Environment

Biodiversity, climate change, pollution, protected areas. Filter by topic or year.

27 questions

2025 · Question 31 · Pollution
Consider the following statements : Statement I : Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions. Statement II : Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone while manufacturing cement. Statement III : Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Choose your answer(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 Statement I(c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I(d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 44 · Pollution
Consider the following : I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic?
Choose your answer(a)Only one(b)Only two(c)All the three(d)None
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 50 · Pollution
Consider the following statements : Statement I : Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries. Statement II : Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals. Statement III : Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Choose your answer(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 Statement I(c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I(d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 85 · Pollution
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
Choose your answer(a)silver iodide and potassium iodide(b)silver nitrate and potassium iodide(c)silver iodide and potassium nitrate(d)silver nitrate and potassium chloride
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2024 · Question 17 · Pollution
With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements : 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials. 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment. 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Choose your answer(a)1 and 2 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2024 · Question 22 · Pollution
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II : Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
Choose your answer(a)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I(b)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I(c)Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect(d)Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2024 · Question 90 · Pollution
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ?
Choose your answer(a)Locomotives using fossil fuels(b)Ships using fossil fuels(c)Extraction of metals from ores(d)Power plants using fossil fuels
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2023 · Question 59 · Pollution
Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution : 1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world. 2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution. 3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. How many of the above statements are correct?
Choose your answer(a)Only one(b)Only two(c)All three(d)None
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2022 · Question 44 · Pollution
In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements : 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2·5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2·5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3. 2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. 3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Choose your answer(a)1, 3 and 4(b)1 and 4 only(c)2, 3 and 4(d)1 and 2 only
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2022 · Question 100 · Pollution
Consider the following : 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?
Choose your answer(a)1, 2 and 3(b)2 and 4 only(c)4 only(d)1, 3 and 4
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2021 · Question 17 · Pollution
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment. 2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment. 3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Choose your answer(a)1 and 2 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2021 · Question 18 · Pollution
With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements : 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Choose your answer(a)1 and 2 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2021 · Question 25 · Pollution
Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Choose your answer(a)1, 2, 3 and 5 only(b)1, 2 and 4 only(c)3, 4 and 5 only(d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2020 · Question 48 · Pollution
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution ? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished wooden furniture 5. Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Choose your answer(a)1, 2 and 3 only(b)2 and 4 only(c)1, 3 and 4 only(d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2020 · Question 78 · Pollution
In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint ? 1. Copper slag 2. Cold mix asphalt technology 3. Geotextiles 4. Hot mix asphalt technology 5. Portland cement Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Choose your answer(a)1, 2 and 3 only(b)2, 3 and 4 only(c)4 and 5 only(d)1 and 5 only
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2020 · Question 79 · Pollution
Consider the following statements : 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. 3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Choose your answer(a)1 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2019 · Question 30 · Pollution
Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
Choose your answer(a)They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.(b)They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.(c)They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.(d)They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2019 · Question 35 · Pollution
Consider the following : 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
Choose your answer(a)1 and 2 only(b)2, 3 and 4 only(c)1 and 4 only(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2019 · Question 39 · Pollution
In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
Choose your answer(a)pesticides in agriculture(b)preservatives in processed foods(c)fruit-ripening agents(d)moisturising agents in cosmetics
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2019 · Question 41 · Pollution
Consider the following statements : 1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment. 2. Cattle release ammonia into environment. 3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Choose your answer(a)1 and 3 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)2 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2019 · Question 43 · Pollution
In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements : 1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions. 2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions. 3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses. 4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Choose your answer(a)1 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)4 only(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2018 · Question 4 · Pollution
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government. 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Choose your answer(a)1 only(b)2 only(c)Both 1 and 2(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2018 · Question 81 · Pollution
Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds ? 1. Decreased salinity in the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of the water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Choose your answer(a)1 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2017 · Question 14 · Pollution
In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ? 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Choose your answer(a)1 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2017 · Question 59 · Pollution
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for
Choose your answer(a)Measuring oxygen levels in blood(b)Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems(c)Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems(d)Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2016 · Question 23 · Pollution
Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. River basin is the unit of planning and management. 2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level. 3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Choose your answer(a)1 and 2 only(b)2 and 3 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1, 2 and 3
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)
2016 · Question 86 · Pollution
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Choose your answer(a)1, 2 and 3 only(b)2, 3 and 4 only(c)1, 4 and 5 only(d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary), General Studies Paper I (opens in a new tab)

Consider the following : I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic?

Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II : Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ?

Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution : 1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world. 2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution. 3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. How many of the above statements are correct?

Consider the following : 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements : 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution ? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished wooden furniture 5. Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Consider the following statements : 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. 3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

Consider the following : 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

Consider the following statements : 1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment. 2. Cattle release ammonia into environment. 3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds ? 1. Decreased salinity in the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of the water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.