UPSC Environment Previous Year Questions

The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), consider the following statements:
1. PFAS are found in drinking water, food and food-packaging materials.
2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animals.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A1 and 2 only
2. B2 and 3 only
3. C1 and 3 only
4. D1, 2 and 3

Consider the following:
1. Carabid beetles
2. Centipedes
3. Flies
4. Termites
5. Wasps
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above groups of organisms?

1. AOnly two
2. BOnly three
3. COnly four
4. DAll five

Consider the following plants:
1. Groundnut
2. Horse-gram
3. Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family (Fabaceae)?

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

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the 'vermin' category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
3. CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are:

1. ABirds
2. BFish
3. CInsects
4. DReptiles

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
3. CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Consider the following pairs:
Country — Animal found in its natural habitat
1. Brazil — Indri
2. Indonesia — Elk
3. Madagascar — Bonobo
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:
1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A2 only
2. B3 only
3. C1 and 2
4. D2 and 3

Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A1 and 2 only
2. B2 and 3 only
3. C1 and 3 only
4. D1, 2 and 3

Which one of the following is the correct description of “100 Million Farmers”?

1. AIt is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience.
2. BIt is an international alliance and a network of individuals and farming organisations interested in supporting and strengthening the development of organic animal husbandry.
3. CIt is a digital platform fully integrated with service providers and built on blockchain that lets buyers, sellers and third parties trade fertilizers quickly and securely.
4. DIt is a platform with the mission of encouraging farmers to form Farmer Producer Organisations or Agribusiness Consortiums, thus facilitating access to global open markets to sell their products.

Consider the following:
1. Battery storage
2. Biomass generators
3. Fuel cells
4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units
How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. COnly three
4. DAll four

Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?

1. AFig
2. BMahua
3. CSandalwood
4. DSilk cotton

Consider the following:
1. Butterflies
2. Fish
3. Frogs
How many of the above have poisonous species among them?

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

Consider the following:
1. Cashew
2. Papaya
3. Red sanders
How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

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

“Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of:

1. AAssisted reproductive technologies
2. BDrug delivery nanotechnologies
3. CVaccine production technologies
4. DWastewater treatment technologies