Q: Consider the following: 1. Battery storage 2. Biomass generators 3. Fuel cells 4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units How many of the above are considered "Distributed Energy Resources"?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)Only three
(d)All four
Loading...
Energy & Environment — UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions
46 questions from UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper 1 on Energy & Environment (Science & Technology). Spanning from 1995 to 2024. Practice with show/hide answers and detailed explanations.
46
Questions
26
Years
14
Easy
32
Moderate
Test Your Knowledge
Practice these questions in quiz mode
Year-wise Distribution
What UPSC Asks About Energy & Environment
Based on 46 questions across 26 years, UPSC has consistently tested aspirants' understanding of Energy & Environment within the broader Science & Technology 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 Energy & Environment. Aspirants should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing isolated facts.
Related Science & Technology Sub-topics
All Energy & Environment Questions
Q: With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements: 1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development. 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: Consider the following materials: 1. Agricultural residues 2. Corn grain 3. Wastewater treatment sludge 4. Wood mill waste Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 and 4 only
(c)1, 2, 3 and 4
(d)1, 3 and 4 only
Q: With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements : 1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed. 2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate. 3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water. How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Q: With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None
Q: With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? 1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. 2. As street-lights, sodium lamps have longer life span than LED lamps. 3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street-lighting. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)3 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
(a)Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b)Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c)Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d)Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Q: With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements: 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps but not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps but not the ones with piston. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements: 1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions. 2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions. 3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses. 4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)4 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
Q: What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of 'The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEAY ?
(a)The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAFA safeguards.
(b)The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
(c)The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
(d)The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
Q: With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? 1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents. 2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed. 3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Q: India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
(a)It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation.
(b)It can attain a global role in satellite navigation.
(c)It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation.
(d)It can build fusion reactors for power generation.
Q: With reference to 'fuel cells' in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements: 1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products. 2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers. 3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC). 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
Q: With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. 'Photovoltaics' is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while 'Solar Thermal' is a technology that utilizes the Sun's rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process. 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1, 2 and 3
(d)None
Q: In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?
(a)The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(b)The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
(c)The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines
(d)It is a source of high quality biodiesel
Q: What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? 1. It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water. 2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water. 3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water. 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
Q: To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold over uranium? 1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium. 2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium. 3. Thorium produces less harmful waste compared to uranium. 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
Q: Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why? 1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates. 2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates. 3. They can be installed in waste water treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity. 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
Q: The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to
(a)Slow down the speed of neutrons
(b)Increase the speed of neutrons
(c)Cool down the reactor
(d)Stop the nuclear reaction
Q: What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp? 1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semi-conductor material. 2. The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp. 3. A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp. 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
Q: Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”.
(a)NH₃
(b)CH₄
(c)H₂O
(d)H₂O₂
Q: In a dry cell (battery), which of the following are used as electrolytes?
(a)Ammonium chloride and Zinc chloride
(b)Sodium chloride and Calcium chloride
(c)Magnesium chloride and Zinc chloride
(d)Ammonium chloride and Calcium chloride
Q: In the year 2007, an earthquake led to massive radioactive water leakage in the largest nuclear plant in the world. In which country did it occur?
(a)Germany
(b)Canada
(c)Japan
(d)USA
Q: In which one of the following locations is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project to be built?
(a)Northern Spain
(b)Southern France
(c)Eastern Germany
(d)Southern Italy
Q: Where was the first desalination plant in India to produce one lakh litres freshwater per day based on low temperature thermal desalination principle commissioned?
(a)Kavaratti
(b)Port Blair
(c)Mangalore
(d)Valsad
Q: With which one of the following is BRIT (Government of India) engaged?
(a)Railway Wagons
(b)Information Technology
(c)Isotope Technology
(d)Road Transport
Q: Recently, the European Union and six other countries including India signed the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project. Which one of the following was NOT a signatory to it?
(a)Canada
(b)China
(c)Japan
(d)USA
Q: In which one of the following areas did the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research make significant progress in the year 2005?
(a)Re-processing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor
(b)New applications of radio-isotopes in metallurgy
(c)A new technology for production of heavy water
(d)A new technology for high-level nuclear waste management
Q: Assertion (A): The main constituent of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas is methane. Reason (R): Methane can be used directly for burning in homes and factories where it can be supplied through pipelines.
(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: Match List-I (Atomic Power Plants/Heavy Water Plants) with List-II (State) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists : List-I (A) Thal (B) Manuguru (C) Kakrapar (D) Kaiga List-II (State) 1. Andhra Pradesh 2. Gujarat 3. Maharastra 4. Maha 5. Karnataka
(a)2 1 4 5
(b)3 5 2 1
(c)2 5 4 1
(d)3 1 2 5
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research uses fast reactor technology. 2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration is engaged in heavy water production. 3. Indian Rare Earths Limited is engaged in the manufacture of Zircon for India's nuclear programme beside other rare earth products. Which of these statements given above are correct?
(a)1, 2 and 3
(b)1 and 2
(c)1 and 3
(d)2 and 3
Q: Match List I (Fuel Gases) with List II (Major Constituents) and select the correct answer using the codes given below: List I (A) CNG (B) Coal gas (C) LPG (D) Water gas List II 1. Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen 2. Butane, Propane 3. Methane, Ethane 4. Hydrogen, Methane, Carbon monoxide Codes:
(a)A 2 B 1 C 3 D 4
(b)A 3 B 4 C 2 D 1
(c)A 2 B 4 C 3 D 1
(d)A 3 B 1 C 2 D 4
Q: Consider the following organisations: I. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration II. Heavy Water Board III. Indian Rare Earths Limited IV. Uranium Corporation of India Which of these is/are under the Department of Atomic Energy?
(a)I only
(b)I and IV
(c)II, III and IV
(d)I, II, III and IV
Q: Consider the following statements: In a nuclear reactor, self-sustained chain reaction is possible, because I. More neutrons are released in each of the fission reactions. II. The neutrons immediately take part in the fission process. III. The fast neutrons are slowed down by Graphite. IV. Every neutron released in the fission reaction initiates further fission. Which of these statements are correct?
(a)I, II and III
(b)I and III
(c)II and IV
(d)II, III and IV
Q: A radioactive substance has a half-life of four months. Three fourth of the substance would decay in
(a)3 months
(b)4 months
(c)8 months
(d)12 months
Q: Consider the following features of newer models of motor cars: I. Radial tyres II. Streamlined body III. Multipoint fuel injection IV. Catalytic converter with exhaust Which of these features make the newer models of motor cars more fuel-efficient?
(a)I and II
(b)II and III
(c)III and IV
(d)I, III and IV
Q: Consider the following statements regarding a motor car battery: I. The voltage is usually 12 V. II. Electrolyte used is hydrochloric acid. III. Electrodes are lead and copper. IV. Capacity is expressed in ampere-hour. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a)I and II
(b)II and III
(c)III and IV
(d)I and IV
Q: Which one of the following elements is essential for the construction of nuclear reactors?
(a)Cobalt
(b)Nickel
(c)Zirconium
(d)Tungsten
Q: Which one of the following has the highest fuel value?
(a)Hydrogen
(b)Charcoal
(c)Natural Gas
(d)Gasoline
Q: Consider the following statements: At the present level of technology available in India, solar energy can be conveniently used to I. Supply hot water to residential buildings. II. Supply water for minor irrigation projects. III. Provide street lighting. IV. Electrify a cluster of villages and small towns. Of these statements
(a)I, II, III and IV are correct
(b)I and IV are correct
(c)I and III are correct
(d)I, II and III are correct
Q: 113. Which one of the following pairs of materials serves as electrodes in chargeable batteries commonly used in devices such as torchlights, electric shavers, etc.?
(a)Nickel and cadmium
(b)Zinc and carbon
(c)Lead peroxide and lead
(d)Iron and cadmium
Q: The difference between a nuclear reactor and an atomic bomb is that
(a)no chain reaction takes place in nuclear reactor while in the atomic bomb there is a chain reaction
(b)the chain reaction in nuclear reactor is controlled
(c)the chain reaction in nuclear reactor is not controlled
(d)no chain reaction takes place in atomic bomb while it takes place in nuclear reactor
Q: ‘Yellow cake’, an item of smuggling across borders is
(a)a crude form of heroin
(b)a crude form of cocaine
(c)uranium oxide
(d)unrefined gold
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Energy & Environment?▼
UPSC has asked 46 questions on Energy & Environment in GS Paper 1 Prelims between 1995 and 2024. This sub-topic falls under Science & Technology.
In which years has UPSC asked about Energy & Environment?▼
Questions on Energy & Environment have appeared in UPSC Prelims in the following years: 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995. The topic has appeared in 26 out of 31 years.
What is the difficulty level of Energy & Environment questions in UPSC Prelims?▼
Among 46 questions on Energy & Environment: 14 are easy, 32 are moderate, and 0 are difficult. Most questions test conceptual understanding of the topic.