Here are 25 Questions, a part of our series on UPSC Prelims Mock Test.
Q1. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
- The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
- Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – B
- This scheme is under the Commerce Ministry, but Secretariat assistance by APEDA. Sikkim is indeed India’s first fully organic state So, 3 is right
Q2. Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
(b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
(c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)
(d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
Answer – A
- Kodaikanal has a 154-year-old, artificially built lake. (B) Kolleru Lake Situated in Andhra Pradesh, is the largest freshwater lake of Indi(a) It is located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers in the Krishna and Godavari districts. The lake serves as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for the two rivers, it’s also a Ramsar convention site. (C) Nainital is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the pear-shaped Naini Lake at its center. (D) Renuka Lake Situated in the Siarmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, this lake has been named after the goddess Renuk (a) A lion safari and a zoo are major attractions at Renuk(a) It is a site for the annual fair in the month of November
Q3. Consider the following:
- Birds
- Dust blowing
- Rain
- Wind blowing.
Which of the above spreads plant diseases?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer – D
- Birds (1) moving through crops can carry pathogens from the infected plant to other plants. Woodpeckers carry spores of tree pathogens. Some plant pathogenic bacteria are carried to short distances by wind (4). In some places, rain seems to be more important than insects in disseminating the fire blight bacteria, by its washing or splattering effect of rain. (3). There is only Option D where 1, 3, and 4 are together. So, “D” has to be the correct option
Q4. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
- GM mustard has the genes of soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest resistance to a wide variety of pests
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – B
- GM Mustard is a perfect flower so it ‘self pollinates’. Therefore Delhi University’s then VC Dr. Deepak Pental created GM mustard so that he could cross-pollinate the Indian variety with the European variety to make a new hybrid called DMH-1Q1. Hence 2 is right and 3 is wrong. And by elimination, we are left with answer B: Only 2
Q5. Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?
- Hard and waxy leaves
- Tiny leaves
- Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer – D
- As per NIOS biology pages 159 & 176: Thorn is not a ‘leaf modification’, it is an ‘aerial modification of stem’. “Spine” is a leaf modification to protect the plant and help in reducing transpiration. So by elimination, the Answer should be ‘B’. However, Goh Cheng Leong Page 136 mentioned that “Desert plants have few or no leaves, and the foliage is either waxy, leathery, hairy or needle-shaped to reduce water loss through transpiration. Some of them are entirely leafless, with pricks or thrones.” So accordingly The answer should be D. Thus, experts were divided between A or d. UPSC has kept ‘d’ as the official answer.
Q6. The term M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
Answer – B
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is planning to implement a new computerized tiger monitoring protocol in all tiger reserves of the country known as the Monitoring System for Tiger, Intensive Patrolling and Ecological Status (MSTrIPES).
Q7. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?
(a) Corbett National Park
(b) KunoPalpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sariska National Park
Answer – B
- Even if you eliminate Corbett (Uttrakhand) and Mudumalai (Tamilnadu) for climatic reasons for Lion relocation, still you’re left with Sariska (Rajasthan). Sariska being a tiger reserve, would sound unfit for lion immigration. So by elimination, the answer would be “B”. and Indian report confirm it
Q8. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to
prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
Answer – A
- Tiger is given as a Schedule I animal. So “A” is correct
Q9. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?
Gharial
Indian wild ass
Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – D
- The schedule 5 vermin- crow, fruitbat, mice, and rats can be killed. Since the animals given in the above MCQ are outside that list hence answer is “D”.
Q10. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Chambal River
(c) Pulicat Lake
(d) DeeporBeel
Answer – B
- Gharials are river-dwelling fish-eaters and their only viable population is in the Chambal Sanctuary. So “B” should be the answer
Q11.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?
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
Answer – A
- NCERT Class 11: India- Physical Geography. A. Page 17: The Eastern and Western Ghats Meet at Nilgiri Hills. B. Page 16: Nilgiri Hills are in Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Now, If there is a place serving as an Ecological link between the Eastern and Western Ghats, then most likely it ought to be in Tamilnadu, rather than in Karnataka, because of the location. “A” is the most fitting answer because it’s located in Tamil Nādu.
Q12. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):
- TRAFFIC is a bureau under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – B
- The first statement is wrong because TRAFFIC is a joint program of WWF and IUCN and the Second statement is correct because verbatim given on the organization’s official page.
Q13. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/ consequences?
- Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
- There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated
plants. - It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – C
- Statement 1 is right (by common knowledge) but for the sake of reference- NCERT Class 12 biology page 30 This eliminates “B”. The Second statement should be wrong because of the extreme word “drastic”. This eliminates “D”. Besides I’m unable to find any specific reference that mentions a linkage between butterfly population vs fungus infection. Birds and spiders tend to prey on butterflies (by common knowledge) so statement 3 is a possible outcome. Hence answer “C”: 1 and 3 only
Q14. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for
(a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood
(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high-altitude regions
Answer – C
- NCERT Class 11 Chemistry: Ch. 14 Environmental Chemistry, page 407 The amount of oxygen required by bacteria to break down the organic matter present in a certain volume of a sample of water, is called Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The amount of BOD in the water is a measure of the amount of organic material in the water, in terms of how much oxygen will be required to break it down biologically. Clean water would have BOD value of less than 5 ppm whereas highly polluted water could have a BOD value of 17 ppm or more.
Q15. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/ are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation techniques?
- It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
- Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
- Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – C
- Biosparging is an in-Situ Bioremediation technique in which we inject the air under pressure below the water table to enhance the rate of biological degradation of contaminants by naturally occurring bacteria. Hence statement 1 is right. In Google Scholar search engine is filled with academic papers on genetic engineering approaches to bioremediation. Hence 3 is also right. However not all compounds are susceptible to rapid and complete biodegradation, and bioremediation often takes longer time than other treatment processes. So, the second statement is unlikely to be correct. Hence, answer “C” 1 and 3 only.
Q16. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
- Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
- Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
- Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – D
- Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping carbon into carbon sinks of two types: A. Natural sinks- ocean, forest, soil, etc. B. Artificial sink- depleted oil reserve, unminable mines. So statements 1 and 2 are correct. And deep Saline Formations infact have the highest capacity for this. So accordingly, the answer is “D”.
Q17. It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
- Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
- Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/ technology until the construction is completed.
- Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – B
- US National Research Council report on Algal Biofuel (2012) observed that Q1. algae and cyanobacteria biomass production in the U.S. desert Southwest could be perceived as a good use of low-value land by some but as an intrusion into pristine land by others. Similarly, the use of genetically modified organisms in production systems could affect social acceptability. So this is a social concern. 2. Open Algal ponds will attract insect larvae invasion and affect predator-prey balance. This is an ecological concern. Hence Statement 3 is right. 3. And the report discussed challenges in production and technology. Hence answer 2 and 3.
Q18. With reference to the ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is an initiative of the European Union.
- It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
- It is coordinated by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – A
- As per their organizations’ “About us” page: EuropeAid (DG for International Cooperation and Development) drives and oversees the overall implementation of the GCCA. So the third statement is wrong. By elimination, we are left with “A”.
Q19. Consider the following statements:
- The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce short-lived Climate pollutants is a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries.
- The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer -B
- As per the timeline given on their official “About us” page: CCAC was formed in 2012 by UNEP and Ghana, Bangladesh etc. countries. So first statement is wrong. Second the statement is right they focus on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants such as methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons.
Q20. Consider the following statements: The nationwide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
- Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
- Enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
- Checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – B
- A soil health card provides information about 12 soil parameters, so farmers can use appropriate fertilizers. hence only 3 is the correct statement. Statements 1and 2 are irrelevant.
Q21. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?
- Reduced or zero tillage of the land
- Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
- Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – C
- According to the Kurukshetra Magazine November 2017 special issue on irrigation: Tillage exposes the soil to drying, conversely, reductions in tillage help conserve soil water. So 1 is right. The retention of crop residues helps in reducing water loss from the soil to the air and cools the soil. So, 3 is right. According to some random research papers & Google books, even gypsum application helps in water conservation so experts were divided between Option C and d. But in the official answer key UPSC has kept c as the correct answer
Q22. What is/are the importance/importance of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?
- It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programs and supportive international partnerships.
- It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its secretariat facilitates the allocation of a major portion of financial resources to these regions.
- It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer – C
- The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a Convention to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements. The convention has a particular focus on the entire Africa One of the striking characteristics of the UNCCD is that it really works on a bottom-up‘ approach encouraging participation of grass-root level beneficiaries and stakeholders. The Convention, the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Conference‘s Agenda 21, was adopted in Paris in 1994 and entered into force in 1996.
Q23. The term Intended Nationally Determined Contribution is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:
(a) Pledge made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East.
(b) Plan of nation outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change.
(c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
(d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the regarding Sustainable development goals.
Answer – B
- Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) is a term used under The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that all countries signed the UNFCCC were asked to publish in the lead-up to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France in December 2015. INDC outlines the post-2020 climate actions they intend to take under a new international agreement.
Q24. Which of the following are the key features of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)‘?
- The river basin is the unit of planning and management.
- It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
- One of the Chief Ministers of the State through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on a rotation basis.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer – A
- The Prime Minister of the country is the ex-officio chairman of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA). The body is entrusted with the task of coordinating river conservation efforts at the national level. The river basin is considered as the basic unit of planning and management for river conservation endeavors. Hence, 1st and 2nd statements are correct whereas the 3rd statement is incorrect.
Q25. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the Great Indian Hornbill‘ in its natural habitat?
(a) Sand deserts of northwest India
(b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat
(d) Western Ghats
Answer – D
- The Great Indian Hornbill‘ is most likely to be found in the evergreen forests of Western Ghat.
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