Explore topic-wise MCQs in UPSC IAS Exam.

This section includes 1185 Mcqs, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your UPSC IAS Exam knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

851.

The quality of the final treated wastewater effluent from a modern treatment plant is typically:

A.  lower in organic and nutrient content than the body of water into which it is discharged.
B.  lower in organic content but higher in nutrient content than the body of water into which it is discharged.
C.  higher in organic and nutrient content than the body of water into which it is discharged.
D.  higher in organic content but lower in nutrient content than the body of water into which it is discharged.
Answer» B.  lower in organic content but higher in nutrient content than the body of water into which it is discharged.
852.

The pesticides that also function as endocrine disruptors cause disease by

A.  causing excessive secretion of stomach acids.
B.  mimicking the effects of estrogenic hormones.
C.  causing muscle spasms and cramping in major muscle groups.
D.  greatly reducing the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients.
Answer» C.  causing muscle spasms and cramping in major muscle groups.
853.

The pesticide that directly attacks the nervous system is

A.  Aldrin              
B.  DDT
C.  Organic Phosphates       
D.  None of the above
Answer» B.  DDT
854.

The negative impacts of ozone pollution on forests are expected to increase as

A.  ocean levels rise and wind patterns shift.
B.  organisms spread northward because of warming climate conditions.
C.  the increasing demand for timber further stresses the growth of trees,
D.  temperatures increase and precipitation becomes more unpredictable.
Answer» E.
855.

The evolution of pesticide resistance resurgence, and secondary-pest outbreaks are only some of the problems that result from reliance on

A.  crop rotation and biological controls, which disrupt the natural dynamics of ecosystems.
B.  pesticides, creating the need to alternate between a pesticide and an herbicide every other year.
C.  rodenticides to kill weeds and insect pests and prevent the spread of viral diseases.
D.  pesticides,  creating a never-ending pesticide treadmill requiring new pest-fighting strategies.
Answer» E.
856.

The developed countries of the world have contributed the most to global climate change. By applying the polluter pays and equity principles, we would expect that the:

A.  developed countries will provide funds for adaptations in the developing countries.
B.  developing countries will provide funds for adaptations in the developed countries.
C.  precautionary principle will guide the payment of compensation to developed countries.
D.  stabilization wedge approach to global climate change will help to equalize the funds for adaptations.
Answer» B.  developing countries will provide funds for adaptations in the developed countries.
857.

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (IAS Prelims 2016) 1. Carbon dioxide           2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide          4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.  1, 2 and 3 only
B.  2, 3 and 4 only
C.  1, 4 and 5 only
D.  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer» C.  1, 4 and 5 only
858.

On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? (IAS Prelims 2016) 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps 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
Answer» E.
859.

'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the (IAS Prelims 2016)

A.  production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers
B.  use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
C.  installation of CNG kits in motor-cars
D.  installation of water meters in urban households
Answer» B.  use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
860.

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (IAS Prelims 2016) 1.  The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2.  The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed  or even  above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.  1 and 3 only                
B.  2 only
C.  2 and 3 only                
D.  1, 2 and 3
Answer» C.  2 and 3 only                
861.

Consider the following statements: (IAS Prelims 2016) (1) The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. (2) The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. 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
Answer» B.  2 only
862.

What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol'? (IAS Prelims 2016)

A.  It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
B.  It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt ecofriendly technologies
C.  It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
D.  It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank
Answer» B.  It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt ecofriendly technologies
863.

What are the causes of deforestation? I.  Population   growth   and   over population and urbanization II. Globalization III. Dishonesty of government institutions

A.  Only I             
B.  Only II
C.  I & II                           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
864.

Consider the following statements regarding Ozone: I. Ozone contributes to 3-7% of Greenhouse effect II. The largest net source of tropospheric ozone is influx from the stratosphere III. Large amounts of ozone are also produced in the troposphere by photochemical reactions, the amounts increasing with high levels of air pollution.

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
865.

Which statement is correct regarding CFC's? I. They are 1000 times more heat absorbent than carbon dioxide II. They reach the atmosphere from refrigeration & air conditioning, aerosol sprays, and foam packaging industry. III. They are responsible for 30% of greenhouse effect

A.  I & II                           
B.  II &III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» B.  II &III
866.

Which statement is correct regarding methane? I. Methane, also called "Marsh gas" II. It arises from rice paddies, wetlands, enteric fermentation in cattle, burning of wood, and landfills III. It is responsible for about 4-9% of Greenhouse effect.

A.  I & II                           
B.  II &III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
867.

The main function of ozone layer is: I.  Heating the stratosphere II. Maintaining the temperature of atmosphere III. Absorbing the ultraviolet solar radiation

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only II
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» D.  All the above
868.

Which statement is correct regarding the rule of the Forests issued the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules 1999 which was amended in 2003 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? I.  No vendor shall use carry bags and containers of recycled plastics for storing carrying and / or packaging of foodstuffs II. Carry bags and Container used for packaging of foodstuff shall be made of virgin plastic and of natural shade or white III. Minimum thickness of Carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastics must not be less than 20 microns

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
869.

What are the problems from Indiscriminate Discarding of used Plastics? I.   They choke storm water drains, often causing overflow of storm water on roads. II. Being non-biodegradable they remain in the soil for a very long time, thus affecting the farm economy III. Direct transfer of molecular oxygen into water is also affected

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only II
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
870.

What are the advantages of using PVC in Water supply pipes and Industrial piping over GI pipes? I. They are heavy and plumbing work is difficult II. Corrosion problem is eliminated and hence corrosion related contamination of water is avoided and life of the pipes increases III. Inner surface of pipes may be made smooth to reduce friction losses, thus saving on electricity bills and conserving energy

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» C.  Only III           
871.

What are the environmental issues regarding the manufacturing of plastics? I. Escape of gaseous hydrocarbons, chlorine, and hydrogen chloride gas into the atmosphere. II. Waste-water from the processes and wash-waters can carry pollutants. III. Dioxins can be liberated due to mishaps in the process. IV. Health and safety issue in the manufacture of PVC is the exposure of plant operators to Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only IV                       
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
872.

Which sentence is correct regarding the manufacturing of plastic? I. All the varieties of plastics are manufactured from petrochemical based hydrocarbons II. The raw materials and intermediate products used in the manufacture of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Ethylene, Chlorine, Hydrogen chloride. Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), and Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) - are known hazardous materials III. Additives, fillers, and coloring pigments used in plastic goods can also exhibit non-hazardous properties

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only II
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» B.  Only II
873.

Which statement is correct regarding plastic waste management? I.   Plastic was invented in 1960 II. They are the products of polymer chemistry produced from the by- products of petroleum refining III. They are characterized into thermoplastics and thermosetting plastic

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
874.

Which statement is correct regarding the disposal of High level waste produced from radioactive material? I. High level waste produced from the reprocessing plant is vitrified into a glassy form, enclosed in multiple barrier vessels II. They are stored for a temporary period of three to four decades in engineered vaults with essential observation services III. After cooling down in these storage facilities, waste vessels will be stored for long term in deep geological repositories

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only II
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
875.

Which statement is correct regarding radioactive waste material? I. This arises from civil nuclear activities as well as from defense related nuclear weapon activities II. The techniques used emphasizes on waste minimization and volume reduction III. Nuclear waste is categorized into high, intermediate and low levels depending on the level of radioactivity in it

A.  I & III              
B.  Only III
C.  Only I             
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
876.

What are the methods of collection of solid wastes? I.   Refuse storage which may sometimes require delivery of refuse by the householder over a considerable distance II. Door-to-door collection, where the collector enters the premises and collects the refuse and the householder is not involved in the collection process. III. Dumping in river or stream

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only II
C.  Only I             
D.  All the above
Answer» B.  Only II
877.

Which statement is not true regarding Ozone? I.   Ozone is covered under Montreal Protocol. II. Montreal protocol binds countries to adopt measures to curb ozone depleting substances. III. HFC was used to replace ozone depleting substances IV. Ozone is also covered under Kyoto Protocol.

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only III
C.  Only IV                       
D.  II & III
Answer» D.  II & III
878.

Which statement is correct regarding Ozone Hole? I. Ozone destruction rate is equal to the its formation rate II. Ozone formation and destruction keep on happening III. Ozone destruction rate is higher than its formation rate

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  Only I
Answer» C.  Only III           
879.

What among the below is/are the cause of ground water contamination? I. Septic tanks                II. Septic tanks III. Landfills

A.  Only II            
B.  I & III
C.  II & III             
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
880.

Acid rain reacting with calcium forms: I. Calcium bicarbonate II. Calcium Nitrate III. Calcium Sulphate IV. Calcium Carbonate

A.  I & IV             
B.  Only I
C.  Only II            
D.  Only III
Answer» C.  Only II            
881.

Which statement is correct regarding acid rain? I. Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that starts when sulfur dioxide  and nitrogen oxides  are released into the air II. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are highly soluble in water and can be carried very far by the wind III. Power plants release huge amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides when they burn fossil fuels, like coal, to produce electricity which can cause acid rain

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
882.

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used: I. In the production of plastic foams II. In the production of tubeless tyres III. In cleaning certain electronic components IV. As pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

A.  Only I             
B.  I, III & IV
C.  II & III             
D.  All the above
Answer» C.  II & III             
883.

Which statement is correct regarding noise pollution? I. The word noise comes from the Latin word nausea meaning seasickness. II. The main source of noise is transportation system including rail noise, aircraft noise and vehicle noise III. Sound pollution is measured in decibels

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
884.

What is denitrification? I. It prevents the discharge of nitrates in soil, and stops ground water pollution with nutrients. II. In this solids are separated from the liquid III. In this sewage goes through many chambers and chemical processes which reduce its toxicity.

A.  I & II               
B.  Only I
C.  II & III             
D.  All the above
Answer» C.  II & III             
885.

Relative contributions of , , CFCs and N2O towards global warming are: I. 50%, 30%, 10%, and 10% respectively II. 60%, 20%, 14%, and 6% respectively III. 40 %, 30%, 20% and 10% respectively IV. None of the above

A.  Only II            
B.  Only III
C.  Only I             
D.  None of the above
Answer» B.  Only III
886.

Increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would impact the plants in many ways. These can be: I. Decrease in photosynthetic productivity of plants II. Proliferation of weeds III. Increase in number of insects and other pests.

A.  I & II                           
B.  II only
C.  II & III             
D.  All the above
Answer» D.  All the above
887.

Which of the following statement is correct regarding CFC's and HCFC's? I. These chemicals are inert, non flammable, nontoxic, and lighter than air and can remain intact for years II. CFCs are commonly used in Air conditioners and the Refrigeration industry (Freon gas), aerosol propellants (in perfumes and deodorants), in the foam packaging industry (Styropor, Thermocol) and as solvents for greases and glues. III. They contain Chlorine and Fluorine, common being CFC 11, CFC 12, CFC 22 and CFC 13.

A.  I & II                           
B.  II & III
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
888.

Nitrogen Oxide is responsible for the depletion of Ozone layer, which of following is source of Nitrogen Oxide? I. Industrial emission II. Fertilizers which are used in agricultural activities III. Thermonuclear weapons

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only III
C.  Only II            
D.  All the above
Answer» E.
889.

Ozone depletion would impact the plant community in several ways. These include: I. Increase in photosynthesis II. Decline in water use efficiency III. Decline in yield of plants

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only III
C.  II & III             
D.  All the above
Answer» D.  All the above
890.

Ozone layer in the outer atmosphere helps in: I. Reflecting radio waves and makes radio communication possible II. Absorbing U-V radiations III. Regulating the temperature of atmosphere IV. Absorbing cosmic ray particles

A.  I & II                           
B.  Only II
C.  Only III           
D.  All the above
Answer» C.  Only III           
891.

Which statement is correct regarding greenhouse gases? I. A greenhouse gas (GHG) is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range II. Water vapour contributes to 36-72% of Greenhouse effect III. Nitrous Oxide contributes to about 10% of Greenhouse effect IV. Ozone contributes to 3-7% of Greenhouse effect

A.  I & II                           
B.  I, II & III
C.  I, II & IV                     
D.  All the above
Answer» D.  All the above
892.

With reference to ?Forest Carbon Partnership Facility?, which of the following statements is/ are correct? 1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples. 2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management. 3. It assists the countries in their 'REDD+ (Reducing Emissions   from   Deforestation   and Forest Degradation+)' efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance. 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
Answer» D.  1, 2 and 3
893.

Global climate change threatens coral reefs by 1. increasing the temperature 2. decreasing the temperature 3. increasing the pH of the oceans 4. decreasing the pH of the oceans Which of the above is/are correct?

A.  1 and 2           
B.  2 and 3
C.  1 and 4           
D.  2 and 4
Answer» D.  2 and 4
894.

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur        2. Oxides of nitrogen 3. Carbon monoxide       4. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.  1, 3 and 4 only 
B.  1 and 3 only
C.  1 and 4 only                
D.  1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer» E.
895.

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
Answer» C.  2 only             
896.

In clean water the concentration of

A.  BOD is low but DO is high
B.  Both BOD and DO are high
C.  BOD is high but DO is low
D.  Both BOD and DO are low
Answer» B.  Both BOD and DO are high
897.

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3.  Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.  1 and 2 only                
B.  2 and 3 only
C.  1, 3 and 4 only 
D.  1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer» D.  1, 2, 3 and 4
898.

Alien species that cause the most harm are those that

A.  struggle to fit into new ecosystems and eventually die out.
B.  eventually become naturalized
C.  become invasive
D.  become agricultural products
Answer» D.  become agricultural products
899.

Environmental pollutants such as PCB's contaminate oceans and other aquatic systems. Plankton in the ocean become contaminated by PCB's and pass this along through the food chain, A pregnant woman has been cautioned to limit her consumption of food that may be high in PCBs. If she consumes food from a nearby contaminated ocean, we would expect that the most contaminated foods would be:

A.  shrimp
B.  clams
C.  fish that eat shrimp
D.  kelp and other ocean plants
Answer» C.  fish that eat shrimp
900.

Acid rain is due to increase in atmospheric concentration of

A. ozone and dust  
B. \[C{{O}_{2}}\] and CO
C. \[S{{O}_{2}}\] and CO             
D. \[S{{O}_{2}}\] and\[N{{O}_{2}}\].
Answer» E.