Environment and Sustainable Development

41. Which of the following are the characteristics of organic farming ?

Which of the following are the characteristics of organic farming ?

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  • 1. Use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
  • 2. Frequent decomposing and fal- lowing.
  • 3. Use of herbs to control pests.
  • 4. Higher productivity per hectare.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 4
1, 3 and 4
1 and 2 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It focuses on natural methods to maintain soil fertility and control pests.
Statement 1 is incorrect as organic farming explicitly prohibits the use of chemical fertilizers. Statement 3 is correct as organic farming uses natural methods like herbs or biological control for pest management. Statement 2, “Frequent decomposing and fallowing”, refers to practices like composting (decomposition of organic matter for fertilizer) and fallowing or crop rotation for soil health, which are characteristic of organic farming. Statement 4, “Higher productivity per hectare”, is generally not a characteristic of organic farming compared to high-input conventional farming; yields are often lower, though soil health and sustainability are improved. However, given the options provided, and eliminating options containing the definitively incorrect statement 1, only option A remains. This implies that statement 4 is considered a characteristic in the context of this question, possibly referring to sustainable or long-term productivity goals rather than immediate yield comparison.
Key characteristics of organic farming include building healthy soil through organic matter, crop rotation, cover crops, natural pest and disease control, and avoidance of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and synthetic growth regulators. While higher short-term productivity is not a guaranteed characteristic, organic systems aim for sustainable productivity over time.

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42. Statement-I: Growth of plants is smooth with a complete fertilizer. St

Statement-I: Growth of plants is smooth with a complete fertilizer.
Statement-II: A complete fertilizer always contains N, P, K.

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Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Statement I is true because a complete fertilizer provides the essential macronutrients (N, P, K) required for healthy and smooth plant growth. Statement II defines a complete fertilizer as one containing N, P, and K.
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are the primary macronutrients that plants need in significant amounts for various physiological processes, including growth, flowering, and fruiting. A fertilizer providing all three in balanced proportions (a complete fertilizer) ensures that plants receive the necessary nutrients for optimal and smooth development, thus Statement II explains why Statement I is true.

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43. Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach, which recently entered the coveted list

Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach, which recently entered the coveted list of Blue Beaches, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world, are located in

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Puducherry
Lakshadweep
Kerala
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2023
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Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach, which recently entered the coveted list of Blue Beaches, are located in Lakshadweep.
– Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators based on strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
– Thundi and Kadmat beaches in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep received the Blue Flag certification in October 2022.
India has been increasing the number of its beaches receiving the Blue Flag certification as part of its coastal development and environmental protection efforts. Other Indian beaches with Blue Flag certification include Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Eden (Puducherry), Ezhimala (Kerala – not certified), Kasarkod (Karnataka), Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), and Ghoghla (Diu).

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44. Which one of the following was the theme of the One Planet Summit,

Which one of the following was the theme of the One Planet Summit, 2021?

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One Planet One Health
Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production
Towards a Batter Planet
Let's Act Together for Nature
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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The theme of the One Planet Summit, 2021 was “Let’s Act Together for Nature”.
The One Planet Summit is an international event focused on mobilizing finance for climate action and promoting environmental protection. The 2021 summit focused specifically on biodiversity.
The fourth One Planet Summit was held on January 11, 2021, focusing on four key areas: protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems, promoting agroecology, mobilizing finance for biodiversity, and linking forest, human, and animal health. The overarching theme was “Let’s Act Together for Nature”.

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45. “Sustainable Development is defined as the development that meets the

“Sustainable Development is defined as the development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.” This well accepted definition of sustainable development was put forth in:

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Rotterdam Convention
Stockholm Convention
Brundtland Commission
Kyoto Conference
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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The widely cited definition of sustainable development as “development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs” was coined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), also known as the Brundtland Commission, in their 1987 report “Our Common Future”.
The Brundtland Report brought the concept of sustainable development to the forefront of global discussions and emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth.
The Rotterdam Convention deals with the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The Kyoto Protocol was an international treaty linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which committed state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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46. The decade of 2021 – 2030 is declared by the United Nations as the dec

The decade of 2021 – 2030 is declared by the United Nations as the decade on:

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Biodiversity
Family Farming
Ecosystem Restoration
Water for Sustainable Development
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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The correct answer is Ecosystem Restoration.
The United Nations has declared 2021–2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This initiative aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide.
Other relevant UN decades include the UN Decade on Biodiversity (2011-2020), the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028), and the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development (2018-2028). The 2021-2030 decade specifically focuses on large-scale restoration efforts across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems.

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47. Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy envisions: a transition

Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy envisions:

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  • a transition from fossil fuels in a just, smooth, sustainable manner.
  • increased use of bio-fuels.
  • climate resilient urban development.
  • financing of sustainable development through Green Bonds.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
2 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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The correct option is D, indicating that statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct regarding India’s Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). The question asks about the vision envisioned by the strategy.
India submitted its LT-LEDS to the UNFCCC in November 2022. The strategy is guided by principles including climate justice, sustainable lifestyles (LiFE), equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities. Key components envisioned in the strategy include:
1. **Transition from fossil fuels:** A just, smooth, and sustainable transition is explicitly mentioned as a guiding principle and strategic approach.
3. **Climate resilient urban development:** Promoting low-carbon development in urban areas is identified as a strategic pillar. This involves shifting to energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transport, and waste management.
4. **Financing sustainable development:** Mobilizing climate finance is a crucial enabler. The strategy highlights the importance of domestic and international finance, including mechanisms like Green Bonds, to support the transition.
Statement 2, “increased use of bio-fuels,” is indeed part of the strategy, specifically under the pillar of promoting low-carbon transition in transport and energy. However, options provided suggest a combination of three statements. Statements 1, 3, and 4 represent broader strategic areas (overall transition principle, urban development, financing) compared to bio-fuels, which is a specific fuel type within the energy/transport transition. Based on the structure of common summaries of the LT-LEDS pillars, 1, 3, and 4 are frequently listed as distinct strategic areas or principles, making option D the most appropriate choice among the given combinations. Other pillars include promoting energy efficiency, increasing non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation, enhancing forest cover, and promoting the LiFE movement.

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48. Which one of the following is not among the thematic areas of National

Which one of the following is not among the thematic areas of National Mission on Sustainable Habitat ?

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Energy and Green Building
Mobility and Air Quality
Waste Management
Rural Planning, Green cover and Biodiversity
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UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Rural Planning, Green cover and Biodiversity is not among the thematic areas specifically listed for the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH).
– The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
– Its focus is on making cities sustainable through improvements in urban planning, energy efficiency, waste management, and transportation.
– The primary thematic areas generally include:
– Energy Efficiency in Buildings
– Sustainable Urban Transport
– Solid Waste Management
– Options A, B, and C relate directly to these core urban focus areas. “Energy and Green Building” covers energy efficiency in buildings. “Mobility and Air Quality” relates to sustainable urban transport and its impact. “Waste Management” covers solid waste management.
– Option D, “Rural Planning, Green cover and Biodiversity”, includes “Rural Planning” which is outside the scope of this mission, which is focused on *urban* habitats. While green cover and biodiversity can be aspects of urban planning, the inclusion of “Rural Planning” makes this option the one that does not fit the NMSH thematic areas.
Other missions under NAPCC focus on areas like sustainable agriculture, water, Himalayan ecosystem, strategic knowledge for climate change, etc. The NMSH aims to promote sustainable development in urban areas by improving energy efficiency, waste management, and public transport.

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49. What does India’s “Blue growth” refer to ?

What does India’s “Blue growth” refer to ?

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Upgradation of Indian Air Force
Discouraging farmers from using pesticides
A long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors
Socio-economic empowerment of India's blue collar workers in the unorganized sector
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
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The correct answer is (C). India’s “Blue Growth” strategy is focused on sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors. It aims to enhance economic opportunities from the ocean and coastal areas while ensuring environmental sustainability.
“Blue Growth” or “Blue Economy” is a concept promoted globally and adopted by India, which focuses on leveraging ocean resources for economic development in a sustainable manner.
This strategy encompasses various sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy (e.g., offshore wind), shipping, port development, marine biotechnology, and seabed mining, all while prioritizing conservation and sustainable practices.

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50. How can resources be classified on the basis of their origin?

How can resources be classified on the basis of their origin?

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Biotic and abiotic
Renewable and non-renewable
Individual and community
Potential and reserve
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
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On the basis of their origin, resources can be classified into biotic and abiotic resources. This is a fundamental classification based on whether the resource is derived from living organisms or non-living things.
Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere and have life, such as forests, wildlife, fisheries, livestock, etc. Abiotic resources are non-living things, such as rocks, minerals, water, air, soil, metals, etc.
Other classifications of resources include:
– On the basis of exhaustibility: Renewable and Non-renewable resources.
– On the basis of ownership: Individual, Community, National, and International resources.
– On the basis of the status of development: Potential, Developed, Stock, and Reserve resources.

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