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UPSC Environment PYQs 2014 | Vaidra | Vaidra
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Environment UPSC PYQ 2014

22 questions from the UPSC 2014 examination.

22 questions

1Mediumprelims2 marks
Biogeochemical Cycles & Earth Systems

Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? 1. Volcanic action 2. Respiration 3. Photosynthesis 4. Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C1, 2 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
2Mediumprelims2 marks
Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry

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. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A1 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 4 only
C2, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
3Mediumprelims2 marks
Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above the pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °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. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C2, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
4Mediumprelims2 marks
International Environmental Treaties & Summits

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?

A1 and 2 only
B3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
5Mediumprelims2 marks
Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry

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?

A1 and 2 only
B3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
6Easyprelims2 marks
International Environmental Treaties & Summits

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

AChanges in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
BThe country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
CThe survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
DIt is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'
7Mediumprelims2 marks
Environmental Governance & Legislation

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. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
8Mediumprelims2 marks
Pollution & Waste Management

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur 2. Oxides of nitrogen 3. Carbon monoxide 4. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1, 3 and 4 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
9Mediumprelims2 marks
Protected Areas & Wildlife

Consider the following pairs : 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim 3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
10Mediumprelims2 marks
Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry

Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

ABhutia and Lepcha
BGond and Korku
CIrula and Toda
DSahariya and Agariya
11Mediumprelims2 marks
Environmental Governance & Legislation

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?

A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3
12Mediumprelims2 marks
International Environmental Treaties & Summits

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

AIt serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'
BIt undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
CIt is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
DBoth (a) and (b)
13Mediumprelims2 marks
Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases

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?

A1 and 3 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
14Mediumprelims2 marks
Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts

Which of the following have coral reefs? 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Gulf of Kachchh 3. Gulf of Mannar 4. Sunderbans Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2 and 4 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
15Easyprelims2 marks
Protected Areas & Wildlife

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

Abiosphere reserves
Bbotanical gardens
Cnational parks
Dwildlife sanctuaries
16Mediumprelims2 marks
Water & Wetland Conservation

With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an intergovernmental organization 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. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2
17Mediumprelims2 marks
Pollution & Waste Management

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. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2
18Mediumprelims2 marks
Biodiversity & Conservation

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges 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 Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
19Mediumprelims2 marks
Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts

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 Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 and 2
B2 only
C2 and 3
D3 only
20Mediumprelims2 marks
Water & Wetland Conservation

What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 and 2 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
21Mediumprelims2 marks
Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

ADiatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
BCrustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
CDiatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
DCrustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms
22Mediumprelims2 marks
Environmental Governance & Legislation

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. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2
Environment — All Years|All Subjects