UPSC Prelims 2016 Analysis

Explanation

Net metering (also known as net energy metering) is a solar incentive that allows you to store energy in the electric grid. When your solar panels produce excess power, that energy is sent to the grid and in exchange, you can pull from the grid when your system is under-producing like during night-time.

Explanation

While TEEB is a well-respected initiative, it's not directly hosted by UNEP, IMF, and the World Economic Forum. Germany and the European Commission launched it in response to a proposal by G85 Environment Ministers. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

TEEB's primary goal is to highlight the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems. It aims to move beyond traditional economic models that often overlook the significant contributions that nature makes to human well-being. By providing tools and methodologies, TEEB empowers decision-makers to consider these values when making choices that impact the environment.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Paris Agreement is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, starting in the year 2020.

Not all UN member countries signed the Paris Agreement when the question was asked by the UPSC. As of today, 195 parties (194 states and the European Union) have joined. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect

The Paris Agreement's central aim is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. So, statement 2 is correct.

The Paris Agreement acknowledges the historical responsibility of developed countries and calls for them to provide financial assistance to developing countries for climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, the specific amount of $1000 billion per year is not mentioned in the agreement. Rather, $100 billion was agreed upon but modalities are yet to finalise. Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

Explanation

The great hornbill, also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family. It occurs in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is predominantly frugivorous, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds.

The great hornbill is native to the forests of India, Bhutan, Nepal, mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Its distribution is fragmented in the Western Ghats and in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Explanation

INDCs were submitted by countries in the lead-up to the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015. They were essentially preliminary plans outlining each country's intended actions to address climate change.

The term "Intended Nationally Determined Contribution" (INDC) is seen in the news in the context of climate change mitigation efforts.

Intended These were initial pledges, not legally binding commitments. Nationally Determined Each country defined its own contributions based on its capabilities. Contributions These plans outlined actions countries planned to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Explanation

Red Sanders, also known as Red Sandalwood or Pterocarpus santalinus, is indeed a tree species native to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of India.

It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India. Red Sanders is not typically found in tropical rainforests. It grows in drier semi-arid regions of the Eastern Ghats. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.

Explanation

To safeguard and support the world's agricultural heritage systems, FAO started an initiative for the identification and dynamic conservation of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in 2002.

Statement 1 (incorrect) The GIAHS program is not primarily focused on increasing productivity through modern methods. While some improvement might occur, the emphasis is on safeguarding traditional practices.

Statement 2 (correct) This accurately describes the core objective of GIAHS - identifying and protecting valuable traditional agricultural systems, their landscapes, biodiversity, and the knowledge of local communities.

Statement 3 (incorrect) While some GIAHS products might qualify for Geographical Indication status, it's not an automatic benefit. This status recognizes a specific product's link to its origin and traditional production methods.

Explanation

International Collaboration Desertification is a global challenge, and the UNCCD brings together countries to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in combating desertification. Local Participation Local communities living in drylands are most affected by desertification and have valuable knowledge about their environment. The UNCCD encourages their involvement in developing and implementing solutions.

While the UNCCD may provide some support to specific regions like South Asia and North Africa, its focus is global. Thus, statement 2 is not entirely accurate.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant's roots, minimizing water reaching the soil surface. This reduces weed growth that thrives in areas with constant moisture. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Soil salinity refers to the salt concentration in the soil. Drip irrigation itself doesn't directly address salinity levels. However, it can be used in conjunction with other techniques to manage salinity, such as applying precise amounts of water to flush out salts. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.

Drip irrigation applies water slowly and directly to the roots, reducing water runoff. This helps prevent soil erosion, which can be a major problem with traditional irrigation methods that flood the land. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Explanation

"The correct answer is C, 3 only."

The terms mentioned above are all related to the Kyoto Protocol. Here's a brief explanation of each term

Annex-I Countries These countries have pledged to reduce their emissions by being a part of the Kyoto Protocol.The Cartagena Protocol is a separate international treaty on biosafety.

Certified Emissions Reductions These are a type of carbon credit that is granted by the Kyoto Protocol for achieving emission reductions through a clean development mechanism project. The Nagoya Protocol is another international treaty focusing on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.

Clean Development Mechanism It is a mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries as a way to earn emission reduction credits.

Explanation

WE can find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Star Label on all of the following options

-Ceiling fans -Electric geysers -Tubular fluorescent lamps

The BEE Star Label is a program that promotes energy efficiency in India by labeling appliances and electronic devices based on their energy consumption. Many different categories of appliances are covered under this program

Explanation

The National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Mission Goals To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares (mha) and improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest lands;

To improve/enhance ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, and timber and non-timber forest produces (NTFPs); and

To increase forest-based livelihood income of about 3 million households.

Explanation

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a way of measuring and communicating how clean or polluted the air is. It uses a scale from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating greater levels of air pollution.

AQI doesn't directly measure a single pollutant, but rather considers the concentration of several key air pollutants

Particulate Matter (PM) These are tiny particles suspended in the air, including PM2.5 (less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) and PM10 (less than 10 micrometres). PM can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems. Ozone Ground-level ozone is a gas formed by chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight. It can irritate the respiratory system and worsen asthma. Nitrogen Dioxide Traffic emissions and industrial processes release nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate the respiratory system. Sulfur Dioxide Mainly produced by burning fossil fuels, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems. Carbon Monoxide This gas is a product of incomplete combustion and can be harmful at high concentrations, impacting human health.

Explanation

The unique features of the Kharai camel include

Kharai camels can indeed swim up to three kilometres in seawater (statement 1 is correct). This exceptional ability allows them to reach islands near the shore where they find their preferred food source.

Their name "Kharai" comes from the Gujarati word for "salty" because they primarily graze on saline plants and mangroves (statement 2 is correct). This dietary adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh coastal environment.

However, statement 3 is incorrect. Kharai camels are herded by local communities (Maldhari) in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. Their milk is consumed, and male calves are sometimes sold.

Explanation

National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is the financing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and coordinating authority for the Ganges River, functioning under the Jal Shakti Ministry.

The mission of the organisation is to safeguard the drainage basin which feeds water into the Ganges by protecting it from pollution or overuse. In July 2014, the NGRBA has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority. Thus, statement 3 is incorrect. Other members include the cabinet ministers of ministries that include the Ganges among their direct concerns and the chief ministers of states through which the Ganges River flows.

Explanation

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a set of internationally recognized standards for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

A collaboration between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Its purpose is to establish a standardized approach for GHG accounting and reporting, enabling consistent and comparable data across organizations and sectors.

Explanation

The first state in India to declare a state butterfly was Maharashtra.

Maharashtra designated the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) as its state butterfly in 2005. It's a large, black colored butterfly with velvet wings and bright blue spots.

Explanation

The Gadgil Committee Report and Kasturirangan Committee Report are both related to the protection of the Western Ghats in India.

Gadgil Committee Report This report, submitted in 2011, emphasized strict environmental protection measures for the Western Ghats. It recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with varying levels of protection zones.

Kasturirangan Committee Report This report, submitted in 2012, was constituted to examine the Gadgil Committee Report. It aimed to find a balance between environmental protection and the developmental needs of the region. While acknowledging the ecological importance of the Western Ghats, it proposed a slightly modified approach to the ESA boundaries compared to the Gadgil Committee Report.

Explanation

In 1972, Countries met in Stockholm, Sweden, for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, to consider the rights of the family to a healthy and productive environment.

In 1983, the United Nations created the World Commission on Environment and Development (later known as the Brundtland Commission), which defined sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Colombia proposed the idea of the SDGs at a preparation event for Rio20 held in Indonesia in July 2011. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The consensus is that these SDGs have to be achieved by 2030. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris on November 30, 2015, by India and France. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The Alliance was not open to all UN member countries (now extended to all members of the UN). While membership has expanded since its inception, it currently focuses on countries lying geographically between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, also known as the Sun Belt. These regions tend to have abundant sunshine, making solar energy a viable resource. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Explanation

Statement 1 (correct) Agenda 21 is indeed a comprehensive plan of action adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It outlines strategies for achieving sustainable development on a global scale, addressing environmental protection, social development, and economic prosperity.

Statement 2 (incorrect) The World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, reviewed and reaffirmed Agenda 21. It did not originate from this summit.

Explanation

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) attempts to create financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.

REDD goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD has the potential to simultaneously contribute to climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation, whilst also conserving biodiversity and sustaining vital ecosystem services.

Protection of biodiversity Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems, and protecting them through REDD initiatives helps safeguard countless species of plants and animals. Resilience of forest ecosystems By reducing deforestation and degradation, REDD helps maintain healthy forests that can better withstand natural disturbances like droughts, floods, and pests. Poverty reduction Many forest communities rely on forests for their livelihoods. REDD programs can provide financial incentives for sustainable forest management, creating income opportunities and alleviating poverty.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.