Answer with Explanation

Date 14/04/2018

1 Which among the following multilateral environment agreements (MEAs) is NOT

correctly paired with the respective issue it deals with?

(A) Montreal Protocol of 1987 – Regulation in controlling usage of Green House gases
(B) Bonn Convention of 1979 – The conservation of Migratory Species.
(C) Basel Convention of 1989 – Regulation of trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal
(D) Rotterdam Convention of 1998 – Consensual International Trade in certain
Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides.

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Ans: (A)

Explanation:

Montreal Protocol of 1987 is to regulate the depletion of Ozone layer

2 Which of the following two criteria have to be met in order to qualify as a

‘biodiversity hotspot’ on the world hotspots map?

1. The region must contain at least 0.5 percent or 1500 species of vascular plants as
endemic species
2. The region has to have lost at least 70 percent of its primary vegetation

Select the correct answer using the following Code:

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (C)

Explanation:
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: Contain at
least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5 percent of the world's total) as endemics
(species found nowhere else on Earth). Have lost at least 70 percent of its original
habitat.

3 Consider the following Biosphere reserves in India

1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

2. Panchmahari Biosphere Reserve
3. Manas National Park
4. Gulf of Mannar

Which of the above mentioned are included in UNESCO’s world network of Biosphere?
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 2 and 3 only

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(C) 1, 2 and 4
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (C)

4 Consider the following statements with respect to Wild Life Protection Act, 1972:

1. The act has been adopted by all states including Jammu and Kashmir.
2. It provides protection of hunting rights of the Tribes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. It also sets up National Tiger Conservation Authority

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2
(C) 2 and 3
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (C)

Explanation:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (with Amendment Acts of 2003 and 2006): The act provides
for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants and matters connected with them,
with a view to ensure the ecological and environmental security of India.
Extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own
wildlife act It provides for prohibition on use of animal traps except under certain
circumstances It provides for protection of hunting rights of the Scheduled Tribes in
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Has provisions for the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) It has six schedules which give
varying degrees of protection Species listed in Schedule I and part II of Schedule II get
absolute protection — offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties Species
listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower
Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted The plants in Schedule VI are
prohibited from cultivation and planting
The act constitutes a National Board for Wildlife that provides guidelines for framing
policies and advising Central and State Government on promotion of wildlife conservation
and controlling poaching and illegal trade of wildlife and its products; Making

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recommendations for setting up and managing national parks, sanctuaries and other
protected areas; and Suggesting measures for improvement of wildlife conservation. It
also sets up National Tiger Conservation Authority. The acts sets up various provisions
related to trade and penalties for hunting the animals in wild.

5 Consider the following statements about National Green Tribunal (NGT):

1. It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle

environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
2. It shall be guided by principles of natural justice and not by Code of Civil Procedure
1908.
3. The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or
appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2
(C) 2 and 3
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (C)

6 Consider the following statements about Lighting a billion lives (LABL):

1. It is a global initiative started by UNFCCC.

2. The initiative enables energy poor communities to transition from traditional and
inefficient energy sources to modern, more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (B)

Explanation:

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Lighting a Billion Lives is a global initiative to facilitate clean energy access and the
delivery of last mile energy services for basic and productive use. The initiative enables
energy poor communities to transition from traditional and inefficient energy sources to
modern, more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Operating through an
entrepreneurial model of energy service delivery, Lighting a Billion Lives accelerates
market development for clean energy technologies through knowledge sharing, capacity
building and market seeding.
LaBL is a campaign by TERI that promotes the use of solar lanterns specially designed
and manufactured on a decentralized basis.

7 Consider the following statements with respect to TRAFFIC – The Wildlife Trade
Monitoring Network:

1. It is a joint conservation programme of WWF and IUCN.

2. Its aim is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the
conservation of nature.

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

Ans: (C)

Explanation:
TRAFFIC is a joint conservation program of WWF and IUCN. It was established in 19.(6 by
the Species Survival Commission of IVCN, principally as a response to the entry into force
during the previous year of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It aims to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is
not a threat to the conservation of nature.

8 Which of the below mentioned are Priority areas of IUCN:

1. Bio-diversity
2. Organic Farming
3. Sustainable Energy

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4. Green Economy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2
(B) 1, 2 and 3
(C) 1, 3 and 4
(D) 2 and 3

Ans: (C)

Explanation:
Priority Areas of IUCN 1. Biodiversity 2. Climate change 3. Sustainable energy 4. Human
well-being 5. Green economy.

9 Consider the following statements regarding Comprehensive Environmental

Pollution Index (CEPI):

1. It is a rational number to characterize the environmental quality at a given location.

2. If the CEPI score is less than 60 on a scale of 0 to 100 then it is normal.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (C)

Explanation:
Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) is a rational number to
characterize the environmental quality at a given location following the algorithm of,
source, pathway, · receptor and various parameters like pollutant concentration, impact
on human health and level of exposure have been taken into consideration for the
calculation of pollution indices for air, water and land.
Classification of industrial 'clusters: >70 critically polluted, 60-70 severely polluted and
<60 normal

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10 Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin
Authority (NGRBA)’?

River basin is the unit of planning and management.

It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the
Chairman of NGRBA 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

Ans: (A)

Explanation:
The Central Government, by a notification dated 20.2.2009, as set up ‘National
GangaRiver Basin Authority’ (NGRBA)as an empowered planning, financing, monitoring
and coordinating authority for the Ganga River, in exercise of the powers conferred under
the Environment (Protection) Act,1986. The Prime Minister is ex-officio Chairperson of
the Authority, and it has as its members, the Union Ministers Concerned and the Chief
Ministers of states through which Ganga flows, viz., Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Jharkhand and West Bengal, among others. The objective of the Authority is to ensure
effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a
holistic approach with the river basin as the unit of planning. The functions of the
Authority include all measures necessary for planning and execution of programmes for
abatement of pollution in the Ganga in keeping with sustainable development needs.
Functions of NGRBA
* The NGRBA would be responsible for addressing the problem of pollution in Ganga in a
holistic and comprehensive manner. This will include water quality, minimum ecological
flows, sustainable access and other issues relevant to river ecology and management.
* The NGRBA will not only be regulatory body but will also have developmental role in
terms of planning & monitoring of the river conservation activities and ensuring that
necessary resources are available.
* The NRGBA would work for maintaining the water quality of the river Ganga
uptoacceptable standards. The pollution abetment activities will be taken through the

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existing implementation mechanisms in the State and also through special Purpose
Vehicles (SPVs0 at the pollution hotspots.
* The NGRBA will ensure minimum ecological flow in the Ganga by regulating water
abstraction and by promoting water storage projects.
* The NGRBA will plan and monitor programmes for cleaning of Ganga and its tributaries.
To being with, it will concentrate on Ganga main stream.
* The NGRBA would draw upon professional expertise within and outside the
Government for advice on techno-economic issues.
* The technical and administrative support to NGRBA shall be provided by the Ministry of
Environment & for advice on techno-economic issues.
* The technical and administrative support to NGRBA shall be provided by the Ministry
of Environment & Forests.

11 The Pradhan mantri vaya Vandana yojana (PMVVY) is a Scheme exclusively for:

(A) Women
(B) Senior citizens
(C) Poor and destitute
(D) Unbanked population

Ans: (B)

Explanation:

PMVVY: It is a pension scheme exclusively for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
Under this scheme, senior citizens will get a guaranteed interest of 8% for 10 years
depending upon the investment made by them.

12 Consider the following statements related to E-Waybill:

1. All kinds of transport have been covered under the e-waybill

2. It is required on a transport of a good of a value of more than 50,000
3. The bill once generated, is valid for one day for consignment up to 200kms

Choose the correct answer from the following code:

(A) 1 and 3 only

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(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 3 only
(D) 2 only

Ans: (D)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Goods moved on non-motorised conveyance, such as carts,

have been left out.

Statement 2 is correct: An e-waybill is an electronically generated bill documenting any

transport of a good of a value of more than 50,000. It can be generated on GSTN either
by the supplier or recipient of the consignment, before the movement of goods.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The bill once generated, is valid for one day for consignment up
to 100 km and then one additional day for every 100 km thereafter.

13 Which of the following policy initiatives/schemes started by the government is/are

aimed at doubling farmers income by 2022:

1. SAMPADA
2. National agriculture market
3. Annapurna Scheme
4. Soil health card scheme

Choose the correct answer from the following code:

(A) 1 ,2 and 3 only

(B) 1 and 3 Only
(C) 2,3 and4 Only
(D) 1,2 and 4 Only

Ans: (D)

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Explanation:

Sampada: Aims to integrate current and new schemes aimed at reducing food wastage
and doubling farmers’ income by 2022. SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme that will include
ongoing schemes like mega food parks and cold chain projects and new schemes.

National agriculture market: NAM is an online platform with a physical market or mandi
at the backend enabling buyers situated even outside the state to participate in trading
at the local level. This e-platform aims to provide more options to farmers to sell their
produce and is part of implementation of the roadmap for doubling income of the farmers
by 2022.

Annapurna: The scheme is under the Ministry of Rural development and Department of
Food and Public Distribution allocates food grains as per the requirements of Ministry of
Rural Development. Senior citizens of 65 years of age or above who are not getting
pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) are provided 10 kg of food
grains per person per month free of cost. This scheme is not aimed at doubling farmers
income .

Soil health card scheme: The ‘Soil Health Card' would carry crop-wise recommendations
of nutrients / fertilizers required for farms in a particular village, so that the farmers can
improve productivity by using inputs judiciously. The government plans to distribute 14
crore soil health cards by 2017. This move will help farmers reduce costs and hence will
help in doubling farmers income by 2022.

14 Consider the following statements:

1. The anti profiteering authority will have powers to take action against the companies
that are not passing on the benefits of lower tax incidence to end users
2. It can order the cancellation of companies' registration under GST.

Choose the correct answer from the following code:

(A) 1 Only
(B) 2 Only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2

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Ans: (C)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Under GST, a five-member panel will choose the members of the
Anti-profiteering authority. The authority will have powers to take action against the
companies that are not passing on the benefits of lower tax incidence to end users.

Statement 2 is correct: The authority will have the powers to debar an errant assesse
from conducting business, if found to be involved in profiteering and to order the
cancellation of companies' registration under GST.

15 Which of the following scheme has been launched in order to accelerate access to
high quality family planning choices based on information, reliable services and
supplies within a rights-based framework?

(A) Mother’s absolute affection

(B) Laqshya
(C) Mission parivar Vikas
(D) Mission kayakalp

Ans: (C)

Explanation:

Mission parivar Vikas: To deliver improved family planning services in 145 High Focus
districts in seven states These districts are located in the seven high focus states of Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Assam. The
target of the government is to reach the replacement level fertility goals of 2.1 by the
year 2025.

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