Q: निम्नलिखित पर विचार कीजिए : I. धूपमान के बाद सिगरेट के बचे हुए टुकड़े II. रसोई के तेल III. कार के टायर उपर्युक्त में से कितनों में प्लास्टिक होता है?
(a)केवल एक
(b)केवल दो
(c)सभी तीन
(d)कोई नहीं
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Pollution & Waste Management — UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions
41 questions from UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper 1 on Pollution & Waste Management (Environment & Ecology). Spanning from 1995 to 2025. Practice with show/hide answers and detailed explanations.
41
Questions
17
Years
16
Easy
25
Moderate
Year-wise Distribution
What UPSC Asks About Pollution & Waste Management
Based on 41 questions across 17 years, UPSC has consistently tested aspirants' understanding of Pollution & Waste Management within the broader Environment & Ecology syllabus. The questions range from factual recall to application-based analysis.
Recent trends show UPSC moving towards statement-based questions that combine multiple aspects of Pollution & Waste Management. Aspirants should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing isolated facts.
Related Environment & Ecology Sub-topics
All Pollution & Waste Management Questions
Q: Consider the following statements: Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries. Statement II: Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals. Statement III: Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
(c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Q: वायु प्रदूषण माप करने हेतु भूमि-पृष्ठ-स्तर के तरीकों में किसका प्रयोग होता है?
(a)सिल्वर आयोडाइड और पोटैशियम आयोडाइड
(b)सिल्वर नाइट्रेट और पोटैशियम आयोडाइड
(c)सिल्वर आयोडाइड और पोटैशियम नाइट्रेट
(d)सिल्वर नाइट्रेट और पोटैशियम सल्फाइड
Q: कई उपभोक्ता उत्पादों के निर्माण के लिए प्रमुख होने वाले परफ्लुओरोकिल और पॉलीफ्लुओरोएल्किल पदार्थ (PFAS) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. PFAS पेयजल, खाद्य और खाद्य पैकेजिंग सामग्री में व्यापक रूप से पाए जाते हैं। 2. PFAS पर्यावरण में आसानी से निम्नीभूत (डिग्रेड) नहीं होते हैं। 3. PFAS के लगातार संपर्क के परिणामस्वरूप जन्तुओं के शरीर में जैव संचय हो सकता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन-से सही हैं?
(a)केवल 1 और 2
(b)केवल 2 और 3
(c)केवल 1 और 3
(d)1, 2 और 3
Q: Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(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
Q: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?
(a)Locomotives using fossil fuels
(b)Ships using fossil fuels
(c)Extraction of metals from ores
(d)Power plants using fossil fuels
Q: Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution: 1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world. 2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution. 3. There is no known 'safe level' of exposure to mercury. How many of the above statements are correct?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Q: 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 a water-stressed district. 3. None of them is privately owned. How many of the above statements are correct?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Q: WHO के वायु गुणवत्ता दिशानिर्देशों के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए : 1. PM2.5 का 24-घंटा औसत 15 µg/m³ से अधिक नहीं होना चाहिए और PM2.5 का वार्षिक औसत 15 µg/m³ से अधिक नहीं होना चाहिए। 2. किसी वर्ष में, ओज़ोन प्रदूषण के उच्चतम स्तर प्रचलित मौसम के दौरान होते हैं। 3. PM10 कण फेफड़े के अवरोध को पार कर रक्त-प्रवाह में प्रवेश कर सकते हैं। 4. वायु में अल्पकालिक ओज़ोन का उत्सर्जन कर सकती है। उपयुक्त कथनों में कौन-से सही हैं ?
(a)1, 3 और 4
(b)केवल 1 और 4
(c)2, 3 और 4
(d)केवल 1 और 2
Q: Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
(a)1, 2 and 3
(b)2 and 4 only
(c)4 only
(d)1, 3 and 4
Q: निम्नलिखित में से किसके अंगीकरण को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए 'R2 कोड ऑफ प्रैक्टिस' प्रमाण उपलब्ध कराती है?
(a)इलेक्ट्रॉनिक पुनर्चक्रण उद्योग में पर्यावरणीय दृष्टि से जिम्मेदार व्यवहार
(b)रामसर कन्वेंशन के अंतर्गत 'अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महत्त्व की आर्द्र भूमि' का पारिस्थितिक प्रबंधन
(c)निम्नभूमि भूमि पर कृषि फसलों की खेती का संवर्धन व्यवस्था
(d)प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के दोहन में 'पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव आकलन'
Q: Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment. 2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment. 3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b)1, 2 and 4 only
(c)3, 4 and 5 only
(d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Q: Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
(a)Low-density polyethylene
(b)Polycarbonate
(c)Polyethylene terephthalate
(d)Polyvinyl chloride
Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-से कारण/कारक बेंजीन प्रदूषण उत्पन्न करते हैं ? 1. स्वचलित वाहन (automobile) द्वारा निष्कासित पदार्थ 2. तम्बाकू का धुआँ 3. लकड़ी का जलना 4. रंगने किए गए वस्त्रों के फिनिशिंग में उपयोग 5. पॉलीस्टाइरीन से निर्मित उत्पादों का उपयोग नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए :
(a)केवल 1, 2 और 3
(b)केवल 2 और 4
(c)केवल 1, 3 और 4
(d)1, 2, 3, 4 और 5
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. 3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: पर्यावरण में निष्क्रिय हो जाने वाली ‘सूक्ष्ममणिकाएँ’ (Micro-beads) के विषय में अत्यधिक चिंता क्यों है?
(a)वे समुद्री पारितंत्रों के लिए हानिकारक मानी जाती हैं।
(b)वे बच्चों में रक्त कैंसर होने का कारण मानी जाती हैं।
(c)वे इतनी छोटी होती हैं कि विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में प्लास्टिक द्वारा अवरोध हो जाती हैं।
(d)अक्सर इनका उपयोग खाद्य-पदार्थों में मिठास के लिए किया जाता है।
Q: Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2, 3 and 4 only
(c)1 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Consider the following statements : 1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment. 2. Cattle release ammonia into environment. 3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 and 3 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)2 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a)Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
(b)The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
(c)The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
(d)It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
Q: In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
(a)The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b)The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c)The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d)The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Q: In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1, 2 and 3 only
(b)2, 3 and 4 only
(c)1, 4 and 5 only
(d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Q: What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur. 2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place. 3. Leaching of nitrate to the groundwater can occur. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1 and 3 only
(b)2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction. 2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete. 3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.
(a)1 and 2
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3
(d)3 only
Q: Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur 2. Oxides of nitrogen 3. Carbon monoxide 4. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1, 3 and 4 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? 1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a)1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b)1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c)2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Q: Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
(a)carbon dioxide and nitrogen
(b)carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
(c)ozone and carbon dioxide
(d)nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
Q: Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
(a)NO₂, O₃ and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(b)CO, O₂ and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(c)CO, CO₂ and NO₂ at low temperature
(d)high concentration of NO₂, O₃ and CO in the evening
Q: Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning? 1. Smelting units 2. Pens and pencils 3. Paints 4. Hair oils and cosmetics Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a)1, 2 and 3 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used 1. in the production of plastic foams 2. in the production of tubeless tyres 3. in cleaning certain electronic components 4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1, 2 and 3 only
(b)4 only
(c)1, 3 and 4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: Consider the following: 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Oxides of Nitrogen 3. Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
(a)Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b)Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(c)Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
(d)Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
Q: A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop – Rat – Snake – Hawk. In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?
(a)Food crop
(b)Rat
(c)Snake
(d)Hawk
Q: Consider the following: 1. Oxides of Hydrogen 2. Oxides of Nitrogen 3. Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Assertion (A): Coal-based thermal power stations contribute to acid rain. Reason (R): Oxides of carbon are emitted when the coal burns.
(a)Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b)Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c)A is true but R is false
(d)A is false but R is true
Q: Which one of following is produced during the formation of photochemical smog?
(a)Hydrocarbons
(b)Nitrogen Oxides
(c)Ozone
(d)Methane
Q: Which one of the following organisms is likely to show the highest concentration of DDT once it has been introduced into the ecosystem?
(a)Grasshopper
(b)Toad
(c)Snake
(d)Cattle
Q: “The final Agent Orange raid in Vietnam took place in 1970…. areas have begun to bloom again. But 19 years after the war’s end, it seems plain that Agent Orange is killing and maiming human beings, something it never intended to do. The apparent toxic fall-out from those clouds ... is a crop of human miseries including cancers, miscarriages and birth defects — that may persist for decades.” The offensive substance referred to in the above quotation is
(a)DDT used as insecticide
(b)a complex mixture of herbicides and weedicides used to increase agricultural output in the then South Vietnam under the US aid programme
(c)a complex mixture of DDT and other insecticides used as aerial sprays for protection against malaria and other tropical diseases
(d)dioxin used as defoliants
Q: Consider the table given below providing details of traffic volume per hour for four locations (showing total traffic volume, % of heavy vehicles, average noise level in dB(A) and noise-pollution level in dB(A)). When the total traffic volume is the same, the factor(s) which affect(s) the noise-pollution level is/are
(a)% of heavy vehicles
(b)noise-pollution level and average noise level
(c)average noise level and % of heavy vehicles
(d)indeterminable on the basis of details given
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Pollution & Waste Management?▼
UPSC has asked 41 questions on Pollution & Waste Management in GS Paper 1 Prelims between 1995 and 2025. This sub-topic falls under Environment & Ecology.
In which years has UPSC asked about Pollution & Waste Management?▼
Questions on Pollution & Waste Management have appeared in UPSC Prelims in the following years: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2003, 1997, 1995. The topic has appeared in 17 out of 31 years.
What is the difficulty level of Pollution & Waste Management questions in UPSC Prelims?▼
Among 41 questions on Pollution & Waste Management: 16 are easy, 25 are moderate, and 0 are difficult. Most questions test conceptual understanding of the topic.