This compilation presents a curated set of Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from the UPSC Prelims on topics related to Environment Laws, Acts, and Regulatory Bodies. Designed for quick reference and revision, it includes questions along with their correct answers, without detailed explanations or additional commentary. Aspirants can use this resource to test their knowledge and familiarize themselves with the exam pattern for these critical topics.
Q. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2022)
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1, 3 and 4
- (b) 1 and 4 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4
- (d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b)
Q. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
(UPSC Pre – 2022)
- (a) Central Water Commission
- (b) Central Ground Water Board
- (c) Central Ground Water Authority
- (d) National Water Development Agency
Answer: (c)
Q. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
(UPSC Pre – 2021)
- (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- (c) Ministry of Rural Development
- (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Answer: (d)
Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2020)
1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as ‘overexploited’ or ‘critical’ by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2019)
1. As per the recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.
2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Q. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(UPSC Pre – 2019)
- (a) The waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
- (b) The rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
- (c) The rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
- (d) It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
Answer: (c)
Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2019)
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to:
1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought.
2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2019)
1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.
2. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2019)
1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.
3. 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 statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
(UPSC Pre – 2019)
- (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
- (b) The Recycled plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
- (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
- (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Answer: (c)
Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
(UPSC Pre – 2018)
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. 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 statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Q. Which of the following best describes the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?
(UPSC Pre – 2016)
1. Incorporating environment benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets, and 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 future.
3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responsibility to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?
(UPSC Pre – 2016)
1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
2. It spearheads river conservation efforts at the nation level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the chairman of NGRBA on a rotational basis.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Q. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
(UPSC Pre – 2015)
- (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- (b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- (d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer: (c)
Q. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct?
(UPSC Pre Exam – 2014)
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. 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 codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Q. Consider the following statements:
(UPSC Pre – 2018)
1. The definition of ‘Critical Wildlife Habitat’ is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. 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 statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Q. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
(UPSC Pre – 2012)
1. Right to a healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to Life under Article 21.
2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1).
3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Q. How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian agriculture?
(UPSC Pre – 2012)
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 Only
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Q. If the National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?
(UPSC Pre – 2012)
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow the use of ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
4. The expenses incurred by the farmers for digging borewells for installing motors and pump-sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 Only
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Q. Which one of the following Union Ministries implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?
(UPSC Pre – 2009)
- (a) Ministry of Science and Technology
- (b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- (c) Ministry of Environment and Forests
- (d) Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers
Answer: (c)
Q. Consider the following programmes:
(UPSC Pre – 1996)
1. Afforestation and development of waste-land.
2. Reforestation and replantation in existing forests.
3. Encouraging the wood substitutes and supplying other types of fuel.
4. Promotion of wide use of insecticides and pesticides to restrict the loss of forest area from degradation caused by pests and insects.
The National Forest Policy of 1988 includes:
- (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- (b) 2 and 4
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)