UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — J&K HC bars motorboats on Dal lake; eyes green fix

Q1. With reference to the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The cost of projects under the scheme is shared between the Centre and the States rather than being borne wholly by the Centre.
  2. The Central share of project cost under the scheme is uniform across all States, including the North-Eastern States.
  3. The scheme aims at improving the biodiversity of lakes and wetlands in addition to improving their water quality.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q2. With reference to the jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and of High Courts in environmental matters, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The NGT hears civil cases raising a substantial question relating to the environment only where the question arises from implementing an enactment listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010.
  2. A High Court may issue directions under Article 226 to a government within its territory not only to enforce Fundamental Rights but also for any other purpose.
  3. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is one of the enactments listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh could bar fuel-powered motorboats on Dal Lake even while the National Green Tribunal was separately overseeing the lake's conservation through a Joint Committee.
  2. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 requires the Tribunal to apply the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle while passing orders.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. With reference to eutrophication of a lake, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. It is driven mainly by a rise in the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water.
  2. Dense algal growth on the surface reduces the light reaching submerged plants.
  3. Decomposition of the resulting dead algae raises the dissolved oxygen available in deeper water.
  4. Inputs such as sewage, detergents and fertilisers speed up a process that also occurs naturally as lakes age.
  • A. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Diverting untreated sewage away from a lake slows down the lake's eutrophication.
  2. Sewage accelerates eutrophication chiefly by raising the temperature of the lake water, which speeds up algal growth.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q6. With reference to audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Reports relating to the accounts of a State are submitted to the Chief Minister, who causes them to be laid before the State Legislature.
  2. Reports relating to the accounts of the Union are submitted to the Prime Minister, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2