Monday, June 4, 2018

Environment Latest UPSC MCQ's 2019

Which of the following are the criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance

1. If it supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.

2. If it supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families, lifehistory stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland
benefits.

3. If it is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 3 only


Correct Answer: A

Explanation
All 1, 2 and 3 are correct.


The centre has banned the manufacture and import of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) due to which of the following reasons?
a) It is a toxic pollutant.
b) It is responsible for coral bleaches across the eastern coast of India.
c) It was being oversupplied in the market leading to price crashes and poor producer margins.
d) It was heavily used by farmers as an additive in their NPK fertilizers.

Correct Answer: A


Explanation

PCBs are synthetic organic chemicals used in many different products including electrical equipment, inks, adhesives, flame-retardants, and paints. Its production and use are now severely restricted in many countries because of possible impacts on human health and the environment.

•The use of PCBs in any form shall be completely prohibited by 2025. The government has directed users not to drain or discharge PCBs directly or indirectly on land, in surface water or from effluent treatment plants.

•The government's decision is in line with the Stockholm Convention, under which signatory countries are to prohibit or take necessary legal and administrative measures to eliminate the
production and use of PCBs.

Which of the sources contributes to the largest human source of carbon dioxide emissions?
a) Industrial manufacturing
b) Combustion of fossil fuels
c) Agricultural fields
d) Clearing of forests

Correct Answer: B


Explanation

Nearly 87 percent of all human-produced carbon dioxide emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil. The remainder results from the clearing of forests and other land use changes (9%), as well as some industrial processes such as cement manufacturing (4%) Coal is the most carbon intensive fossil fuel. For every tonne of coal burned, approximately 2.5 tonnes of CO2 are produced.

Consider the following statements about Black carbon.
1. It is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
2. The particles of black carbon absorb heat and are extremely short-lived in the atmosphere in comparison to carbon dioxide.
3. It could accelerate the heating of snow, if deposited on snow.
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

Correct Answer: C


Explanation


Black carbon consists of pure carbon in several linked forms formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel, and biomass, and is emitted in both anthropogenic and naturally occurring soot.

2 is incorrect. Though black carbon particles absorb heat, they warm the surrounding air, become lighter and rise to greater heights by a process called self-lift but they persist for longer
time in the air.

Because black carbon particles strongly absorb solar and terrestrial radiation and heats up the atmosphere it can upset the monsoon system. If deposited on snow, it could accelerate the heating of snow and quicken the melting of glaciers.


Which of the following statements is/are correct about Ramsar Convention on Wetlands?
1. Ramsar Convention is the only global environment treaty dealing with a particular ecosystem.
2. Nal Sarovar in Gujarat is the latest Ramsar site in India.
3. Kerala has the highest number of Ramsar sites in the country.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) None of the above

Correct Answer: A


Explanation

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and internationa cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Ramsar Convention is the only global environment treaty dealing with a particular ecosystem. Nal sarovar is the latest Ramsar site in India which entered the list in 2012.

Jammu and Kashmir has the highest number of Ramsar sites i.e. 4 whereas Kerala has 3. So, statement 3 is incorrect.

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