Question 1

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.

Accepted Answer

1 only. * Statement 1 is correct: The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam (Northeast India) houses the Western Hoolock Gibbon, which is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and represents India's only ape species. * Statement 2 is correct: Gibbons move primarily by swinging from branch to branch (brachiation) using their long arms, living almost entirely in tree canopies. * Statement 3 is incorrect: Gibbons are light, slender, and small (weighing only 6–9 kg), which is the exact polar opposite of heavily muscled, knuckle-walking ground dwellers like gorillas (100–200 kg).

Question 2

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ?
1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.

Accepted Answer

2 and 3. * Statement 1 is incorrect: Mangrove soils are highly saline, tidal, waterlogged, and oxygen-deficient, making them completely unsuitable for normal paddy cultivation. * Statement 2 is incorrect: Although mangroves selectively filter out a large percentage of salts at the root surface to survive, they do not desalinate ocean water to convert coastal terrains into freshwater aquaculture zones. * Statement 3 is correct: Mangroves serve as highly effective natural bio-shields against cyclones, storm surges, and coastal erosion while simultaneously providing vital biomass resources (fuelwood, honey, timber) and nursing estuarine fisheries that sustain local communities.

Question 3

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct?
1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds.
2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites.
3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 only. * Statement 1 is correct: In Nagaland's Pangti village near the Doyang valley, successful local conservation community efforts transformed local hunters into protectors of the Amur falcon (locally called eninum), creating a safe international stopover. * Statement 2 is incorrect: Although satellite-tagging technology tracks their cross-continental migrations, these tools do not "guide" or navigate the birds back to their stopover sites. * Statement 3 is incorrect: Doyang valley acts merely as a temporary winter stopover point for a few weeks where the falcons gather to feed on insects and roost before flight; they have not adapted to permanent residency in India.

Question 4

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?
1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)
Select the answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

2 and 3. * Statement 1 is incorrect: The RAD programme actively promotes diversified and multi-cropping farming systems, not monoculture. * Statement 2 is incorrect: As the name indicates, the RAD component specifically targets rainfed agricultural zones, not irrigated regions. * Statement 3 is correct: The core focus of RAD is to introduce site-specific Integrated Farming System (IFS) models to enhance agricultural productivity and minimize risks associated with climate variability.

Question 5

Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry?
1. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products.
2. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

2 only. * Both statements are correct: The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a globally recognized certification indicating that a textile product has been tested and cleared of harmful substances. Achieving this certification for Indian Eri Silk confirms compliance with stringent global safety and environmental metrics, allowing Indian exporters to tap into premium, eco-conscious, high-end global textile markets.

Question 6

With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025.
2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park.
3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 only. * Statement 1 is correct: Madhav National Park, situated near Shivpuri town in Madhya Pradesh, was officially notified as India's 58th Tiger Reserve. * Statement 2 is correct: Sakhya Sagar, a reservoir situated within the boundaries of this National Park, was designated as a Ramsar wetland site in 2022. * Statement 3 is incorrect: Madhav National Park is entirely located within the state of Madhya Pradesh; its area is not shared with Rajasthan.

Question 7

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):
1. It is an epiphytic orchid.
2. The species is endemic to North-east India.
3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only. * Statement 1 is correct: Rhynchostylis retusa is an epiphytic orchid commonly known as the "foxtail orchid" because its pendant inflorescence resembles a fox's tail. * Statement 2 is incorrect: The species is not endemic to Northeast India; it is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia (including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines). * Statement 3 is correct: Rhynchostylis retusa is recognized as the official state flower of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Question 8

Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct?
1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 only. * Statement 1 is incorrect: Hydrogen manufactured via natural gas reforming where the resultant carbon emissions are isolated and stored underground using CCS is termed Blue Hydrogen, not Green Hydrogen. * Statement 2 is correct: Green Hydrogen is generated by using zero-carbon renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) to power an electrolyzer that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. * Statement 3 is correct: The National Green Hydrogen Mission sets a target for India to produce at least 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030, which is projected to avert nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 9

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct?
1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.
2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

2 only. * NIRANTAR is a newly established platform meant to optimize synergy, collaboration, and resource-sharing among existing institutes of the Environment Ministry without setting up new physical structures. * Statements 1 & 2 are incorrect: The designated lead institute for both the "Ecosystem Survey and Analysis" vertical and the "Research and Management of Ecosystem Service" vertical is ICFRE, Dehradun (not BSI or CZA). * Statement 3 is correct: The lead institute handling the "Capacity Development Support" vertical is the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal.

Question 10

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

II only. * Statement I is incorrect: The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) is a critically endangered, carnivorous spider (arachnid), not an omnivorous crustacean; it feeds primarily on insects. * Statement 2 is correct: Its primary natural habitat in India is endemic and limited to a highly disturbed, small reserve forest tract under 100 square kilometers in Andhra Pradesh. * Statement III is correct: It is an arboreal species that lives inside the natural hollows and holes of tall trees.

Question 11

Consider the following statements:
I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.
II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

II only. * Statement I is incorrect: In 2022, India's per capita CO2 emissions rose to 2 tonnes (which is less than half the global average of 4.7 tonnes, but much higher than 0.5 t CO2/capita). * Statement II is correct: In terms of total absolute CO2 emissions resulting specifically from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region behind China. * Statement III is correct: The generation of electricity and heat remains the largest sectoral source of carbon dioxide emissions within India.

Question 12

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
1. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans.
II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen.
III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

I and II. * Statement I is incorrect: Oceanic photosynthesizers produce more oxygen than terrestrial tropical rainforests. For instance, Prochlorococcus bacteria alone produce up to 20% of the biosphere's oxygen. * Statement II is correct: Roughly 50% (half) of the global oxygen supply is produced in the oceans by marine photosynthesizers like phytoplankton, drifting algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. * Statement III is incorrect: Water holds far less oxygen than atmospheric air. Well-oxygenated surface water contains only about 8 mg of dissolved $O_2$ per liter, compared to atmospheric air which holds about 210 mg of $O_2$ per liter.

Question 13

Consider the following statements:
I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface.
II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature.
III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

I and II only. * Statement I is correct: The Earth's atmosphere acts as an essential insulation shield; without it, heat would radiate out completely at night, plunging the entire surface well below freezing. * Statement II is correct: The greenhouse effect of heat trapped within the atmospheric column maintains the planet's baseline global average surface temperature at a hospitable $15^{\circ}C$. * Statement III is correct: Certain atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, are molecularly optimized to absorb and trap outgoing long-wave terrestrial infrared radiation, preserving warmth.

Question 14

The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35°C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?
I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.
II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.

Accepted Answer

II only. * Both statements reflect the findings and implications of the climate risk report. * Statement II is correct: When wet-bulb temperatures cross 35°C, high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, making it extremely difficult for humans and animals to shed internal body heat via perspiration, severely threatening basic survival. * Statement I is correct: This extreme heat stress is coupled with increased precipitation anomalies, escalating the risks of severe monsoon flooding, frequent tropical cyclones, and deep droughts across Peninsular India.

Question 15

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.

Accepted Answer

II and III only. * All three statements are correct: * Statement I is correct: Approved in early 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a domestic rooftop solar initiative aiming to supply clean solar power to one crore residential households by March 2027. * Statement II is correct: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) runs targeted grassroots training programs covering the configuration, installation, daily operation, maintenance, and field repair of solar setups to establish a local, specialized technical workforce. * Statement III is correct: The scheme's capacity-building framework intends to train and up-skill over 3 lakh individuals across the sector, ensuring that at least 1,000,000 are certified specifically as Solar PV Technicians.

Question 16

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:
1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.
2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
3. Persistent exposure to PFAS, can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. * Statement 1 is correct: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous synthetic chemicals heavily applied to manufacture consumer goods like non-stick cookware, carpets, water-resistant fabrics, and food packaging materials, making them widespread in food supplies and water. * Statement 2 is correct: Popularly termed "forever chemicals," their ultra-strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from breaking down or degrading easily in the natural environment. * Statement 3 is correct: Because they are persistent and slowly excreted, continuous ongoing exposure leads to progressive bioaccumulation within animal and human tissues over time.

Question 17

Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. * Statement 1 is correct: Lions do not possess a specific or fixed seasonal breeding calendar and often synchronize reproduction within the pride. * Statement 2 is correct: Unlike lions, tigers, or leopards, a cheetah's vocal anatomy features a fixed voice box structure that allows continuous purring but physically prevents them from roaring. * Statement 3 is incorrect: Male leopards are highly territorial and actively proclaim and defend their home range boundaries using scent marking methods like spraying urine, scattering feces, and rubbing their cheeks against tree trunks.

Question 18

Consider the following materials:
1. Agricultural residues
2. Corn grain
3. Wastewater treatment sludge
4. Wood mill waste

Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Accepted Answer

3 and 4 only. * All items can be used: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is synthesized using non-petroleum-based renewable biomass and organic waste streams. * Permissible organic feedstocks encompass agricultural residues (1), grains like corn (2), wet organic municipal wastes such as wastewater treatment sludge (3), forestry residues, and industrial wood mill waste (4).

Environment: Multi-statement (Traditional Style) PYQ.

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