India's biodiversity success vs. energy and urban heat hurdles

Prelims Mantra (Practice Questions) (18/03/2026)

India balances biodiversity wins with energy and urban heat challenges

The text provided appears to be a quiz or practice questions for a competitive exam, specifically Prelims Mantra for 18/03/2026. It includes multiple questions with options and explanations.

Question 1

With reference to India's 1st National Report on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, consider the following statements: 1. India currently accounts for more than half of the world's total Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCC) under the Protocol. 2. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, mandates a three-tier institutional structure consisting of the National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and Biodiversity Management Committees. 3. Under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, benefits distributed to local communities are strictly restricted to monetary compensation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer: A (1 and 2 only)

Explanation: - Statement 1 is correct: India has a ~60% global share of Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance. - Statement 2 is correct: India implements the protocol through a three-tier structure (National, State, and Local/BMC levels). - Statement 3 is incorrect: The report highlights that benefits include non-monetary aspects such as technology transfer, collaborative research, and capacity building.

Question 2

Which of the following challenges are associated with renewable energy? 1. Intermittency of power generation 2. Requirement of energy storage systems 3. High greenhouse gas emissions

Answer: A (1 and 2 only)

Explanation: - Statement 1 is correct: Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are intermittent because their generation depends on weather conditions and the time of day. - Statement 2 is correct: Due to the intermittent nature of these sources, energy storage systems (like batteries, pumped hydro, or thermal storage) are required to capture excess energy during peak production and release it when generation is low. - Statement 3 is incorrect: Renewable energy is widely adopted specifically because it has low greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 3

With reference to India's transition to electric cooking (e-cooking), consider the following statements: 1. Electric induction cooking is more energy-efficient than LPG. 2. India imports more than half of its total LPG requirements. 3. OpenADR technology helps in managing peak electricity demand automatically. 4. Using induction cooktops is currently more expensive than using non-subsidized LPG.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer: A (1, 2, and 3 only)

Explanation: - Statement 1 is correct: Induction (85% efficiency) outperforms LPG (40%). - Statement 2 is correct: India imports about 60% of its LPG. - Statement 3 is correct: OpenADR allows devices to adjust consumption to flatten demand peaks. - Statement 4 is incorrect: Electric cooking is actually 37% cheaper than non-subsidized LPG.

Question 4

With reference to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements: 1. It applies to tribal areas in all northeastern states of India. 2. Autonomous District Councils can make laws on land and forests, but not on inheritance. 3. Laws made by ADCs require the assent of the Governor. 4. Parliament laws automatically apply to Sixth Schedule areas without modification.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

Answer: C (Only three)

Explanation: - Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sixth Schedule does not apply to all northeastern states. It is restricted to the tribal areas of only four states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. - Statement 2 is incorrect: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have broad legislative powers over several subjects, including land, forests, and inheritance of property. - Statement 3 is correct: All laws made by District or Regional Councils under the Sixth Schedule require the assent of the Governor to become valid acts. - Statement 4 is incorrect: Acts of Parliament do not automatically apply to Sixth Schedule areas. They apply only if the Governor (for Assam) or the President (for Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram) directs so, often with specific modifications or exceptions to suit tribal customs.

Question 5

Which of the following factors contribute to Urban Heat Island effect? I. High albedo surfaces II. Reduced vegetation III. Heat absorption by buildings

Answer: B (II and III only)

Explanation: - Statement I is incorrect: High albedo means a surface reflects most of the sunlight (e.g., white roofs, snow). Urban areas are characterized by low albedo surfaces like dark asphalt and concrete, which absorb rather than reflect solar radiation, thereby causing the heat island effect. - Statement II is correct: Reduced vegetation means there is less natural cooling from shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which plants release water vapor). This lack of cooling significantly contributes to higher urban temperatures. - Statement III is correct: Urban structures and buildings are made of materials like concrete and brick that have a high heat capacity. They absorb and store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, keeping the city warmer than its rural surroundings.