Buried questions: On the Sikkim tunnel accident

With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements :
1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

1. A. Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
2. B. The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
3. C. The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
4. D. It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. 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:

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

Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

1. A. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
2. B. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
3. C. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
4. D. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.

Consider the following statements:

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1 and 2
4. D. 2 and 3

Triclosan considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

1. A. Food preservatives
2. B. Fruit-ripening substances
3. C. Reused plastic containers
4. D. Toiletries

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 :

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

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?

1. A. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. B. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. C. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. D. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

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

1. A. The Bio-medical Waste Management and Handling Rules, 1998
2. B. The Recycled Plastic Manufacturing and Usage Rules, 1999
3. C. The e-Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011
4. D. The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

Consider the following statements :
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 sought
2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Examine the role of women in the Indian freedom struggle. Were they able to secure their due share in the political and social spheres after independence?

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?

Why did the armies of the British East India company- mostly comprising of Indian soldiers win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of then Indian rulers? Give reasons.

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.

The recent accident at the under-construction Teesta Stage-VI hydroelectric project, involving workers striking a pocket of suspected trapped methane, occurred in which Indian state?

1. A. Uttarakhand
2. B. Himachal Pradesh
3. C. Sikkim
4. D. Arunachal Pradesh

Methane is a well-recognised hazard in underground excavation, particularly in the Himalayan region. Which of the following characteristics of the Teesta basin, as mentioned in the article, contributes to the likelihood of encountering methane pockets?

1. A. Its location in a tectonically stable zone.
2. B. Presence of ancient, undisturbed sedimentary rock formations.
3. C. Young and heavily fractured rock in a seismically active zone.
4. D. High volcanic activity leading to gas emissions.

The article highlights the vulnerability of Himalayan hydropower projects, citing a past tragedy where the Teesta-III dam was destroyed. What was the primary cause of the destruction of the Teesta-III dam in October 2023?

1. A. A massive earthquake in the region.
2. B. A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
3. C. Structural failure due to poor construction quality.
4. D. A major landslide blocking the river flow.