Environment

All three options (1, 2, and 3) can be potential sites for carbon sequestration

Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams: These underground coal mines already have existing rock formations suitable for storing carbon dioxide. Since they are no longer operational, they can be repurposed for CO2 storage, potentially with the added benefit of enhancing methane capture from abandoned mines.

Depleted oil and gas reservoirs: Once oil and gas reserves are depleted, they still have porous rock structures that can trap injected carbon dioxide. Repurposing these reservoirs for carbon storage leverages existing infrastructure and reduces the need for drilling new wells.

Subterranean deep saline formations: Deep saline formations are layers of rock saturated with briny water, far below freshwater resources. Their geological properties allow for the storage of large volumes of carbon dioxide with minimal risk of leakage or contamination of freshwater sources.

Statement 1 is correct: Butterflies are vital pollinators for many flowering plants. A decline in their population can lead to reduced pollination success, affecting fruit and seed production. This, in turn, can disrupt plant communities that rely on butterflies for pollination, potentially impacting entire ecosystems.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While some butterfly species may interact with fungi, a decline in butterfly populations is unlikely to cause a drastic increase in fungal infections on cultivated plants. Factors like humidity, temperature, plant health, and fungicide use play a far more significant role in the spread of fungal diseases than butterfly populations.

Statement 3 is correct: Butterflies are an essential part of the food web, serving as prey for wasps, spiders, birds, and other insectivorous species. A sharp decline in butterfly populations could negatively impact these predators, disrupting the ecological balance and potentially leading to cascading effects on biodiversity.

Statement 1 is correct: Reduced or zero tillage of the land minimises soil disturbance, promoting better water retention. Less disturbed soil creates a more compact surface that reduces evaporation and allows rainwater to infiltrate deeper into the ground.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Applying gypsum before irrigating the field Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is a soil amendment that can improve soil structure and drainage in some situations. However, it doesn't directly conserve water. In some cases, excessive gypsum application might even increase the leaching of nutrients and salts.

Statement 3 is correct: Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Leaving crop residue on the soil surface acts like a mulch. This mulch helps suppress weeds, reduces soil erosion, and minimises water evaporation from the soil surface.

Statement 1 is correct: The GCCA was established by the European Union to enhance climate cooperation with developing nations, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Statement 2 is correct: A core objective of the GCCA is to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries, helping them integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into their national policies, development strategies, and budgets.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The GCCA is coordinated by the European Commission through its established political dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. It is not managed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) or the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

An environment ministry's expert committee approved Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh as the second home for Asiatic lions found only in Gir National Park. However, the Gujarat government will not share lions unless 33 studies as mandated by the International Wildlife Watchdog IUCN is completed.

Bioremediation is a technique that utilizes living organisms, primarily microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted environments. It essentially harnesses and accelerates natural biodegradation processes for environmental cleanup.

Statement 1 (correct): This accurately describes a key advantage of bioremediation. It leverages and accelerates natural biodegradation processes by introducing suitable microorganisms or optimizing environmental conditions.

Statement 2 (incorrect): Bioremediation can be effective for many contaminants but not all. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead are often not readily broken down or removed completely. They might be transformed or immobilized, but not necessarily eliminated.

Statement 3 (correct): Genetic engineering offers a promising approach for developing microorganisms with enhanced capabilities for bioremediation. These engineered microbes can target specific pollutants or work more efficiently in challenging environments.


The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants was launched by a joint effort of 1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2. Six countries Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is not a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries. While some G20 members were involved in its launch, the CCAC has grown into a broader coalition that includes over 160 governments, intergovernmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations.

Statement 2 is correct. The CCAC's primary focus is indeed on reducing emissions of potent short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include Methane (CH4), Black Carbon (BC) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The best place to see Gharials in their natural habitat is the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area in northern India spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the dedicated sanctuaries for Gharials, the critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles.

Statement 1 is incorrect. TRAFFIC is a joint initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).TRAFFIC is not a bureau under UNEP.

Statement 2 is correct. TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) that works globally to monitor the trade in wild animals and plants. Its mission aligns with ensuring sustainable and legal wildlife trade that doesn't threaten conservation efforts.

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is a protected area and Tiger Reserve along the Western Ghats in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.


Largest among the four tiger reserves (Kalakad-Mundanthurai, Annamalai, Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam) in Tamil Nadu, STR is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between the Western Ghats and the rest of the Eastern Ghats, serving as a genetic link to contiguous protected areas including the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park.

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides the highest level of legal protection for wildlife in India. Species listed under this Schedule, such as the Tiger, are protected from hunting and trade, with violations attracting the most stringent penalties. Therefore, any species of tortoise listed in Schedule I enjoys the same legal safeguards as the tiger.

Option B is incorrect as it describes the 'Extinct in the Wild' category of the IUCN Red List, which is a biological conservation status rather than a legal designation under the WPA. Option C is incorrect because endemism refers to a species being restricted to a specific geographic location; while many Schedule I species may be endemic, the listing itself is based on the degree of threat and the requirement for absolute protection rather than geographic range.

Note: The original Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, contained six schedules (I-IV for animals, V for vermin, and VI for plants). The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, has since rationalized these into four schedules, but the principle of Schedule I providing the highest protection remains unchanged.

Statement 1 is correct: Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global action plan adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It provides a framework for achieving sustainable development by integrating environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth at global, national, and local levels.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, reviewed and reaffirmed the commitments made under Agenda 21 but did not introduce it. Instead, the summit focused on assessing progress, strengthening implementation, and launching new initiatives, including the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) attempts to create financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.

REDD goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD has the potential to simultaneously contribute to climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation, whilst also conserving biodiversity and sustaining vital ecosystem services.

Protection of biodiversity: Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems, and protecting them through REDD initiatives helps safeguard countless species of plants and animals. Resilience of forest ecosystems: By reducing deforestation and degradation, REDD helps maintain healthy forests that can better withstand natural disturbances like droughts, floods, and pests. Poverty reduction: Many forest communities rely on forests for their livelihoods. REDD programs can provide financial incentives for sustainable forest management, creating income opportunities and alleviating poverty.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Statement 1 is correct: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris. The primary aim of ISA is to promote solar energy deployment, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support sustainable energy solutions, particularly in developing countries.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Initially, ISA was open only to 121 solar-rich countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (the "Sun Belt"), as these regions receive abundant solar radiation throughout the year.

*However, in 2018, ISA expanded its membership to include all UN member states, allowing countries beyond the tropics to join and benefit from solar energy initiatives. This change made ISA a more inclusive global platform for promoting solar energy adoption worldwide.*

In 1972, Countries met in Stockholm, Sweden, for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, to consider the rights of the family to a healthy and productive environment.

In 1983, the United Nations created the World Commission on Environment and Development (later known as the Brundtland Commission), which defined sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Statement 1 is incorrect. Colombia proposed the idea of the SDGs at a preparation event for Rio20 held in Indonesia in July 2011.

Statement 2 is correct. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The consensus is that these SDGs have to be achieved by 2030.

The Gadgil Committee Report and the Kasturirangan Committee Report both focus on the conservation of the Western Ghats, one of the world's eight "hottest" biodiversity hotspots.

Gadgil Committee Report (2011) Formally known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report, this report advocated for strict environmental protection measures across the entire Western Ghats. It recommended designating the entire region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided into three zones with graded levels of regulation on development activities such as mining, construction, and deforestation. The report emphasized grassroots participation and sustainable development, but its stringent recommendations faced resistance from state governments and industries.

Kasturirangan Committee Report (2012) To review the Gadgil Committee's recommendations, the High-Level Working Group (HLWG), led by Dr. Kasturirangan, was formed. This report sought a balance between conservation and development by proposing that only 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as ESA, focusing primarily on forest and uninhabited regions while allowing regulated development in other areas. It adopted a more lenient approach than the Gadgil Report, leading to criticism from environmentalists who argued that it diluted the conservation efforts.

In summary, while the Gadgil Report advocated for comprehensive protection with stringent regulations, the Kasturirangan Report took a more moderate stance, allowing some developmental activities while still acknowledging the ecological importance of the Western Ghats.

The first state in India to declare a state butterfly was Maharashtra. Maharashtra designated the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) as its state butterfly in 2015. It's a large, black colored butterfly with velvet wings and bright blue spots.

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is a globally recognized framework for measuring, managing, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It was developed through a collaboration between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to ensure a standardized and transparent approach to GHG accounting.

The protocol helps businesses, governments, and organizations track their emissions consistently, facilitating accurate comparisons across sectors and regions. By providing clear guidelines for carbon accounting, it plays a crucial role in climate action strategies, regulatory compliance, and corporate sustainability efforts worldwide.

Statement 1 is correct. National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is the financing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and coordinating authority for the Ganges River, functioning under the Jal Shakti Ministry.

Statement 2 is correct. The mission of the organisation is to safeguard the drainage basin which feeds water into the Ganges by protecting it from pollution or overuse. In July 2014, the NGRBA has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority. Other members include the cabinet ministers of ministries that include the Ganges among their direct concerns and the chief ministers of states through which the Ganges River flows.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas primarily responsible for global warming, but it is not one of the eight pollutants considered in the calculation of India's National Air Quality Index (AQI).

Statement 2 is Correct: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the eight pollutants monitored under the National AQI, as it is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion that affects oxygen transport in the blood.

Statement 3 is Correct: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is included in the AQI calculation; it is a major air pollutant emitted from vehicle exhausts and industrial processes that causes respiratory issues.

Statement 4 is Correct: Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a criteria pollutant for the AQI, primarily released from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants and industrial facilities.

Statement 5 is Incorrect: Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and a precursor to ground-level ozone, but it is not directly measured or included as a parameter in the National AQI calculation.

Note: The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India considers eight pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).

Statement 1 is correct: Kharai camels can swim up to three kilometers in seawater. This rare trait allows them to reach offshore mangrove islands, where they forage for food.

Statement 2 is correct: Their name "Kharai" comes from the Gujarati word for "salty" because they primarily graze on saline plants and mangroves. This dietary adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh coastal environment.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Kharai camels are herded by local communities (Maldhari) in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Their milk is consumed, and male calves are sometimes sold. Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Green accounting involves incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the national and state budgets. This is a separate economic and statistical initiative and is not an objective of the Green India Mission.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Second Green Revolution (or Evergreen Revolution) focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security through sustainable methods. The Green India Mission, however, is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) specifically focused on forestry.

Statement 3 is Correct: The primary aim of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest cover and respond to climate change. Its goals include increasing forest/tree cover on 5 million hectares (mha) and improving the quality of forest cover on another 5 mha, thereby enhancing ecosystem services like carbon sequestration.

Statement 1 is Correct: Ceiling fans are covered under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Standards and Labeling (S&L) scheme. While they were under the voluntary labeling category for many years (including when this question was asked), they have since been moved to the mandatory category. Statement 2 is Correct: Electric geysers (specifically Storage Water Heaters) are part of the mandatory labeling program, which requires them to display star ratings based on their energy performance. Statement 3 is Correct: Tubular fluorescent lamps are also included in the mandatory labeling scheme to promote the use of energy-efficient lighting and reduce electricity consumption in households and offices.

Drip irrigation is an efficient water delivery system that applies water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves. It is widely used to conserve water, improve crop yields, and prevent soil degradation.


Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water precisely at the plant's root zone, reducing the moisture available on the soil surface. Since weeds typically thrive in moist topsoil, limiting water exposure to non-target areas helps suppress their growth. This makes weed control easier compared to traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers, which wet the entire field.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil salinity refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can hinder plant growth. While drip irrigation helps manage water efficiently, it does not directly reduce salinity. However, it can be combined with strategic flushing techniques (applying extra water at intervals) to push salts below the root zone, preventing salt buildup in the upper soil layers.

Statement 3 is correct: Drip irrigation releases water slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing surface runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which can wash away the topsoil, drip irrigation preserves soil structure and fertility, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture. Hence, the correct answer is option C.

The terms mentioned above are all related to the Kyoto Protocol. Here's a brief explanation of each term

Annex-I Countries: These countries have pledged to reduce their emissions by being a part of the Kyoto Protocol.The Cartagena Protocol is a separate international treaty on biosafety.

Certified Emissions Reductions: These are a type of carbon credit that is granted by the Kyoto Protocol for achieving emission reductions through a clean development mechanism project. The Nagoya Protocol is another international treaty focusing on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.

Clean Development Mechanism: It is a mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries as a way to earn emission reduction credits.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 and is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.

Statement 1 is correct: The UNCCD aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. It provides a framework for countries to work together to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Convention has a particular focus on Africa, not South Asia and North Africa. In fact, its full name is the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa'. Furthermore, the Secretariat does not facilitate the allocation of the 'major portion' of financial resources; financial mobilization is primarily handled through the Global Mechanism and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Statement 3 is correct: The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its commitment to a bottom-up approach. It emphasizes the participation of local communities, land users, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of programmes to combat land degradation.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2002 to identify, safeguard, and promote traditional agricultural systems that have historical, cultural, environmental, and social significance. These systems demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, rich biodiversity, and resilient rural livelihoods while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The GIAHS program is not primarily aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through modern methods. Instead, it focuses on preserving traditional farming practices, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable land-use systems that have evolved over centuries. While some modern improvements might be integrated to support local livelihoods, the core emphasis is conservation, not productivity enhancement.

Statement 2 is correct: The primary goal of GIAHS is to identify and protect unique agricultural systems that are vital for global biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security. This includes preserving traditional landscapes, indigenous crops, and local community knowledge, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While some GIAHS products might qualify for Geographical Indication status, it's not an automatic benefit. GI status is granted based on specific criteria related to a product's origin, traditional production techniques, and unique qualities, which require a separate legal recognition process. Hence, the correct answer is option B. 2 only.

Statement 1 is correct. Red Sanders, also known as Red Sandalwood or Pterocarpus santalinus, is indeed a tree species native to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of India.

Statement 2 is incorrect. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India. Red Sanders is not typically found in tropical rainforests. It grows in drier semi-arid regions of the Eastern Ghats.

The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) were submitted by countries before the Paris Agreement (2015) as their initial climate action plans to combat climate change. These documents outlined how each country intended to contribute to global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

These were preliminary pledges, meaning they were not legally binding commitments but rather expressions of intent.

Each country independently decided its contribution based on its capabilities, national circumstances, and priorities. Unlike top-down approaches in past climate treaties, INDCs followed a bottom-up approach.

The plans outlined specific measures countries intended to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to climate change impacts.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The agreement did not "go into effect in 2017." It was adopted in Dec 2015, signed in April 2016, and legally entered into force on November 4, 2016, after the "55/55" threshold (55 countries representing 55% of global emissions) was met.

Statement 2 is correct: This is the core "temperature goal" of the Paris Agreement: keeping the increase well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While the agreement acknowledges "Common But Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR), the financial commitment was $100 billion per year by 2020, not $1000 billion.