Environment and Ecology

141. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis

Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):

  • 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • 2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The correct option is B) 2 only.
– Statement 1 is incorrect. TRAFFIC is a non-governmental organization (NGO) and a strategic alliance of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is not a bureau under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), although it works in collaboration with various UN bodies and international conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
– Statement 2 is correct. The mission of TRAFFIC is explicitly stated as being to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. It monitors and investigates wildlife trade and advocates for sustainable use and trade practices.
TRAFFIC works globally to monitor and investigate wildlife trade and provide information to governments, intergovernmental bodies, and others involved in policy and conservation. Its work supports efforts to regulate and control trade in endangered species according to international agreements like CITES.

142. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes

From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve” option2=”Nallamala Forest” option3=”Nagarhole National Park” option4=”Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The correct option is A) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
– The question asks for an ecological link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. This refers to a region that serves as a wildlife corridor, allowing movement of animals and maintaining genetic connectivity between populations in the two mountain ranges.
– Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats landscape, specifically connecting the Biligirirangan Hills (considered part of the Western Ghats) and the Eastern Ghats. It forms a crucial corridor for wildlife, particularly elephants, between the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (at the junction of the two Ghats) and the Eastern Ghats.
– Nallamala Forest and Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve are primarily located within the Eastern Ghats, not serving as a link *between* the two ranges.
– Nagarhole National Park is located firmly within the Western Ghats, near the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, but is not a link between the two Ghats; rather, it’s part of the Western Ghats complex.
The region where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet, particularly around the Nilgiri Hills and extending into areas like Sathyamangalam, is vital for maintaining the ecological integrity of wildlife populations across South India. Protecting such corridors is essential for conservation efforts, especially for wide-ranging species like elephants and tigers.

143. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
  • 2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 3 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 2 is correct. The Paris Agreement aims to limit the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Agreement was adopted by 195 parties to the UNFCCC in Paris, not every UN member country signed it immediately upon adoption, and its entry into force was on 4 November 2016, triggered by ratification thresholds (55 parties accounting for at least 55% of global GHG emissions), not a fixed date like 2017 for all. Statement 3 is incorrect. Developed countries committed to a goal of mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020 for climate action in developing countries, not $1000 billion.

144. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric ga

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.

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3 only” option2=”2, 3 and 4 only” option3=”1, 4 and 5 only” option4=”1, 2, 3, 4 and 5″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India measures 8 pollutants. The gases typically considered for AQI calculation in urban areas are: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3). Ammonia (NH3) is also included. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and Lead (Pb) are also measured.
From the given list:
1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Not included in standard AQI as it is primarily a greenhouse gas, not an air pollutant causing direct, immediate health impacts at typical ambient concentrations, unlike the others.
2. Carbon monoxide (CO): Included.
3. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Included.
4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Included.
5. Methane (CH4): Not included in standard AQI; it is a greenhouse gas.
Therefore, CO, NO2, and SO2 are among the atmospheric gases normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index in cities.
Standard urban AQI measures pollutants like CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10. CO2 and Methane are greenhouse gases not typically included in AQI.
The AQI is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in simple terms. It transforms complex air quality data into a single number and color, indicating health implications.

145. Consider the following statements: The International Solar Alliance

Consider the following statements:

  1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
  2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 1 is correct. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by India and France at the 21st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in November 2015.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The ISA was initially conceived for countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which receive abundant sunlight. While its membership has since been expanded to include all member states of the United Nations, it does not *automatically* include *all* member countries; they must sign and ratify the ISA Framework Agreement to become members. As of 2023, not all UN member countries are members of the ISA.
ISA was launched at COP21 in 2015. Membership is open to UN members but requires joining, not automatic inclusion of all.
The ISA aims to promote research, development, and deployment of solar energy technologies and mobilize investment. It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.

146. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider th

With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  • It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
  • It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct option is A, as statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is correct. Agenda 21 is indeed a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area where human impacts on the environment. It serves as a global action plan for sustainable development.
– Statement 2 is incorrect. Agenda 21 was an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002 reviewed the progress made since the Rio Summit and further committed to sustainable development goals.
Agenda 21 is divided into four sections: Social and Economic Dimensions; Conservation and Management of Resources for Development; Strengthening the Role of Major Groups; and Means of Implementation.

147. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions” option2=”It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies” option3=”It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022″ option4=”It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct option is A, which accurately describes the purpose of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
– Option A is correct. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a widely used international accounting tool for governments and business leaders. It provides frameworks and guidance for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions from various sources. It was developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
– Option B is incorrect. This describes a potential climate finance mechanism or fund, not a protocol for accounting.
– Option C is incorrect. The GHG Protocol is not an inter-governmental agreement setting emission reduction targets. International agreements like the Paris Agreement set targets.
– Option D is incorrect. This describes an initiative like the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) related to REDD+, not the GHG Protocol.
The GHG Protocol standards are designed to provide a common language and framework for companies, cities, and countries to quantify and manage their greenhouse gas emissions, enabling more transparent and effective climate action.

148. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and ef

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to

  1. protection of biodiversity
  2. resilience of forest ecosystems
  3. poverty reduction

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct option is D, as all three statements are correct regarding the potential contributions of a properly designed and effectively implemented UN-REDD+ Programme.
– Statement 1 is correct. By reducing deforestation and forest degradation, REDD+ directly contributes to the protection of forest habitats and the biodiversity they harbour.
– Statement 2 is correct. Sustainable forest management and conservation practices, which are part of the REDD+ framework, enhance the health, structure, and functions of forest ecosystems, increasing their resilience to climate change and other threats.
– Statement 3 is correct. REDD+ initiatives often involve local communities and indigenous peoples living in and around forests. Effective implementation can include benefit-sharing mechanisms, creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities, and recognition of land rights, all of which can contribute to poverty reduction.
UN-REDD+ is a collaborative program of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It supports developing countries in establishing the technical and institutional capacities needed to implement REDD+ activities.

149. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider

With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements :

  • 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
  • 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct option is A, as statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is correct. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a tree species endemic to a specific region of South India, mainly the Eastern Ghats, particularly in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
– Statement 2 is incorrect. Red Sanders trees are typically found in dry deciduous forests, hilly tracts, and rocky ground, not in tropical rainforest areas of South India.
Red Sanders is known for its rich red colour and is highly valued for its timber, particularly in East Asia, leading to illegal logging and trade. It is listed as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN and is included in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), regulating its international trade.

150. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems an

With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
  • 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
  • 3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct option is C, as statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is incorrect. ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’ initiative was initiated by Germany and the European Commission in response to a G8+5 proposal and was hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). While IMF and World Economic Forum are important global bodies, they are not the primary hosts of TEEB.
– Statement 2 is correct. TEEB is indeed a global initiative focused on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity and the costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
– Statement 3 is correct. TEEB provides a structured approach to help decision-makers at various levels recognize, demonstrate, and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity in policy and business decisions.
TEEB aims to integrate the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making by highlighting the growing cost of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and demonstrating how economics can help to create better policies. It provides a global framework for assessing, valuing, and incorporating biodiversity and ecosystem services into accounting and reporting.
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