestration.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
Waste-to-energy systems reduce global warming by capturing and utilizing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which also generates carbon offset credits. They support a low carbon economy by promoting cleaner energy. While primarily focused on emission reduction, some processes may also count towards carbon sequestration if carbon is stored or prevented from atmospheric release.
10. Consider the following statements:
- One molecule of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has the same greenhouse effect as 10,000 molecules of carbon dioxide.
- Methane has 1,000 times the greenhouse gas effect as compared to carbon dioxide.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Both 1 and 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1]
Notes:
One molecule of CFC can have a greenhouse effect roughly equivalent to 10,000 molecules of CO2, making statement 1 correct. However, methane, while more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas, is approximately 28 to 36 times more effective over a 100-year period, not 1,000 times, making statement 2 incorrect.
