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4392 Previous Year Questions • 2016–2026 • Prelims, Mains, Essay, Optionals

Topic:[GS-III] Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.53 PYQs
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Mains - GS-III

12 shown
2026•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.
GS-III
2026•Mains•GS-III•Q.17
What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.
GS-III
2025•Mains•GS-III•Q.7
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?
GS-III
2025•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?
GS-III
2025•Mains•GS-III•Q.13
Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?
GS-III
2025•Mains•GS-III•Q.17
1
Amidst the scuffle and the resultant confusion, the thief managed to slip away.
2
There was not a single person amongst those assembled who was willing to become the leader.
3
Among the members of the community the local doctor was the one who was most respected.
GS-III
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.
3
Inside the box was the secret he had been searching for all his life.
GS-III
2024•Mains•GS-III•Q.7
Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.
GS-III
2024•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.
GS-III
2023•Mains•GS-III•Q.8
What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?
GS-III
2023•Mains•GS-III•Q.17
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.
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

Prelims - Paper 1 (GS)

8 shown
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.52

In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above:

1
A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.
2
The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.
3
Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform - including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives - to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.
4
Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
General Studies
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.77

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.
Environment and Ecology
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.4
Consider the following statements : I. The Reserve Bank of India mandates all the listed companies in India to submit a Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). II. In India, a company submitting a BRSR makes disclosures in the report that are largely non-financial in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.9

Consider the following statements :

Statement I
Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Statement II
Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
Statement III
Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Environment
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
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.39
"Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of:
Environmental Pollution
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.23

Consider the following statements :

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?

Environment and Ecology
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.55

With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements :

1
Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2
Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3
Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.
Environmental Pollution and Degradation
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