Environment and Sustainable Development

1. 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.

2. Landslide caused due to civil construction work in a hilly area is :

Landslide caused due to civil construction work in a hilly area is :

a man-made disaster.
a natural disaster.
None of the above
Both (a) and (b) above
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022
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A landslide caused due to civil construction work in a hilly area is a man-made disaster.
While landslides can occur naturally (triggered by rain, earthquakes, erosion), if the primary cause is human activity such as improper slope cutting for roads, buildings, or other construction, it is classified as a man-made or anthropogenic disaster because the human action directly triggered the event.
It is important to distinguish between natural hazards and disasters. A natural hazard is a natural phenomenon that poses a threat. A disaster occurs when a hazard impacts vulnerable populations or infrastructure, leading to loss. When human activity directly causes the event itself, it becomes a man-made disaster.

3. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in November 20

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in November 2016, has constituted a four-member team for conservation and management of which one of the following lakes?

Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
Damdama Lake, Haryana
Loktak Lake, Manipur
Chilika Lake, Odisha
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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The correct answer is Loktak Lake, Manipur.
In November 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constituted a four-member expert committee specifically for the conservation and management of Loktak Lake in Manipur. Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is known for its floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter).
Loktak Lake is a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) and is facing significant ecological challenges, including habitat degradation, pollution, and issues related to the phumdis and associated structures. The committee was tasked with suggesting measures for effective conservation and sustainable development of the lake and its surrounding areas.

4. Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?

Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?

Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
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“Greenwashing” is a term used to describe the practice of making unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology, or company practices. It involves conveying a false impression to consumers that something is more environmentally sound than it actually is. Option A perfectly captures this definition. Options B, C, and D describe other aspects related to environmental accounting, development impacts, or environmental cost integration, but not greenwashing.
Greenwashing is essentially environmental marketing spin that deceives the public into believing a company or product is environmentally friendly when it is not.
Common tactics include using vague language, irrelevant certifications, hidden trade-offs (making one environmental claim while ignoring a significant negative impact), or outright lies. Regulatory bodies in various countries are increasingly cracking down on greenwashing claims.

5. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

Central Water Commission
Central Ground Water Board
Central Ground Water Authority
National Water Development Agency
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
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The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA) is an umbrella legislation enacted for environmental protection in India. Section 3(3) of the EPA allows the Central Government to constitute an authority or authorities for the purpose of exercising and performing such of the powers and functions of the Central Government under the Act as it may deem fit. The Central Ground Water Authority was constituted by the Central Government under this specific section of the EPA, 1986, to regulate and control development and management of groundwater resources in the country.
– Central Water Commission (CWC) is a technical organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, established for general control, conservation, and utilization of water resources.
– Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, responsible for groundwater exploration, monitoring, assessment, and management. It exists as a board, distinct from the Authority created under EPA.
– National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, primarily involved in studies related to inter-basin transfer of water.

6. How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farmi

How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?

  • 1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are pre-dominant.
  • 2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
  • 3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
  • 4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 3
1, 2 and 4
4 only
2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
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Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct ways in which permaculture farming differs from conventional chemical farming.
– Statement 1: Permaculture design emphasizes biodiversity, polyculture (growing multiple crops together), and integrating plants with animals and other elements to create resilient ecosystems. Conventional chemical farming often relies on monoculture (growing a single crop over a large area) for simplicity in management, especially concerning planting, harvesting, and chemical application. So, statement 1 is correct.
– Statement 2: Conventional chemical farming often involves the use of synthetic fertilizers, particularly nitrogen fertilizers. Excessive or improper use of these fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, causing salinization. Permaculture practices focus on building soil health through organic matter, cover cropping, and composting, which naturally improve soil structure and drainage and do not typically cause salinization. So, statement 2 is correct.
– Statement 3: Permaculture principles, such as water harvesting, soil building, selecting drought-tolerant species, and creating microclimates, are highly effective and often particularly beneficial in semi-arid and arid regions where water is scarce and environmental conditions are harsh. Conventional chemical farming in such regions often requires significant external inputs, including potentially unsustainable irrigation, and can be more challenging without adapting to local conditions. So, statement 3 is incorrect.
– Statement 4: Mulching (covering the soil surface with organic material) is a fundamental practice in permaculture for conserving soil moisture, suppressing weeds, regulating soil temperature, preventing erosion, and adding organic matter as it decomposes. While mulching can be used in conventional farming, it is not a necessarily central or widespread practice compared to its importance in permaculture design for creating resilient and self-sustaining systems. So, statement 4 is correct.
Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human habitats, integrating land, resources, people, and the environment. Conventional chemical farming often focuses on maximizing short-term yield using synthetic inputs.

7. ‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the

‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry
ecological management of 'Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention
sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands
'Environmental Impact Assessment' in the exploitation of natural resources
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
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The correct option is A. The ‘R2 Code of Practices’ is a voluntary standard specifically developed for the electronics recycling industry to promote environmentally sound and socially responsible practices.
– R2 stands for Responsible Recycling.
– It provides a framework for electronics recyclers to ensure worker health and safety, environmental protection, security, and proper management of materials throughout the recycling process, especially concerning hazardous materials.
The R2 Standard is managed by SCS Global Services. Adherence to the R2 Standard helps companies minimize environmental and human health risks associated with electronics disposal and recycling. Other standards exist in this domain, such as e-Stewards.

8. What is the use of biochar in farming? 1. Biochar can be used as a p

What is the use of biochar in farming?

  • 1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
  • 2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
  • 3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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Statement 1 is correct: Biochar can be effectively incorporated into various growing media, including those used in soilless systems like vertical farming. It can improve aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability in these media.
Statement 2 is correct: Biochar provides a porous structure and a stable surface that can serve as a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms. Studies have shown that biochar can enhance the growth and activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and other microbes beneficial for plant growth, both in soil and soilless media.
Statement 3 is correct: Biochar has a high surface area and porous structure which allows it to absorb and retain water within the growing medium. This improved water retention capacity helps keep the medium moist for longer periods, reducing watering frequency and conserving water.
Biochar is a valuable soil amendment and component of growing media that improves physical properties (water retention, aeration), enhances microbial activity including nitrogen fixation, and can be used in various farming systems including vertical farming.
Besides the benefits mentioned, biochar can also help sequester carbon in the soil (long-term), improve nutrient retention, and potentially reduce the leaching of nutrients and pesticides.

9. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is prefe

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 :

1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
4 and 5 only
1 and 5 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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Statement 1 is correct: Copper slag is an industrial waste product that can be used as a substitute for natural aggregate in road construction. Using waste materials contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for virgin resources and addressing waste disposal.
Statement 2 is correct: Cold mix asphalt technology uses asphalt emulsion or foamed asphalt at lower temperatures compared to hot mix asphalt. This significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during production and laying, making it environmentally preferable.
Statement 3 is correct: Geotextiles are used in road construction for separation, filtration, reinforcement, and drainage. They can improve the structural integrity and lifespan of roads, potentially allowing for thinner pavement layers and reducing the overall material requirement, contributing to resource efficiency.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Hot mix asphalt technology requires heating asphalt binder and aggregates to high temperatures (typically 150-190°C), leading to high energy consumption and emissions, making it less environmentally sustainable compared to cold mix.
Statement 5 is incorrect: The production of Portland cement is a highly energy-intensive process that releases significant amounts of CO2. While cement is a necessary binder in some road layers or concrete roads, its extensive use, especially compared to alternative binders or technologies, can increase the carbon footprint. Preferences for sustainability often involve reducing cement use or using supplementary cementitious materials.
Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or reducing carbon footprint in rural road construction.
Environmentally sustainable practices in road construction involve utilizing waste materials, employing low-energy technologies like cold mix asphalt, and using materials like geotextiles to enhance durability and reduce material use.
Other sustainable practices in road construction include using recycled concrete aggregate, fly ash, plastic waste, and adopting perpetual pavement design concepts to increase road lifespan and reduce reconstruction needs.

10. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ? 1. Cons

Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ?

  • 1. Construction of base road
  • 2. Improvement of agricultural soil
  • 3. Production of cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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Statement 1 is correct: Steel slag is widely used as an aggregate in road construction, including for base and sub-base layers.
Statement 2 is correct: Steel slag can be used as a soil amendment in agriculture. It contains calcium, magnesium, and other elements which can help neutralize acidic soils (acting as a liming agent) and provide essential nutrients.
Statement 3 is correct: Steel slag can be used in the production of cement and concrete as a supplementary cementitious material or as an aggregate, helping to improve properties and utilize industrial waste.
Steel slag, a byproduct of the steel industry, is a versatile material with applications in construction (roads, cement), agriculture (soil amendment), and other areas due to its physical and chemical properties.
Utilizing industrial byproducts like steel slag helps in waste management, resource conservation (by replacing natural aggregates or binders), and can potentially reduce costs in construction and agriculture. Different types of steelmaking processes produce different types of slag with varying compositions and suitability for specific applications.
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