UPSC Prelims 2018 Analysis

Explanation

The UNFCCC Secretariat launched its Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015. The following year, the Secretariat launched a new pillar under its Momentum for Change initiative focused on Climate Neutral Now, as part of larger efforts to showcase successful climate action around the world.

Climate neutrality is a three-step process, which requires individuals, companies, and governments to

1. Measure their climate footprint.
2. Reduce their emissions as much as possible.
3. Offset what they cannot reduce with UN certified emission reductions.

Explanation

The Aral Sea was once one of the world's largest lakes, but due to water diversion for irrigation projects, it has shrunk by over 75% since the 1960s.

Black Sea While it faces environmental challenges, it hasn't dried up significantly.

Lake Baikal This is the deepest freshwater lake in the world and shows fluctuations in water level, but it hasn't experienced immense drying up.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India.

The sanctuary is part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve and is contiguous with the Pakke Tiger Reserve. Major rivers like the Bhareli and Bamadi flow through the sanctuary. It is home to several indigenous tribes like the Nyishi and Apatani.

Explanation

The term "sixth mass extinction" is used in the context of discussions about the current rapid decline in biodiversity and the potential for it to be as significant as the five major extinction events in Earth's history.

Mass extinction events Throughout Earth's history, there have been five major extinction events where a large percentage of species (estimated at 75% or more) disappeared in a geologically short period. Examples include the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.

Sixth mass extinction Scientists are concerned that human activities like habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are causing a mass extinction event that could be as severe as the previous ones.

Thus, the correct answer is 'D'.

Explanation

India does not feature among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) units or solar cells. The top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for PV applications are China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect,

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a government-owned company that facilitates the implementation of solar energy projects in the country, but it does not determine the solar power tariffs. The solar power tariffs in India are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various agencies. Thus, statement 2 is also incorrect.

Explanation

The National Green Tribunal was established by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, which was passed by the Parliament. On the other hand, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. So CPCB is also a statutory body. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.

The primary role of the National Green Tribunal is to provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, thereby reducing the burden on the higher courts. On the other hand, the CPCB is a statutory organization that works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to promote the cleanliness of streams, and wells, and improve the quality of air by implementing various environmental laws and regulations. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as mesquite or thorn mimosa, is often mentioned in the news due to its controversial impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Invasive Species Prosopis juliflora is native to Central and South America but has been introduced to many other regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Due to its rapid growth rate, tolerance for harsh conditions, and prolific seed production, it can become invasive. It can outcompete native plants, disrupt ecological balances, and form dense thickets that hinder other vegetation growth.

In states like Tamil Nadu, Prosopis juliflora has been labelled an invasive species causing ecological damage. Efforts are underway to remove it from certain areas to restore native ecosystems.

Explanation

High organic matter content in soil actually increases its water-holding capacity. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that can hold water. It acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture effectively.

Soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle. Soil contains various forms of sulfur compounds, including sulfates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Microorganisms in the soil participate in the transformation of sulfur compounds through processes like mineralization and immobilization.

Excessive or improper irrigation practices can lead to the salinization of agricultural lands. When irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts, and there is inadequate drainage, these salts can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. This can adversely affect crop growth and productivity.

Therefore, among the given statements, only statement 3 is correct.

Explanation

GACSA was launched in 2014 at the UN Climate Summit in New York, not at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.

GACSA is a voluntary partnership, and membership does not create any legally binding obligations for its members. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

GACSA was launched by the Netherlands and several other countries, but India was not among the founding members or instrumental in its creation. Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

Explanation

Pollution of groundwater Sand mining activities can disturb the natural filtration process of riverbeds, potentially allowing pollutants to seep into groundwater sources. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Lowering of the water table Excessive sand removal can disrupt the natural flow and underground storage of water in the river ecosystem, leading to a lower water table in surrounding areas. Thus, statement 3 is also correct.

Sand mining in riverbeds does not directly affect the salinity levels in the river water. Salinity is primarily influenced by factors like the inflow of saline water from the sea or other sources and the dissolution of salts from the surrounding rocks and soil. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.

Explanation

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) emerged at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) 2012, also known as Rio20, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This conference aimed to renew global commitment to sustainable development and address the need for green economies. PAGE was launched as a response to the call for international support for countries seeking to embark on sustainable and inclusive economic growth trajectories.

Explanation

Hard and waxy leaves help reduce transpiration by having a thick cuticle and fewer stomata.

Tiny leaves have a smaller surface area, minimizing the area for transpiration.

While thorns are modified branches primarily for protection, they can also replace leaves in some desert plants, thereby reducing the surface area for transpiration.

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

Explanation

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act, incorporate "Critical Wildlife Habitat" as areas within National Parks and Sanctuaries that are required to be kept as inviolate to protect wildlife and its habitat. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

In 2015, the Baiga tribal community in Madhya Pradesh became the first to be granted Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This allowed them to stay inside the Kanha Tiger Reserve and access forest resources for their bonafide livelihood needs. Thus, statement 2 is also correct.

According to the Forest Rights Act, 2006, it is the respective State governments that have the authority to declare and vest Habitat Rights for Primitive Tribal Groups and pre-agricultural communities over critical wildlife habitats, after obtaining consent from the tribal communities and establishing measures for their resettlement and rehabilitation.

Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

Explanation

Carbon fertilization is the increased rate of photosynthesis in plants due to the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO) from the atmosphere, along with water and sunlight, to produce sugars for energy and growth. Carbon dioxide concentration The current atmospheric CO concentration is higher than it has been in millions of years. Increased rate Many plants can take advantage of this higher CO concentration, leading to an increased rate of photosynthesis. This means they can produce more sugars for growth and potentially grow faster.

Explanation

Conservation Agriculture is a set of practices aimed at minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and adopting crop rotations or intercropping.

Avoiding monoculture practices - This does not directly fall under Conservation Agriculture. Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop over a wide area. Adopting minimum tillage - Minimum or no tillage is one of the key principles of Conservation Agriculture, as it reduces soil disturbance. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops - This is not a part of Conservation Agriculture. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, or rubber can be cultivated using conservation agriculture practices. Using crop residues to cover the soil surface - Maintaining soil cover with crop residues or mulches is a crucial component of Conservation Agriculture. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations - Crop rotations and intercropping are recommended practices under Conservation Agriculture to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease incidence.

Therefore, the correct options that fall under Conservation Agriculture are 2, 4, and 5.