Environment

* Pyrolysis and plasma gasification are both thermochemical processes used to convert waste materials (organic or inorganic) into usable products.

* Pyrolysis: This process involves heating organic materials (like plastic, and biomass) in an oxygen-deficient environment, leading to decomposition into various products like syngas (a mixture of gases), bio-oil, and char.

* Plasma gasification: This technology uses high-temperature plasma to break down waste materials into syngas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

* Both processes offer a potential solution for waste management and energy generation. They can convert various waste streams into usable fuels or feedstock for further processing.

The burning of crop or biomass residue releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): Incomplete combustion of organic matter produces carbon monoxide, a colorless and toxic gas that affects air quality and human health.

Methane (CH₄): Biomass burning can also release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): If the biomass contains sulfur compounds, its combustion releases sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.

Ozone (O₃) Formation: Ozone is not directly emitted from biomass burning. However, it forms secondarily in the atmosphere when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight.

Therefore, option (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4 is correct.

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per the report National Compilation on Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2017 of CGWA, out of the total 6881 assessment units (Blocks/Mandals/ Talukas) in the country, 1186 units in various States (17%) have been categorized as Over-Exploited, 313 units (5%) as Critical, and 972 units (14%) as Semi-Critical.

Statement 2 is correct: The CGWA was established in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and manage groundwater resources.

Statement 3 is correct: India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. This is due to the country's heavy reliance on agriculture, which is predominantly rain-fed.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. 2 and 3 only.

Statement 1 is correct: Fertigation is a method of delivering fertilizers to crops through an irrigation system. It involves the precise application of water-soluble or liquid fertilizers directly to the root zone of plants during the irrigation process. This technique allows for the controlled release of nutrients, ensuring that plants receive the right amount at the right time. Fertigation allows for the control of the pH of the irrigation water, which can be adjusted to the optimal level for nutrient absorption by the plants.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While fertigation does allow for the efficient application of many types of fertilizers, rock phosphate is not water-soluble and therefore cannot be applied efficiently through fertigation.

Statement 3 is correct: Because fertigation delivers nutrients directly to the root zone of plants, it increases the availability of nutrients to the plants.

Statement 4 is correct: Fertigation allows for the precise application of nutrients, which reduces the risk of nutrient leaching.

Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are correct.

Statement 1 is Correct: Crop diversification involves growing a variety of crops in the same area, which enhances soil health, increases biodiversity, and breaks pest cycles, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Statement 2 is Correct: Legume intensification refers to the increased cultivation of legumes, which fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria (Rhizobium), naturally enriching soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Statement 3 is Correct: A tensiometer measures soil moisture tension, allowing farmers to practice precision irrigation. This conserves water and prevents the leaching of soil nutrients caused by over-watering.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: While vertical farming has certain advantages such as reduced land use and controlled pest management, it is not considered eco-friendly in the Indian context. It relies heavily on artificial lighting and climate control systems, which consume large amounts of electricity — predominantly generated from fossil fuels in India. This high energy footprint undermines its eco-friendly credentials, making it unsuitable to be classified as an eco-friendly agricultural practice in the Indian context.

Statement 1 is correct: Zero tillage is a method of farming that involves sowing crop seeds directly into the soil without disturbing it. This method has several advantages. In zero tillage, the residue of the previous crop is left on the field, which acts as a natural mulch, reducing soil erosion and improving soil fertility. Therefore, there is no need to burn the residue of the previous crop before sowing wheat.

Statement 2 is correct: In zero tillage, seeds are directly planted into the soil, eliminating the need for a nursery of rice saplings. This not only saves time and labor but also reduces the cost of cultivation.

Statement 3 is correct: Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In zero tillage, the carbon in the crop residue is returned to the soil, which helps in carbon sequestration.


Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Detritivores: These are organisms that feed on dead and decaying organic matter (detritus).

Earthworms: They are classic detritivores, breaking down organic matter in soil and aiding in decomposition.

Millipedes: They feed on decaying leaves and other organic debris on the forest floor.

Woodlice: These small crustaceans are also detritivores, consuming decaying plant and animal matter.

Jellyfish: While they might incidentally ingest some detritus while filtering water for food, they are primarily carnivores, feeding on plankton and small fish.

Seahorses: These are also not detritivores. They are carnivores, feeding on small shrimp, plankton, and other invertebrates.

Therefore, 1,3 and 5 are detritivores.

Water efficiency of a crop refers to the amount of water required for its growth and development.

Among the options provided, Sugarcane requires the highest amount of water for its growth, making it the least water-efficient crop. It needs around 1800-2200 mm of water per season. On the other hand, Sunflower requires about 672.4 mm/season, Pearl Millet being a drought-tolerant crop requires around 350 mm/season, and Red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season of water.

Therefore, Sugarcane is the least water-efficient crop among the given options.

Statement 1 is correct. The Climate-Smart Village (CSV) approach is an initiative under the CCAFS program, which focuses on improving climate resilience in agriculture through research and innovation. CCAFS operates in multiple countries, including India, and works on sustainable farming practices, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation strategies in rural areas.

Statement 2 is correct. CCAFS is a global research initiative under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which is a network of international agricultural research organizations. However, CGIAR's global headquarters is in Montpellier, France, making the statement factually accurate.

Statement 3 is correct. ICRISAT, based in Hyderabad, India, is a major research institute focusing on improving dryland agriculture. It is indeed one of the CGIAR's 15 global research centers, working on climate resilience, crop improvement, and food security in semi-arid regions.

Lake Faguibine in Mali is a prime example of increasing aridity . Here's how it changed over the years, as seen through false-color Landsat satellite images - Initially, it was one of the largest lakes in West Africa, fed by the Niger River during floods. - In 1974, it spanned approximately 590 square kilometers (230 square miles). - A decline in precipitation from the late 1980s led to its gradual drying. - By the late 1990s, traditional livelihoods like fishing , agriculture , and livestock herding became impractical. - Despite the resumption of normal rainfall after 2000, the lake has remained nearly dry.

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and remains filled with water. Lake Oguta is located in Nigeria and is still a freshwater lake. Lake Volta is one of the largest artificial lake by surface area in the world and remains filled with water from the Volta River.


M-STRIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status. It's a software-based program launched by the Indian government's National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to -Strengthen protection efforts for Bengal tigers in Indian tiger reserves. -Enhance monitoring and patrolling activities by forest guards.

Gharial: Listed in Schedule I of the Act. Schedule I includes species with the highest protection, prohibiting hunting entirely except under exceptional circumstances like disease control or to prevent human attacks. Therefore, hunting Gharial is illegal.


Indian wild ass: Listed in Schedule I of the Act. Similar to Gharial, hunting the Indian wild ass is also prohibited.

Wild Buffalo: Listed in Schedule I of the Indian WildLife (Protection) Act, 1972. So, Wild Buffalo cannot be hunted.

_Note: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972 underwent amendments in 2022, which impacted the scheduling of wild animals._ _Previously, there were six schedules. The amendment streamlined them into four schedules._

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

Statement 1 is correct: Prevention of soil runoff IWDP promotes practices that reduce soil erosion, protecting valuable topsoil and improving land fertility.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Linking perennial and seasonal rivers While water resource management is a part of IWDP, it doesn't focus on physically linking separate river systems. The National River Linking Project is a separate project to interlink rivers.

Statement 3 is correct: Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge IWDP encourages rainwater conservation techniques, allowing more water to infiltrate the ground and replenish aquifers.

Statement 4 is correct: Regeneration of natural vegetation IWDP often involves planting trees and promoting sustainable land management practices, leading to increased vegetation cover.

Statement 1 is Correct: SSI uses single-bud chips raised in nurseries rather than traditional heavy setts, reducing the seed requirement from approximately 3 tonnes per acre to just 75 kg, which significantly lowers the seed cost.

Statement 2 is Correct: The wide spacing and precise planting method in SSI allow for the highly effective use of drip irrigation, which helps in maintaining optimum moisture levels rather than the traditional flood irrigation.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: While SSI encourages organic methods and the use of bio-fertilizers to improve soil health, it does not mandate the total exclusion of chemical or inorganic fertilizers; it focuses on their optimal and efficient application.

Statement 4 is Correct: SSI involves wider spacing between rows (typically 4 to 5 feet) compared to conventional methods, which provides ample space and sunlight for successful intercropping with crops like pulses, vegetables, or oilseeds.

1. Terrace cultivation: This is a soil conservation technique used on sloping land. It involves creating leveled steps or terraces to reduce water runoff and soil erosion.

2. Deforestation: When trees are cut down, the soil loses the protection provided by their roots. This exposes the soil to wind and rain, making it more susceptible to erosion. Deforestation is a major driver of soil erosion in India.

3. Tropical climate: While heavy rainfall in tropical regions can contribute to soil erosion, it's not the sole factor. Deforestation and poor land management practices exacerbate the issue.

Thus, the correct answer is '2 only'.

Major reef formations in the Indian Seas occur in: - Gulf of Mannar, - Palk Bay, - Gulf of Kutch, - the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and - Lakshadweep.


Coral reefs are marine ecosystems and cannot exist in the Sundarbans, which is a mangrove forest in the Ganges Delta and a brackish water ecosystem.

Statement 1 is correct: Volcanic action releases carbon dioxide trapped within the Earth's crust and mantle.

Statement 2 is correct: Respiration releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration in living organisms.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Plants and other photosynthetic organisms use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to create organic molecules.


Statement 4 is correct: The decay of organic matter releases carbon dioxide as decomposers break down dead plants and animals. This process returns carbon stored in organic matter back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.