Environment

Pair 1 is Correct: The Blue-finned Mahseer is a freshwater fish species that is naturally found in the Cauvery River. This species is also found in other rivers of the Deccan Plateau.


Pair 2 is incorrect: The Irrawaddy Dolphin is not found in the Chambal River, which is known for the Gangetic Dolphin. It is found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong (Cambodia and Laos). In India, it is found in Lake Chilika (Odisha).


Pair 3 is correct: The Rusty-spotted Cat is a small wild cat species that is found in the Eastern Ghats. It is also found in the Western Ghats, central India, and Sri Lanka.


Therefore, option (C) 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Ramsar Convention requires contracting parties to designate suitable wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance and promote their conservation and "wise use." It does not impose a mandatory legal obligation to protect and conserve every single wetland within the entire territory of a country.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. They were not framed based on specific recommendations of the Ramsar Convention, although they align with the general spirit of wetland conservation.

Statement 3 is Correct: According to the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, the definition of a 'wetland' includes the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority. This allows for a more comprehensive protection of the ecosystem's hydrological cycle.

* The Himalayan nettle, also known as Girardinia diversifolia, is a plant species native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and parts of China. It grows at high altitudes and is known for its long fibres that can be extracted from the stem.

* These fibres are some of the longest in the plant world and are used in the production of textiles.

* Therefore, the Himalayan nettle is found to be a sustainable source of textile fibre.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provides the Central Government with broad powers to take measures to protect and improve the environment. However, the Act itself does not explicitly mention the 'requirement of public participation' or the 'procedure and manner in which it is sought'. These requirements were later established through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notifications (such as those in 1994 and 2006) issued under the authority of the Act.

Statement 2 is correct: Section 3(2)(iv) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, specifically empowers the Central Government to lay down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources. This allows the government to regulate industrial and other activities to prevent environmental degradation.

Manas National Park (Assam): Situated on the banks of the Manas River, it encompasses a range of ecosystems including grasslands, tropical evergreen forests, and semi-evergreen forests.

Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh): This park boasts diverse vegetation zones, ranging from tropical evergreen forests at lower elevations to sub-alpine meadows at higher altitudes.

Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal): This park covers a range of elevations with subtropical broadleaf forests at lower levels and temperate forests at higher reaches.

The Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand): On the other hand, is situated at a high altitude (3352 to 3658 metres above sea level) and falls entirely within the temperate alpine zone, known for its meadows, low-growing vegetation, and cooler climate.


Hence, option D is the correct Answer.

Because of their small size, marine animals like fish, shellfish, and plankton can easily ingest microbeads. These plastic particles can block their digestive systems, leading to starvation or death.

Additionally, microbeads might absorb pollutants and toxins present in the water, concentrating them in the food chain and potentially harming larger predators, including humans.

Carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate, and triazophos are highly toxic pesticides (specifically organophosphates and carbamates) used in agriculture. These chemicals are viewed with apprehension due to their acute toxicity and harmful effects on human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. Based on the recommendations of the Anupam Verma Committee, which reviewed 66 pesticides that were banned or restricted in other countries but continued to be used in India, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued notifications to ban or phase out these specific hazardous substances to ensure safety in the agricultural sector.

Statement 1 is correct: Global warming poses a significant threat to methane hydrate deposits. These icy structures, found in permafrost and deep-sea sediments, can destabilize as temperatures rise, releasing methane into the atmosphere. Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas its release could create a positive feedback loop, further accelerating global warming.

Statement 2 is correct: Large deposits of methane hydrate are primarily found in two locations: 1. Arctic Tundra: Permafrost soils in the Arctic hold significant methane hydrate reserves, which are at risk of melting due to rising temperatures. 2. Seafloor Deposits: Continental margins and deep ocean sediments contain vast methane hydrate reserves. Changes in ocean temperature and pressure fluctuations can trigger their release.

Statement 3 is correct: After about 12 years, the methane is converted into carbon dioxide through hydroxyl oxidation. While CO₂ is a less potent greenhouse gas than methane, its longer atmospheric lifetime means it continues contributing to long-term climate change.

Therefore, option (D) 1, 2 and 3 is correct.

Herbivorous turtles: Many turtle species, such as the green sea turtle and the Galapagos tortoise, are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, and other plant material.

Herbivorous fish: There are numerous herbivorous fish species, including surgeonfish, parrotfish, and tangs. These fish feed on algae and seaweed, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems.

Herbivorous marine mammals: While many marine mammals are carnivorous, some, like manatees and dugongs, are herbivores, feeding on seagrasses and other underwater plants.

Viviparous snakes: Not all snakes lay eggs; some, like boas, vipers, and sea snakes, are viviparous. This means they give birth to live young that have developed inside the mother's body.

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a vital ecological hotspot located in the Western Ghats of southern India. It serves as a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated and wild plant species, including many rare, endemic, and medicinal plants.

The biosphere reserve spans across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering diverse ecosystems from tropical forests to montane grasslands. It includes three wildlife sanctuaries Shendurney (Kerala), Peppara (Kerala) and Neyyar (Kerala), as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu).

Option C is correct: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, include detailed guidelines under Schedule I regarding the 'Specifications for Sanitary Landfills'. This schedule provides exact and elaborate criteria for site selection, such as maintaining a distance of at least 100 meters from rivers, 200 meters from state and national highways, 500 meters from habitations, and 20 km from airports.

Option A is incorrect: The rules mandate waste generators to segregate waste into three categories: Bio-degradable (wet waste), Non-biodegradable (dry waste), and Domestic Hazardous Waste (such as diapers, napkins, and cleaning agents).

Option B is incorrect: The rules have a broad scope and apply to every urban local body, outgrowths in urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbases, ports, special economic zones, and places of religious or historical importance.

Option D is incorrect: There is no restriction in the rules prohibiting the movement of waste across district lines. In fact, the rules encourage the development of regional sanitary landfills to be shared by multiple local bodies for better waste management efficiency.

Statement 1 is correct: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) exists at both National and State levels. - National CAMPA Oversees the national-level administration of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF). It lays down broad guidelines and ensures proper utilisation of funds across states. - State CAMPA established in each state, manage funds allocated for compensatory afforestation activities within their jurisdiction.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 does not explicitly mandate people's participation in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Act. The Act focuses on the management and utilisation of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund but does not have a specific provision for mandatory public participation.

Statement 1 is incorrect: While H-CNG significantly reduces carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, it does not eliminate them entirely. Burning hydrogen produces only water vapor, but since H-CNG is a blend of hydrogen and CNG, some CO is still emitted though at lower levels than conventional CNG.

Statement 2 is correct: H-CNG is cleaner than CNG, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. The reduction depends on the specific blend ratio and engine efficiency.

Statement 3 is correct: As per Indian government guidelines, up to 18% hydrogen (by volume) can be blended with CNG for use in buses and other vehicles. This blend improves combustion efficiency and reduces emissions.

Statement 4 is incorrect: H-CNG is not necessarily cheaper than CNG. The cost is influenced by Hydrogen production methods, Infrastructure development and Blending technology.

Therefore, option (B) statements 2 and 3 are correct.

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct.

Statement 1 is correct: Agricultural soils are a major source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, primarily nitrous oxide (NO). This occurs during microbial processes in the soil, such as nitrification and denitrification.

Statement 2 is correct: Cattle release significant amounts of ammonia (NH) into the atmosphere through their urine and manure. This ammonia contributes to air pollution and can have negative environmental consequences.

Statement 3 is correct: The poultry industry releases various reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment, including ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions come from poultry manure and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in feed production.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in E-waste Management Rules, 2011 Makes producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) responsible for the collection and channelization of e-waste after its end-of-life. This promotes responsible production and encourages proper e-waste disposal.

EPR in Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 Extends the EPR principle to plastic waste. Producers, importers, and brand owners are accountable for managing plastic packaging waste after consumption.

Conservation Agriculture is a set of practices aimed at minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and adopting crop rotations or intercropping.


Avoiding monoculture practices: This does not directly fall under Conservation Agriculture. Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop over a wide area.

Adopting minimum tillage: Minimum or no tillage is one of the key principles of Conservation Agriculture, as it reduces soil disturbance.

Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops: This is not a part of Conservation Agriculture. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, or rubber can be cultivated using conservation agriculture practices.

Using crop residues to cover the soil surface: Maintaining soil cover with crop residues or mulches is a crucial component of Conservation Agriculture.

Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations: Crop rotations and intercropping are recommended practices under Conservation Agriculture to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease incidence.

Therefore, the correct options that fall under Conservation Agriculture are 2, 4, and 5.

* Carbon fertilization is the increased rate of photosynthesis in plants due to the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

* During Photosynthesis plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, along with water and sunlight, to produce sugars (glucose) that provide energy for growth. This process releases oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct.

* The concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is currently at its highest level in millions of years, primarily due to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

* Many plants respond to higher CO₂ levels with an increased rate of photosynthesis, enabling them to produce more sugars, which can lead to faster growth and higher biomass production.

Statement 1 is correct: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, introduces the concept of Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH). These are areas within National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries that must be kept inviolate to ensure wildlife protection. CWHs can only be declared based on scientific evidence and after completing the due process of rehabilitation and resettlement of affected communities.


Statement 2 is correct: In 2015, the Baiga tribal community in Madhya Pradesh became the first to be granted Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This recognition allowed them to continue living within the Kanha Tiger Reserve while accessing forest resources for their bonafide livelihood needs.

Statement 3 is incorrect: According to the Forest Rights Act, 2006, it is the respective State governments that have the authority to declare and vest Habitat Rights for Primitive Tribal Groups and pre-agricultural communities over critical wildlife habitats, after obtaining consent from the tribal communities and establishing measures for their resettlement and rehabilitation.

Hence, correct answer is option (a) 1 and 2 only.

Plants in arid environments have evolved adaptive features to minimize water loss through transpiration:


- Hard and waxy leaves have a thick cuticle and fewer stomata, reducing water loss by limiting evaporation. - Tiny leaves have a smaller surface area, which decreases the area exposed to transpiration. - Thorns, though primarily modified branches for protection, can also replace leaves in some desert plants (e.g., cacti), further reducing transpiration by limiting leaf surface area.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (d) 1, 2 and 3.

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) was established in response to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) 2012, also known as Rio+20, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Rio+20 conference aimed to reaffirm global commitment to sustainable development and highlight the importance of transitioning to green economies i.e. economic systems that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic growth.

PAGE was launched as a collaborative initiative to support countries in developing policies and strategies for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Statement 1 is incorrect. GACSA was launched in 2014 at the UN Climate Summit in New York, not at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015.

Statement 2 is correct. GACSA is a voluntary partnership, and membership does not create any legally binding obligations for its members.

Statement 3 is incorrect. GACSA was launched by the Netherlands and several other countries, but India was not among the founding members or instrumental in its creation.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Sand mining does not decrease salinity. In coastal and estuarine regions, excessive sand mining can lead to saltwater intrusion from the sea into the river system, which actually increases the salinity of the river water.

Statement 2 is Correct: River sand acts as a natural filter for water percolating through the riverbed. Removing this sand layer reduces the filtration capacity, allowing pollutants, heavy metals, and contaminants to seep more easily into the underlying groundwater aquifers.

Statement 3 is Correct: Heavy sand mining causes riverbed incision (deepening of the river channel). As the riverbed drops, the surrounding groundwater drains into the deepened channel to maintain hydrological equilibrium, leading to a significant lowering of the water table in the adjacent areas.

Statement 1 is incorrect: High organic matter content in soil actually increases its water-holding capacity. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that can hold water. It acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture effectively.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle. Soil contains various forms of sulfur compounds, including sulfates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Microorganisms in the soil participate in the transformation of sulfur compounds through processes like mineralization and immobilization.

Statement 3 is correct: Excessive or improper irrigation practices can lead to the salinization of agricultural lands. When irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts, and there is inadequate drainage, these salts can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. This can adversely affect crop growth and productivity.

Therefore, among the given statements, only statement 3 is correct.

* Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as mesquite or thorn mimosa, frequently appears in discussions about invasive species due to its significant impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.

* Originally native to Central and South America, Prosopis juliflora was introduced to various parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia for purposes like afforestation, erosion control, and fuelwood supply.

* However, due to its rapid growth rate, tolerance for harsh conditions, and prolific seed production, it can become invasive.

* It can outcompete native plants, disrupt ecological balances, and form dense thickets that hinder other vegetation growth.

* In states like Tamil Nadu, Prosopis juliflora has been labelled an invasive species causing ecological damage. Efforts are underway to remove it from certain areas to restore native ecosystems.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, passed by Parliament, making it a statutory body. Similarly, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and is also a statutory body. It plays a key role in environmental regulation in India.

Statement 2 is correct: The NGT's primary role is to ensure the expeditious disposal of environmental cases related to forest conservation, natural resource protection, and pollution control, thereby reducing the burden on higher courts.

The CPCB, functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is responsible for monitoring water and air quality, implementing pollution control measures, and enforcing environmental laws to promote a cleaner environment.

Thus, while both bodies deal with environmental protection, the NGT focuses on adjudication, whereas the CPCB handles regulatory and enforcement functions. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) 2 only.

The term "sixth mass extinction" is used in the context of discussions about the current rapid decline in biodiversity and the potential for it to be as significant as the five major extinction events in Earth's history.

Mass extinction events: Throughout Earth's history, there have been five major extinction events where a large percentage of species (estimated at 75% or more) disappeared in a geologically short period. Examples include the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.

Sixth mass extinction: Scientists are concerned that human activities like habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are causing a mass extinction event that could be as severe as the previous ones.

Thus, the correct answer is 'D'.

The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve and is contiguous with the Pakke Tiger Reserve. It is known for its rich biodiversity and dense forests, making it a critical habitat for various wildlife species. The Bhareli (Pakke) and Bamadi rivers flow through the sanctuary, supporting its diverse ecosystem. Several indigenous tribes, including the Nyishi and Apatani, reside in the region, coexisting with the forest and its resources.


* Aral Sea: The Aral Sea was once one of the world's largest inland lakes, but due to extensive water diversion for irrigation projects, particularly from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, it has shrunk by over 75% since the 1960s. This has led to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences, including increased salinity, loss of marine life, and desertification.


* Black Sea: While the Black Sea faces environmental challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and reduced oxygen levels in deep waters, it has not experienced significant drying like the Aral Sea.

* Lake Baikal: Lake Baikal in Russia is the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, containing about 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater supply. Although it experiences natural fluctuations in water levels, it has not undergone severe drying like the Aral Sea.

Thus, the correct answer is option (d).

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat launched the Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015 to encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take voluntary action towards climate neutrality.

In 2016, the Secretariat introduced a new pillar under its "Momentum for Change" initiative, focusing on Climate Neutral Now as part of broader efforts to highlight and promote successful climate action worldwide.

Climate neutrality is a three-step process, which requires individuals, companies, and governments to: 1. Measure their climate footprint (greenhouse gas emissions). 2. Reduce emissions as much as possible through sustainable practices and efficiency improvements. 3. Offset unavoidable emissions using UN-certified emission reductions (CERs).

This initiative aligns with global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals, fostering greater accountability and proactive engagement in combating climate change.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for assessing the quality of water.

Microbial activity: BOD measures the amount of dissolved oxygen used by microorganisms (like bacteria) as they decompose organic matter in water.

Pollution indicator: Higher BOD indicates a greater presence of organic matter, often suggesting pollution from sources like sewage, animal waste, or decaying plants.

Aquatic life impact: Excessive organic matter decomposition can deplete oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life that depends on dissolved oxygen for survival.

Therefore, BOD serves as a valuable tool for monitoring water quality and identifying potential pollution issues.