Energy And Sustainability PYQs — 11 UPSC CSE Previous Year Questions

Question 1

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II : Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

D. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

A. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

Question 3

"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in : Reduced seed requirement Reduced methane production Reduced electricity consumption Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 4

Consider the following statements:

In the case of all cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Question 5

What is the use of biochar in farming?

Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for a longer time.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 6

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "Conservation Agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ? Avoiding the monoculture practices Adopting minimum tillage Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops Using crop residues to cover soil surface Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

C. 2, 4 and 5

Question 7

It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry ? Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Accepted Answer

B. 2 and 3 only

Question 8

Which one of the following best describes the main objective of 'Seed Village Concept'?

Accepted Answer

B. Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost

Question 9

What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'? Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

B. 1, 2 and 4 only

Question 10

Which of the following pairs in respect of current power generation in India is/are correctly matched? (Rounded Figures) (Rounded Figure) 1. Installed electricity Generation capacity 100000 MW 2. Electricity generation 660 billion kWh

Accepted Answer

B. 2 only

Question 11

Which one of the following agricultural practices is ecofriendly?

Accepted Answer

A. Organic farming

	(Rounded Figure)
1.	Installed electricity Generation capacity	100000 MW
2.	Electricity generation	660 billion kWh