Environment and Ecology

1. Which park among the following has been declared as the India’s first

Which park among the following has been declared as the India’s first “Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures” (OECM) site ?

The Corbett National Park - Uttarakhand
The Aravalli Biodiversity Park - Haryana
The Ranthambore National Park - Rajasthan
The Bandipur National Park - Karnataka
This question was previously asked in
UPSC SO-Steno – 2018
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The Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram, Haryana, has been declared as India’s first “Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures” (OECM) site.
– OECM status is accorded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
– An OECM is a geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, and other local relevant values.
– The Aravalli Biodiversity Park is a restored forest area on degraded mining land, showcasing how ecological restoration can significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation outside traditionally protected areas.
This declaration highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity in urban landscapes and through community-led restoration efforts. While Corbett, Ranthambore, and Bandipur are well-known National Parks, they fall under the category of ‘Protected Areas’ and not OECM sites.

2. Climate change is

Climate change is

a positive good as ice-capped lands are clearing
a negative good as sea water is rising
a global negative externality caused by Green House Gas emissions
a local positive externality caused by afforestation
This question was previously asked in
UPSC SO-Steno – 2017
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Climate change is best described as a global negative externality caused by Green House Gas emissions.
Climate change is driven primarily by the emission of greenhouse gases (like CO2) from human activities. The costs associated with the impacts of climate change (such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, etc.) are not borne by the emitters alone but by the entire global community, making it an externality. Since these impacts are largely harmful, it is a negative externality. Its effects are global in scope, affecting all regions.
Options A and B describe potential outcomes or consequences, not the fundamental nature or cause. Option D describes a positive externality (afforestation) which is a mitigation measure against climate change, not climate change itself.

3. What is the primary habitat of the ‘Red Squirrel’ ?

What is the primary habitat of the ‘Red Squirrel’ ?

Tropical rainforests
Desert regions
Coniferous forests
Grasslands
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
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The Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is primarily found in coniferous forests across Eurasia. While they can inhabit mixed or broadleaf woodlands, their main habitat preference, especially in the UK and parts of Europe, is often associated with coniferous tree species that provide a reliable food source (cones) and shelter.
– The Red Squirrel’s main habitat is coniferous forests.
– They are native to Europe and Asia.
The Red Squirrel’s range extends across much of Europe and Asia. In some areas, its populations have declined due to habitat loss and competition from the introduced Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Coniferous forests offer a consistent food source through the year in the form of seeds from cones, which is crucial for their survival, particularly in winter.

4. Which Indian received the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award, 2024 ?

Which Indian received the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award, 2024 ?

Tulsi Gowda
Purnima Devi Barman
Alice Garg
Amrita Devi
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
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Purnima Devi Barman received the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award in 2024.
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman is an Indian wildlife biologist who leads the “Hargila Army” conservation initiative dedicated to protecting the Greater Adjutant Stork. She received the Whitley Award (often called the ‘Green Oscar’) in 2022 and was subsequently honoured with the Whitley Gold Award in 2024 for her continued outstanding work in conservation.
The Whitley Awards are presented annually by the UK-based charity the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) to recognise and celebrate conservation leaders working in the Global South. The Whitley Gold Award is given to a past Whitley Award winner for their exceptional achievement and leadership in conservation.

5. What are ‘Baobabs’ ?

What are ‘Baobabs’ ?

New species of fish
Traditional medicines
Deciduous trees
Ancient paintings
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
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Baobabs are a genus of deciduous trees.
Baobabs (*Adansonia*) are large, distinctive trees known for their massive trunks and relatively sparse branches, which often make them appear upside-down. They are adapted to dry environments and shed their leaves during the dry season, making them deciduous.
There are several species of baobabs, primarily found in Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. They are known for their longevity and cultural significance in the regions where they grow.

6. Silk cotton trees are mainly found in which of the following forests ?

Silk cotton trees are mainly found in which of the following forests ?

Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests
Montane wet temperate forests
Himalayan moist forests
Swamp forests
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
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Silk cotton trees (such as *Bombax ceiba*) are mainly found in Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.
These trees are characteristic species of tropical and subtropical regions that experience a distinct dry season but receive sufficient rainfall to support deciduous and semi-evergreen vegetation. They are large deciduous trees known for their bright red flowers and cotton-like fiber from their seed pods.
Montane wet temperate forests are found at higher altitudes with different tree species. Himalayan moist forests are specific to the Himalayas. Swamp forests are waterlogged areas. The ecological requirements of silk cotton trees align best with moist deciduous and semi-evergreen conditions.

7. India pledged at COP26 to reach net zero emission by 2070. What is the

India pledged at COP26 to reach net zero emission by 2070. What is the target percentage of renewable energy announced to be achieved by 2030?

40%
45%
50%
55%
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20
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At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, India pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2070. As part of its ‘Panchamrit’ (five nectar elements) commitments announced at the summit, India also set several ambitious targets for 2030, including meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources.
– India’s Net Zero target year is 2070.
– One of the key targets announced for 2030 was to meet 50% of the country’s energy requirements from renewable energy sources.
– Other 2030 targets included increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW and reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 45%.
The Panchamrit targets announced by India at COP26 are: 1. Reach 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. 2. Meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. 3. Reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now till 2030. 4. Reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 percent by 2030. 5. Achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070. The question specifically asks for the target percentage of renewable energy for 2030.

8. Consider the following statements about the Global River Cities Allian

Consider the following statements about the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA):

  • 1. It is an alliance of global river cities led by the National Mission for Clean Ganga under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
  • 2. GRCA is a unique alliance covering more than 275 global river cities in 11 countries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct. The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) is indeed led by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and it was launched as a global initiative involving cities from multiple countries. Official sources indicate engagement with or inclusion of cities from numerous countries, with initial launch involving 11 countries and referencing a network potentially covering over 275 river cities globally, demonstrating its unique and wide scope.
– GRCA was launched at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023.
– Its objective is to connect river cities globally to share best practices for river conservation, sustainable river management, and urban water management.
– The alliance was launched with member countries including India, Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, along with international multilateral institutions.
– The alliance structure is intended to facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among participating cities and countries.

9. Which of the following are the major contaminants from industries and

Which of the following are the major contaminants from industries and households that cause cultural eutrophication?

Chlorine and aldrin
Mercury and nitrates
Nitrates and phosphates
Phosphates and ammonium
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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The correct answer is C) Nitrates and phosphates.
Cultural eutrophication is the process of nutrient enrichment of water bodies by human activities. The major contaminants from industries, agriculture, and households that cause this are compounds of nitrogen (like nitrates) and phosphorus (like phosphates). These nutrients promote excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants.
Sources of nitrates include agricultural runoff (fertilizers), sewage, and atmospheric deposition. Sources of phosphates include detergents (historically), sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. High concentrations of these nutrients disrupt aquatic ecosystems by leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion (hypoxia) upon decomposition of dead algae, and loss of biodiversity.

10. Ecotone is a

Ecotone is a

diversified ecosystem
transitional ecosystem
transparent ecosystem
stagnation ecosystem
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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The correct answer is B) transitional ecosystem.
An ecotone is defined as a transition zone between two different ecological communities or ecosystems. It contains species characteristic of both bordering ecosystems, and often includes species not found in either.
Ecotones are important ecologically as they often have higher biodiversity (edge effect) than the adjacent ecosystems due to the presence of species from both communities. Examples include the transition between a forest and a grassland, or a riverbank bordering a terrestrial area.
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