UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 16 December 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 16 December 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more. We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question With reference to PM2.5 air pollution, consider the following statements: 5 primarily consists of particles originating from mechanical processes like construction and road dust, with a smaller contribution from combustion sources. 5 particles are mostly filtered out in the upper respiratory tract and pose a limited threat to the cardiovascular system. The World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines of 2021 recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. Larger particles (PM10) are dominated by mechanical processes like construction dust, road dust, and pollen. In contrast, 5 (fine particulate matter) primarily originates from combustion processes, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, power plants, biomass burning, and residential heating. While some mechanical processes contribute, combustion is the dominant source for these finer particles. Statement 2 is incorrect. The key danger of PM2.5 lies precisely in its small size (diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less). Because they are so small, they can bypass the natural filters of the upper respiratory tract, penetrate deep into the lungs (alveoli), and even enter the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, they can travel to various organs, including the heart and brain, causing systemic inflammation and significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and strokes), respiratory illnesses, and other health problems. Statement 3 is correct. Recognizing the severe health impacts of air pollution even at low concentrations, the WHO significantly lowered its recommended limits. The guideline for the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 was reduced from 10 µg/m³ (2005 guideline) to 5 µg/m³. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. Larger particles (PM10) are dominated by mechanical processes like construction dust, road dust, and pollen. In contrast, 5 (fine particulate matter) primarily originates from combustion processes, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, power plants, biomass burning, and residential heating. While some mechanical processes contribute, combustion is the dominant source for these finer particles. Statement 2 is incorrect. The key danger of PM2.5 lies precisely in its small size (diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less). Because they are so small, they can bypass the natural filters of the upper respiratory tract, penetrate deep into the lungs (alveoli), and even enter the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, they can travel to various organs, including the heart and brain, causing systemic inflammation and significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and strokes), respiratory illnesses, and other health problems. Statement 3 is correct. Recognizing the severe health impacts of air pollution even at low concentrations, the WHO significantly lowered its recommended limits. The guideline for the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 was reduced from 10 µg/m³ (2005 guideline) to 5 µg/m³.

#### 1. Question

With reference to PM2.5 air pollution, consider the following statements:

• 5 primarily consists of particles originating from mechanical processes like construction and road dust, with a smaller contribution from combustion sources.

• 5 particles are mostly filtered out in the upper respiratory tract and pose a limited threat to the cardiovascular system.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines of 2021 recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Larger particles (PM10) are dominated by mechanical processes like construction dust, road dust, and pollen. In contrast, 5 (fine particulate matter) primarily originates from combustion processes, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, power plants, biomass burning, and residential heating. While some mechanical processes contribute, combustion is the dominant source for these finer particles.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The key danger of PM2.5 lies precisely in its small size (diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less). Because they are so small, they can bypass the natural filters of the upper respiratory tract, penetrate deep into the lungs (alveoli), and even enter the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, they can travel to various organs, including the heart and brain, causing systemic inflammation and significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and strokes), respiratory illnesses, and other health problems.

Statement 3 is correct. Recognizing the severe health impacts of air pollution even at low concentrations, the WHO significantly lowered its recommended limits. The guideline for the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 was reduced from 10 µg/m³ (2005 guideline) to 5 µg/m³.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements with respect to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 of India: The rules mandate the segregation of waste into three streams—Wet, Dry, and Domestic Hazardous—at the source of generation by the waste generators. The jurisdiction of these rules is limited to all municipal areas and does not extend to urban agglomerations or industrial townships. The rules introduce the concept of ‘user fee’ for collection of solid waste, to be paid by the waste generator, and ‘spot fine’ for littering. Brand owners and manufacturers are exempt from any responsibility for the waste generated by their products under these rules. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016 made it mandatory for all waste generators, including households, to segregate waste at the source into three categories: Biodegradables (Wet), Non-biodegradables (Dry), and Domestic Hazardous waste before handing it over to collectors. Statement 2 is incorrect. The SWM Rules, 2016 have a very wide jurisdiction. They are applicable beyond just municipal areas. The rules explicitly apply to urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbases, ports and harbours, defence establishments, special economic zones, State and Central government organisations, and places of pilgrimage, religious, and historical importance. Statement 3 is correct. The rules empower local bodies to prescribe and collect a ‘user fee’ from waste generators to help cover the cost of waste management services. They also introduce the provision for levying a ‘spot fine’ for persons and bodies who are found littering or not complying with the segregation and disposal norms, thereby incorporating a polluter pays principle at the individual level. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016 made it mandatory for all waste generators, including households, to segregate waste at the source into three categories: Biodegradables (Wet), Non-biodegradables (Dry), and Domestic Hazardous waste before handing it over to collectors. Statement 2 is incorrect. The SWM Rules, 2016 have a very wide jurisdiction. They are applicable beyond just municipal areas. The rules explicitly apply to urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbases, ports and harbours, defence establishments, special economic zones, State and Central government organisations, and places of pilgrimage, religious, and historical importance. Statement 3 is correct. The rules empower local bodies to prescribe and collect a ‘user fee’ from waste generators to help cover the cost of waste management services. They also introduce the provision for levying a ‘spot fine’ for persons and bodies who are found littering or not complying with the segregation and disposal norms, thereby incorporating a polluter pays principle at the individual level.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements with respect to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 of India:

• The rules mandate the segregation of waste into three streams—Wet, Dry, and Domestic Hazardous—at the source of generation by the waste generators.

• The jurisdiction of these rules is limited to all municipal areas and does not extend to urban agglomerations or industrial townships.

• The rules introduce the concept of ‘user fee’ for collection of solid waste, to be paid by the waste generator, and ‘spot fine’ for littering.

• Brand owners and manufacturers are exempt from any responsibility for the waste generated by their products under these rules.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016 made it mandatory for all waste generators, including households, to segregate waste at the source into three categories: Biodegradables (Wet), Non-biodegradables (Dry), and Domestic Hazardous waste before handing it over to collectors.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The SWM Rules, 2016 have a very wide jurisdiction. They are applicable beyond just municipal areas. The rules explicitly apply to urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbases, ports and harbours, defence establishments, special economic zones, State and Central government organisations, and places of pilgrimage, religious, and historical importance.

• Statement 3 is correct. The rules empower local bodies to prescribe and collect a ‘user fee’ from waste generators to help cover the cost of waste management services. They also introduce the provision for levying a ‘spot fine’ for persons and bodies who are found littering or not complying with the segregation and disposal norms, thereby incorporating a polluter pays principle at the individual level.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, consider the following statements: Solar photo-voltaic modules and panels are explicitly included in the definition of e-waste under these rules. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is empowered to generate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates for recyclers. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is Correct: The 2022 Rules expanded the definition of e-waste significantly. Schedule I now explicitly includes “Solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells“. Statement 2 is Correct: The 2022 rules introduce a market mechanism for EPR. The CPCB generates EPR certificates through an online portal in favor of registered recyclers based on the quantity of e-waste recycled. Producers can purchase these certificates to meet their targets. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is Correct: The 2022 Rules expanded the definition of e-waste significantly. Schedule I now explicitly includes “Solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells“. Statement 2 is Correct: The 2022 rules introduce a market mechanism for EPR. The CPCB generates EPR certificates through an online portal in favor of registered recyclers based on the quantity of e-waste recycled. Producers can purchase these certificates to meet their targets.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, consider the following statements:

• Solar photo-voltaic modules and panels are explicitly included in the definition of e-waste under these rules.

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is empowered to generate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates for recyclers.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is Correct: The 2022 Rules expanded the definition of e-waste significantly. Schedule I now explicitly includes “Solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells“.

Statement 2 is Correct: The 2022 rules introduce a market mechanism for EPR. The CPCB generates EPR certificates through an online portal in favor of registered recyclers based on the quantity of e-waste recycled. Producers can purchase these certificates to meet their targets.

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is Correct: The 2022 Rules expanded the definition of e-waste significantly. Schedule I now explicitly includes “Solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells“.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to ‘Phytoremediation’, consider the following statements: Phytoextraction is the uptake of contaminants by roots and their accumulation in the above-ground biomass (shoots/leaves). Phytostabilization involves the mobilization of heavy metals in the soil to facilitate their leaching into groundwater. Phytovolatilization involves the conversion of pollutants into gaseous forms and their release into the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is Correct: Phytoextraction (or Phytoaccumulation) uses “hyperaccumulator” plants to uptake metals from the soil and concentrate them in the harvestable parts (leaves/stems). These plants are then harvested and disposed of as hazardous waste or used for metal recovery (phytomining). Statement 2 is Incorrect: Phytostabilization is the exact opposite. It uses plants to immobilize contaminants in the soil through absorption and accumulation by roots, adsorption onto roots, or precipitation within the root zone. The goal is to prevent migration into groundwater or the food chain, not to mobilize them. Statement 3 is Correct: Phytovolatilization is the uptake of a contaminant by a plant, and its release into the atmosphere in a volatile form. This is often used for contaminants like Mercury or Selenium. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is Correct: Phytoextraction (or Phytoaccumulation) uses “hyperaccumulator” plants to uptake metals from the soil and concentrate them in the harvestable parts (leaves/stems). These plants are then harvested and disposed of as hazardous waste or used for metal recovery (phytomining). Statement 2 is Incorrect: Phytostabilization is the exact opposite. It uses plants to immobilize contaminants in the soil through absorption and accumulation by roots, adsorption onto roots, or precipitation within the root zone. The goal is to prevent migration into groundwater or the food chain, not to mobilize them. Statement 3 is Correct: Phytovolatilization is the uptake of a contaminant by a plant, and its release into the atmosphere in a volatile form. This is often used for contaminants like Mercury or Selenium.

#### 4. Question

With reference to ‘Phytoremediation’, consider the following statements:

• Phytoextraction is the uptake of contaminants by roots and their accumulation in the above-ground biomass (shoots/leaves).

• Phytostabilization involves the mobilization of heavy metals in the soil to facilitate their leaching into groundwater.

• Phytovolatilization involves the conversion of pollutants into gaseous forms and their release into the atmosphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is Correct: Phytoextraction (or Phytoaccumulation) uses “hyperaccumulator” plants to uptake metals from the soil and concentrate them in the harvestable parts (leaves/stems). These plants are then harvested and disposed of as hazardous waste or used for metal recovery (phytomining).

• Statement 2 is Incorrect: Phytostabilization is the exact opposite. It uses plants to immobilize contaminants in the soil through absorption and accumulation by roots, adsorption onto roots, or precipitation within the root zone. The goal is to prevent migration into groundwater or the food chain, not to mobilize them.

Statement 3 is Correct: Phytovolatilization is the uptake of a contaminant by a plant, and its release into the atmosphere in a volatile form. This is often used for contaminants like Mercury or Selenium.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the phenomenon of ‘Acid Rain’ and its impact on soil chemistry, consider the following statements: Acid rain accelerates the leaching of base cations like Calcium and Magnesium from the soil. Soil acidification reduces the solubility of Aluminum, causing it to precipitate and become biologically unavailable. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: A Acid rain, primarily formed from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with atmospheric moisture, has a well-documented effect on soil chemistry. Statement 1 is correct because acidic deposition increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil, which displaces essential base cations such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium from soil exchange sites. These nutrients are then leached downward with percolating water, leading to nutrient depletion and reduced soil fertility, especially in forest and agricultural ecosystems. Statement 2 is incorrect. Soil acidification does not reduce aluminum solubility; rather, it increases it. Under acidic conditions (low pH), aluminum compounds in the soil dissolve, releasing toxic Al³⁺ ions into the soil solution. This soluble aluminum interferes with root growth, inhibits nutrient uptake, and damages fine root hairs, severely affecting plant health. Thus, aluminum becomes more biologically available and toxic, not precipitated or immobilized. Incorrect Solution: A Acid rain, primarily formed from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with atmospheric moisture, has a well-documented effect on soil chemistry. Statement 1 is correct because acidic deposition increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil, which displaces essential base cations such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium from soil exchange sites. These nutrients are then leached downward with percolating water, leading to nutrient depletion and reduced soil fertility, especially in forest and agricultural ecosystems. Statement 2 is incorrect. Soil acidification does not reduce aluminum solubility; rather, it increases it. Under acidic conditions (low pH), aluminum compounds in the soil dissolve, releasing toxic Al³⁺ ions into the soil solution. This soluble aluminum interferes with root growth, inhibits nutrient uptake, and damages fine root hairs, severely affecting plant health. Thus, aluminum becomes more biologically available and toxic, not precipitated or immobilized.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the phenomenon of ‘Acid Rain’ and its impact on soil chemistry, consider the following statements:

• Acid rain accelerates the leaching of base cations like Calcium and Magnesium from the soil.

• Soil acidification reduces the solubility of Aluminum, causing it to precipitate and become biologically unavailable.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

• Acid rain, primarily formed from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with atmospheric moisture, has a well-documented effect on soil chemistry.

• Statement 1 is correct because acidic deposition increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil, which displaces essential base cations such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium from soil exchange sites. These nutrients are then leached downward with percolating water, leading to nutrient depletion and reduced soil fertility, especially in forest and agricultural ecosystems.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Soil acidification does not reduce aluminum solubility; rather, it increases it. Under acidic conditions (low pH), aluminum compounds in the soil dissolve, releasing toxic Al³⁺ ions into the soil solution. This soluble aluminum interferes with root growth, inhibits nutrient uptake, and damages fine root hairs, severely affecting plant health. Thus, aluminum becomes more biologically available and toxic, not precipitated or immobilized.

Solution: A

• Acid rain, primarily formed from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with atmospheric moisture, has a well-documented effect on soil chemistry.

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