Q1. Consider the following statements on Namami Gange Programme:
- It is an Integrated Conservation Mission approved as a flagship programme in 2014.
- It aims to achieve ‘Nirmal Dhara’ (clean flow) and ‘Aviral Dhara’ (continuous flow).
- Ganga has been declared a ‘National River’ under the Environment Protection Act.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
- Correct – Approved in June 2014 with ₹20,000 crore outlay.
- Correct – Twin objectives: Nirmal (pollution abatement) and Aviral (ecological flow).
- Incorrect – Declared via Gazette Notification in 2009.
Q2. Consider the following statements on Coral Bleaching:
- It occurs when corals expel zooxanthellae due to stress from high sea temperature.
- The Great Barrier Reef experienced mass bleaching in 2016, 2017, and 2020.
- Coral bleaching is irreversible and always leads to coral death.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
- Correct – Stress (SST >1°C above normal for 4+ weeks) causes expulsion of symbiotic algae → white skeleton.
- Correct – Three mass bleaching events in five years due to marine heatwaves.
- Incorrect – Bleaching is reversible if stress is removed quickly; prolonged → mortality.
Q3. Consider the following statements on Greenhouse Gases:
- Methane has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 25 times that of CO₂ over 100 years.
- Nitrous Oxide is released mainly from agricultural soil management.
- Black Carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) with radiative forcing properties.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
- Correct – IPCC AR4: CH₄ GWP = 25 (AR5: 28).
- Correct – 70% of N₂O emissions from agriculture (fertilizer, manure).
- Correct – Black Carbon (soot) is a short-lived climate forcer with strong warming effect.
Q4. Consider the following statements on Plastic Waste Management Rules:
- The 2022 amendment bans plastic carry bags below 75 microns (and below 120 microns from December 2023).
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) covers all categories of plastic packaging, including multi-layered plastics.
- Urban local bodies are responsible for setting up collection and segregation systems for plastic waste.
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
- Correct – PWM (Amendment) Rules, 2022, raised the thickness limit to >75 microns from 30 Sept 2022 and >120 microns from 31 Dec 2023.
- Correct – EPR framework (2022) applies comprehensively to all plastic packaging types, including MLP.
- Correct – Local bodies are mandated under Rule 6 to ensure segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal infrastructure for plastic waste.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- ISA was launched at COP22 in Marrakesh.
- Only UN member states can join ISA.
- ISA is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Answer: (d) None
Explanation:
- Incorrect – Launched at COP21, Paris (2015) by India and France; headquartered in Gurugram, operational from 2017.
- Incorrect – Open to all UN members (106 signatories as of 2025).
- Incorrect – ISA is an autonomous, treaty-based intergovernmental organization, not a specialized UN agency.
