Environment and Agriculture

Q.1 -“Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :

(a) Database created by coalition of research organisations
(b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
(c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
(d) Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank

Option (A) is correct: The Climate Action Tracker is an independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the globally agreed Paris Agreement aim of “holding warming well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.”

It is a collaboration of two organisations, Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute. It aggregates country’s actions to the global level and evaluates climate change mitigation targets, policies and action.

Q.2 – Consider the following statements :

1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Option (b) is correct:

Statement 1 is correct: “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.

Statement 2 is not correct: E100 is a global initiative led by the international non-profit Climate Group,

Statements 3 and 4 are correct: EP100 is a global corporate energy efficiency initiative bringing together over 120 ambitious businesses committed to measuring and reporting on efficiency improvements. Energy efficiency is one of the fastest, cheapest and most accessible energy resources. Automobile giant Mahindra & Mahindra has become the first Indian company to join a global energy campaign, EP 100.

Statement 5 is not correct: The Under2 Coalition, for which we are the Secretariat, is made up of over 260 governments globally, representing 1.75 billion people and 50% of the global economy.

Q.3 – “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.”

Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement ?
(a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
(b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
(c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
(d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

Option D is correct: Heavy metals in aquatic environments, such as lakes and rivers, have been studied extensively because of their toxicity, persistence, and tendency to bioaccumulate. Many studies have shown that aquatic plants are sinks for heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. Because of their capacity to accumulate heavy metals, several species of aquatic macrophytes such as H. verticillata and water hyacinth have been used to remove heavy metals from waste water.

Q.4 – In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements :

1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5μg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2 only

Option (b) is correct:

Statement 1 is correct: WHO’s new guidelines recommend air quality levels for six pollutants — particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) — that are not just health hazards but they also give rise to other damaging pollutants. The recommendation for PM 2.5 is that the annual average should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre, or 15 micrograms per cubic metre in a day.

Statement 2 is not correct: Ozone levels are typically highest during the afternoon hours of the summer months, when the. influence of direct sunlight is the greatest. Inclement weather is unpleasant, especially with cold wind and rain. So, Ozone pollution will low during inclement weather.

Statment 3 is not correct: Particular matter 2.5 (PM2.5) (not PM10) are such small particles can penetrate the human lung barrier and enter the blood system.

Statement 4 is correct: Excessive Ozone like other air pollutants in the air can trigger asthama.

Q.5 – With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements :

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3

Option (c) is correct:

Statement 1 is correct: Guchhi mushroom is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota. One of the most sought-after edible mushrooms, guchhi is known for its spongy, honeycombed head and savoury flavour but all of that comes at a high price.

Statement 2 is correct and Statement 3 is not correct : Apart from its flavour, guchhi also owes its high price to the challenges in cultivation. The mushrooms cannot be cultivated commercially and grow in conifer forests across temperature regions, and the foothills in Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Jammu and Kashmir. And it takes months for villagers to collect enough of these mushrooms, dry them and bring them to the market.

Q.6 – With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :

1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3

Option (a) is correct:

Statement 1 is correct: Polyethylene terephthalate is a polymer created by the combination of two monomers: modified ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid.Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.

Statement 2 is not correct: PET Containers are widespread in our lives But it is not recommended for storage of any alcoholic beverage.

Statement 3 is correct: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a highly recyclable plastic resin and a form of polyester.

Statement 4 is not correct: Emission of greenhouse gaes is one of major disadvantages associated with disposal of PET by incineration process.

Q.7 – Which of the following is not a bird ?

(a) Golden Mahseer
(b) Indian Nightjar
(c) Spoonbill
(d) White Ibis

Option A is correct: Golden Mahseer is a fish, scientific name is Tor putitora. Mahseer roughly translates as mahi – fish and sher – tiger, and hence is also referred as tiger among fish. It is a large cyprinid and known to be the toughest among the fresh water sport fish.

Q.8 – Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants ?

1. Alfalfa
2. Amaranth
3. Chickpea
4. Clover
5. Purslane (Kulfa)
6. Spinach

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6

Option A is correct: Rhizobium is rod-shaped nitrogen-fixing bacteria live symbiotically within the roots of several leguminous plants such as alfalfa, sweet clover, sweet pea, lentils etc.

The amaranth plant is a grain and green crop plant, because it is not a pulse crop so do not nitrogen fixing mechanism. Purslane plant is one of the few vegetables that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important to support healthy arteries and can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and other forms of heart disease. It also do not have nitrogen fixing mechanism at root zone.

Q.9 –  “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations ?

(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas

Option A is correct: Biorock technology greatly accelerates coral settlement, growth, healing, survival, and resistance to environmental stresses such as high temperature, sediment, and pollution. All other marine organisms examined also benefit.

Q,10 – The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the :

(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

Option C is correct: The method involves planting two to four trees per square metre. Miyawaki forests grow in two to three years and are self-sustaining. They help lower temperatures in concrete heat islands, reduce air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and create carbon sinks.

Q.11 – Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ?

(a) Cotton
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Wheat

Option B is correct: Rice cultivation has been identified as one of important source of GHGs, namely methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

● According to a global analysis by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in the US, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from rice farms could have the same long-term warming impact as about 600 coal plants.

● The researchers investigated greenhouse gas emissions from rice farms across southern India. They found that nitrous oxide emissions from rice can contribute up to 99 % of the total climate impact of rice cultivation at a variety of intermittently flooded farms

Q.12 – “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Option D is correct: The System of Rice Intensification involves cultivating rice with as much organic manure as possible, starting with young seedlings planted singly at wider spacing in a square pattern; and with intermittent irrigation that keeps the soil moist but not inundated, and frequent inter cultivation with weeder that actively aerates the soil.

In SRI paddy cultivation, less quantity of seeds – 2 kg / acre is required compared to 20kg/acre in coventional cultivation.
By stopping flooding and relying mostly on organic fertilization, methane emissions are greatly reduced
SRI Paddy Cultivation requires less water. So, less electricity consumption.

Q.13 – Consider the following :

1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Option (b) is correct: Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail or even dust that is acidic.
Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.

Q.14 – Consider the following statements :

1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

Option (b) is correct:

Statement 1 is not correct: India’s Bhadla Solar Park is the largest solar power park in the world. Bhadla Solar Park is located in Bhadla, a dry and sandy region in Rajasthan, and spans 14,000 acres. There are over 10 million solar panels at the park, which contribute to an operational capacity of 2245MW.

Statement 2 is correct: Kerala’s Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the first airport in the world that would be running fully on solar power.

Statement 3 is not correct: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned India’s largest Floating Solar PV plant. Located at NTPC Simhadri in Andhra Pradesh, the 25 MW floating SPV project covers an area of 100 acres. Besides producing clean power, the project will also reduce water evaporation by providing shade to the covered area. It will also have a higher yield as compared to conventional ground-mounted projects due to the cooling effect.

Q.15 – With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

Option (a) is correct:

Statement 1 is correct: Section 39 – wild animals except vermin are government property. In a significant verdict, the Bombay High Court has ruled that wild animals including tigers should be treated as “government property for all purposes” and any damage caused by them should be compensated by the Government.

Statement 2 is correct and 3 is not correct: The Wildlife Protection Act protects all kinds of animals from amphibians to birds, mammals, and reptiles under Section 2(1).
The Chief WildLife Warden may, if he is satisfied that any wild animal specified in Schedule I has become dangerous to human life or is so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery, by order in writing and stating the reasons therefor, permit any person to hunt such animal or cause such animal to be hunted.

Q.16 – Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi ?

(a) Ant
(b) Cockroach
(c) Crab
(d) Spider

Option (a) is correct: The attine ants are a group of more than 200 species that use several different agricultural techniques to cultivate mutualistic fungi which they raise in fungus gardens. The more basal lineages raise their crop on organic detritus, while the more advanced leaf-cutting genera Atta and Acromyrmex, which evolved only 8-12 million years ago, harvest vegetation and process it into pulp to feed to the fungi they raise in monocultures.

Q.17 – Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ?

(a) Central Water Commission
(b) Central Ground Water Board
(c) Central Ground Water Authority
(d) National Water Development Agency

Option (c) is correct: Central Ground Water Authority has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater resources in the country.

Q.18 – Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing” ?

(a) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
(b) Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
(c) Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
(d) Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme

Option (a) is correct: Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly.