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Q1. D Q4. D
Radiation and Its Impact Key Environmental Acts in India
Sources of Radiation Pollution 1. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
• Natural Sources: • Effective Date: October 25, 1980.
o Cosmic rays, ultraviolet rays, and infrared • Objective:
rays from the sun and celestial bodies. o Regulates diversion of forest land for non-
o Radioactive emissions from unstable atoms forestry purposes.
(uranium, thorium, radium). o Balances developmental needs with forest
• Man-Made Sources: conservation.
o Mining and refining of plutonium and 2. Environment Protection Act, 1986
thorium. • Objective: Protection and improvement of the
o Nuclear weapons production and environment.
explosions. 3. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
o Nuclear power plants and fuels. • Objective:
o Radioactive isotopes preparation. o Conservation of biological resources.
Q2. D o Sustainable use of resources.
o Fair and equitable sharing of benefits with
local communities.

Q5. B
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Overview
• Introduced: 2015 by the UN General Assembly.
• Aim: Achieve sustainable development by 2030.
• Focus: Address global social, economic, and
environmental challenges.
List of 17 SDGs:
Greenhouse Effect and Solar Radiation SDG-6: Clean water and sanitation
• Reflection and Absorption: SDG-7: Affordable and Clean energy
o 25% of incoming solar radiation is reflected SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communities
by clouds and gases. SDG-13: Climate action
o Some radiation is absorbed, while nearly
50% reaches Earth’s surface, heating it. Q6. B
o A small portion is reflected back into space. Gothenburg Protocol (1999)
• Infrared Radiation: • Objective: Improve air quality across borders under
o Earth re-emits heat as infrared radiation. UNECE's Convention on Long-Range Transboundary
o Greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, Air Pollution.
methane) absorb most of this heat. • Focus Areas:
o These gases radiate heat, with a significant o Abatement of acidification, eutrophication,
portion returning to Earth’s surface, and ground-level ozone.
repeating the cycle. o Targets emission ceilings and technical
• Greenhouse Gases: standards for reducing air pollutant
o Carbon dioxide and methane are key emissions.
contributors. o Sets emission limit values for technical
o Cause repeated heating of Earth’s surface, facilities.
leading to the greenhouse effect. Q7. B
Q3. B Zero Debris Charter
Spring Shock (Acid Shock) Overview
• Definition: Sudden decrease in pH of water bodies • Signed at the ESA/EU Space Council to promote
due to rapid snowmelt in spring. sustainable human activities in Earth's orbit.
• Cause: • Goal: Achieve debris-neutral space operations by
o Winter Accumulation: Snow absorbs acidic 2030.
pollutants (SO₂, NOₓ) from the atmosphere. Key Points
o Rapid Melting: Releases pollutants into • Current Signatories:
lakes, rivers, and streams, increasing acidity. o 12 countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
Mechanism of Acid Shock Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland,
• Transport: Pollutants travel thousands of kilometers Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and
and convert to acids. the UK.
• Accumulation: Snow and ice over water bodies o ESA signed as an International Organization
contain sulphuric acid. (IGO).
• Spring Melting: Releases acids into water bodies, o Non-signatories: India, USA, and China.
making them highly acidic.
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• Facilitator: ESA's Protection of Space Assets 1. Standards:

Accelerator program. o Based on 7 pillars and 17 minimum
• Focus on developing debris mitigation and standards with associated criteria.
remediation technologies. o Focus on effective conservation
• Charter is community-driven and not owned or management.
exclusively written by ESA. 2. CA|TS Partnership:
Q8. B o Comprises governments, intergovernmental
UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Program agencies, and conservation organizations.
Overview o Key members: Global Tiger Forum, IUCN,
• Objective: Safeguard, protect, and provide access to UNDP, and WWF.
rare and endangered documentary heritage. o Secretariat hosted by WWF.
Global Goals
• Launched: 1992 to prevent "collective amnesia" and
preserve invaluable archives and library collections. • Integral to the TX2 goal: Doubling the global tiger
Recent Context population by 2022.
• Indian Texts Added to Asia-Pacific Regional Register • Supported by all 13 Tiger Range Countries (TRC).
(2024): Milestones
1. Ramcharitmanas. • First Implementer: Nepal.
2. Panchatantra. • CA|TS Approved Sites:
3. SahṛdayalokaLocana. 1. Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand,
• Added during the 10th meeting of Memory of the India.
World Committee for Asia and the Pacific 2. Chitwan National Park, Nepal.
(MOWCAP). 3. Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve, Russia.
Q11. B
Q9. D Earth's Magnetic Field
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amended in 2022) Function
Purpose • Protects the planet from harmful solar radiation and
cosmic particles.
• Empowers the State to declare protected areas under
four categories: • Generated by the Earth’s outer core through a self-
1. National Parks exciting dynamo process (electric currents in molten
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries iron).
3. Community Reserves Key Features
4. Conservation Reserves 1. Magnetic Field & Magnetosphere:
Implementation o Extends into space, creating the
magnetosphere.
• Central Level: Directorate General of Forests
o Earth's magnetic field acts like a bar magnet,
(MoEFCC).
aligned roughly with the Earth's axis.
• State Level: State wildlife departments and field
2. Poles:
offices.
o Geographic poles: Fixed, based on Earth's
1. Statutory Bodies:
rotation axis.
o Central Zoo Authority (1992): Oversight of
o Magnetic poles: Not fixed and wander over
zoos.
time.
o National Board for Wildlife: Advisory body
▪ Magnetic North Pole discovered in
chaired by the PM for wildlife conservation
1831 and moves about 25
and project approvals.
miles/year northwest.
o National Tiger Conservation Authority:
3. Magnetic Reversals:
Supervises Project Tiger (1973) to conserve
o Earth's magnetic poles flip irregularly every
tigers.
200,000 years (north becomes south and
o Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):
vice versa).
Multi-disciplinary body to combat organized
Recent Findings
wildlife crime.
• Research on ancient rocks from South Africa and
2. Schedules:
Brazil suggests the Earth’s magnetic field weakened
o Originally six schedules for flora and fauna
around 591 million years ago during the Ediacaran
protection.
period.
o 2022 Amendment reduced schedules to
four. • This weakening coincided with the Ediacaran
Q10. C oxygenation, which is believed to have supported the
emergence of early animal life.
Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS)
Q12. B
Purpose
Agnibaan - Mobile Small-Lift Launch System
• Management tool for effective conservation of tiger
• Developed by: Agnikul Cosmos (Chennai, India).
reserves and other protected areas with tiger
• Key Feature: World’s first rocket with a fully 3D-
populations.
printed engine.
Key Features
Specifications
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• Lift-off mass: 14,000 kg • Definition: Interactions between populations of two

• Length: 18 meters different species, which can be beneficial,
• Diameter: 1.3 meters detrimental, or neutral for one or both species.
• Capability: Places a 100 kg satellite into a 700 km 1. Competition:
orbit. o Occurs when species compete for the same
• Orbits: Capable of accessing low- and high- limited resources (e.g., food, water, light).
inclination orbits. o Both species are harmed in this interaction.
• Launch Ports: Designed for over 10 mobile launch o Correctly Matched.
ports. 2. Amensalism:
Important Developments o One species is harmed or inhibited, while the
• Launchpad: Launched from India’s first privately other remains unaffected.
developed launchpad, Dhanush, at Sriharikota, o Not Correctly Matched.
Andhra Pradesh. 3. Commensalism:
• First Flight: Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital o One species benefits, while the other is
Technological Demonstrator), India’s first semi- neither harmed nor benefited.
cryogenic engine-powered rocket flight. o Example: Cattle egrets and livestock,
o Purpose: To demonstrate in-house barnacles on whales.
technologies and gather flight data for the Q16. B
Agnibaan rocket. IN-SPACe and Indian Space Policy 2023
Engine & Propellant • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and
• Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE): Agnilet Authorization Centre):
o Fuel: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene. o Established in October 2021.
o Advantages: Storable at higher o Autonomous nodal agency under the
temperatures compared to cryogenic Department of Space.
engines, simplifying storage and handling, o Mandate: To authorize space activities by
while offering high performance. both Government and Non-Governmental
o Cryogenic Engines: Use liquid hydrogen and Entities (NGEs).
liquid oxygen at extremely low o Acts as an interface between ISRO and NGEs,
temperatures. promoting private sector participation in
Q13. B space activities.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) • Key Functions:
• Definition: The amount of oxygen required by o Facilitates private players' involvement in
bacteria to break down organic matter in water. space sector.
• BOD Test: Measures oxygen consumed by o Assesses space resource utilization and
microorganisms over a 5-day period at 20°C. private sector needs, including educational
• Significance: and research institutions.
o High BOD: Indicates high organic pollution, • Indian Space Policy 2023: IN-SPACe has released
requiring more oxygen for decomposition. guidelines for its implementation.
o Low BOD: Indicates cleaner water with less Q17. C
organic pollution. IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Q14. B • Role: NGO working in nature conservation and
Biomagnification sustainable use of natural resources.
• Definition: The process by which harmful substances • IUCN Red List:
become more concentrated as they move up the food o Best known for compiling and publishing the
chain. Red List, assessing species' conservation
status worldwide.
• Mechanism: Chemicals or pesticides consumed by
o Criteria for Classification:
lower organisms (e.g., fish) are passed on and
▪ Population decline rate.
concentrated in higher consumers (e.g., birds,
▪ Geographic range.
animals, humans).
▪ Small population size.
• Difference from Bioaccumulation:
▪ Restricted area of habitation.
o Biomagnification: Increase in concentration
▪ Extinction risk based on
as you move up trophic levels.
quantitative analysis.
o Bioaccumulation: Increase in concentration
Q18. A
within a single organism at one trophic level.
Deepfakes:
• Cause: Toxic substances accumulate because they
cannot be metabolized or excreted, leading to higher • Definition: Synthetic media (images/videos) created
concentrations at higher trophic levels. using AI and deep learning techniques. Combines
"deep learning" and "fake."
• Examples: Mercury, DDT.
Q15. A • Applications:
o Natural dubbing in movies/TV shows.
Interspecific Interactions
o Training simulations in fields like medicine,
aviation, etc.
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• Indian Law: Section 66D of the IT Act, 2000 covers • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD):
cheating by impersonation but does not define o Measures oxygen needed by
deepfakes. microorganisms to decompose organic
• Detection: Deepfakes are hard to detect. Humans matter in water (standard: 5 days at 20°C).
detect deepfake speech 73% of the time. Tools like o Indicator of water quality.
Reality Defender and Deep Media help detect them • Impacts of Eutrophication:
based on AI image generation technology. 1. Increase in BOD:
Q19. C ▪ Excess nutrients → Algal blooms →
Indoor Air Pollution: Dead algae decompose → High
• Definition: Harmful pollutants released indoors, oxygen consumption.
including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ▪ Statement: "Eutrophication
and various toxins. decreases BOD" is incorrect.
• Common Sources: 2. Oxygen Depletion:
o Burning fuels for cooking/heating (especially ▪ Decomposition of algae →
in developing countries). Decreased oxygen levels → Hypoxic
o Airtight, energy-efficient homes causing (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen)
pollutant buildup. conditions.
• Indoor Air Pollutants: ▪ Harms aquatic life.
1. Radon: Invisible radioactive gas from radioactive Q22. C
decay of radium in rock formations/building materials. Second Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) - Key Notes
most frequent cause of lung cancer after smoking. • Establishment:
2. Biological Chemicals: Caused by mold, animal dander, o Constituted in September 1974 under the
and plant pollen. Can trigger allergies and worsen asthma. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Gases from Act, 1974.
paints, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, etc. o Entrusted with powers under the Air
Can cause kidney diseases and are carcinogenic. (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
4. Carbon Monoxide: Produced by tobacco smoke, 1981.
space heaters, defective furnaces, and automobile exhaust. • Role:
5. Bacteria: Found in indoor air and on surfaces, o Field formation and technical service
potentially harmful to health. provider to the Ministry of Environment and
Q20. A Forests under the Environment (Protection)
DigiLocker Overview: Act, 1986.
• Launched: 2015, under the Digital India program by Q23. A
the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions
• Purpose: Provides citizens with access to authentic Basel Convention (1989; in force: 1992)
digital documents through a secure cloud-based • Objective:
platform. o Control transboundary movements of
• Features: hazardous waste, especially from developed
o Digital documents are legally valid under the to less developed countries (LDCs).
Indian IT Act 2000 and are considered o Minimize waste generation and toxicity.
equivalent to original physical documents. o Assist LDCs in environmentally sound waste
o Storage, sharing, and verification of management.
documents such as marksheets, certificates, • Exclusion: Does not cover radioactive waste.
etc. Rotterdam Convention (1998; in force: 2004)
• Registration Process: • Objective:
o Requires mobile number or Aadhaar o Promote shared responsibility and
number. cooperation in hazardous chemical trade.
o OTP for verification and PIN for 2-factor o Protect human health and the environment.
authentication. o Ensure informed decisions on import/export
o If Aadhaar is unavailable, a DigiLocker via Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
account can still be created with a mobile • Administration: Jointly by FAO and UNEP.
number. Stockholm Convention (2001; in force: 2004)
Q21. D • Objective:
Eutrophication and Its Effects o Eliminate or reduce persistent organic
• Eutrophication: pollutants (POPs) that resist degradation,
o Enrichment of water bodies (lakes, rivers, bioaccumulate, and harm human health and
coastal areas) with nutrients (nitrogen & ecosystems.
phosphorus). • Key Details:
o Leads to excessive growth of algae and o Covers 30 chemicals, including the "Dirty
aquatic plants. Dozen" (8 pesticides, 2 industrial chemicals,
o Can be natural or human-induced. 2 by-products).
o Co-signatories:
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▪ Ban 9 "Dirty Dozen" chemicals. 1. Diverse Habitats: Mosaic of natural, semi-natural,

▪ Restrict DDT use to malaria control. and man-made habitats.
▪ Limit dioxin and furan production. 2. Domesticated Biodiversity: Agro-ecosystems
Q24. D supporting biodiversity through ongoing agricultural
Soil Pollution - Key Notes practices.
Definition: 3. Cultural Spaces: Sacred groves/trees, community-
• Alteration in physical, chemical, and biological conserved areas.
properties of soil due to toxic materials. 4. Refuge or Corridors: For threatened and endemic
• Pollutants can enter the food chain, causing serious species (e.g., urban greens, wetlands).
health issues. 5. Seasonal Migrant Habitats: Areas supporting
Consequences of Soil Pollution: seasonal breeding/feeding species.
• Reduced fertility and agricultural yield. 6. Preservation Plots: Maintained by forest research
• Loss of natural soil nutrients. departments.
• Decreased nitrogen fixation. 7. Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas.
• Increased soil erosion. 8. Land Use: Any legal land use (government,
• Imbalance in soil flora and fauna. community, or private) can be considered.
Exclusions
• Increased salinity, making soil unfit for cultivation.
• Sites under the Protected Area Network (Wildlife
• Formation of toxic dust and foul odor.
Protection Act, 1972) are generally excluded.
• Altered soil structure causing organism death.
Q27. B
Q25. A
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)
Thermal Methods of Solid Waste Disposal - Key Notes
• Location: Sahyadri Ranges, Western Ghats; spans
1. Incineration
Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri districts,
• Controlled high-temperature oxidation of organic
Maharashtra.
compounds.
Q28. B
• Produces thermal energy, CO₂, and water.
National Parks
• Simple operation with relatively low capital and
• Protection: Strictly protected; no human activity
operational costs.
allowed except those permitted by the State Chief
2. Pyrolysis
Wildlife Warden. Limited areas are open for specific
• Converts solids to liquids and liquids to gases in the
activities.
absence of oxygen.
• Declaration: Can be declared by both Central and
• Ideal for treating waste plastics.
State Governments. Boundary changes require a
3. Gasification
resolution by the State Legislature.
• Converts waste directly into Syngas (contains
• Notification: State governments can notify areas,
hydrogen and carbon monoxide).
within or outside a sanctuary, as National Parks for
Q26. B
ecological, faunal, floral, or zoological importance.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)
• Objective: Protect the entire ecosystem (flora, fauna,
Definition
and landscape) and conserve wildlife while preserving
• Unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems (terrestrial,
environmental and landscape heritage for future
coastal, inland waters, and marine) with rich
generations.
biodiversity.
Q29. A
Key Features
Carbon Farming
• Richness: Wild/domesticated species or intra-specific
• Objective:
categories.
o Restore ecosystem health.
• Endemism: High levels of unique species.
o Improve soil health and agricultural
• Presence of Key Species: Rare, threatened, keystone,
productivity.
species of evolutionary significance, or wild ancestors
o Mitigate climate change by enhancing
of cultivated species.
carbon storage and reducing greenhouse gas
• Fossil Beds: Sites with past biological significance. emissions.
• Cultural Importance: Cultural, ethical, or aesthetic • Practices:
values linked to biodiversity. o Rotational grazing, agroforestry,
Legal Framework conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (BDA): management, agroecology, livestock
o State Governments, in consultation with management, and land restoration.
local bodies, can notify BHS in the gazette. o Adaptable across various agro-climatic
o Rules for conservation and management can zones.
be framed by State Governments in • Benefits:
consultation with the Central Government. o Addresses soil degradation, water scarcity,
o State Governments to provide compensation and climate variability challenges.
or rehabilitation for economically affected o High carbon sequestration potential in
people. regions with adequate rainfall and fertile
Criteria for Identification soil.
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• Challenges: o Plants capture only 2-10% of PAR (1-5% of

o Limited water availability in hot and dry total solar radiation) for photosynthesis,
regions reduces plant growth and carbon sustaining all terrestrial and aquatic life.
sequestration potential. Q33. B
o Practices like cover cropping may not be Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
feasible due to additional water demand. • Objective: Democratize e-commerce and empower
Q30. C SMEs and micro-entrepreneurs in India.
KAZA 2024 Heads of State Summit • Structure:
• Event: Held in Livingstone, Zambia; discussed lifting o Non-profit Section 8 Company under the
the ivory trade ban at CITES CoP20 in 2025. Department for Promotion of Industry and
• KAZA Overview: Internal Trade (DPIIT).
o Size: Larger than Germany and Austria o Uses open-source methodology, open
combined, nearly twice the size of the UK. specifications, and network protocols,
o Location: Kavango and Zambezi River basins independent of specific platforms.
(Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, • Current Reach: Live in several Indian cities and
Zimbabwe). domains like food, grocery, fashion, and electronics,
o Features: Rich biodiversity, diverse with 35,000+ sellers onboard.
ecosystems, and landscapes. • Functionality:
• Objectives: o Enables local commerce across segments,
o Conserve biodiversity and manage cultural including mobility, food delivery, hotel
resources. booking, and travel.
o Promote nature-based tourism and rural o Facilitates exchange of goods and services
economic growth. via open digital networks.
o Use natural capital and heritage for socio- Q34. C
economic development. Edaphic Factors
Q31. A • Definition: Soil's physical, chemical, and biological
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants properties influenced by biological, geological, or
(POPs) anthropogenic activities.
• Purpose: Protect human health and the environment
from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) with long- Q35. D
range environmental transport (LRET) properties. Primary Productivity
• India's Position: • Definition: Biomass or organic matter produced per
o Ratified on January 13, 2006, with an "opt- unit area over time by plants during photosynthesis.
out" clause under Article 25(4). o Gross Primary Productivity (GPP): Total
Amendments to the convention are not biomass produced through photosynthesis.
binding unless explicitly ratified. o Net Primary Productivity (NPP): Biomass
• Commitments: available for heterotrophs, calculated as:
o Implement control measures and action NPP = GPP – Respiration losses (R)
plans for POPs. • Global Productivity:
o Develop inventories and update the National o Total annual NPP: ~170 billion tons (dry
Implementation Plan (NIP). weight).
o Access Global Environment Facility (GEF) o Oceans: 55 billion tons (despite covering
funding for NIP updates. ~70% of Earth's surface).
• Significance: Reflects India's dedication to o Land: 115 billion tons.
environmental protection and compliance with Q36. C
international obligations. Global Land Outlook: Rangelands and Pastoralists
Q32. B (2024)
Energy Sources for Ecosystems • Report Highlights:
• Primary Energy Source: Sun is the primary energy o Up to 50% of global rangelands are
source for all ecosystems except deep-sea degraded, nearly double previous estimates
hydrothermal ecosystems. (20–35%).
• Hydrothermal Vents: o Health and productivity loss in rangelands is
o Located on the ocean floor, emitting mineral- significantly underestimated.
rich fluids. o Findings are based on inputs from 60+
o Bacteria perform chemosynthesis to convert experts across 40 countries under the
minerals into energy, sustaining vent species UNCCD.
without sunlight. • Produced By:
• Solar Radiation Utilization: o UNCCD secretariat, collaborating partners,
o <50% of incident solar radiation is and key stakeholders.
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR).
Q37. C

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Kyoto Protocol o Protected by local communities due to

• Overview: religious beliefs and traditions.
o Extends the 1992 UNFCCC. • Distribution:
o Commits parties to reduce greenhouse gas o Found across India, particularly along the
emissions to combat global warming caused Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka).
by human-made CO₂. o Highest number in Himachal Pradesh
o Adopted in Kyoto, Japan (1997), entered into (~5,000) and lowest in Uttarakhand (~22).
force on February 16, 2005. o Kerala has around 2,000 sacred groves.
• Mechanisms for Emission Reduction:
1. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Q40. B
▪ Industrialized countries invest in Algal Blooms – Key Points
emission reduction projects in • Definition: Dense layers of algae on water surfaces
developing countries and earn caused by an overabundance of nutrients (mainly
Certified Emission Reduction (CER) phosphorus), a process known as eutrophication.
credits. o Often triggered by human pollution, such as
2. Joint Implementation (JI): wastewater, sewage, manure, and fertilizer
▪ Industrialized countries collaborate runoff.
on emission reduction projects and • Natural Process: Eutrophication can also occur
earn Emission Reduction Units naturally due to the gradual accumulation of
(ERUs). nutrients, sediments, and organic matter.
3. Emissions Trading: • Impacts:
▪ Countries can trade surplus o Algal blooms create unsightly green layers,
emission allowances to meet their bad smells, and can make water toxic,
targets. harming humans, fish, and wildlife.
• Carbon Market: The protocol introduced market- o When algae die, decomposition by bacteria
based mechanisms, creating the global carbon removes oxygen from water, leading to fish
market for emission trading. kills.
Q38. A o Can make water unsafe for recreational use
Global Warming Potential (GWP) and negatively affect local economies
• Definition: GWP measures how much heat a dependent on fishing and tourism.
greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere relative to Q41. C
carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a specific time period Biodiversity – Key Points
(typically 100 years). • Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life
• Purpose: Allows comparison of the warming impacts forms, from microbes to large mammals, in
of different gases. ecosystems.
• GWP Ranking (Descending Order): • Measuring Diversity:
1. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) o Richness: The total number of different
2. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) species in a given area. Example: An
3. Methane (CH₄) ecosystem with 20 bird species, 15 plant
4. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) species, and 10 insect species has a richness
• Key Insight: The larger the GWP, the greater the of 45 species.
warming effect compared to CO₂. o Evenness: Refers to how evenly individuals
are distributed across species. Higher
evenness means a balanced distribution;
lower evenness means a few species
dominate.
Q42. A
RBI Draft Guidelines on Project Finance:
o Lenders must maintain 5% provisions on
exposures to projects under
implementation.
o Provisioning requires banks to set aside
funds to cover potential losses. (Pair 1 not
Q39. A correctly matched).
Sacred Groves in India – Key Points • Drip Pricing:
• Definition: Patches of forest or natural vegetation o A pricing tactic where firms reveal only part
dedicated to local folk deities, varying in size from a of a product’s price upfront and disclose
few trees to several acres. additional charges later.
o Names vary by region (e.g., Devrai in o Identified as a dark pattern under the
Maharashtra, Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Sarana in Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of
Jharkhand). Dark Patterns, 2023. (Pair 2 correctly
matched).
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• SEBI Amendments on Mutual Fund Norms: • Legislation: EIA is mandatory under the Environment
o Asset Management Companies must (Protection) Act, 1986 for 29 categories of
prevent front-running, where brokers use developmental activities with investments of Rs. 50
advance information to trade before clients. crores or more.
o Front-running is unethical and disrupts • Guidelines: Guidelines are issued to Central and State
market fairness. Government Departments for data collection and
• Oversubscription of IPOs: management plans.
o Occurs when demand for a stock exceeds
supply, often leading to higher share prices Q46. A
and more shares being offered for sale. Smog:
Q43. C • Origin: The term "smog" combines "smoke" and
Tobacco Cultivation in India: "fog," coined in 1911 by physician Harold Des Voeux.
• India's Tobacco Status: • Types of Smog:
o India is the 2nd largest producer and 1. London-Type (Classical) Smog:
exporter of tobacco. ▪ Caused by burning coal, releasing
• Climate Requirements: CO₂, SO₂, and dust.
o Requires a temperature range of 20° to 27°C. ▪ When mixed with fog, it forms
o If rainfed, requires 500 mm of rainfall, but Sulphuric Acid droplets.
not grown in areas with rainfall exceeding ▪ Occurs at cold temperatures.
1200 mm. 2. Los Angeles-Type (Photochemical) Smog:
• Soil Preferences: ▪ Forms when nitrogen oxides and
o Prefers sandy or sandy loam soil, except in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Andhra Pradesh, where it grows on black react with sunlight.
soil. ▪ Results in a brown haze, more
• Tobacco Varieties: common in summer.
o Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) in Andhra Pradesh ▪ Contains ozone, formaldehyde,
& Karnataka. ketones, and PAN.
o Bidi Tobacco in Gujarat, Karnataka & Andhra ▪ Harmful to eyes, respiratory
Pradesh. system, and vegetation.
o Cigar & Cheroot in Tamil Nadu & West Q47. C
Bengal. Environmental Treaties:
o Pikka Tobacco in Orissa. 1. Montreal Protocol (1987):
Q44.C o Aim: Control emissions of ozone-depleting
Fly Ash: substances (e.g., CFCs).
• Definition: o Universal ratification by 198 countries (all UN
o Finely divided residue from the combustion members).
of pulverized coal in thermal power stations. o Developed countries reduced CFC
o Bottom ash is the residue that falls at the production; developing countries received
bottom of the boiler, while fly ash is carried relaxations.
out with flue gases and captured via o Kigali Amendment (2016): Targets phase-
electrostatic precipitators or filters. down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent
• Health & Environmental Impact: greenhouse gases.
o Classified as hazardous waste due to toxic Q48. D
chemicals (arsenic, barium, cadmium, nickel, Illegal Wildlife Trade and India's Efforts to Combat It:
lead). • Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT):
o Can cause cancer, lung and heart ailments, o Estimated at $20 billion per year, making it
neurological damage, and premature the world’s fourth-largest illicit trade.
mortality. o Threatens species conservation, human
• Uses: health, and local communities.
o Commonly used as a replacement for o 52% increase in poaching (2014-2016) in
Portland cement in concrete production. India.
o Fly ash concrete is stronger, more durable, • India's Measures to Combat IWT:
easier to pour, more resistant to alkali-silica 1. Constitutional Safeguards:
reaction, and has a longer service life. ▪ Article 51A (g): Fundamental duty
Q45. A to protect the environment and
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): wildlife.
• Purpose: Ensures optimal use of natural resources for 2. Legislation & Government Initiatives:
sustainable development. ▪ Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
• History: Initiated with the impact assessment of river Bans trade in over 1800 species.
valley projects in 1978-79, later expanded to include ▪ Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
industries, thermal power projects, mining, etc. Act, 1960: Penalizes harm to
wildlife.
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▪ Indian Penal Code, 1860: • Definition: Biosphere reserves are areas for testing
Imprisonment for animal poaching interdisciplinary approaches to managing changes
or cruelty. between social and ecological systems, promoting
3. International Collaboration: sustainable development and biodiversity
▪ CITES: Regulates global wildlife conservation.
trade. • Three Main Zones:
▪ Partners: TRAFFIC and IFAW. 1. Core Area: Strictly protected zone for
4. Government Agencies: conservation of ecosystems, species, and
▪ Wildlife Crime Control Bureau genetic diversity. (Statement 2 is correct)
(WCCB): Works on organized 2. Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core area,
wildlife crime. supports activities compatible with
5. Community Participation: ecological practices, research, and
▪ 5 crore people involved in education.
conservation. 3. Transition Area: Area for sustainable socio-
▪ National Wildlife Action Plan economic and human activities.
(2017-31): Focuses on public • World Network of Biosphere Reserves: Part of the
participation. UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
6. Demand Reduction Campaigns: 12 out of 18 biosphere reserves in India are included
▪ Campaigns like "Not all animals in this network.
migrate by choice" to raise Q52. D
awareness at airports. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)
Q49. C • Definition: Fragile areas around protected areas
Central Zoo Authority (CZA) (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries) declared by the
• Constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
1972. (MoEFCC) to regulate and control certain activities.
• Functions: • Supreme Court Ruling: As per the June 2022 ruling,
1. Set minimum standards for animal housing, ESZs must extend at least one km from all national
upkeep, and veterinary care. parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected forests.
2. Evaluate zoo performance against prescribed (Statement 1 is not correct)
standards. • Legal Framework: Notified under the Environment
3. Recognize or derecognize zoos. Protection Act, 1986, to protect areas from industrial
4. Identify endangered species for captive pollution and unregulated development. Section 3
breeding. empowers the Ministry of Environment and Forests to
5. Provide technical and financial support to take necessary environmental protection measures.
zoos improving animal management. (Statement 2 is not correct)
6. Regulate exchange of endangered species • Activity Categories:
(Schedule I & II) between zoos. 1. Prohibited: Commercial mining, polluting
7. Approve animal exchanges between Indian industries, major hydroelectric projects.
and foreign zoos with required clearances 2. Restricted (Regulated): Felling of trees,
(EXIM Policy & CITES permits). hotels, resorts, agricultural changes, road
Q50. A widening, exotic species introduction.
E-Waste Management in India 3. Permissible: Rainwater harvesting, organic
• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016: Replaced the farming, ongoing agricultural practices.
2011 rules, focusing on Extended Producer Q53. B
Responsibility (EPR). Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
• Key Provisions: • Definition: Chemical compounds that cause depletion
1. Involvement: Manufacturers, dealers, of the ozone layer in Earth's stratosphere.
refurbishers, and Producer Responsibility • Common ODS:
Organizations (PROs) are included. o Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Major ozone-
2. PRO: A body that handles the collection and depleting substances, e.g.,
recycling of e-waste for producers to meet Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12 or Freon-
their EPR targets. (Statement 2 is not 12).
correct). o Halons, Carbon tetrachloride, Methyl
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Encourages chloroform.
manufacturers to: o Freon
1. Improve environmental design of products. Q54. B
2. Ensure high product utilization. National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)
3. Promote effective and environmentally • Affiliation: Under the Indian Council of Medical
sound recycling and collection practices. Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family
Q51. B Welfare, Government of India.
Biosphere Reserves Focus Areas:

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• Occupational Diseases: Primarily focuses on dust- o Audit: Annual audit of CAF accounts by the
related respiratory diseases (silicosis, anthracosis, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of
byssinosis), heavy metal poisoning, musculoskeletal India.
disorders, and pesticide poisoning. Key Points:
• Target Groups: Workers in unorganized sectors (90% • NCAF is under the Public Account of India.
of the workforce), especially those exposed to silica • SCAF receives the major portion of the funds.
dust in industries like ceramic, foundries, and stone • CAG audits the CAF accounts.
quarries. Q58. A
Recent Updates: Decomposition Process:
• Merger: NIMH (National Institute of Miners' Health) • Detritus: Dead plant/animal remains (leaves, bark,
has been dissolved and merged with NIOH. All assets, flowers, fecal matter). Raw material for
liabilities, and employees of NIMH are absorbed by decomposition.
NIOH. • Fragmentation: Detritivores (e.g., earthworms) break
Q55. A down detritus into smaller particles.
Causes of Species Extinction: "The Evil Quartet" • Leaching: Water-soluble nutrients enter soil and may
1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: precipitate as unavailable salts.
2. Over-exploitation: • Catabolism: Bacterial/fungal enzymes degrade
3. Alien Invasive Species: detritus into simpler inorganic substances.
4. Co-Extinction: • Humification: Accumulation of humus (dark,
amorphous substance). Resistant to microbial action,
Q56. A slow decomposition, nutrient reservoir (colloidal).
Bioaugmentation: • Factors Affecting Decomposition:
o Enhances native microbes’ ability to degrade o Oxygen: Decomposition is largely oxygen-
pollutants by adding a natural or requiring.
manufactured population of o Detritus Composition:
microorganisms. ▪ Slower with lignin and chitin.
o Commonly used in soil bioremediation, ▪ Faster with nitrogen and water-
wastewater treatment, and air biofiltration. soluble substances (sugars).
o Improves degradation of specific o Climatic Factors: Temperature and soil
contaminants (e.g., chlorinated compounds moisture are key.
like cDCE). ▪ Warm and moist: Favors
Q57. B decomposition.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 (CAF Act) ▪ Low temperature and anaerobic
• Purpose: Streamline and regulate compensatory conditions: Inhibit decomposition.
afforestation in India. Compensates for non-forest Q59. C
land diverted for other uses (e.g., mining, Air Pollutants:
infrastructure). • Primary Pollutants: Emitted directly from sources at
• Key Provisions: the Earth's surface.
o National Compensatory Afforestation Fund o Examples: Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,
(NCAF): nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate
▪ Established under the Public matter.
Account of India. • Secondary Pollutants: Formed by chemical reactions
▪ Non-lapsable fund for of primary pollutants in the atmosphere.
compensatory afforestation o Photochemical smog is a key result.
payments. o Formation: In sunlight, nitrogen, nitrogen
▪ Receives a portion of the funds. oxides, oxygen, and hydrocarbons undergo
o State Compensatory Afforestation Fund photochemical reactions.
(SCAF): o Examples: Ozone, aldehydes, sulfuric acid,
▪ Receives the majority of the funds. peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), peroxides.
o Compensatory Afforestation Fund Q60. B
Management and Planning Authority Panchamrita Strategy (COP26):
(CAMPA): India's five "nectar elements" (Panchamrit) of climate action
▪ Autonomous body managing NCAF announced by PM Modi.
and planning afforestation. • Non-Fossil Energy Capacity: Increase to 500 GW by
▪ Responsible for monitoring and 2030.
evaluation. • Renewable Energy Share: Meet 50% of energy
o User Responsibility: Entities diverting forest requirements from renewables by 2030.
land must pay into the funds. • Carbon Emissions Reduction: Reduce total projected
o Plantation Plans: Users must prepare and carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
implement plans.
o Penalties: For non-compliance (payments or
plans).
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• Carbon Intensity Reduction: Reduce carbon intensity structures, leading to weaker

of the economy by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 structures and increased mortality.
levels). o Food Web Disruption: Impacts on calcifying
• Net-Zero Target: Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. organisms affect the entire food web,
Q61. A causing declines in fish populations and
Thermal Pollution: other marine life, impacting biodiversity and
• Impacts: fisheries.
o Physical Changes: o Behavioral Changes: Can affect behavior and
▪ Affects viscosity, density, vapor sensory abilities, making it harder for marine
pressure, surface tension, gas animals to find food, avoid predators, and
solubility, and diffusion. reproduce.
▪ Heated water is less dense, Q64. C
stratifies water bodies, hindering Biomes:
oxygen penetration to deeper • Tundra:
layers. o Coldest biome, low precipitation (similar to a
o Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Decreases with desert).
increased temperature, causing suffocation o Located below Arctic ice caps (North
for aquatic life and promoting anaerobic America, Europe, Siberia).
conditions. o Long, dark, cold winters (below 0°C for 6-10
o Algal Blooms: Warmer water favors algal months).
growth, further depleting DO. o Permafrost: Permanently frozen ground.
o Toxicity: Increases microbial growth, metal Defining characteristic.
bioavailability, and harm from o Summers: Topsoil thaws a few inches,
nutrients/toxins. Can cause fish kills. allowing plant growth.
o Reproduction: Reduces reproductive • Taiga:
capacity and juvenile survival in fish. o Cold, subarctic forest.
Disrupts natural reproductive cycles o Located south of the Arctic Circle (Alaska,
(nesting, spawning, hatching, migration) by Canada, Scandinavia, Siberia).
altering temperature gradients. Can cause o Between tundra (north) and temperate
premature egg release or prevent normal forests (south).
egg development. o Thick forests of coniferous trees (spruce,
o Metabolism: Increases metabolic rate, pine, fir).
leading to increased food consumption. o Conifers have needles and cones
o Ecosystem Disruption: Disrupts food chains, (evergreens).
alters species composition, causes faunal • Savanna:
migration, and can lead to biodiversity loss. o Grassland with scattered trees or tree
o Mortality: Directly causes mortality due to clusters.
respiratory/nervous system failure at high o Low water availability and hot temperatures.
temperatures. o Adaptations:
• Temperature Sensitivity: Even small temperature ▪ Grasses grow quickly in wet season,
changes (e.g., 1°C) can significantly impact aquatic turn brown in dry season.
organisms' metabolism and cellular biology. ▪ Some trees store water in roots,
Q62. A produce leaves only in wet season.
Events and Geography: ▪ Fire-resistant plants and short
• Al Biqa valley: Lebanon grasses due to frequent fires.
• Mount Ruang: Indonesia o Vegetation examples: Wild grasses, shrubs,
• Shaksgam Valley: Part of Indian Territory (J&K) baobab trees, acacia trees.
Q65. A
Q63. C Ozone Layer Depletion
Ocean Acidification: Cause: Release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Definition: Ongoing decrease in ocean pH due to • CFCs break down in the stratosphere releasing
absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). chlorine radicals.
• Impacts on Marine Life: • Chlorine radicals break down ozone (O3) molecules.
o Calcifying Organisms: Ozone Hole:
▪ Organisms like corals, mollusks, and • Observed over the South Pole due to unique
some plankton use calcium conditions.
carbonate (CaCO3) for • Summer: Nitrogen dioxide and methane reduce
shells/skeletons. chlorine activity, protecting ozone.
▪ Acidification reduces carbonate • Winter: Polar stratospheric clouds convert inactive
ions (CO3^2-), making it harder to chlorine forms to active chlorine, causing ozone
build and maintain these depletion.

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Q66. D • Role: Acts as the principal policymaking body on

Fluoride in Drinking Water crime prevention and criminal justice. Supports
Importance: efforts against national and transnational crime and
• Fluoride (F⁻) is essential for healthy teeth. improves criminal justice systems.
• Deficiency in drinking water can cause tooth decay. Membership and Operations:
• Optimal concentration: 1 ppm (1 mg/dm³) • Members: 40 states elected by ECOSOC.
Mechanism: • Chair: Led by a Bureau.
• Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by converting • Sessions: Holds annual regular sessions and inter-
hydroxyapatite (weaker) to fluorapatite (stronger). sessional meetings, with a reconvened session for
Concerns: budget and administration at year-end.
• Excess fluoride (above 2 ppm): Q70. A
o Causes brown mottling of teeth. Biodiversity Hotspots Criteria:
• Very high levels (over 10 ppm): 1. Endemic Species: At least 1,500 vascular plant species
o Can harm bones and teeth. not found elsewhere.
Conclusion: 2. Primary Native Vegetation: Loss of at least 70% of
• Fluoride is necessary for healthy teeth, but too much original vegetation.
can be harmful. 3. Threatened: Must have 30% or less of original
Q67. C vegetation remaining.
Biodiversity and Latitude: Biodiversity Hotspots in India:
• Latitudinal Diversity Gradient: Biodiversity generally 1. Himalaya:
increases from polar regions to the equator. 2. Indo-Burma Region:
• Reason: Equatorial regions have favorable conditions: 3. Sundaland:
higher temperatures, more sunlight, greater primary o Includes Nicobar Islands in India.
productivity. 4. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka:
Tropical Rainforests: o Includes Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.
• Exceptionally high species diversity. Q71. A
• Cover less than 1/5 of Earth's land area but contain Acid Rain:
~50% of world's species. • Normal Rainwater pH: 5.6 due to reaction with CO₂.
• Ideal conditions: Consistent warm climate and • Acid Rain: Rain with pH below 5.6 (typically 4.2 to
abundant rainfall. 3.5).
• Amazonian rainforest (South America): Greatest Q72. A
biodiversity on Earth. Ecological Principles:
o 40,000+ plant species. • Gause’s Competitive Exclusion Principle:
o 125,000+ invertebrate species. o Two closely related species competing for
o Estimated 2 million+ undiscovered insect the same resources cannot coexist
species. indefinitely. The competitively inferior
Q68. A species will be eliminated.
• Travancore Devaswom Board's Ban: The use of o Exception: Recent studies suggest species
Oleander (Arali) flowers in temple prasadams and may evolve mechanisms, like resource
nivedyams has been banned following a fatal partitioning, to coexist, such as feeding at
poisoning incident in Alappuzha. different times or in different ways.
• Oleander (Arali): A common ornamental plant Q73. C
containing oleandrin, a cardiotoxic glycoside that can Ecological Concepts:
cause poisoning if ingested. • Ecocline:
• Medicinal Uses: Historically, oleander was used for o A zone of gradual, continuous change from
various medicinal purposes such as treating one ecosystem to another without a sharp
hangovers, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, skin problems, boundary.
and more. o Occurs across environmental gradients such
• Toxicity: Despite its medicinal uses, oleander is highly as altitude, temperature, salinity, or depth.
toxic, and its raw extracts can be deadly if ingested Q74. D
improperly. MARPOL and Marine Pollution in India:
Q69. A • MARPOL Convention:
33rd CCPCJ Session: o International convention adopted on 2
• The heads of FATF, INTERPOL, and UNODC called for November 1973 to prevent pollution from
targeting illicit profits and enhancing crime ships.
prevention effectiveness. o India is a signatory of MARPOL.
CCPCJ Overview: • Marine Pollution in India:
• Established: By ECOSOC resolution 1992/1, upon GA o No distinct policy for marine pollution
request (Resolution 46/152). control.
• Headquarters: Based in Vienna. o Marine pollution addressed through
Merchant Shipping Rules (2009),

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Environment Protection Act (1986), Air Act o Effects: Renal tubular disorder, Itai-Itai
(1981), and CPCB rules. disease (bone decalcification).
Q75. D Q78. C
Vultures in India: Consequences of Biodiversity Loss
• Vulture Species in India: • Ecological:
o Indian Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus): o Disrupts ecosystem stability and functions
Critically Endangered due to the veterinary (e.g., nutrient cycling, productivity).
drug diclofenac. o Increases vulnerability to environmental
o Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus): disturbances (e.g., floods, droughts).
Also known as the Indian Black Vulture, o Disrupts ecological interactions (e.g.,
Critically Endangered. pollination, seed dispersal).
o Himalayan Vulture (Gyps Himalayensis): • Economic:
Near Threatened, found in the Himalayas. o Affects agriculture (e.g., pollinator decline),
o Slender-Billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris): fisheries, pharmaceuticals, tourism.
Critically Endangered due to rapid o Leads to crop yield reductions and economic
population decline. losses for farmers.
o White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis): • Social:
Critically Endangered, most common Gyps o Affects indigenous/local communities reliant
vulture in India. on natural resources.
• Conservation Status: o Causes displacement, loss of traditional
o Several species, including the Indian Long- knowledge, and increased vulnerability to
billed, Red-Headed, Slender-Billed, and hazards.
White-Rumped Vultures, are Critically Q79. B
Endangered. Biopiracy
o Himalayan Vulture is classified as Near • Definition: Illegal collection and patenting of
Threatened. biological materials or traditional knowledge
Q76. A belonging to another community, state, or nation.
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves in Q80. C
India: Asian Elephant Conservation
• Introduction: • Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Listed as
o Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Amendment Act of 2002, these areas serve • Project Elephant (1992, India):
as buffer zones or migration corridors o Goals: Protect Asian elephants and their
connecting national parks, wildlife habitats.
sanctuaries, and forests. o Key Actions:
o They were introduced due to reduced ▪ Protect elephant corridors.
protection around protected areas caused by ▪ Mitigate human-elephant conflict.
private land ownership and land use. ▪ Improve veterinary care and
• Types of Protected Areas: address poaching.
o Conservation Reserves: Uninhabited, ▪ Research and monitoring of
completely government-owned, but used by populations.
communities for subsistence. • Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE):
o Community Reserves: Areas with partial o Established in 2002 by CITES.
private land ownership, formed through an o Objectives:
MoU between local village councils and the ▪ Track illegal elephant killings.
forest department. ▪ Identify high-risk areas.
• Human Activities: ▪ Provide data for conservation
o Human activities are not completely banned strategies.
in conservation areas, as they involve local • Asian Elephant Alliance (AEA) (Founded 2007):
communities in sustainable resource use and o Global alliance focused on elephant
traditional practices. conservation.
Q77. C o Purpose: Combat poaching, habitat loss, and
Ground Water Pollution: Pollutants and Their Effects human-elephant conflict.
• Arsenic (Permissible limit: 0.01 mg/L): • Wildlife Trust of India (WTI):
o Effects: Black foot disease, diarrhea, lung o Non-profit organization focused on wildlife
and skin cancer. conservation.
• Nitrates (Permissible limit: 45 mg/L): o Active member of AEA.
o Effects: Methemoglobinemia, Blue Baby o Benefits:
Syndrome. ▪ Enhanced conservation impact.
• Cadmium (Permissible limit: 0.003 mg/L): ▪ Access to research, advocacy, and
funding opportunities.
Q81. A
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Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: Applications:

Purpose: Modernizes and strengthens India's wildlife • Effective for cleaning oil spills using bacteria like
protection laws by addressing contemporary issues like Pseudomonas, Alcanivorax, and Methylocella
invasive species and aligning with international norms (CITES). silvestris.
Key Changes: • Used in polluted water and contaminated wastewater
1. Schedules Overview: management to degrade and remove harmful
o Schedule I: Highest protection for species substances.
(e.g., Tiger, Blackbuck, Himalayan Brown Advancements:
Bear, Snow Leopard, Hornbills). • Genetic Engineering:
o Schedule II: Lesser protection for species o Example: Modified Deinococcus
(e.g., Nilgai, Indian Flying Fox, Spotted Deer, radiodurans (radioresistant bacteria) to
Wild Pig). consume toluene and ionic mercury from
o Schedule III: Protected plant species (e.g., radioactive nuclear waste.
Kurinji, Tree Turmeric, Pitcher Plant, Red • Oilzapper: A bioremediating bacterial strain
Vanda). developed by TERI for petroleum-contaminated
o Schedule IV: CITES-listed plant specimens. environments.
2. Vermin Species: Significance:
o Removal of the vermin species schedule • Degrades hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and volatile
indicates a more focused and streamlined organic compounds in fossil fuels.
approach. • Restores contaminated sites to a harmless state.
Q85. B
Zones of a Pond or Lake
1. Littoral Zone:
o Location: Near the shore, shallow, warmest
zone.
o Features: High light penetration; supports
rooted plants.
Q82. B o Fauna: Reeds, crawfish, snails, insects.
Deda Method: Traditional Seed Preservation by Muria 2. Limnetic Zone:
Tribal Farmers o Location: Open water area with effective
Overview: light penetration.
• Traditional technique for preserving seeds, especially o Features: Dominated by phytoplankton.
pulses, using natural materials. o Fauna: Small fishes, insects.
3. Profundal Zone:
• Eco-friendly and sustainable method ensuring seed
o Location: Deep, below the limnetic and
security and promoting agricultural biodiversity.
littoral zones.
Q83. A
o Features:
GMO Mosquitoes Released in Djibouti to Fight Malaria
▪ Colder and denser with low light
Technology:
penetration.
• GMO Mosquitoes:
▪ Supports heterotrophs that use
o Genetically altered male mosquitoes carry a
oxygen for cellular respiration.
gene that prevents their female offspring
4. Euphotic Zone:
from reaching adulthood.
o Definition: Upper layer with sufficient
o Male mosquitoes do not bite or transmit
sunlight for photosynthesis.
malaria.
5. Benthic Zone:
• Goal: Target and reduce female mosquito population,
o Location: Bottom layer of the pond/lake.
decreasing malaria transmission.
o Features: Supports decomposers and
• Features: Safe, sustainable, and targeted biological
detritus-feeding organisms.
pest control.
Q86. B
Q84. C
Conservation Measures
Bioremediation: Key Highlights
Definition:
• A treatment method using naturally occurring
organisms (microorganisms or fungi) to break down
hazardous substances into less or non-toxic forms.
Types:
• Microbial Bioremediation: Uses bacteria to degrade
contaminants.
• Mycoremediation: Uses fungi for the same purpose.
Methods:
1. In situ: Treatment at the contaminated site.
2. Ex situ: Treatment after removal from the site.
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Q87. B Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):

Joint Forest Management (JFM) Definition:
National Forest Policy, 1988 • A group of communicable and non-communicable
• Objectives: diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical
o Meet basic needs of local people (fuelwood, regions, closely associated with poverty and
fodder, timber, NTFPs). marginalized populations.
o Protect and improve forest resources. • Infectious diseases affect over 1.6 billion people
o Ensure community participation in forest annually. Vaccines are the best preventive tool.
management. Relevance to SDGs:
Q88. C • Directly contributes to SDG 3 (Health Goal):
Nekton: o SDG 3.3: End the epidemics of neglected
Definition: tropical diseases.
• Organisms capable of swimming and moving o Measured by SDG Indicator 3.3.5: Number
independently of currents. of people needing interventions for NTDs.
Characteristics: • Indirectly contributes to other SDGs: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10,
• Heterotrophic with a wide size range. 17.
• Found in pelagic (open water) and demersal (near • Progress in SDGs 6, 9, 11, 13 is crucial for tackling
bottom) zones. NTDs.
• Inhabit both coastal and oceanic habitats. NTD Characteristics:
Examples: • Caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and
• Fish, squid, octopus, sharks, and marine mammals. toxins.
• Lead to severe health, social, and economic
Q89. B consequences.
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): • Predominantly affect impoverished communities in
Definition: tropical and subtropical areas.
• Foods undergoing extensive processing, containing Q92. B
significant additives (preservatives, artificial flavors, Chloropicrin and OPCW:
emulsifiers). Chloropicrin:
Characteristics: • A broad-spectrum fumigant chemical used as an
• High in: Fat, sugar, salt (HFSS). antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide,
• Low in: Vitamins, protein, and fiber. nematicide, and warfare agent.
Examples: • First used as poison gas in World War I by both Allied
• Frozen meals, soft drinks, fast food, hot dogs, cold and Central Powers.
cuts, packaged cookies, cakes, salty snacks. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Health Risks: (OPCW):
• Associated with hypertension, obesity, fatty liver • Intergovernmental organization and implementing
disease, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular body for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
diseases, renal failure, etc. • Mission: Achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
• Long-term consumption linked to higher risk of early • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
death (U.S. 30-year study). • Members: 193 countries (India is a member).
Q90. C • Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded in 2013 for efforts to
Noise Pollution: Key Highlights eliminate chemical weapons.
Definition: Q93. C
• A type of atmospheric pollution described as an Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPP):
environmental pollutant under the Environmental Russia's FNPP - Akademik Lomonosov:
Protection Act, 1986. • The only operational FNPP, built at the Baltiysky
• Included as air pollution under the Air (Prevention Zavod shipyard, Saint Petersburg.
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. • Operated by Rosenergoatom, Russia's nuclear
Permissible Noise Levels (CPCB): operator.
• Industrial Area:
o Day: 75 dB | Night: 70 dB Q94. D
• Commercial Area: India's UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites (7)
o Day: 65 dB | Night: 55 dB 1. Kaziranga National Park (1985) - Assam
• Residential Area: o Home to the world's largest population of
o Day: 55 dB | Night: 45 dB one-horned rhinoceros.
Silence Zones: 2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) - Assam
• Declared by State Governments under the Noise o Critical tiger habitat, rich in Eastern
Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Himalayan biodiversity.
• Include areas within 100 meters of hospitals, 3. Keoladeo National Park (1985) - Rajasthan
educational institutions, and courts. o A man-made wetland refuge for migratory
Q91. C waterbirds.

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4. Sundarbans National Park (1987) - West Bengal Q97. C

o The largest estuarine mangrove forest, Dioxins and Furans
endangered by rising sea levels. • Definition: A family of toxic substances with a similar
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks chemical structure.
(1988, 2005) - Uttarakhand o 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dibenzo-dioxin (2,3,7,8
o Contrasting alpine meadows and glacial TCDD) is the most toxic.
wilderness, with diverse flora and fauna. • Formation:
6. Western Ghats (2012) - Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil o Created unintentionally during the
Nadu, Maharashtra production of herbicides, in the pulp and
o High endemism and biodiversity in a paper industry (wood pulp bleaching), and
mountain range running parallel to the during burning processes.
western coast. • Exposure:
7. Great Himalayan National Park (2014) - Himachal o Can enter the body through breathing
Pradesh contaminated air, drinking contaminated
o Diverse ecosystems, including glaciers, water, or eating contaminated food.
alpine meadows, and forest wildlife. o 90% of exposure comes from contaminated
Q95. D food, as dioxins and furans accumulate in the
Catalytic Converters in Automobiles fatty tissues of animals.
1. Purpose: • Release:
o Catalytic converters reduce the emission of o Also released during the thermal treatment
poisonous gases from automobiles. of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
o They are fitted with expensive metals like (WEEE).
platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Q98. D
2. Function: Soil Pollution
o Unburnt Hydrocarbons: Converted to • Definition:
carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water. o Soil pollution refers to the mixing of harmful
o Carbon Monoxide (CO): Converted to substances (toxic chemicals, salts,
carbon dioxide (CO₂). pathogens, or radioactive materials) that
o Nitric Oxide (NO): Converted to nitrogen gas degrade soil quality and fertility.
(N₂). • Impact:
3. Need for Unleaded Petrol: o Polluted soil contains disease-causing germs
o Lead in petrol inactivates the catalyst, so (e.g., anthrax, typhoid, cholera).
vehicles with catalytic converters must use o Soil loss due to erosion, storms, overgrazing,
lead-free petrol. and deforestation is termed negative soil
4. Stages of Catalytic Converter: pollution.
o Reduction Catalyst: Uses platinum and • Sources of Soil Pollution:
rhodium to reduce NOx emissions, 1. Domestic: Food scraps, paper, plastic, glass bottles,
converting NOx into nitrogen gas (N₂) and expired medicines, etc., alter soil composition and hinder plant
oxygen.
growth.
o Oxidation Catalyst: Uses platinum and 2. Municipal: Waste from urban areas creates breeding
palladium to oxidize unburned hydrocarbons grounds for insects and diseases.
and carbon monoxide, turning them into CO₂ 3. Industrial: Industrial waste, including toxic chemicals
and water.
and fly ash, contaminates soil and underground water.
Q96. C 4. Agricultural: Overuse of fertilizers, pesticides,
Sustainable Development herbicides, and poor irrigation leads to soil degradation and
1. Definition (UNCED): salinization.
o Development that meets the needs of the 5. Mining: Mining activities release toxic chemicals and
present without compromising the ability of waste materials, causing long-term soil and water pollution.
future generations to meet their own needs. 6. Electronic Waste: Disposed electronic goods, like
2. Three Pillars of Sustainable Development: computers and plastics, contaminate the land.
o Economic Development: Focuses on Q99. C
improving the economic well-being of TAK-003 Dengue Vaccine
individuals and societies.
• Developed by: Takeda (Japan)
o Social Development: Promotes social equity,
• Type: Live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened
inclusion, and justice.
versions of the 4 dengue virus serotypes.
o Environmental Protection: Aims to conserve
• WHO Prequalification: TAK-003 is the second dengue
and sustainably manage natural resources
vaccine to receive WHO prequalification.
and ecosystems.
• Recommendation: For children aged 6-16 years in
3. Political Stability:
high dengue burden areas. Administered in a 2-dose
o While important for governance, it is not
schedule with a 3-month interval.
traditionally considered one of the primary
Dengue Overview
pillars of sustainable development.
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• Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind

the eyes, muscle and joint pain, potentially fatal.
• Pathogen: Dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-
4).
• Vector: Infected female mosquitoes, mainly Aedes
aegypti, and occasionally Aedes albopictus.
• Transmission: Also transmitted from pregnant
mother to baby, through blood products, organ
donation, and transfusions.
• Affected Regions: Tropical and subtropical climates,
especially in urban and semi-urban areas in Asia,
Africa, and the Americas.
Q100. A
Biomedical Waste Management in India
• Definition: Biomedical waste includes anatomical
waste, needles, syringes, and materials from
healthcare facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, labs,
etc.) generated during diagnosis, treatment, or
immunization.
• Total Waste Generation: 484 TPD (from 1,68,869
healthcare facilities), with 447 TPD treated.
Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016
• Scope: Expanded to include vaccination camps, blood
donation camps, surgical camps, etc. (Statement 1:
Not correct)
• Phase-out: Chlorinated plastic bags, gloves, and
blood bags within 2 years.
• Pre-treatment: Laboratory, microbiological waste,
blood samples, and blood bags must be disinfected or
sterilized on-site, as per WHO or NACO standards.
• Training: Health workers must be trained and
regularly immunized.
• Bar-Code System: To track biomedical waste disposal.
• Waste Classification: Waste has been classified into 4
categories (instead of 10) to improve segregation at
the source.
• Incinerator Standards: Stricter emission standards,
including limits for dioxins and furans.
• State Responsibility: States must provide land for
common biomedical waste treatment and disposal
facilities.

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