UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Etalin hydel project, UNFCCC secretariat, biostimulants and more (Week 120)

QUESTION 1

Consider the following statements:

1. When SO2 is released into the atmosphere, it usually reacts with oxygen to produce ammonium sulfate.

2. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to chronic diseases.

3. Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can increase the risk of heart attacks.

4. Carbon monoxide contributes to the formation of acid rain.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The Environment Ministry exempted the majority of India’s coal-based thermal plants from installing systems that are designed to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, a key contributor to air pollution.

— Once released into the atmosphere, SO2 usually reacts with ammonia (NH3) to produce ammonium sulfate, which is responsible for roughly one-third of India’s fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, according to recent research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— PM2.5 is injurious to human health as it can lead to chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can result in increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death, according to CREA. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— SO2 also affects the environment as it contributes to the formation of acid rain, which can damage ecosystems. Carbon monoxide (CO) does not contribute to the formation of acid rain. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Consider the following statements:

1. India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2040.

2. Presently, India has more than 10 operating nuclear reactors.

3. In 2024, almost 10 GW of renewable energy was installed in India, which was less than in 2023.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 3 only

Explanation

— India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— Many of India’s ten nuclear reactors are projected to be active during this timeframe, tripling the current capacity to around 17 GW by 2030. The Bharat Small Modular Reactors, which India is developing, are unlikely to succeed at this time.

— The operation phase of a nuclear power station is typically the longest stage of its life cycle. Currently, India has 22 operational reactors with an installed capacity of 6780 MWe. Eighteen of these reactors are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), while four are Light Water Reactors (LWRs). Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— In 2024, almost 30 GW of renewable energy was installed, the maximum for any year. Of this, solar energy stood at nearly 24 GW. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: http://www.aerb.gov.in)

QUESTION 3

Karewa formations are associated with:

(a) Valley of Flowers

(b) Western Ghats

(c) Patkai Range

(d) Kashmir Valley

Explanation

— According to a new study, the natural upliftment of the Pir Panjal ranges about four million years ago contributed to the Kashmir valley’s current Mediterranean-type climate.

— Kashmir, nicknamed the “Switzerland of the East,” has warm summers and harsh, rainy winters. The main source of groundwater and waterbody replenishment in the Valley is snow or rainfall during the winter, which is related with passing streams of western disturbances. Winter in the Valley peaks between mid-December and January.

— The elevation of the Pir Panjal range, commonly known as the Lesser Himalayas, formed an orographic barrier, preventing moisture-laden summer monsoon winds from reaching the Valley. It eventually led to the formation of a Mediterranean-type climate.

— Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) and the University of Kashmir’s Department of Earth Sciences recreated the Valley’s palaeoclimatic history using leaf sediments from the Karewa formations.

— Karewa formations are distinctive high tablelands found in the India’s Kashmir Valley.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

With reference to the proposed Etalin hydel project in Dibang valley, consider the following statements:

1. It has been proposed as a run-of-the-river project on the Dri and Talo rivers.

2. The project will be constructed in Assam.

3. The project is based on the Teesta River.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— An expert panel of the Union environment ministry is slated to consider next week environmental clearance for the 3,087-MW Etalin hydel project in Dibang valley, Arunachal Pradesh, days after China officially kick-started work on the world’s largest hydroelectric project (of 60 gigawatt) on the Yarlung Zangbo river upstream of India. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

— Etalin has been proposed as a run-of-the-river project on the Dri and Talo rivers, involving the construction of concrete gravity dams to divert water through two separate waterway systems. A run-of-the-river project involves negligible or no water storage. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The Dri and Talo rivers are tributaries of the Dibang river, which feeds into Brahmaputra’s waters. China’s project has raised concerns that it will affect the water regime and security in the Brahmaputra basin downstream.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), consider the following statements:

1. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in 2016.

2. The scheme focuses on enhancing aquaculture productivity and improving fisheries management.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— With stagnant revenues from the typical wheat-paddy cycle and rising inflation, many Punjab farmers are diversifying into fish farming in addition to conventional agriculture, and reaping significant rewards. Fish farming in Punjab, once thought to be a marginal activity, has undergone a quiet revolution in the last five years, emerging not only as a key pillar of agricultural diversification but also as a lucrative alternative source of income for thousands of farmers.

— The government is also supporting this shift by providing subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched in 2020. Since 2020-21, Punjab’s fish production has increased by over 35,000 tonnes, worth around Rs 500 crore, in the past five years, while the total production amounts to over 2 lakh tonnes, now worth Rs 2,600 crore to Rs 3,000 crore.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

— The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which began in May 2020, is a major effort aimed at reforming India’s fisheries sector. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The program aims to increase aquaculture productivity, improve fisheries management, and create 55 lakh new employment in the sector, as well as make significant infrastructure improvements by developing five integrated aquaparks. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— It also plans to double fisheries exports to 1 lakh crores. One of the primary goals of PMMSY is to raise aquaculture productivity from 3 to 5 tonnes per hectare.

— It also intends to improve fish farming infrastructure and minimise seafood production waste. In addition, the scheme places a heavy emphasis on sustainable practices, ensuring that the sector’s growth does not jeopardise the environment.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: http://www.pib.gov.in)

QUESTION 6

With reference to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, consider the following statements:

1. The UNFCCC secretariat was established in 1992 and is currently located in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. It supports the implementation of the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.

3. It maintains the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

4. It only works with governments and does not engage with non-Party stakeholders like businesses and civil society.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Explanation

— UNFCCC secretariat was established in 1992, it is currently located in Bonn, Germany, not Geneva (it was originally in Geneva until 1996). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The secretariat indeed supports the implementation of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, as stated in the passage. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The secretariat maintains the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which is a core aspect of implementing the Paris Agreement. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The secretariat does work with non-Party stakeholders, including businesses, cities, and civil society groups, especially through the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action and regional Climate Weeks. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 7

With reference to biostimulants in agriculture, consider the following statements:

1. Biostimulants are substances that provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crops.

2. Biostimulants help improve plant growth, yield, and stress tolerance.

3. Biostimulants are now regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that stimulate natural processes in plants to enhance nutrient uptake, growth, yield, and stress tolerance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— They do not supply nutrients directly like traditional fertilisers (e.g., NPK), but instead support plant physiology. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— Biostimulants are now covered under the Fertiliser Control Order 1985 bringing them under the same legal framework as fertilisers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 8

Who received the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement in 2025?

(a) Madhav Gadgil

(b) Rashid Sumaila

(c) Gretchen C. Daily and Pavan Sukhdev

(d) Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondízio

Explanation

— The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement 2025 was awarded to Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondizio.

According to tylerprize.org,

— The Tyler Prize is the world’s most prestigious annual environmental prize. Often referred to as the “green Nobel Prize”, it was the first prize of its kind to be awarded in the field of environmental science. It is administered by The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 118)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 120)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 120)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 120)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 119)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 119)

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