Environment and Ecology form a massive chunk of UPSC Prelims (15-20 questions annually). Let’s do an in-depth analysis of 10 highly repeated themes and Previous Year Questions (PYQs).
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’: (UPSC 2014)
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Analysis: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because Earth Hour is an initiative of WWF.
Q2. What is the importance of UNCCD? (UPSC 2016)
Analysis: It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
Q3. The ‘Red Data Book’ published by IUCN contains lists of: (UPSC 2011)
Analysis: It contains the list of threatened plant and animal species. IUCN does NOT list endemic species exclusively, nor does it list protected sites.
Q4. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation? (UPSC 2015)
Analysis: Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur (Loktak Lake). It supports the endangered Sangai (dancing deer).
Q5. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which statements are correct? (UPSC 2014)
Analysis: Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Their primary purpose is to create a “shock absorber” around protected areas.
Q6. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I, what does it imply? (UPSC 2017)
Analysis: It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) grants the highest level of protection and absolute prohibition on hunting.
Q7. The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of: (UPSC 2017)
Analysis: Maintenance of Tiger Reserves. It is a software-based monitoring system launched by NTCA.
Q8. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (UPSC 2016)
Analysis: It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
Q9. In the context of mitigating climate change, what is ‘Carbon Capture and Storage’? (UPSC 2017)
Analysis: It refers to capturing waste CO2 from large point sources (like fossil fuel power plants) and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere.
Q10. Which of the following is/are recognized as Ramsar sites in India? (UPSC Various)
Analysis: Wetlands of international importance. Keep a map of all Ramsar sites handy, as questions frequently ask about their geographical locations (e.g., Chilika, Keoladeo).