Analyse & practice 14 years of PYQs to crack UPSCPractice Now

UPSC Prelims 2016 Analysis

Subject wise MCQ distribution

  • Environment & Ecology (22 Questions): The most dominant subject, covering biodiversity, climate change, conservation efforts, and environmental legislation. Many questions incorporated maps for better understanding.
  • Economy (17 Questions): Included monetary policies, fiscal policy, banking, government schemes, and international economic developments. This section was heavily inclined towards current affairs and required strong analytical abilities for elimination-based questions.

  • Science & Technology (13 Questions): Focused on emerging technologies, biotechnology, AI, space research, and their recent developments. Many questions followed an assertion-reasoning format to test conceptual understanding.

  • International Relations (11 Questions): Heavy emphasis on India’s foreign policy, international organizations like the New Development Bank and International Monetary and Financial Committee. Some questions required match the following format.

  • Social Issues & Schemes (11 Questions): Included government schemes & initiatives like MUDRA Yojana and Stand Up India Scheme along with policies related to education, health, and nutrition. Many questions were framed using the elimination technique.

  • Indian Polity (5 Questions): A relatively low count, marking a departure from UPSC’s usual trend of high-weightage in this section. However, the questions that appeared tested deep constitutional concepts and analytical abilities.

  • History (10 Questions Combined): Ancient (1), Medieval (3), and Modern (6), with a focus on factual recall rather than analytical aspects. Many were match the following or multi-statement-based, requiring careful reading.

  • Geography (Indian Geography: 4, World & Physical Geography: 0): Minimal representation, making it one of the least emphasized subjects in this year’s paper. Questions required strong NCERT-based conceptual clarity, especially in maps and location-based understanding.

Prelims 2016
Subject-Wise Weightage in UPSC Prelims 2016

Difficulty analysis

  • Medium Difficulty (57 Questions): The largest portion, demanding conceptual clarity and critical thinking.
  • Hard Questions (29 Questions): A significant number, testing advanced knowledge and deeper analytical skills.

  • Easy Questions (14 Questions): A relatively small proportion, offering limited direct scoring opportunities.

Prelims 2016
Difficulty-Level Distribution in UPSC Prelims 2016

Variations in Question framing

  • Multi-Statement Questions (57%) – The most common type, requiring analytical skills and elimination strategies. These appeared more frequently in Polity and Environment.
  • Direct Questions (43%) – Straightforward factual recall, mainly seen in History and Science & Technology.

Prelims 2016
Variations of Questions in UPSC Prelims 2016

Current Affairs vs. Static Questions

  • Current Affairs-Based (60 Questions): The paper marked a shift from the trend observed over the past four years. UPSC has increasingly focused on current affairs, making it crucial for aspirants to stay updated.
  • Static-Based (40 Questions): Still significant but much lower compared to previous years, highlighting UPSC’s shift towards contemporary relevance.

Key learning for Future Preparation

  • Prioritize Current Affairs: Given that 60% of the questions were current-based, aspirants should regularly follow newspapers, government reports, and international developments.
  • Strengthen Environment & Ecology Preparation: The dominance of this section indicates that topics like climate change, environmental policies, and sustainability should be high-priority study areas.
  • Develop Multi-Statement Question Solving Techniques: Since more than half the paper consisted of multi-statement questions, mastering elimination techniques is essential.
  • Balance Conceptual & Factual Knowledge: Subjects like Economy and Science & Technology require both static understanding and awareness of recent developments.
  • Focus on Analytical Thinking: The difficulty level and multi-statement nature of the paper suggest that rote memorization alone is insufficient—conceptual clarity is key.
The UPSC Prelims 2016 paper emphasized current affairs, with a strong focus on Environment, Economy, and History. Polity and Geography had moderate representation. The mix of direct and multi-statement questions required both factual knowledge and analytical skills, highlighting the importance of integrating static concepts with current events.

QUESTION 1

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the -

A. production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

B. use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households

C. installation of CNG kits in motor- cars

D. installation of water meters in urban households

Answer: A

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.


QUESTION 2

HardEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

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

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 Only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. 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.

Statement 2 is correct. 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.

Statement 3 is correct. By providing tools and methodologies, TEEB empowers decision-makers to consider these values when making choices that impact the environment.


QUESTION 3

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
  2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2 degrees C or even 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels.
  3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

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.

Statement 1 is incorrect. 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.

Statement 2 is correct. 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.

Statement 3 is incorrect. 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.


QUESTION 4

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

A. Sand deserts of northwest India

B. Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

C. Salt marshes of western Gujarat

D. Western Ghats

Answer: D

Explanation

Great Hornbill

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.


QUESTION 5

EasyEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contribution’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

A. Pledge made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East.

B. Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change.

C. Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

D. Plain of action outlined by the countries of the regarding Sustainable Developments Goals.

Answer: B

Explanation

The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) were submitted by countries before the Paris Agreement (2015) as their initial climate action plans to combat climate change. These documents outlined how each country intended to contribute to global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

These were preliminary pledges, meaning they were not legally binding commitments but rather expressions of intent.

Each country independently decided its contribution based on its capabilities, national circumstances, and priorities. Unlike top-down approaches in past climate treaties, INDCs followed a bottom-up approach.

The plans outlined specific measures countries intended to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to climate change impacts.


QUESTION 6

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
  2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 Only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. 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.

Statement 2 is incorrect. 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.


QUESTION 7

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

  1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity
  2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities
  3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2002 to identify, safeguard, and promote traditional agricultural systems that have historical, cultural, environmental, and social significance. These systems demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, rich biodiversity, and resilient rural livelihoods while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The GIAHS program is not primarily aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through modern methods. Instead, it focuses on preserving traditional farming practices, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable land-use systems that have evolved over centuries. While some modern improvements might be integrated to support local livelihoods, the core emphasis is conservation, not productivity enhancement.

Statement 2 is correct: The primary goal of GIAHS is to identify and protect unique agricultural systems that are vital for global biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security. This includes preserving traditional landscapes, indigenous crops, and local community knowledge, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While some GIAHS products might qualify for Geographical Indication status, it's not an automatic benefit. GI status is granted based on specific criteria related to a product's origin, traditional production techniques, and unique qualities, which require a separate legal recognition process. Hence, the correct answer is option B. 2 only.


QUESTION 8

HardEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?

  1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
  2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa region, and its secretariat facilitates the allocation of the major portion of financial resources to these regions.
  3. It is committed to the bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation

International Collaboration: Desertification is a global environmental challenge, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) serves as a key platform for international cooperation. It facilitates the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices among countries to develop sustainable solutions for land degradation and desertification.

Local Participation: Communities living in arid and semi-arid regions are the most affected by desertification. These local populations possess traditional ecological knowledge crucial for sustainable land management. The UNCCD actively promotes community involvement in decision-making, policy implementation, and resource management to ensure effective, locally adapted solutions.

While the UNCCD does support efforts in regions highly vulnerable to desertification, such as South Asia and North Africa, its mandate is global, addressing desertification and land degradation worldwide.


QUESTION 9

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?

  1. Reduction in weed
  2. Reduction in soil salinity
  3. Reduction in soil erosion

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation

Answer: C

Explanation

Drip irrigation is an efficient water delivery system that applies water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves. It is widely used to conserve water, improve crop yields, and prevent soil degradation.

Drop Irrigation

Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water precisely at the plant's root zone, reducing the moisture available on the soil surface. Since weeds typically thrive in moist topsoil, limiting water exposure to non-target areas helps suppress their growth. This makes weed control easier compared to traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers, which wet the entire field.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil salinity refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can hinder plant growth. While drip irrigation helps manage water efficiently, it does not directly reduce salinity. However, it can be combined with strategic flushing techniques (applying extra water at intervals) to push salts below the root zone, preventing salt buildup in the upper soil layers.

Statement 3 is correct: Drip irrigation releases water slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing surface runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which can wash away the topsoil, drip irrigation preserves soil structure and fertility, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture. Hence, the correct answer is option C.


QUESTION 10

EasyEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Consider the following pairs:

Terms sometimes seen in the newsTheir origin
1. Annex-I CountriesCartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emissions ReductionsNagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development MechanismKyoto Protocol

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation

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.


QUESTION 11

HardEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

  1. Ceiling fans
  2. Electric geysers
  3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

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


QUESTION 12

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Which of the following best describes the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?

  1. Incorporating environment benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’.
  2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agriculture output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future.
  3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

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.

QUESTION 13

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

  1. Carbon dioxide
  2. Carbon monoxide
  3. Nitrogen dioxide
  4. Sulphur Dioxide
  5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 Only

C. 1, 4 and 5 Only

D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: B

Explanation

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized system for measuring and communicating air pollution levels. It provides a simple scale, ranging from 0 to 500, where higher values indicate worse air quality and greater health risks. The AQI is designed to help the public understand air pollution levels and take necessary precautions.

Unlike a single-pollutant measurement, the AQI considers the concentration of multiple key air pollutants, including:

  • Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny airborne particles, including PM2.5 (smaller than 2.5 micrometers) and PM10 (smaller than 10 micrometers). These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
  • Ground-level Ozone (O₃): A harmful gas formed by the reaction of pollutants with sunlight. It can irritate the respiratory system, trigger asthma attacks, and reduce lung function.
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): Emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial activities, it can cause inflammation of the airways and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Released mainly from burning fossil fuels, it can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to lung diseases.
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuel. At high concentrations, it can reduce oxygen delivery to the body, leading to serious health effects.

QUESTION 14

HardEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’ a breed found in India?

  1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
  2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
  3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Kharai camels can swim up to three kilometers in seawater. This rare trait allows them to reach offshore mangrove islands, where they forage for food.

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

Statement 3 is incorrect: Kharai camels are herded by local communities (Maldhari) in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Their milk is consumed, and male calves are sometimes sold. Hence, the correct answer is option A.


QUESTION 15

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?

  1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management.
  2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
  3. One of the Chief Ministers of the State through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on a rotation basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. 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.

Statement 2 is correct. 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.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority. 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.


QUESTION 16

HardEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

A. It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions

B. It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies

C. It is an intergovernmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022

D. It is one of the multilateral REDD-initiatives hosted by the World Bank

Answer: A

Explanation

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is a globally recognized framework for measuring, managing, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It was developed through a collaboration between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to ensure a standardized and transparent approach to GHG accounting.

The protocol helps businesses, governments, and organizations track their emissions consistently, facilitating accurate comparisons across sectors and regions. By providing clear guidelines for carbon accounting, it plays a crucial role in climate action strategies, regulatory compliance, and corporate sustainability efforts worldwide.


QUESTION 17

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following State has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?

A. Arunachal Pradesh

B. Himachal Pradesh

C. Karnataka

D. Maharashtra

Answer: D

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.


QUESTION 18

EasyEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to -

A. Constitutional reforms

B. Ganga Action Plan

C. Linking of rivers

D. Protection of Western Ghats

Answer: D

Explanation

The Gadgil Committee Report and the Kasturirangan Committee Report both focus on the conservation of the Western Ghats, one of the world's eight "hottest" biodiversity hotspots.

Gadgil Committee Report (2011) Formally known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report, this report advocated for strict environmental protection measures across the entire Western Ghats. It recommended designating the entire region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided into three zones with graded levels of regulation on development activities such as mining, construction, and deforestation. The report emphasized grassroots participation and sustainable development, but its stringent recommendations faced resistance from state governments and industries.

Kasturirangan Committee Report (2012) To review the Gadgil Committee’s recommendations, the High-Level Working Group (HLWG), led by Dr. Kasturirangan, was formed. This report sought a balance between conservation and development by proposing that only 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as ESA, focusing primarily on forest and uninhabited regions while allowing regulated development in other areas. It adopted a more lenient approach than the Gadgil Report, leading to criticism from environmentalists who argued that it diluted the conservation efforts.

In summary, while the Gadgil Report advocated for comprehensive protection with stringent regulations, the Kasturirangan Report took a more moderate stance, allowing some developmental activities while still acknowledging the ecological importance of the Western Ghats.


QUESTION 19

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
  2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

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".

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

Statement 2 is correct. 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.


QUESTION 20

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Consider the following statements:

  1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
  2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris. The primary aim of ISA is to promote solar energy deployment, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support sustainable energy solutions, particularly in developing countries.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Initially, ISA was open only to 121 solar-rich countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (the "Sun Belt"), as these regions receive abundant solar radiation throughout the year.

However, in 2018, ISA expanded its membership to include all UN member states, allowing countries beyond the tropics to join and benefit from solar energy initiatives. This change made ISA a more inclusive global platform for promoting solar energy adoption worldwide.


QUESTION 21

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
  2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global action plan adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It provides a framework for achieving sustainable development by integrating environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth at global, national, and local levels.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, reviewed and reaffirmed the commitments made under Agenda 21 but did not introduce it. Instead, the summit focused on assessing progress, strengthening implementation, and launching new initiatives, including the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).


QUESTION 22

MediumEnvironment & EcologyPrelims 2016

Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to -

  1. Protection of biodiversity
  2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
  3. Poverty reduction

Select the correct answer using the code given below

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

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.

Share