Chapter 12: World Climate and Climate Change
Geography • Class 11 • Class 11 World Physical Geography
12
World Climate and Climate Change
Geography • Class 11 • Class 11 World Physical Geography
Related PYQs (124)
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.6
The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Environment
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.13
What is/are the importance/importances of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'?
1
It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes 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.
Environment - UNCCD Desertification
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.30
Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes seen in the news : Their origin
1
Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol
2
Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol
3
Clean Development Mechanism : Kyoto Protocol
Environment and Ecology
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.33
Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India?
1
Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the 'green accounting'
2
Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future
3
Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures
Environment and Climate Change
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.91
Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
General Science
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.97
With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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 2 °C or even 1.5 °C 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.
Environment
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.25
In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
1
Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
2
Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3
Subterranean deep saline formations
Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.28
Consider the following statements:
1
The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations.
2
The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency.
Environment
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.52
With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1
It is an initiative of the European Union.
2
It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3
It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Environment
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.65
Consider the following statements:
1
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
2
The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Environment and Ecology
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.66
With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1
IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2
An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon.
Environment and Ecology
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.65
Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?
Environment and Ecology
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.88
"Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by
Environment and Ecology
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.96
With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements :
1
Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
2
To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2018•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.30
With reference to the above passage, which of the following would assist us in coping with the climate change?
1
Conservation of natural water sources
2
Conservation of wider gene pool
3
Existing crop management practices
4
Migration corridors
CSAT
2018•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.31
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
1
Diversification of livelihoods acts as a coping strategy for climate change.
2
Adoption of monocropping practice leads to the extinction of plant varieties and their wild relatives.
CSAT
2018•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.32
Which of the following is the most crucial and logical inference that can be made from the above passage?
CSAT
2018•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.33
The author of the passage holds the view that
CSAT
2019•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.25
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 stratosphere?
Environment
2019•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.26
On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
1
Governments and companies need to be adequately prepared to face the climate change.
2
Extreme weather events will reduce the economic growth of governments and companies in future.
3
Ignoring climate change is a huge risk for investors.
CSAT
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.10
Consider the following pairs: (1. Alma-Ata Declaration - Healthcare of the people; 2. Hague Convention - Biological and chemical weapons; 3. Talanoa Dialogue - Global climate change; 4. Under2 Coalition - Child rights). Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Environment
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.61
In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?
1
Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops;
2
Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies;
3
Social Capital development;
4
Free electricity supply to farmers;
5
Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system;
6
Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.85
Which one of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the
Environment
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.93
With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1
OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January - March.
2
OMT collected during January - March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
GS-I
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.99
Consider the following statements:
1
Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2
Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3
The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Geography
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.19
What is blue carbon?
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.29
The 'Common Carbon Metric', supported by UNEP, has been developed for
Environmental Ecology
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.6
With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct ?
1
They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as market-places.
2
The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited.
String
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.26
The term "Levant" often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?
World Geography
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.41
"Climate Action Tracker" which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :
Environment and Climate Change
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.42
Consider the following statements :
1
"The Climate Group" is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2
The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative "EP100".
3
EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4
Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5
The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the "Under2 Coalition".
Environmental Initiatives and Agreements
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.52
In medieval India, the term "Fanam" referred to :
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.75
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ?
Environment and Ecology
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.77
Which one of the following statements best describes the 'Polar Code' ?
Environment and Ecology
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.81
Consider the following statements :
1
High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
2
Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause warming effect.
Environmental Ecology and Climate Change
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.5
Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?
Geography
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.8
Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin?
Geography
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.20
Consider the following :
1
Aerosols
2
Foam agents
3
Fire retardants
4
Lubricants
In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.27
Consider the following statements :
1
The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.
2
Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3
Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.68
Consider the following activities :
1
Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
2
Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
3
Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters
Environment
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.1
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I
The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.
Statement-II
Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Geography
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.13
Consider the following description:
1
Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
2
Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
3
Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm.
What is this type of climate?
Physical Geography
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.16
One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
Environment
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.91
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I
There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
Statement-II
There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Current Affairs
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.96
Consider the following statements:
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?
Environment and Ecology
2024•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.38
The calendar for the year 2025 is same for
CSAT
2025•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.12
With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. II. Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
CSAT
2016•Mains•GS-I•Q.5
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2016•Mains•GS-I•Q.13
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2016•Mains•GS-I•Q.19
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.29
Consider the following statements :
I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface.
II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature.
III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Physical Geography
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.31
Consider the following statements :
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?
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.32
Consider the following statements
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; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector.
Statement III
If India's health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.33
Consider the following statements :
Statement I
Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's rotation and axis.
Statement II
Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth's outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy.
Statement III
As the Earth's polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.34
Consider the following statements :
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?
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.38
Consider the following statements :
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 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?
Climate change
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.40
With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements :
I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans.
II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of 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?
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.64
The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35 °C.
Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?
I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.
II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
GS-III
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.76
Consider the following countries :
I. United Kingdom
II. Denmark
III. New Zealand
IV. Australia
V. Brazil
How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?
World Geography
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.77
Consider the following statements :
I. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days.
II. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
World Geography
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.85
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
Environmental Ecology
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.21
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.
Climate Change Policy
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.40
Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?
Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
2026•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.71
Consider the following three statements, namely S1, S2 and S3: S1. Protecting the environment is an existential exigency for humans, given the impact of environmental degradation on climate change. S2. Scientific consensus has not been achieved with regard to the extent of the contribution of human intervention to climate change. S3. Environmental activism includes climate alarmism and other extremist points of view that often become the focus of climate change deniers. Which of the following relationships based on the statements given above is/are correct?
1
S3 is a counterpoint to S1
2
S3 is unconnected to S1 and S2
3
S2 could be the reason for S3
CSAT
2016•Mains•GS-II•Q.16
"Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative." What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?
String
2016•Mains•GS-III•Q.5
Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2017•Mains•GS-I•Q.8
How does the cryosphere affect global climate?
GS-I
2017•Mains•GS-III•Q.17
Climate change is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?
GS-III
2017•Mains•GS-IV•Q.7
(a) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.
(b) Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some "enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority." Justify.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2018•Mains•GS-I•Q.5
Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
2018•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
Sikkim is the first 'Organic State' in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2019•Mains•GS-I•Q.4
Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples.
GS-I
2019•Mains•GS-III•Q.1
Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.4
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.5
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.
GS-I
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.19
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2020•Mains•GS-IV•Q.1
(a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony.
(b) Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2021•Mains•GS-I•Q.15
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
Environmental Geography
2021•Mains•GS-III•Q.17
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
GS-III
2022•Mains•GS-I•Q.5
Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.
Geography (Physical - Cyclone and Weather Warning)
2022•Mains•GS-I•Q.12
Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2022•Mains•GS-II•Q.20
Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.
International Relations / Climate Policy
2022•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.
Disaster Management
2022•Mains•GS-III•Q.15
Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?
GS-III
2022•Mains•GS-III•Q.17
Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
GS-III
2023•Mains•GS-I•Q.4
Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.
GS-I
2023•Mains•GS-I•Q.14
Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
GS-I
2023•Mains•GS-III•Q.2
What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.
Economy
2023•Mains•GS-III•Q.15
The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?
GS-III
2023•Mains•GS-III•Q.18
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?
GS-III
2024•Mains•GS-IV•Q.2
(a) It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it. In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?
(b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
2024•Mains•GS-IV•Q.7
(a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?
(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
(c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth to convince about its necessity?
(d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint?
Ethics
2024•Mains•GS-I•Q.4
What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
GS-I
2024•Mains•GS-I•Q.15
What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
GS-I
2025•Mains•GS-I•Q.4
How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.
GS-I
2025•Mains•GS-III•Q.18
1
Raj's apartment was three floors underneath the Subramanian residence.
2
There was little space below the tin roof and the scaffolding for the squirrel to hide in.
GS-III
2026•Mains•GS-I•Q.15
Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.
Science and Technology
2026•Mains•GS-IV•Q.1
(a) Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.
(b) A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2018•Essay•Essay•Q.1
Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
Climate Change Resilient Technologies
2020•Essay•Essay•Q.7
Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2019•Sociology•Sociology Paper-I•Q.4
(a) Modernisation presupposes class society; however caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain.
(b) Compare and contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society.
(c) What, according to Irawati Karve, are the major differences between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems?
Sociology Optional
2019•Sociology•Sociology Paper-I•Q.6
(a) Examine the importance of Development Planning in Indian Mixed Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects.
(b) Highlight the main features of the 'Inter-linking of Rivers' project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture?
(c) Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration.
Sociology Optional
2020•Sociology•Sociology Paper-II•Q.5
(a) Point out the benefits of 'green chemistry' for agrarian transformation in India.
(b) Analyze the issues related to the citizenship in contemporary India. Give suitable illustrations.
(c) Give an account of the consequences and remedies of chronic malnutrition in India.
(d) How does the New Education Policy, 2020 aim to eradicate disparities in the system of education in India?
(e) What do you understand by democratic federalism? How does it promote decentralization of power in India?
Sociology Optional
2025•Sociology•Sociology Paper-I•Q.8
(a) What do you understand by sustainable development? Discuss the elements of sustainable development as proposed in the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Report-2015.
(b) How do 'Civil Society Organizations' such as 'NGOs' and 'Self-Help Groups' contribute to grassroot level social changes? Discuss.
(c) In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations.
Sociology Optional
2026•Sociology•Sociology Paper-II•Q.8
(a) How has colonial rule transformed Indian society? If it (Indian society) had not undergone colonial rule, then what type of Indian society would have been there? Elaborate.
(b) How have the women's movements made the presence of women in every moment felt and more women participation in various fields? Discuss.
(c) Where would you locate the tribal community in the Varna system of India? Discuss.
Sociology Optional
2017•Sociology•Sociology Paper-I•Q.2
(a) Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences.
(b) Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism.
(c) Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology.
Sociology Optional
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.55
Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
1
Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
2
Coexistence of a large number of species
3
Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
Geography
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.13
Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?
1
Continental drift
2
Glacial cycles
Physical Geography
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.53
The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1
Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2
Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3
All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4
Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Environment
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.79
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.
Environment
2014•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.13
Consider the following statements:
Climate change may force the shifting of locations of the existing crops due to
1. melting of glaciers.
2. water availability and temperature suitability at other locations.
3. poor productivity of crops.
4. wider adaptability of crop plants.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
CSAT
2014•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.53
The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1
Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2
Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3
All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4
Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Environment
2014•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.79
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.
Environment
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.5
In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
Geography
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.49
Which of the following statements regarding 'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct?
1
It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2
It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Environment
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.56
'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes' is managed by the
Environment
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.70
Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?
1
Gravitational force of the Sun
2
Gravitational force of the Moon
3
Centrifugal force of the Earth
String (e.g. Modern History, CSAT, Polity)
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.73
The term 'IndARC', sometimes seen in the news, is the name of
Geography (Ocean Observatories)
2015•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.5
Foods travel more than the people who eat them. Grocery stores and supermarkets are loaded with preserved and processed foods. This, however, often leads to environmental threats, such as pollution generated by long distance food transportation and wastage of food during processing and transportation, destruction of rain forests, reduced nutritional content, increased demand for preservation and packaging. Food insecurity also increases as the produce comes from regions that are not feeding their own population properly. With reference to the above passage, which of the following statements is/are true?
1
Consuming regionally grown food and not depending on long travelled food is a part of eco-friendly behaviour.
2
Food processing industry puts a burden on our natural resources.
CSAT
2015•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.41
Climate change is already making many people hungry all over the world, by disrupting crop yields and pushing up prices. And it is not just food but nutrients that are becoming scarcer as the climate changes. It is the poorest communities that will suffer the worst effects of climate change, including increased hunger and malnutrition as crop production and livelihoods are threatened. On the other hand, poverty is a driver of climate change, as desperate communities resort to unsustainable use of resources to meet current needs.
Which among the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage?
CSAT
2015•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.64
Climate change is a complex policy issue with major implications in terms of finance. All actions to address climate change ultimately involve costs. Funding is vital for countries like India to design and implement adaptation and mitigation plans and projects. Lack of funding is a large impediment to implementing adaptation plans. The scale and magnitude of the financial support required by developing countries to enhance their domestic mitigation and adaptation actions are a matter of intense debate in the multilateral negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Convention squarely puts the responsibility for provision of financial support on the developed countries, taking into account their contribution to the stock of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. Given the magnitude of the task and the funds required, domestic finances are likely to fall short of the current and projected needs of the developing countries. Global funding through the multilateral mechanism of the Convention will enhance their domestic capacity to finance the mitigation efforts. According to the passage, which of the following is/are a matter of intense debate in the multilateral negotiations under UNFCCC regarding the role of developing countries in climate change?
1
The scale and size of required financial support.
2
The crop loss due to climate change in the developing countries.
3
To enhance the mitigation and adaptation actions in the developing countries.
CSAT
2015•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.65
In this passage, the Convention puts the responsibility for the provision of financial support on the developed countries because of
1. their higher level of per capita incomes.
2. their large quantum of GDP.
3. their large contribution to the stock of GHGs in the atmosphere.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
CSAT
2015•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.66
With regards to developing countries, it can be inferred from the passage that climate change is likely to have implications on their
1. domestic finances.
2. capacity for multilateral trade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
CSAT
2015•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.67
Which one of the following is essentially discussed in the passage?
CSAT
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