UPSC Prelims 2022 Analysis

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. The WHO recommends that the 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 g/m and the annual mean should not exceed 5 g/m. These are the current most stringent guidelines set by WHO to protect public health.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Ozone pollution typically peaks during sunny and stagnant weather conditions, not during inclement weather like rain or storms.

Statement 3 is incorrect. PM is a common proxy indicator for air pollution. It affects more people than any other pollutant. The major components of PM are sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water. It consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in the air. While particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less, (≤ PM10) can penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs, the even more health-damaging particles are those with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, (≤ PM2.5). PM2.5 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system. Chronic exposure to particles contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as of lung cancer.

Statement 4 is correct. Excessive ozone exposure can trigger asthma attacks and worsen respiratory problems. Ozone irritates the respiratory tract, making it harder to breathe.

Explanation

Hokera Wetland - Punjab Incorrect: The Hokera Wetland is located in Jammu and Kashmir, not Punjab. It is a significant wetland in the region.

Renuka Wetland - Himachal Pradesh Correct: The Renuka Wetland is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous wetland in the region, particularly known for the Renuka Lake.

Rudrasagar Lake - Tripura Correct: The Rudrasagar Lake is located in Tripura. It is a large lake and a significant water body in the state.

Sasthamkotta Lake - Tamil Nadu Incorrect: The Sasthamkotta Lake is located in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu. It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.

Explanation

Urban Forests use the Miyawaki method to create urban forests. Miyawaki urban forests are fascinating complex ecosystems, in balance with today's soil and climate conditions. This technique works worldwide irrespective of soil and climatic conditions.

Over 2000 forests were successfully created using this method.

Doctor Akira Miyawaki, botanist and professor, is the inventor of the technique since 1980. He is a recipient of the 2006 Blue Planet Prize, which is the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in ecology.

Explanation

Golden Mahseer is not a bird. It is a large freshwater fish also called the tiger of the water and found only in the Cauvery river basin. It known for its large size and importance in recreational fishing.

Indian Nightjar is a bird species native to India. It is a nocturnal bird that is known for its cryptic plumage and ability to camouflage in its habitat. It is typically found in forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

Spoonbill is a type of wader bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. It belongs to the family Threskiornithidae and is found in wetlands, mudflats, and coastal habitats in various parts of the world, including India.

White Ibis is a species of wading bird found in wetlands and coastal areas. It is recognized by its long, curved bill and white plumage and is commonly seen in India, as well as in other parts of the world.

Explanation

Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from rice farms could have the same long-term warming impact as about 600 coal plants.

Rice cultivation emits methane and nitrous oxide due to flooded fields and nitrogen-based fertilizers. Flooding creates anaerobic conditions, producing methane released through rice plants. Fertilizers poorly absorbed by rice lead to soil microbes converting nitrogen into nitrous oxide.

Explanation

Acid rain is primarily caused by the excess presence of nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide in the environment.

Carbon monoxide is not a direct cause of acid rain. It is a pollutant that contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, but it does not lead to the production of acid rain.

Nitrogen oxides , which include nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, are major contributors to acid rain. When these gases react with water, oxygen, and other substances in the atmosphere, they form nitric acid, a key component of acid rain.

Ozone is not a direct cause of acid rain. While ozone can have negative environmental impacts, it is not a precursor to the formation of acid rain.

Sulphur dioxide is another primary contributor to acid rain. When Sulphur dioxide combines with water, oxygen, and other substances in the atmosphere, it forms sulphuric acid, which is also a major component of acid rain.

Explanation

Out of the listed plants, the following are nitrogen-fixing plants:

1. Alfalfa
2. Chickpea
3. Clover These plants have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria called rhizobia. The bacteria colonize nodules in the plant's roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form (nitrates) that the plant can absorb.

The other options are not nitrogen-fixing plants: 2. Amaranth 5. Purslane (Kulfa) 6. Spinach These plants require nitrogen from the soil but cannot fix it themselves. They rely on soil nitrogen content or applied fertilizers. Remember: Purslane is a weed. If you would have known this piece of information, the question could have been easily solved by simple elimination.

Therefore, the correct answer is (1, 3, 4).

Explanation

Lake Faguibine in Mali is a prime example of increasing aridity . Here's how it changed over the years, as seen through false-color Landsat satellite images

• Initially, it was one of the largest lakes in West Africa, fed by the Niger River during floods.
• In 1974, it spanned approximately 590 square kilometers (230 square miles).
• A decline in precipitation from the late 1980s led to its gradual drying.
• By the late 1990s, traditional livelihoods like fishing , agriculture , and livestock herding became impractical.
• Despite the resumption of normal rainfall after 2000, the lake has remained nearly dry.

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and remains filled with water. Lake Oguta is located in Nigeria and is still a freshwater lake. Lake Volta is one of the largest artificial lake by surface area in the world and remains filled with water from the Volta River.

Explanation

As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, all wild animals are the property of the government and cannot be owned by private individuals. However, in the Answer Keys released by UPSC, it has given the answer to be B.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, whether they are found inside or outside the designated protected areas.

As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the capture or killing of a protected wild animal is strictly prohibited, even if it is perceived to be a danger to human life. Special permission is required from the authorities for any such action.

Therefore, the correct answer is Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) includes a method called Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) which is a form of controlled irrigation of the rice crops. The benefits from the program include

1. Reduction in methane emissions as compared to traditional rice cultivation.
2. Reduction in water consumption .
3. Reducing fuel consumption .
4. Increase paddy yields .
5. Reduce required seeds for transplanting.
6. Reduce use of chemical fertilizers and agrichemicals .
7. Reduce irrigation demand .
8. Reduce production costs .
9. With increased output and reduced costs, farmers net income is increased .

Explanation

Out of the listed functions of wetlands, the one that best reflects the analogy of "kidneys" is Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

Here's why this function aligns with the kidney comparison Kidneys These vital organs in our body function as a filtering system, removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood. Wetlands With their dense vegetation and saturated soils, wetlands act as natural filters for water. Aquatic plants and microbes in wetlands play a crucial role in

• Phytoremediation Aquatic plants can absorb and accumulate heavy metals and other pollutants from water.
• Nutrient cycling Wetlands help regulate nutrient levels in water by absorbing excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This prevents them from flowing into rivers, lakes, and oceans and causing harmful algal blooms.

By filtering pollutants and excess nutrients, wetlands help purify water and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. This aligns with the concept of kidneys filtering waste from our blood.

Explanation

The CLIMATE GROUP is an international non-profit organization founded in 2003, with offices in London, New York, New Delhi, Amsterdam, and Beijing. Its mission is to drive rapid climate action. This group builds and runs networks. Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 is incorrect. EP100 is a global initiative led by The Climate Group and the Alliance to Save Energy (not by the International Energy Agency).

Statement 3 is correct. The Climate Group's global EP100 initiative brings together a growing cohort of energy-smart companies committed to improving their energy productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By incorporating ambitious energy targets into their business strategies, leading companies are fostering innovation in energy efficiency, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving emissions reduction goals.

Statement 4 is correct. EP100 has a global reach, with member companies operating in over 130 markets worldwide. India's Mahindra Group is among the frontrunners in the ongoing efforts to decrease energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Statement 5 is incorrect. The Climate Group serves as the Secretariat for the Under2 Coalition and collaborates with governments to expedite climate action through four main workstreams - Pathways, - Policy Action, - Transparency, and - Diplomacy.

Explanation

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control development and management of groundwater resources in the country.

Central Water Commission (CWC) - Established in 1945, the CWC is a technical organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It focuses on water resource planning, development, and management in India, but its legal basis comes from other central government acts.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) - While it works in close collaboration with the CGWA, the CGWB is a subordinate organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, established in 1970. It functions as the technical arm of the CGWA, providing hydrogeological data and technical expertise.

National Water Development Agency (NWDA) - This autonomous agency, established in 1982 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, operates under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It focuses on resolving interstate water resource disputes, conducting feasibility studies for water resource development projects, and planning water transfer and linking projects.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. PET fibres can be blended with cotton or wool to improve properties like wrinkle resistance and durability.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Not all PET containers are suitable for all alcoholic beverages. Some PET can leach chemicals at high temperatures or with certain types of alcohol. It's important to check for specific suitability indicators on the packaging.

Statement 3 is correct. PET bottles are one of the most commonly recycled plastics. They can be reprocessed into various products like clothing fibres, new bottles, or building materials.

Statement 4 is incorrect. Incineration of PET, like most plastics, generates greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. While PET has a lower emission profile compared to some other plastics, it's still not a zero-emission disposal method.

Remember: Statements like store any kind of alcoholic beverages are vague & ambiguous, so they ought to be eliminated. Also, incineration of any substance cannot be environment friendly as it would definitely release GHGs. Hence the only Option left is Option A. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3.

Explanation

Biorock technology uses a low voltage electrical current to stimulate the growth of minerals on submerged structures. This creates a limestone-like material similar to that found in natural coral reefs.

Biorock structures can provide a stable substrate for coral polyps to attach and grow, accelerating the restoration of degraded coral reefs.

While Biorock can be used for other purposes, like creating artificial reefs for mariculture (fish farming) or promoting the growth of seacrete building materials, its application in coral reef restoration is a major area of interest.

Explanation

The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is an independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the globally agreed Paris Agreement aim of holding warming well below 2C, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5C.

A collaboration of two organisations, Climate Analytics and NewClimate Institute, the CAT has been providing this independent analysis to policymakers since 2009. CAT quantifies and evaluates climate change mitigation targets, policies, and actions. It also aggregates country action to the global level, determining likely temperature increases during the 21st century using the MAGICC climate model. CAT further develops sectoral analysis to illustrate the required pathways for meeting the global temperature goals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. India's Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is the largest solar power park in the world.

Statement 2 is correct. Kerala’s Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the first airport in the world that would be running fully on solar power.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India is not in Goa but in Ramagundam, Telangana. The project is developed by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited).

Explanation

The term "greenwashing" is best described as deceptively conveying a misleading impression that a company's products or practices are environmentally friendly.

Greenwashing is a marketing strategy where companies try to portray themselves as environmentally conscious, even if their actions don't necessarily reflect that commitment. It often involves using misleading language, imagery, or selective data to create a positive environmental image.

The goal is to gain a competitive advantage by appealing to consumers who are increasingly concerned about environmental issues.