UPSC Environment Previous Year Questions

What is Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (Answer in 150 words)

Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words)

Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? (Answer in 250 words)

Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (Answer in 250 words)

Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022? (Answer in 250 words)

What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. (Answer in 250 words)

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs. Statement III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from the cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions. Statement II: Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone while manufacturing cement. Statement III: Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Consider the following statements: Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the 'Declaration on Climate and Health'. Statement II: The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize the health sector. Statement III: If India's health sector is decarbonized, its resilience of health-care system may be compromised. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change. Statement II: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets. Statement III: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

With reference to 'Direct Air Capture', an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration. II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing. III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. AI and II only
2. BIII only
3. CI, II and III
4. DNone of the above statements is correct

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. AOnly I
2. BI and III
3. COnly II
4. DII and III

Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita. II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region. III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. AI and III only
2. BOnly II
3. CII and III only
4. DI, II and III

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. AI and II
2. BII only
3. CI and III
4. DNone of the above statements is correct

Consider the following: I. Cigarette butts after smoking II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres. How many of the above contain plastic?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll the three
4. DNone

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries. Statement II: Activated carbon has a very high surface area and has a strong capacity to adsorb heavy metals. Statement III: Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

The World Bank has warned that India could become one of the first places in which wet-bulb temperatures will routinely exceed 35°C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report? I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts. II. The survival of all living beings including humans will be affected because it will become difficult for them to shed their body heat through perspiration. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. AI only
2. BII only
3. CBoth I and II
4. DNeither I nor II

Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?

1. AThe European Union
2. BThe World Bank
3. CThe Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
4. DThe Food and Agriculture Organization

Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)

What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details. (Answer in 150 words)