ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

ORGANIZATIONS & ACTS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
Year No. of
Question
2019 6
2018 3
2017 2
2016 5
2015 4
2014 8
2013 -
2012 2
2011 2
TOTAL 32

2019

1. Consider the following statements:

1. As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have
the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.
2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Right) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of
Forest Right) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest
dwellers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important
feature in which of the following?
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
3. Consider the following statements:
1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning
Authority exists at both National and State Levels.
2. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation
programme carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
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
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4. Consider the following statements:
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental
protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants
from various sources
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2
5. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the
following statements is correct?
(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all
industrial townships only.
(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites
for landfills and waste processing facilities.
(d) It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one
district cannot be moved to another district.
6. Consider the following statements:
1. Under the Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government
of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and management) Rules, 2010 were framed by
the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar
Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass
the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the
authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

2018
1. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been
created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of
litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of
streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
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
2. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to
assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies,
emerged at
(a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
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 (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de
Janeiro
(c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
(d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi
3. Consider the following statements:
1. The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights
Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides
and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any
part of India.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

2017

1. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna

and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is
not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule 1 of the
Wildlife (Protection), Act, 1972, what does it imply?
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection;
and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

2016

1. What is/are the importance/importance’s of the ‘United Nations Convention to

Combat Desertification’?
1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programs and
supportive international partnerships.
2. It has a special/particular focus on ‘South Asia and North Africa regions’ and
its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to
these regions.
3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local
people in combating the desertification.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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2. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River basin
Authority (NGRBA)?
1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows
becomes the Chairman of NGBRA on rotation basis.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. With reference to an initiative called “The Economics of Ecosystems and
Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic
benefits of biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate
and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
4. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the
following statements:
1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in
Johannesburg in 2002.
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
5. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes
seen in the news, are related to
(a) Constitutional reforms
(b) Ganga Action Plan
(c) Linking of rivers
(d) Protection of Western Ghats
2015

1. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international
agreement between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage
natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention
does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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2. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
(a) It is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
(b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization
(c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change
(d) It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the Convention on Biological
Diversity
3. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
4. With reference to an organisation known as ‘BirdLife International’, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity
Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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2020.html

2014

1. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’,

what does it imply?

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 (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to
occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any
human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of
certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity
therein should not be destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
2. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands international’,
which of the following statements is /are correct?
1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are
signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the
practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
4. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on
a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the
need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
5. With reference to ‘Eco- Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is /are
correct?
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of
human activities in those zones except agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
6. Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
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7. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following
statements:
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and
Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and
public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
8. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements
is / are correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and
‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds
to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
(d) Both (a) and (b)

2012

1. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian
agriculture?
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic
resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic
modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological
resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it
impact the country?
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste
water.
2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of
water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of
ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing
motors and pump-sets to draw ground water will be completely reimbursed by
the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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 2011

1. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:

1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957.
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity
conservation in the country?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) None of the above Act
2. The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various
countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

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