UPSC Prelims 2014 Analysis

Explanation

Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons by the photovoltaic effect.

Solar cells produce direct current electricity from sunlight which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery.

The first practical application of photovoltaics was to power orbiting satellites and other spacecraft, but today the majority of photovoltaic modules are used for grid-connected power generation. In this case, an inverter is required to convert the DC to AC.

Explanation

In a steel furnace, coke reacts with iron ore , releasing iron and generating CO and CO2 gases.

Due to the use of coal , pollutants such as SOx and NOx are released, therefore all are correct options.

Explanation

Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity. It is an independent, not-for-profit, global organisation, supported by government and NGO membership from around the world.

Wetlands International is dedicated to maintaining and restoring wetlands for their environmental values as well as for the services they provide to people. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge and use this practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Explanation

Nanoparticles from industry can pollute air, water, and soil due to their small size and resistance to breakdown. This buildup can harm plants, and animals, and even contaminate drinking water.

Nanoparticles can be inadvertently ingested by plants or animals, entering the food chain. As they move up the food chain, they can bioaccumulate in organisms, potentially causing harm at higher trophic levels.

Some nanoparticles can trigger the production of free radicals in cells. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health problems, including inflammation and cancer.

Explanation

GEF is an independently operating financial organization, the GEF provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

The GEF serves as a financial mechanism for five conventions, which are Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Explanation

Rising temperatures could disrupt plant growth and make ecosystems release more carbon dioxide than they absorb.

Coral bleaching can cause the death of many coral reefs.

Some wetlands may be affected, but not all will disappear.

The cultivation of cereals may face challenges, but it is not expected to be eradicated. Hence only statement one and two are correct.

Explanation

Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative is a method of sugarcane production that involves the use of less seeds , less water and optimum utilization of fertilizers and land to achieve more yields .

The major principles that govern SSI are

• Transplanting young seedlings (25-35 days old).
• Maintaining wide spacing (5X2 feet) in the main field.
• Providing sufficient moisture and avoiding inundation of water.
• Encouraging organic method of nutrient and plant protection measures.
• Practicing intercropping for effective utilization of land.
• NPK (fertilizers) can be applied at the rate of 112 kg, 25 kg, and 48 kg per acre, respectively, through inorganic or organic methods.

Hence statement 3 is wrong, this eliminates A, C, and D.

Explanation

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture focuses on ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. This directly impacts biodiversity as it aims to protect the variety of plant species crucial for food security and ecosystem health.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification addresses land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. Desertification can significantly reduce biodiversity by destroying habitats and reducing plant and animal life. By working to combat desertification, this convention indirectly protects biodiversity.

The World Heritage Convention focuses on preserving cultural and natural heritage sites. Conservation natural heritage sites may contribute to biodiversity conservation. Thus 'D' is the correct answer.

Explanation

Maize (corn) is a versatile crop with numerous uses.

Starch Production Maize is a major source of starch, a carbohydrate used in various food and industrial applications. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent in cooking and is also used in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals.

Biodiesel Feedstock Corn oil, extracted from the maize germ, can be processed into biodiesel, a renewable fuel alternative to traditional diesel.

Alcoholic Beverage Production Maize is a key ingredient in various alcoholic beverages, including bourbon whiskey and corn-based ethanol for alcoholic drinks or fuel.

Explanation

The Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Hence, statement one is incorrect.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. Thus, NTCA is a statutory body. It is responsible for the implementation of Project Tiger.

National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) has started the Mission Clean Ganga with a changed and comprehensive approach to champion the challenges posed to Ganga through four different sectors, namely, of wastewater management, solid waste management, industrial pollution and river front development. The authority is chaired by the Prime Minister and has as its members the Union Ministers concerned, the Chief Ministers of the States through which Ganga flows, viz., Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, among others.

Explanation

Common Myna These are insectivores and often follow cattle or other grazing animals to catch insects flushed out by their movement.

Painted Stork These are wading birds and typically feed on fish, frogs, and insects in shallow water. They are not known for following cattle. Black-necked Crane These are primarily herbivores and feed on grains, plants, and aquatic vegetation. They are not known for following cattle for insects.

Thus, the correct answer is 2 only.

Explanation

The Harike Wetland is formed at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab, India.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is not located at the confluence of these rivers. It's a man-made wetland in Rajasthan, located on the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga.

Kolleru Lake is a freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh and is not located where the Musi and Krishna rivers meet. It lies between the Krishna and Godavari deltas.

Thus only pair one is correctly matched.

Explanation

The Gond and Korku tribes, residing in Madhya Pradesh's Betul and Harda districts, celebrate a festival called "Hari Jiroti" during the monsoon season. This month-long festival involves planting saplings of fruit-bearing trees, reflecting their deep connection to nature and sustainable practices.

Explanation

Diatoms These are microscopic, single-celled algae that are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into organic matter (food).

Crustaceans These are small aquatic animals like shrimp, crabs, and krill. They are primary consumers in the food chain and feed on diatoms and other phytoplankton (microscopic plants).

Herrings These are small schooling fish that are secondary consumers in the food chain. They feed on crustaceans and other zooplankton (microscopic animals).

So, the energy flow starts with diatoms (producers) being eaten by crustaceans (consumers), which are then eaten by herrings (higher-level consumers).

Explanation

Major reef formations in Indian seas occur in

• Gulf of Mannar ,
• Palk Bay ,
• Gulf of Kutch ,
• the Andaman and Nicobar Islands , and
• Lakshadweep .

Coral reefs are marine ecosystems and cannot exist in the Sundarbans, which is a mangrove forest in the Ganges Delta and a brackish water ecosystem.

Explanation

In organisms called lichens, a chlorophyll-containing partner, which is an algae , and a fungus living together.

Fungus provides shelter, water, and minerals to the algae In return, the algae provides food which it prepares by photosynthesis .

Explanation

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a pan-India wildlife research organization, has been promoting the cause of nature conservation since 1883.

BNHS Mission Conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education, and public awareness.

BNHS Vision Premier independent scientific organization with a broad-based constituency, excelling in the conservation of threatened species and habitats.

It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

Explanation

Statement 1 (Incorrect) Earth Hour is an initiative organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Statement 2 (Correct) Earth Hour is a global movement encouraging individuals, businesses, and landmarks to switch off non-essential lights for one hour every year, typically on the last Saturday of March. Statement 3 (Correct) This symbolic act aims to raise awareness about climate change, the need for sustainable practices, and the importance of energy conservation.

Explanation

Prevention of soil runoff IWDP promotes practices that reduce soil erosion, protecting valuable topsoil and improving land fertility. Thus, statement one is correct.

Linking perennial and seasonal rivers While water resource management is a part of IWDP, it doesn't focus on physically linking separate river systems. The National River Linking Project is a separate project to interlink rivers. Thus, statement two is incorrect.

Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge IWDP encourages rainwater conservation techniques, allowing more water to infiltrate the ground and replenish aquifers. Thus, statement three is correct.

Regeneration of natural vegetation IWDP often involves planting trees and promoting sustainable land management practices, leading to increased vegetation cover. Thus, statement four is also correct.

Explanation

Biosphere Reserves are special entities (sites) for how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each other's needs. Biosphere Reserve is an area of active cooperation between the management and the local people, wherein activities like settlements, cropping, forestry, recreation, and other economic activities that are in harmony with the conservation goals.

B is wrong because People dont live in botanical gardens with plants.

C is wrong because, in the National park, human activity is totally prohibited.

Explanation

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments , pollution or other human interference . It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

Explanation

Construction of dams and barrages This is a major threat. Dams fragment the river habitat, hinder migration patterns, and can disrupt prey availability for the dolphins.

Increase in crocodile population While competition might exist, it's not a cause of decline. A healthy river ecosystem can support both dolphins and crocodiles.

Accidental entanglement in fishing nets This is a significant threat, as dolphins can get caught in fishing gear and drown.

Agricultural chemicals Runoff from agricultural lands can pollute rivers with pesticides and fertilizers. These pollutants can harm the dolphins' health and prey species.

Thus 1,3 and 4 are the cause of decline in the Ganga River Dolphins.

Explanation

There are concerns about the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) for two main reasons

Highly resistant to degradation BFRs break down very slowly in the environment, meaning they can persist for a long time. This can lead to them accumulating in the environment over time.

Bioaccumulation BFRs can accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals. This happens because they are fat-soluble, meaning they are stored in fatty tissues.

Explanation

Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Plants and other photosynthetic organisms use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to create organic molecules.

Volcanic action releases carbon dioxide trapped within the Earth's crust and mantle. Respiration releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration in living organisms. The decay of organic matter releases carbon dioxide as decomposers break down dead plants and animals. This process returns carbon stored in organic matter back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Explanation

Statement one is correct Neem oil is a well-known natural pesticide and has been shown to be effective in controlling some insect and mite populations.

Statement two is incorrect While there might be some research into using neem seeds for biofuels, it's not a widespread application in 2014 when question was asked by the UPSC. Hospital detergents typically use stronger and more regulated chemicals.

Statement three is correct Neem oil does have applications in the pharmaceutical industry. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and some of its properties are being explored in modern medicine for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other potential benefits.

Explanation

Eco-Sensitive Zones are not under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972. They are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. While they often surround protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks established under the Wildlife Act, they are a separate mechanism.

Eco-Sensitive Zones do not prohibit all human activities. The purpose is to regulate and manage specific activities to minimize their impact on the sensitive ecosystem. Some sustainable activities like agriculture, local communities' traditional practices, and eco-tourism may be permitted with regulations.

Explanation

Deforestation When trees are cut down, the soil loses the protection provided by their roots. This exposes the soil to wind and rain, making it more susceptible to erosion. Deforestation is a major driver of soil erosion in India.

Terrace cultivation This is a soil conservation technique used on sloping land. It involves creating levelled steps or terraces to reduce water runoff and soil erosion. Tropical climate While heavy rainfall in tropical regions can contribute to soil erosion, it's not the sole factor. Deforestation and poor land management practices exacerbate the issue.

Thus, the correct answer is '2 only'.