Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC

UPSC Prelims Test Series 2024-25

ENVIRONMENT – CURRENT AFFAIRS

QUESTIONS COMPILATION

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1. Consider the following statements with reference to Kaziranga National Park:
1. It is spread over two districts.
2. It is home to around two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population.
3. It was declared as a Tiger Reserve as well as a Ramsar Wetland site.
How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

C
Explanation

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Context: Assam’s Kaziranga National Park records 27% increase in waterbirds.
Kaziranga National Park is home to more than 2200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros, approximately
2/3rd of their total world population. Statement 2 is correct. The park is located in the edge

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of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots – Golaghat and Nagaon district. Statement 1
is correct. In the year 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

A
Along with the iconic Greater one-horned rhinoceros, the park is the breeding ground of
elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Over the time, the tiger population has also
&
increased in Kaziranga, and that’s the reason why Kaziranga was declared as Tiger Reserve
in 2006. Also, the park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International
n
for the conservation of avifaunal species. Birds like lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous
va

duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and
Asian Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central Asia during the winter season.
al

However, It is not a Ramsar site. Statement 3 is incorrect.

dh

2. Consider the following with respect to ‘Wetland City Accreditation’ (WCA):

1. It is a voluntary accreditation system established by the Ramsar Convention.
u

2. None of the Indian cities have been accredited or nominated for ‘Wetland City
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Accreditation’.
3. The validity of such accreditation is for 6 years.
n

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

aa

(a) 1
(b) 2
N

(c) 3
(d) None
Explanation
Statement 1 & 3 are correct
Wetland City Accreditation under Ramsar Convention
• It is a voluntary accreditation system established under Ramsar Convention during
Conference of Parties -12 (COP-12) held in 2015.

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 • It recognizes cities which have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban
wetlands.
• The scheme aims to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-
urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.
• The WCA is valid for 6 years.
Statement 2 is incorrect
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recently submitted
three nominations from India for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA).
• The nominated cities include Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh),

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and Udaipur (Rajasthan).

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• The ongoing Amrit Dharohar initiative by MoEF&CC aligns with WCA goals, promoting
the conservation values of Ramsar Sites.

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3. Which of the following species are naturally found in India?
1. Great Indian Bustard

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2. Lesser Florican
3. Houbara Bustard
4. Kori Bustard
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Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
n
(a) 1 and 2 only
va

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
al

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
dh

Explanation
Context:
u

• Recently, the Supreme Court said it will review its April 2021 order to bury underground
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all power lines in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). This was after the
Centre found the order practically impossible to implement over long distances.
• Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has constituted an expert committee to balance the
n

conservation and protection of the endangered Great Indian Bustard bird population
aa

with the country’s international commitments to promote Renewable sources of energy.

The large-winged birds are on the brink of extinction, with one of the causes being frequent
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collisions with high-powered power cables running adjacent to its core habitats in Gujarat
and Rajasthan.
Steps are Being Taken to Conserve the GIB:
• Species Recovery Programme: It is kept under the species recovery programme
under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Firefly Bird Diverters: Firefly bird diverters are flaps installed on power lines. They
work as reflectors for bird species like the GIB. Birds can spot them from a distance
of about 50 meters and change their path of flight to avoid collision with power lines.

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 • Artificial Hatching: The conservation breeding programme started in 2019 by
collecting eggs from the wild and artificially hatching them.
• National Bustard Recovery Plans: It is currently being implemented by conservation
agencies.
• Conservation Breeding Facility: MoEF&CC, the Rajasthan government and
the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have also established a conservation breeding
facility in Desert National Park at Jaisalmer in June 2019.
• Project Great Indian Bustard: It has been launched by the Rajasthan government to
construct breeding enclosures for the species and develop infrastructure to reduce
human pressure on its habitats.

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Bustard Species found in India

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• Great Indian Bustard
• Lesser Florican

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• Bengal Florican
• Houbara Bustard (Macqueen’s Bustard)

A
The Kori Bustard is not found in India (found in Africa).

4. &
The fifth cycle of leopard population estimation was recently conducted in India. In this
context consider the following statements:
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1. In India, leopards are found in all forest types, except for the desert and the mangroves
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of Sundarbans.
2. Karnataka has the highest population of leopards, followed by Maharashtra.
al

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
dh

(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
u

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
M

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav released
the report on Status of Leopards in India, on 29th February, 2024 at New Delhi.
n

1. Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907
aa

(2018: 3421)
2. Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690),
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3. Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and

4. Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global initiative to protect the seven big cat
species and their habitats:
♦♦ Tiger ♦♦ Jaguar
♦♦ Lion ♦♦ Puma
♦♦ Snow Leopard
♦♦ Leopard
♦♦ Cheetah

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5. The ‘Global Plastic Treaty’ negotiations and implementation comes under which of the
following?
(a) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
(b) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
(c) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
(d) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Explanation:
UNEP’s Role:

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♦♦ UNEP leads the negotiations for Global Plastic Treaty
♦♦ Hosts the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

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♦♦ Provides secretariat support
♦♦ Coordinates international efforts

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Treaty Objectives:
♦♦ End plastic pollution by 2040

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♦♦ Create legally binding agreement
♦♦ Address entire plastic lifecycle &
♦♦ Regulate production and consumption
♦♦ Promote circular economy
n
va

6. Consider the following statements:

1. Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is known for the successful breeding and nurturing
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of Striped hyenas and Asiatic wild dogs (Dhole).

2. It is surrounded by Eastern Ghats on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the
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fourth side.
Which of the following Zoological Parks is described by the above-given statements?
u

(a) Nehru Zoological Park

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(b) Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

(c) Amirthi Zoological Park
n

(d) Indira Gandhi Zoological Park

aa

Explanation
Context: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) is making significant strides in the captive
N

breeding of threatened species like Asiatic wild dogs and striped hyaenas.

Zoo State

Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad, Telangana

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park Pune, Maharashtra

Amirthi Zoological Park Vellore Dt, Tamil Nadu

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7. Consider the following statements:
1. The Loss and Damage Fund was first announced during CoP 28 of UNFCCC held at
Dubai.
2. The Loss and Damage Fund is financed through the Global Environment Facility
funding mechanism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

C
Explanation

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Context: In the aftermath of the catastrophic landslides that recently impacted Kerala’s
Wayanad district, a critical discourse has arisen regarding the eligibility of subnational entities
to claim compensation through the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) under the United Nations

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Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) was established at the 27th UNFCCC Conference of Parties

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(COP27) held in 2022 in Egypt to provide financial support to regions suffering both economic
and non-economic losses caused by climate change. Statement 1 is incorrect.
&
The Fund addresses losses resulting from extreme weather events and slow-onset processes, such
as rising sea levels.
n
Global Environment Facility and Loss and Damage fund are separate funding mechanisms
va

which are not related to each other. Statement 2 is incorrect.

al
dh
u
M
n
aa
N

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8. Consider the following statements regarding the phenomenon of ‘Aquatic Deoxygenation’:
Statement-I:
It impacts marine ecosystems through Habitat Compression and the creation of Dead
Zones.
Statement-II:
It is the overall decline in the oxygen content of oceanic and coastal waters.
Statement-III:
Rise in temperature increases the solubility of oxygen in water.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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(a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains

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Statement-I.
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I.

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(d) Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct.
Explanation

A
Context: Experts called for “Recognition of Aquatic Deoxygenation (AD) as a New Planetary
Boundary”.
&
Aquatic Deoxygenation is overall decline in the oxygen content of oceanic and coastal waters
(happens when oxygen consumption is greater than oxygen replenishment).
n
va

Reasons underscoring AD
♦♦ Global Warming caused by GHG: Rise in temperatures decreases solubility of oxygen
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in water. Statement-III is incorrect.

• Also, warm surface layers in ocean prevent oxygen from mixing deeper into ocean
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(leading to low oxygen level in deep sea waters)

♦♦ Eutrophication: Nutrient over enrichment from anthropogenic sources (e.g. agriculture)
u

leads to algal blooms and increased consumption of oxygen.

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Impact on Ecosystems
♦♦ Occurrences of dead zones and ocean hypoxia effect
n

♦♦ Habitat compression (reducing quality and quantity of suitable habitat) for fisheries leads
aa

to reduced biomass, species loss.

Statement-II is correct and explains Statement-I.
N

♦♦ Affects regulation and modulation of Earth’s climate (due to production of GHGs by micro
biotic processes in such regions)
♦♦ Changes in marine food web due to increased risk of predation, and other factors e.g.
Ocean acidification.
Planetary boundaries are a framework to describe limits to impacts of human activities on
the Earth system. Beyond these limits, environment may not be able to self-regulate anymore
(Earth systems become irreversibly altered).

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9. With reference to the ‘Clean Plant Programme (CPP)’, consider the following statements:
1. It will provide virus-free high quality planting material to farmers to boost crop
yields.
2. The beneficiaries of CPP includes all farmers regardless of their landholding size and
socio economic status.
3. It is implemented by the National Horticulture Board.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only

C
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Explanation
Context: Recently the government also approved a Rs 1,766-crore ‘Clean Plant Programme’

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under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to boost the horticulture
sector.

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The CPP is about producing virus-free planting material and improving horticultural productivity.
Statement 1 is correct. &
The Programme will prioritize affordable access to clean plant material for all farmers, regardless
of their landholding size or socioeconomic status. Statement 2 is correct.
n
This programme will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board in association with
va

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Statement 3 is correct.

al

The Clean Plant Programme is set to significantly boost India’s horticultural sector while
aligning with Mission LiFE and the One Health initiatives. It will promote sustainable and eco-
dh

friendly agricultural practices and reduces dependence on imported planting materials.

10. India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’ undertaken at Keoladeo National Park. In this context,
u

consider the following statements:

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1. Teal carbon refers to the carbon sequestered in terrestrial plants and forests.
2. It is primarily produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter such as
n

wildfires.
3. It has the potential to mitigate climate change and global warming.
aa

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only
N

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands,
encompassing carbon sequestered in vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved and
particulate organic matter. Though these wetlands play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse

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gases, they are vulnerable to degradation from pollution, land use changes, water extraction,
and landscape modifications.
Statement 2 is incorrect: ‘Teal carbon’ being a colour-based terminology reflects the
classification of the organic carbon based on its functions and location rather than its physical
properties. As opposed to teal carbon, black and brown carbon are primarily produced by
incomplete combustion of organic matter from sources such as wild fires, fossil fuel combustion,
and industrial activities. They contribute to global warming.
Statement 3 is correct: These ecosystems can sequester large amounts of carbon by capturing
it in plant biomass and soil. Teal carbon ecosystems are particularly effective in carbon
sequestration because they slow down organic matter decomposition due to waterlogged soils,

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allowing carbon to remain trapped for long periods.

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11. Consider the following tribes:
1. Saoras of Odisha

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2. Baigas of Madhya Pradesh
3. Kamar tribes of Chhattisgarh

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4. Paudi Bhuyan of Chhattisgarh
&
How many of the above tribes have been granted ‘habitat rights’ under the Forest Rights
Act (FRA) of 2006?
n
(a) Only one
va

(b) Only two

(c) Only three
al

(d) All Four

Explanation
dh

♦♦ In Chhattisgarh, Habitat Rights have been vested to Baiga PVTGs in19 villages of GMP
district and for Kamar PVTGs in 22 villages of Dhamtari district.
u

♦♦ In Madhya Pradesh, Habitat right has been given to Bhariya PVTG in 12 villages of
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Chindwada. MP has also vested habitat right for Baiga PVTG in 6 villages of Mandala
Districts.
♦♦ In Odisha habitat right has been vested for Paudi Bhuiyan PVTG of Deogarh District.
n

Mankidia is the second PVTG to formally get the habitat rights in the state, while the
aa

district level committees have approved for other four communities including Saoras. Not
given rights under FRA yet.
N

12. Consider the following statements with reference to ‘fibropapillomatosis’.

1. It is a tumor-causing disease that affects only Sea turtles.
2. Green turtles are most commonly and severely affected.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Explanation
“Fibropapillomatosis,” commonly referred to as “FP,” is a tumor-causing disease that affects
some sea turtles. It causes cauliflower-like tumors to form on the skin anywhere on the body,
including the eyes and mouth. Tumors can also form in internal organs. Some sea turtles only
have mild forms of the disease whereas others develop numerous or large tumors that result in
debilitation and death. The disease most commonly affects green turtles in some areas of the
U.S., including locations in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
Fibropapillomatosis has been documented in all seven sea turtle species; however, green
turtles are most commonly and severely affected. Within areas where the disease is relatively
common, over half of the green turtles examined may have the disease during some years. In

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other sea turtle species, FP is more sporadically encountered and tends to be mild forms of the

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disease.
Can people get fibropapillomatosis from sea turtles?

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♦♦ No. Only Sea turtles can become infected by the virus associated with this disease and
only sea turtles develop this form of FP. There are similar diseases in humans and other
animals, but these are unrelated to sea turtles FP and have other causes.

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13. Consider the following statements about the Conference of Parties (COP-16) to the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
&
1. The Cali Fund was established for equitable sharing of benefits from Digital Sequence
n
Information, with at least 50% focused on Indigenous Peoples.
va

2. A new permanent subsidiary body was established for indigenous peoples’ knowledge
and practices.
al

3. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund was launched with a USD 200 billion contribution
from China.
dh

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
u

(b) 2 and 3 only

M

(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
n

Operationalization of the Cali Fund: Cali Fund was established to ensure fair and equitable
aa

sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources.  
• At least 50% of the Cali Fund will focus on the self-identified needs of Indigenous
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Peoples and local communities, particularly women and youth. Statement 1 is

correct.
Permanent Subsidiary Body: Parties agreed to establish a new permanent subsidiary body
on article 8j that deals with preservation and maintenance of the knowledge, innovations and
practices of indigenous peoples. Statement 2 is correct.
Resource Mobilisation: Parties agreed to develop a new “Strategy for Resource Mobilization”
to help secure USD 200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives worldwide.
• Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) was launched at COP 16 with a USD 200 million
contribution from China. Statement 3 is incorrect.

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India launched the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at COP
16 to the CBD aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

14. Consider the following statements regarding Conference of Parties (COP-29) of UNFCCC:
1. India is a signatory to the Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste.
2. It aims to triple climate finance for developing countries to USD 900 billion by 2035
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only

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(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Explanation:
Recently, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference

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of the Parties 29 (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Declaration on Reducing Methane: Over 30 countries, including the US, Germany, UK, and

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UAE, endorsed the COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste (India is not
a signatory). Statement 1 is incorrect.
&
New Climate Finance Goal: A major breakthrough at COP29 was the New Collective Quantified
Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). It aims to triple climate finance for developing countries to
n
USD 300 billion per year by 2035 from the previous goal of USD 100, with developed countries
va

taking the lead. Statement 2 is incorrect.

al

15. Consider the following statements:

1. Animal Birth Control (ABC) program is notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to
dh

Animals Act, 1960

2. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), headquartered in Chennai, is the nodal
u

agency overseeing the Animal Birth Control program in India.

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3. The rule permits local bodies to relocate stray dogs from their locality to a common
adoption centre.
n

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

aa

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 only
N

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program is notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals Act, 1960. The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, framed under this Act,
regulate the sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. STATEMENT 1 IS CORRECT.
The AWBI’s headquarters were shifted from Chennai to Ballabhgarh in Faridabad district,
Haryana, in 2018 for better coordination between the environment ministry and the board.
STATEMENT 2 IS INCORRECT

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The ABC rules do not permit local bodies to relocate stray dogs from their locality to a
common adoption center. Instead, sterilized and vaccinated dogs are returned to their original
location, as per Supreme Court rulings and ABC guidelines. STATEMENT 3 IS INCORRECT.

16. Consider the following about Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
1. GRAP is a framework designed to combat air pollution exclusively for Delhi.
2. GRAP consists of four stages, each with targeted actions
3. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversees the implementation of GRAP
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

C
(a) 1 and 2 only

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

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Explanation:

A
The Centre’s air pollution control panel for Delhi-NCR recently directed state governments in
the region to implement the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
&
GRAP is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. Statement 1
is incorrect
n
• It was introduced as an emergency response mechanism, and its implementation is
va

triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches “poor” levels.

Different stages of GRAP: GRAP consists of four stages, each with targeted actions to be taken
al

by the necessary authorities and agencies. These are the following:

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• Stage I: “Poor” air quality (Delhi AQI: 201-300)

• Stage II: “Very Poor” air quality (Delhi AQI: 301-400)
u

• Stage III: “Severe” air quality (Delhi AQI: 401-450)

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• Stage IV: “Severe+” air quality (Delhi AQI > 450). Statement 2 is correct.
♦♦ The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees
n

the implementation of GRAP. Statement 3 is incorrect

aa

♦♦ The orders and directions of the CAQM will prevail in case of any conflict between directions
issued by the State governments and the CAQM.
N

17. Consider the following disasters:

1. Drought
2. Cold wave
3. Heat wave
4. Hail storm
5. Pest attack
6. Cloud burst

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 Which of the above are notified disasters under the Disaster Management Act 2005?
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Explanation:
♦♦ In India, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, defines a disaster as a “catastrophe,
mishap, calamity or grave occurrence” arising from natural or man-made causes that
results in substantial loss of life, destruction of property, or damage to the environment.

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♦♦ Currently 12 disasters are classified as Notified Disaster namely: Cyclone, drought,
earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack

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and frost and cold wave.
♦♦ Presently the notified list of disasters eligible for National Disaster Response Fund/State

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Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance.

18. Recently the Ganges River Dolphin has been tagged for the first time in Assam. In this

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context, consider the following statements:
1.
2.
&
It is the only freshwater Dolphin species found in India.
They have a highly developed bio-sonar system that facilitates them to hunt.
n
3. It has been recognized by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.
va

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
al

(b) 1 and 3
dh

(c) 2 only
(d) 2 and 3
u

Explanation:
M

Incorrect – The Ganges River Dolphin is not the only freshwater dolphin found in India.
India is also home to the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), found mainly in
n

the Beas River in Punjab.

aa

Correct – Ganges River Dolphins rely on bio-sonar (echolocation) for navigation and hunting,
as they are nearly blind.
N

Correct – The Government of India declared the Ganges River Dolphin as the National
Aquatic Animal in 2009 to promote its conservation.

19. Consider the following:

1. Air conditioner
2. Fire Extinguisher
3. Entry and Re-entry of satellites
4. Adhesives

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 How many of the above is/are reasons for Ozone depletion?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Explanation:
Ozone depleting substances are Chlorofluorocarbons – Air conditioner, Halons – Fire
extinguisher, Methyl chloroform – Adhesives and other than that
Rockets use fossil fuels to release soot as a byproduct and this combined with the increasing

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levels of aluminium oxides because of the atmospheric burning of satellites may upset the
planet’s thermal balance. Both aluminium oxides and soot are known to damage ozone. Hence

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all the four are correct.

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A
&
n
va
al
dh
u
M
n
aa
N

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