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UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 — Environment Questions with Answers

All 8 Environment previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2026, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Climate Change

   Consider the following statements with reference to India's response to climate change : I. India's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. II. India's 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ? 1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II. 2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I. 3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability. Select the answer using the code given below :

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)3 only
2. Q2.Biodiversity — Mammals

   With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)3 only
3. Q3.Ecology

   Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)3 only
4. Q4.Wildlife Conservation

   Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below:

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)3 only
5. Q5.Protected Areas

   With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025. 2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park. 3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Select the answer using the code given below :

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)3 only
6. Q6.Biodiversity

   Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid): 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 3
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)3 only
7. Q7.Climate Change

   Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India ?

   • a)Uttarakhand REDD+ project
   • b)ICFRE-ICIMOD Transboundary REDD+ project in North-Eastern Himalayas
   • c)Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project
   • d)Sikkim Mamley Kamrang Community REDD+ project
8. Q8.Conservation

   Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct ? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.

   • a)1, 2 and 3
   • b)1 and 3 only
   • c)2 only
   • d)3 only