UPSC Ecology & Environment Test 1 (Old Year Questions)

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

1. Oxides of sulphur

2. Oxide of nitrogen

3. Carbon monoxide

4. Carbon dioxide

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With reference to “Eco-Sensitive Zones”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

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Consider the following statements:

1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?

1. They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
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With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.

2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.

3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following international agreements:

1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

3. The World Heritage Convention.

Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

Consider the following statements regarding “Earth Hour”:

1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.

2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.

3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The term ‘Core Banking Solution’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term?

1. It is a networking of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts.

2. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization.

3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank.

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What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as “Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative”?

1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.

3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.

4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

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If a wetland of international importance is brought under the “Montreux Record”, what does it imply?

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:

1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.

3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

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With reference to “Global Environment Facility”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

With reference to a conservation organization called “Wetlands International”, which of the following statement/s is/are correct?

1. It is an intergovernmental organizatioin formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
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Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Gangas River Dolphins?

1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers.

2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers.

3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally.

4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers.

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Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.

2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

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If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

1. Painted Stork

2. Common Myna

3. Black-necked Crane

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Consider the following pairs:

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 0 C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 30 C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.

2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.

3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.

4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

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With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.

2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.

3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

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