UPSC Prelims 2019 Analysis

Explanation

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in E-waste Management Rules, 2011 Makes producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) responsible for the collection and channelization of e-waste after its end-of-life. This promotes responsible production and encourages proper e-waste disposal.

EPR in Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 Extends the EPR principle to plastic waste. Producers, importers, and brand owners are accountable for managing plastic packaging waste after consumption.

Explanation

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are correct.

Agricultural soils are a major source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, primarily nitrous oxide (NO). This occurs during microbial processes in the soil, such as nitrification and denitrification.

Cattle release significant amounts of ammonia (NH) into the atmosphere through their urine and manure. This ammonia contributes to air pollution and can have negative environmental consequences.

The poultry industry releases various reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment, including ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions come from poultry manure and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in feed production.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: While H-CNG significantly reduces carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, it does not eliminate them entirely. Burning hydrogen produces only water vapor, but since H-CNG is a blend of hydrogen and CNG, some CO is still emitted though at lower levels than conventional CNG.

Statement 2 is correct: H-CNG is cleaner than CNG, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. The reduction depends on the specific blend ratio and engine efficiency.

Statement 3 is correct: As per Indian government guidelines, up to 18% hydrogen (by volume) can be blended with CNG for use in buses and other vehicles. This blend improves combustion efficiency and reduces emissions.

Statement 4 is incorrect: H-CNG is not necessarily cheaper than CNG. The cost is influenced by Hydrogen production methods, Infrastructure development and Blending technology.

Therefore, option (B) statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) exists at both National and State levels.

• National CAMPA Oversees the national-level administration of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF). It lays down broad guidelines and ensures proper utilisation of funds across states.
• State CAMPA established in each state, manage funds allocated for compensatory afforestation activities within their jurisdiction.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 does not explicitly mandate people's participation in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Act. The Act focuses on the management and utilisation of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund but does not have a specific provision for mandatory public participation.

Explanation

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 mandate the segregation of waste into three categories - biodegradables, dry recyclables (plastic, paper, metal, etc.), and domestic hazardous waste (diapers, napkins, etc.).

The SWM Rules, 2016 apply not just to urban areas but also to urban local bodies, notified areas, census towns, all industrial townships, special economic zones, State and Central government organisations, places of pilgrimage, religious and historical importance.

There is no restriction on moving waste from one district to another. Waste generators can transport waste as needed for disposal, treatment, or processing.

Waste processing facilities will have to be set up by all local bodies having a population of 1 million or more within two years.

For census towns with a population below 1 million or all local bodies having a population of 0.5 million or more, common, or stand-alone sanitary landfills will have to be set up in three years.

Also, common, or regional sanitary landfills to be set up by all local bodies and census towns with a population under 0.5 million will have to be completed in three years.

Explanation

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a vital ecological hotspot located in the Western Ghats of southern India. It serves as a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated and wild plant species, including many rare, endemic, and medicinal plants.

The biosphere reserve spans across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering diverse ecosystems from tropical forests to montane grasslands. It includes three wildlife sanctuaries Shendurney (Kerala), Peppara (Kerala) and Neyyar (Kerala), as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu).

Explanation

Pyrolysis and plasma gasification are both thermochemical processes used to convert waste materials (organic or inorganic) into usable products.

Pyrolysis This process involves heating organic materials (like plastic, and biomass) in an oxygen-deficient environment, leading to decomposition into various products like syngas (a mixture of gases), bio-oil, and char.

Plasma gasification This technology uses high-temperature plasma to break down waste materials into syngas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Both processes offer a potential solution for waste management and energy generation. They can convert various waste streams into usable fuels or feedstock for further processing.

Explanation

Herbivorous turtles: Many turtle species, such as the green sea turtle and the Galapagos tortoise, are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, and other plant material.

Herbivorous fish: There are numerous herbivorous fish species, including surgeonfish, parrotfish, and tangs. These fish feed on algae and seaweed, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems.

Herbivorous marine mammals: While many marine mammals are carnivorous, some, like manatees and dugongs, are herbivores, feeding on seagrasses and other underwater plants.

Viviparous snakes: Not all snakes lay eggs; some, like boas, vipers, and sea snakes, are viviparous. This means they give birth to live young that have developed inside the mother's body.

Explanation

In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension because they are all pesticides used in agriculture. These pesticides are considered hazardous due to their potential negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Global warming poses a significant threat to methane hydrate deposits. These icy structures, found in permafrost and deep-sea sediments, can destabilize as temperatures rise, releasing methane into the atmosphere. Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas its release could create a positive feedback loop, further accelerating global warming.

Statement 2 is correct: Large deposits of methane hydrate are primarily found in two locations:

1. Arctic Tundra: Permafrost soils in the Arctic hold significant methane hydrate reserves, which are at risk of melting due to rising temperatures.
2. Seafloor Deposits: Continental margins and deep ocean sediments contain vast methane hydrate reserves. Changes in ocean temperature and pressure fluctuations can trigger their release.

Statement 3 is correct: After about 12 years, the methane is converted into carbon dioxide through hydroxyl oxidation. While CO₂ is a less potent greenhouse gas than methane, its longer atmospheric lifetime means it continues contributing to long-term climate change.

Therefore, option (D) 1, 2 and 3 is correct.

Explanation

Because of their small size, marine animals like fish, shellfish, and plankton can easily ingest microbeads. These plastic particles can block their digestive systems, leading to starvation or death.

Additionally, microbeads might absorb pollutants and toxins present in the water, concentrating them in the food chain and potentially harming larger predators, including humans.

Explanation

Manas National Park (Assam): Situated on the banks of the Manas River, it encompasses a range of ecosystems including grasslands, tropical evergreen forests, and semi-evergreen forests.

Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh): This park boasts diverse vegetation zones, ranging from tropical evergreen forests at lower elevations to sub-alpine meadows at higher altitudes.

Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal): This park covers a range of elevations with subtropical broadleaf forests at lower levels and temperate forests at higher reaches.

The Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttrakhand): On the other hand, is situated at a high altitude (3352 to 3658 metres above sea level) and falls entirely within the temperate alpine zone, known for its meadows, low-growing vegetation, and cooler climate.

Hence, option D is the correct Answer.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 recognizes the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making. However, it does not explicitly define the procedure for public participation in environmental governance, such as public hearings or consultations. These provisions were later formalized through subsequent rules and notifications, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, which mandates public hearings for certain projects.

Statement 2 is correct: The EPA, of 1986 empowers the Central Government to Lay down environmental quality standards for air, water, and soil, Regulate emissions and discharges of pollutants from industries and other sources, Restrict hazardous substances and their handling, Take emergency measures to prevent environmental disasters.

Explanation

The Himalayan nettle, also known as Girardinia diversifolia, is a plant species native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and parts of China. It grows at high altitudes and is known for its long fibres that can be extracted from the stem.

These fibres are some of the longest in the plant world and are used in the production of textiles.

Therefore, the Himalayan nettle is found to be a sustainable source of textile fibre.

Explanation

The burning of crop or biomass residue releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): Incomplete combustion of organic matter produces carbon monoxide, a colorless and toxic gas that affects air quality and human health.

Methane (CH₄): Biomass burning can also release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): If the biomass contains sulfur compounds, its combustion releases sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.

Ozone (O₃) Formation: Ozone is not directly emitted from biomass burning. However, it forms secondarily in the atmosphere when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight.

Therefore, option (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4 is correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Ramsar Convention encourages member countries to take action for wetland conservation and wise use, there's no legal mandate to protect all wetlands.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were formulated by the Indian government to regulate activities in wetlands, and their development was not certainly influenced by the Ramsar Convention's principles. The rules also consider other national legislations and priorities.

Statement 3 is correct. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 do encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands. This holistic approach recognizes the importance of the surrounding area for the overall health and functioning of the wetland ecosystem.

Explanation

Pair 1 is Correct: The Blue-finned Mahseer is a freshwater fish species that is naturally found in the Cauvery River. This species is also found in other rivers of the Deccan Plateau.

Pair 2 is incorrect: The Irrawaddy Dolphin is not found in the Chambal River, which is known for the Gangetic Dolphin. It is found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong (Cambodia and Laos). In India, it is found in Lake Chilika (Odisha).

Pair 3 is correct: The Rusty-spotted Cat is a small wild cat species that is found in the Eastern Ghats. It is also found in the Western Ghats, central India, and Sri Lanka.

Therefore, option (C) 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Asiatic lion is naturally found only in India and is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its last remaining wild population is restricted to the Gir National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The double-humped camel, also known as the Bactrian camel, is primarily found in Central Asia, Mongolia, and parts of China. While some feral populations exist in Ladakh, India, their natural range is outside India.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The one-horned rhinoceros is mainly found in India and Nepal, but its historical range also included Bhutan and Bangladesh.