UPSC Prelims 2013–2026 — Environment, Ecology & Disaster Management

Q1. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? (2019)

Q2. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located? (2018)

Q3. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate, and arctic? (2015)

Q4. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity? (2015)

Q5. Kolleru Lake: Confluence of Musi and Krishna Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Q6. Manas National Park Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q7. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous? (2020)

Q8. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020)

Q9. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q10. Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone? (2019)

Q11. “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations? (2022)

Q12. Spinach Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Q13. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement ? (2022)

Q14. What is blue carbon? (2021)

Q15. In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrients to enter the cycle? (2021)

Q16. Foraminifera Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?

Q17. With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: (2025) I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of the world’s oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q18. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q19. Some microorganisms can grow in a highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q20. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi? (2022)

Q21. The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the : (2022)

Q22. Mushroom Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q23. Woodlice Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q24. Protozoa Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q25. Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/ protect its/their vulnerable parts?

Q26. Soil properties Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q27. "Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees." This is the most likely description of (2021)

Q28. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news? (2018)

Q29. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q30. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders, and birds. Select the correct one using the code given below:

Q31. Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'? (2015)

Q32. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest, and deciduous forest? (2015)

Q33. Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q34. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

Q35. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain? (2014)

Q36. Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of the other three? (2014)

Q37. Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis? (2014)

Q38. Bacteria Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q39. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of (2013)

Q40. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity? (2013)

Q41. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q42. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by (2013)

Q43. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism that are eaten by others. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q44. Death of vegetation Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q45. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism but also its functional role in the community of organisms? (2013)

Q46. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q47. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?

Q48. Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ? (2022)

Q49. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q50. Consider the following statements: (2025) Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions. Statement II: Silica-bearing clay is mixed with Limestone while manufacturing cement. Statement III: Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q51. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

Q52. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q53. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q54. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q55. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q56. Its use causes sulphur emissions into the environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q57. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q58. Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q59. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as (2019)

Q60. In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned? (2019)

Q61. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

Q62. The poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q63. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads' that are released into the environment? (2019)

Q64. Lowering of the water - table Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q65. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct option using the given code below:

Q66. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (2017)

Q67. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q68. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q69. They can trigger the production of free radicals. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q70. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q71. Uranium Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q72. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among (2013)

Q73. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

Q74. Wasps Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?

Q75. Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family?

Q76. Consider the following statements : (2023) Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q77. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: (2025) I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q78. Consider the following pairs: (2025) Plant : Description I. Cassava : Woody shrub II. Ginger : Herb with pseudostem III. Malabar spinach : Herbaceous climber IV. Mint : Annual shrub V. Papaya : Woody shrub How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Q79. The organisms ‘’Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are: (2024)

Q80. Madagascar Bonobo How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Q81. Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only Insect that can pollinate this tree? (2024)

Q82. Sambar Deer How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

Q83. Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? (2023)

Q84. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q85. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q86. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood? (2023)

Q87. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q88. Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)

Q89. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q90. Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021)

Q91. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent? (2021)

Q92. With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are (2020)

Q93. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q94. Rusty Spotted Cat Eastern Ghats Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Q95. Some species of snakes are viviparous. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q96. One-horned rhinoceros are naturally found in India only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q97. The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of (2018)

Q98. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? (2017)

Q99. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat? (2016)

Q100. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q101. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India? (2015)

Q102. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q103. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q104. Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop fields in the vicinity of rivers. 123 Biodiversity Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q105. Black-necked Crane Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q106. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context? (2014)

Q107. Swamp deer Which of the above is/are endangered?

Q108. Spider monkey Which of the above are naturally found in India?

Q109. Sea lion Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

Q110. Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q111. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q112. The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for (2021)

Q113. India was one of the signatories at its inception. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q114. 'R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of (2021)

Q115. Consider the following statements: (2025) Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the Declaration on Climate and Health. Statement II: The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration. Statement III: If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its healthcare system may be compromised. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q116. Consider the following statements: (2025) Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change. Statement II: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets. Statement III: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q117. Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’? (2025)

Q118. Consider the following statements: (2021) Statement 1: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World. Statement 2: Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q119. 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?

Q120. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at (2018)

Q121. "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by (2018)

Q122. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q123. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q124. 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?

Q125. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q126. 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.

Q127. Poverty reduction Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q128. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q129. It identifies the sites known/referred to as 'Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas'. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q130. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? (2015)

Q131. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Conventional does not take the place of national laws. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q132. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply? (2014)

Q133. With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

Q134. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge 129 Global Conservation Efforts and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q135. It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q136. The World Heritage Convention. Which of the above has/have a bearing on biodiversity?

Q137. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (2020)

Q138. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q139. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? (2019)

Q140. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q141. Consider the following statements: (2024) Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q142. People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices How many of the above statements are correct?

Q143. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? (2022)

Q144. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q145. Odisha With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of the State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

Q146. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q147. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)

Q148. 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?

Q149. 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 statements given above is/are correct?

Q150. The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2017)

Q151. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? (2017)

Q152. Wild buffalo Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q153. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q154. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to (2016)

Q155. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the (2015)

Q156. It organises and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q157. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of (2014)

Q158. The National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q159. 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:

Q160. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Q161. Which one of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? (2020) It is a measure, in monetary value, of the

Q162. Methane in the atmosphere oxidised to carbon dioxide after a decade or two. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q163. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere?

Q164. Consider the following statements: (2025) I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita. II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region. III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q165. Consider the following statements : (2023) Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change. Statement-II : Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q166. “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a : (2022)

Q167. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q168. Subterranean deep saline formations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q169. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2016)

Q170. Clean Development Mechanisms: Kyoto Protocol Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Q171. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q172. What is the ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (2016)

Q173. 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.

Q174. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q175. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q176. Sugar beet Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q177. Portland cement Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q178. Production of cement Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q179. Consider the following statements: (2024) Statement-I: The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently. Statement-II: The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q180. Lubricants In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

Q181. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q182. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

Q183. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q184. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q185. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q186. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q187. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only and does not contain any toxic elements. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q188. What is the Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news? (2015)

Q189. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q190. Biofilters increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in water. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q191. Reduced electricity consumption Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Q192. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Q193. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q194. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (2021)

Q195. Consider the following statements: (2025) Statement I : Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q196. Which one of the following is the correct description of “100 Million Farmers”? (2024)

Q197. Teak (Tectona grandis) How many of the above are deciduous trees?

Q198. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR's research centres. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q199. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for a longer time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q200. Vertical farming Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q201. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q202. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q203. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q204. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q205. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q206. Leaching of nitrate to the groundwater can occur. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q207. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q208. Spirogyra Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

Q209. With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025. 2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park. 3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q210. Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid): 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2026)

Q211. At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and "Blue Transformation". Which of the following combinations about the "Four Betters" proposed by FAO for "Blue Transformation" is correct? (2026)

Q212. Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India? (2026)

Q213. Consider the following statements with reference to India's response to climate change: I. India's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. II. India's 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct? 1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II. 2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I. 3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q214. With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North- east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q215. Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio- shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q216. Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q217. Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)? 1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas 2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions 3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q218. Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q219. Which of the following statements with regard to India's indigenous new high resolution weather model, the 'Bharat Forecast System,' is/are correct? 1. Its objective is to generate forecasts at the Panchayats cluster level. 2. It was developed by IIT Delhi. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)

Q220. Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below: (2026)