UPSC Prelims · Environment & Ecology PYQ
India's environmental legal and institutional framework — the Environment Protection Act, NGT, statutory authorities, and forest/wildlife legislation.
Includes
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Correct answer: B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Explanation
The Indian Flying Fox is indeed placed under the 'vermin'/less-protected category rather than a strictly protected schedule in the Wildlife (Protection) Act — Statement-I is correct. However, it is a fruit-eating (frugivorous) bat, not a blood-feeder, so Statement-II's claim is incorrect and does not explain Statement-I.
Consider the following statements :
1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are indeed key institutions for implementing India's obligations under the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing — Statement 1 is correct. BMCs also have the power to levy collection fees on access to biological resources and associated knowledge within their jurisdiction — Statement 2 is correct.
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
Correct answer: C. Central Ground Water Authority
Explanation
The Central Ground Water Authority was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control groundwater development and management, unlike the Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board, which are older statutory/organisational bodies under different mandates.
Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?
Correct answer: A. Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
Explanation
Greenwashing refers to companies conveying a false or misleading impression that their products, policies, or practices are more environmentally friendly than they actually are.
With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements:
1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
Wild animals are not literally the 'sole property' of the government under Indian wildlife law in an absolute ownership sense, though the state regulates their use — Statement 1 is not the accepted correct framing. Protected wild animals do enjoy equal legal protection whether found inside or outside protected areas — Statement 2 is correct. However, mere apprehension of danger is not automatically sufficient ground for capture or killing; specific legal procedures and conditions must be met — Statement 3 is incorrect.
With reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forests’, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.
3. It is a legally binding international declaration.
4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.
5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct answer: A. 1, 2 and 4
Explanation
The New York Declaration on Forests was first endorsed at the 2014 UN Climate Summit — Statement 1 is correct. It sets out a global timeline aiming to halve deforestation by 2020 and end natural forest loss by 2030 — Statement 2 is correct. It is endorsed by governments, companies, and indigenous groups — Statement 4 is correct. However, it is a voluntary, non-binding declaration, not legally binding — Statement 3 is incorrect. India was notably not among its original signatories at inception — Statement 5 is incorrect.
At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
Correct answer: D. Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Explanation
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the designated nodal agency at the national level for overseeing implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, given its focus on tribal welfare and rights.
If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
Correct answer: A. A licence is required to cultivate that plant.
Explanation
Placing a plant species under Schedule VI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 means that cultivating that plant requires a licence, since Schedule VI regulates cultivation of specified plants to prevent their exploitation.
Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does empower the government to lay down standards for emission or discharge of pollutants from various sources — Statement 2 is correct. However, the Act does not itself specifically mandate detailed procedures for public participation in environmental protection processes in the manner described — Statement 1 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements:
1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.
2. People's participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: A. 1 only
Explanation
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority does exist at both the national (CAMPA) and state (State CAMPA) levels as per law — Statement 1 is correct. However, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 does not make people's participation mandatory in these afforestation programmes — Statement 2 is incorrect.
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
The NGT was established by an Act of Parliament (the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010), while the CPCB was also established under a statute (the Water Act, 1974), not merely an executive order — so Statement 1's claim about CPCB's origin is incorrect. The NGT does provide environmental justice, easing litigation burden on higher courts, while CPCB focuses on pollution control and improving air/water quality — Statement 2 is correct.
Consider the following statements:
1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 does incorporate the definition of 'Critical Wildlife Habitat' — Statement 1 is correct. The Baiga tribal community of Madhya Pradesh were indeed the first to be granted Habitat Rights under this Act — Statement 2 is correct. However, Habitat Rights for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are granted through the state-level Forest Rights process, not solely decided and declared by the Union Ministry of Environment — Statement 3 is incorrect.
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?
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the gharial, Indian wild ass, and wild buffalo are all listed as protected species that cannot be hunted except under specific legal provisions.
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
Correct answer: A. It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
Explanation
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the highest level of legal protection, equivalent to that given to the tiger, regardless of the species' actual population status or endemism.
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.
Correct answer: C. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) is a global initiative focused on highlighting the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems — Statement 2 is correct. It provides a framework to help decision-makers recognise, demonstrate, and capture the value of ecosystem services — Statement 3 is correct. However, it is hosted by UNEP, not jointly by IMF and the World Economic Forum — Statement 1 is incorrect.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
Correct answer: C. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Explanation
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), responsible for approving genetically modified organisms in India, is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: C. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
BNHS strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education, and public awareness — Statement 2 is correct. It also organises nature trails and camps for the public — Statement 3 is correct. However, BNHS is an independent, non-governmental organisation, not an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment — Statement 1 is incorrect.
With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Eco-Sensitive Zones are actually declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act — Statement 1 is incorrect. Their purpose is to regulate and minimise (not entirely prohibit) certain human activities near protected areas, allowing regulated activities beyond just agriculture — Statement 2 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements :
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The National Tiger Conservation Authority is indeed a statutory body, established under an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act — Statement 2 is correct. The Animal Welfare Board of India was actually established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, not the Environment (Protection) Act — Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Ganga River Basin Authority was chaired by the Prime Minister — Statement 3 is correct, but the accepted answer credits only Statement 2 as definitively correct in the official key.
How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The National Biodiversity Authority checks biopiracy and protects indigenous genetic resources — Statement 1 is correct. Applications for Intellectual Property Rights related to biological resources do require prior NBA approval — Statement 3 is correct. However, the NBA does not directly monitor or supervise scientific research on genetic modification of crops, which falls under a different regulatory body (GEAC) — Statement 2 is incorrect.
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21
2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1)
3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct answer: A. 1 only
Explanation
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with the constitutional recognition of the right to a healthy environment as part of the Right to Life under Article 21 — Statement 1 is correct. The other listed constitutional provisions relating to Scheduled Areas and Gram Sabha powers are not directly the constitutional basis for the NGT Act.
In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people NOT allowed to collect and use the biomass?
Correct answer: B. National Parks
Explanation
In National Parks, local people are not permitted to collect or use biomass/forest produce, unlike in Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves, where limited human use and biotic interference is often permitted.
With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?
Correct answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
The Import and Export (Control) Act, the Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, the Customs Act, and the Indian Forest Act all have provisions with relevance to biodiversity conservation, whether through regulating trade in biological resources, controlling mining impacts on habitats, customs checks on wildlife trade, or forest protection.
Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts ?
Correct answer: D. Carrying capacity
Explanation
Sustainable development, by balancing present needs against future generations' needs, is inherently linked to the concept of carrying capacity — the idea that ecosystems and resources have limits that must not be exceeded to remain sustainable over time.
As a result of their annual survey, the National Geographic Society and an international polling firm GlobeScan gave India top rank in Greendex 2009 score. What is this score?
Correct answer: B. It is a measure of environmentally sustainable consumer behaviour in different countries
Explanation
The Greendex score, developed by National Geographic and GlobeScan, measures environmentally sustainable consumer behaviour and attitudes across different countries.
Where is the headquarters of Animal Welfare Board of India located ?
Correct answer: B. Chennai
Explanation
The Animal Welfare Board of India has its headquarters in Chennai (originally Ballabhgarh/Chennai over its history), overseeing animal welfare laws and programmes in India.
Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Prize winner from Kenya, is known for her contribution to which one of the following?
Correct answer: C. Sustainable development
Explanation
Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is renowned for founding the Green Belt Movement and her broader contributions to sustainable development through environmental conservation.
Consider the following statements:
1. The forest cover in India constitutes around 20 % of its geographical area. Out of the total forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 40 %.
2. The National Forestry Action Programme aims at bringing one-third of the area of India under tree/forest cover.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
India's forest cover constitutes roughly 20% of its geographical area, though the specific split into dense forest proportion at 40% may not match precise contemporaneous data, making Statement 1 as precisely framed incorrect. The National Forestry Action Programme does aim to bring about one-third of India's geographical area under forest/tree cover, in line with the National Forest Policy's target — Statement 2 is correct.
Amongst the following Indian States which one has the minimum total forest cover?
Correct answer: C. Haryana
Explanation
Among the listed states, Haryana has the minimum total forest cover, owing to its predominantly agricultural and semi-arid geography compared to Sikkim, Goa, or Kerala.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, whose permission is required for cultivation of any genetically modified crop such as Bt-Cotton in India, is under the Union Minister of
Correct answer: B. Environment and Forests
Explanation
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, which approves the cultivation of genetically modified crops like Bt-Cotton in India, functions under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Consider the following statements regarding environment issues of India:
I. Gulf of Mannar is one of the biosphere reserves.
II. The Ganga Action Plan, phase II has been merged with the National River Conservation Plan.
III. The National Museum of Natural History at New Delhi imparts nonformal education in environment and conservation.
IV. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) acts as a decentralised information network for environmental information.
Which of these statements are correct?
Correct answer: B. I, II, III and IV
Explanation
The Gulf of Mannar is indeed a designated biosphere reserve — Statement I is correct. The Ganga Action Plan Phase II was merged into the broader National River Conservation Plan — Statement II is correct. The National Museum of Natural History in New Delhi provides non-formal environmental education — Statement III is correct. ENVIS functions as a decentralised environmental information network — Statement IV is correct, making all four statements correct.
The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is
Correct answer: B. 33%
Explanation
India's National Forest Policy recommends that at least 33% of the country's total geographical area should be under forest or tree cover to maintain ecological balance.
Which one of the following legislations does not deal with the protection of environment?
Correct answer: D. The Port Laws Amendment Act, 1997
Explanation
The Port Laws Amendment Act, 1997 deals with port administration and shipping regulations, not environmental protection, unlike the Water (Cess) Act, Forest (Conservation) Act, and Public Liability Insurance Act, which all have environmental protection dimensions.
‘Eco mark’ is given to the Indian products that are
Correct answer: C. environment friendly
Explanation
The 'Ecomark' label is awarded to Indian products that are certified as environment-friendly, helping consumers identify eco-conscious choices.
Consider the following programmes:
I. Afforestation and development of wastelands.
II. Reforestation and replantation in existing forests.
III. Encouraging the wood substitutes and supplying other types of fuel.
IV. Promotion of wide use of insecticides and pesticides to restrict the loss of forest area from degradation caused by pests and insects.
The National Forest Policy of 1988 includes
Correct answer: D. I, II and III
Explanation
The National Forest Policy, 1988 emphasises afforestation of wastelands, reforestation of existing degraded forests, and promoting wood substitutes and alternative fuels to reduce pressure on forests — but it does not promote widespread use of insecticides and pesticides, which would be counterproductive to forest conservation goals.