UPSC Prelims 2014
Get UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question (PYQ) Papers with detailed explanations, mindmaps, organized year-wise and subject-wise for GS.
- Environment & Ecology
Consider the following international agreements:
- The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
- The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
- The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
View Answer for: Consider the following international agreements: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification The World Heritage ConventionWhich of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?Consider the following international agreements:
- The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
- The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
- The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
- Environment & Ecology
With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements:
- Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
- Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
- Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View Answer for: With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements: Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements:
- Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
- Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
- Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Environment & Ecology
Consider the following pairs
Wetlands Confluence of rivers 1. Harike Wetlands Beas and Satluj/Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park Banas and Chambal 3. Kolleru Lake Confluence of Musi and Krishna Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
View Answer for: Consider the following pairs Wetlands|Confluence of rivers -- |-- 1. Harike Wetlands | Beas and Satluj/Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park|Banas and Chambal 3. Kolleru Lake | Confluence of Musi and KrishnaWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?Consider the following pairs
Wetlands Confluence of rivers 1. Harike Wetlands Beas and Satluj/Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park Banas and Chambal 3. Kolleru Lake Confluence of Musi and Krishna Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
- Environment & Ecology
Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?
View Answer for: Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?
- Environment & Ecology
What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?
- Prevention of soil runoff
- Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge of the groundwater table
- Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? Prevention of soil runoff Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers Rainwater harvesting and recharge of the groundwater table Regeneration of natural vegetationSelect the correct answer using the code given below.What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?
- Prevention of soil runoff
- Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge of the groundwater table
- Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
View Answer for: If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
- Environment & Ecology
With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention.
- It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International, which of the following statements is/are correct? It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.Select the correct answer using the code given below.With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention.
- It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
- They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
- They can enter food chains.
- They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil. They can enter food chains. They can trigger the production of free radicals.Select the correct answer using the code given below.There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
- They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
- They can enter food chains.
- They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
What is the significance of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’?
- Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
- Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this.
- There is no application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
- The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: What is the significance of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’? Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this. There is no application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers at all in this. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.Select the correct answer using the code given below.What is the significance of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’?
- Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
- Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this.
- There is no application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
- The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
- Painted Stork
- Common Myna
- Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds? Painted Stork Common Myna Black-necked CraneSelect the correct answer using the code given below.If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
- Painted Stork
- Common Myna
- Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct
View Answer for: With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correctWith reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct
- Environment & Ecology
Which of the following have coral reefs?
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kutch
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: Which of the following have coral reefs? Andaman and Nicobar Islands Gulf of Kutch Gulf of Mannar SunderbansSelect the correct answer using the code given below.Which of the following have coral reefs?
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kutch
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
View Answer for: Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
- Environment & Ecology
Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’
- It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
- It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
- It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View Answer for: Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year. It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’
- It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
- It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
- It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Environment & Ecology
With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :
- It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
- It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View Answer for: With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements : It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :
- It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
- It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Environment & Ecology
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
- Volcanic action
- Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- The decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? Volcanic action Respiration Photosynthesis The decay of organic matterSelect the correct answer using the code given below.Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
- Volcanic action
- Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- The decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
- They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
- They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.Select the correct answer using the code given below.Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
- They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
- They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
- Terrace cultivation
- Deforestation
- Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? Terrace cultivation Deforestation Tropical climateSelect the correct answer using the code given below.In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
- Terrace cultivation
- Deforestation
- Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- 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.
View Answer for: With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct? Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 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.With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- 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.
- Environment & Ecology
Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in India?
- Oxides of sulphur
- Oxides of nitrogen
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in India? Oxides of sulphur Oxides of nitrogen Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxideSelect the correct answer using the code given below.Which of the following are some important pollutants released by the steel industry in India?
- Oxides of sulphur
- Oxides of nitrogen
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
- ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
- Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
- India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View Answer for: With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
- ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
- Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
- India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Environment & Ecology
The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above the pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
- Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source
- Widespread coral mortality will occur.
- All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
- Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above the pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source Widespread coral mortality will occur. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.Select the correct answer using the code given below.The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above the pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
- Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source
- Widespread coral mortality will occur.
- All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
- Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Environment & Ecology
Consider the following statements:
- Maize can be used for the production of starch.
- Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
- Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View Answer for: Consider the following statements: Maize can be used for the production of starch. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Consider the following statements:
- Maize can be used for the production of starch.
- Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
- Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Environment & Ecology
Consider the following statements:
- Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
- National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
View Answer for: Consider the following statements: Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?Consider the following statements:
- Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
- National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
- Environment & Ecology
Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
View Answer for: Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association ofLichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
- Environment & Ecology
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
View Answer for: The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment ofThe most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
- Environment & Ecology
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
- Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
- Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
- Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
- Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View Answer for: Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? Construction of dams and barrages on rivers Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of riversSelect the correct answer using the code given below.Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
- Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
- Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
- Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
- Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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