Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Climate policy must now put health at the centre and promote climate change mitigation policies that bring health benefits simultaneously. Health-focused climate policy would help bring about a planet that has cleaner air, more abundant and safer freshwater and food, more effective and fairer health and social protection systems and, as a result, healthier people.
Investment in clean energy will yield health gains that repay those investments twice over. There are proven interventions able to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, for instance applying higher standards for vehicle emissions, which have been calculated to save approximately 2.4 million lives per year, through improved air quality and reduce global warming by about 0.5°C by 2050. The cost of renewable sources of energy has decreased significantly in the last few years, and solar energy is now cheaper than coal or gas in most major economies.Which of the following most accurately states the central idea of the passage? (SICPO Paper I 2023)

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
As the world’s population approaches 8 billion and resource use intensifies, pollution is ever more extensive, pervasive, and persistent. It affects our health through the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. By 2025, the world’s cities will produce 2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year, more than three times the amount produced in 2009. That said, pollution is not a new phenomenon and is largely controllable and often avoidable, as shown in some countries and cities that have succeeded in decoupling economic growth from pollution and waste accumulation.
With the end goal to eradicate all forms of pollution by 2030, the UN Environment Programme was tasked by the UN Environment Assembly to coordinate the implementation of a global plan reiterating that pollution is not only an environmental priority, it's a priority for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Which of the following represents the structure of the passage? (SICPO Paper I 2023)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck’s worth of plastic is dumped into our ocean. Plastic pollution is a global problem. Approximately 7 billion of the 9.2 billion metric tonnes of plastic produced from 1950-2017 became plastic waste, ending up in landfills or being dumped. Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.
UNEP’s body of work demonstrates that the problem of plastic pollution doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The environmental, social, economic and health risks of plastics need to be assessed alongside other environmental stressors, like climate change, ecosystem degradation and resource use.


Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Alter (SICPO Paper I 2024)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It is a phenomenon that has been caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and can be felt in many different ways.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. The average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and this rise is expected to continue in the coming years. This increase in temperature is causing a range of changes in the Earth's climate, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Another consequence of climate change is the loss of biodiversity. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species of plants and animals are struggling to adapt. This is leading to a decline in biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on human societies. Rising sea levels, for example, are putting millions of people at risk of flooding and displacement. In addition, changes in weather patterns are leading to crop failures and food shortages, particularly in developing countries where many people rely on subsistence agriculture.
To address the issue of climate change, there needs to be a concerted effort at the global level. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changes that are already taking place.
One of the most important steps that can be taken is to transition to renewable energy sources. This means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Governments can incentivise the adoption of renewable energy by providing subsidies and tax breaks, while businesses can invest in new technologies and sustainable practices.
Individuals can also play a role in reducing their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using public transport instead of driving, reducing meat consumption, and reducing energy consumption at home. Small changes in individual behaviour can add up to make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, climate change is a complex issue that requires a global response. The consequences of inaction are severe, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact. By working together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the passage? (Selection Post Higher Secondary level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has recently released its ‘Living Planet Report 2022’ – this finds a 69% decline in wildlife populations between 1970 and 2018. ‘Vertebrate wildlife groups have fallen by two-thirds globally while freshwater species have shrunk by 83%. One million planets and animals face extinction – about 2.5% of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish have gone forever. The crisis is caused by the Anthropocene, our era of sprawling human impacts, extending from heating Earth’s atmosphere to making oceans acidic and destroying habitat. Many animals inhabit trees, nooks and crannies in forests across Earth – yet, every year, we destroy ten million hectares of forestlands. Our greenhouse gas emissions warm the world, causing extreme weather events, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and the collapse of productive plants. This forces wildlife to travel, seeking water and food. As they wander, they face human-animal conflicts over resources. We have a few consolations of metal and plastic to amuse ourselves with through this destruction – the animals of the Anthropocene have none.
However, losing them has huge implications for humanity. According to the World Economic Forum, an analysis of 163 industry sectors shows over half the world’s GDP is dependent on nature and ecosystem services performed by animals. About $44 trillion of economic value generation comes from such services- the World Bank finds their collapse could cause a $2.7 trillion annual decline in global GDP by 2030, South Asia among the worst-hit. Alongside, without our fellow species, we lose the wonders and beauty of the world.
There are solutions to halt this growing loss. We can rejuvenate wild habitat, protect humans sharing lands with animals and respect wildlife’s need or peace. Thinking about animals helps us understand the alchemy of existence.


How much forestland, according to the passage, is destroyed every year? (Selection Post Matriculation level)

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
As the world’s population approaches 8 billion and resource use intensifies, pollution is ever more extensive, pervasive, and persistent. It affects our health through the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. By 2025, the world’s cities will produce 2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year, more than three times the amount produced in 2009. That said, pollution is not a new phenomenon and is largely controllable and often avoidable, as shown in some countries and cities that have succeeded in decoupling economic growth from pollution and waste accumulation.
With the end goal to eradicate all forms of pollution by 2030, the UN Environment Programme was tasked by the UN Environment Assembly to coordinate the implementation of a global plan reiterating that pollution is not only an environmental priority, it's a priority for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Which of the following most accurately states the central idea of the passage? (SICPO Paper I 2023)

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Mountains occupy about a quarter of the Earth’s land, harbour most of its biodiversity hotspots and supply fresh water to an estimated half of humanity. Present on every continent, mountains include a multitude of ecosystems holding many unique species such as snow leopards and mountain gorillas. They are also home to great cultural diversity among people adapted to the challenges of mountain life. Their special traditions and breath-taking scenery attract ever-growing numbers of tourists.
Mountain regions are particularly sensitive to degradation from both human pressures and climate change. Steep slopes mean the clearing of forest for farming, settlements or infrastructure can cause serious soil erosion as well as the loss of habitat. Erosion and pollution harm the quality of water flowing downstream. Climate change threatens the quantity and timing of water supplies to farms, cities, industry and power stations. Fast-rising temperatures are forcing mountain species, ecosystems and the people that depend on them to adapt or migrate.Which of the following most accurately states the central idea of the passage? (SICPO Paper I 2023)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has recently released its ‘Living Planet Report 2022’ – this finds a 69% decline in wildlife populations between 1970 and 2018. ‘Vertebrate wildlife groups have fallen by two-thirds globally while freshwater species have shrunk by 83%. One million planets and animals face extinction – about 2.5% of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish have gone forever. The crisis is caused by the Anthropocene, our era of sprawling human impacts, extending from heating Earth’s atmosphere to making oceans acidic and destroying habitat. Many animals inhabit trees, nooks and crannies in forests across Earth – yet, every year, we destroy ten million hectares of forestlands. Our greenhouse gas emissions warm the world, causing extreme weather events, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and the collapse of productive plants. This forces wildlife to travel, seeking water and food. As they wander, they face human-animal conflicts over resources. We have a few consolations of metal and plastic to amuse ourselves with through this destruction – the animals of the Anthropocene have none.
However, losing them has huge implications for humanity. According to the World Economic Forum, an analysis of 163 industry sectors shows over half the world’s GDP is dependent on nature and ecosystem services performed by animals. About $44 trillion of economic value generation comes from such services- the World Bank finds their collapse could cause a $2.7 trillion annual decline in global GDP by 2030, South Asia among the worst-hit. Alongside, without our fellow species, we lose the wonders and beauty of the world.
There are solutions to halt this growing loss. We can rejuvenate wild habitat, protect humans sharing lands with animals and respect wildlife’s need or peace. Thinking about animals helps us understand the alchemy of existence.


Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons for human-animal conflict? (Selection Post Matriculation level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It is a phenomenon that has been caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and can be felt in many different ways.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. The average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and this rise is expected to continue in the coming years. This increase in temperature is causing a range of changes in the Earth's climate, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Another consequence of climate change is the loss of biodiversity. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species of plants and animals are struggling to adapt. This is leading to a decline in biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on human societies. Rising sea levels, for example, are putting millions of people at risk of flooding and displacement. In addition, changes in weather patterns are leading to crop failures and food shortages, particularly in developing countries where many people rely on subsistence agriculture.
To address the issue of climate change, there needs to be a concerted effort at the global level. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changes that are already taking place.
One of the most important steps that can be taken is to transition to renewable energy sources. This means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Governments can incentivise the adoption of renewable energy by providing subsidies and tax breaks, while businesses can invest in new technologies and sustainable practices.
Individuals can also play a role in reducing their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using public transport instead of driving, reducing meat consumption, and reducing energy consumption at home. Small changes in individual behaviour can add up to make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, climate change is a complex issue that requires a global response. The consequences of inaction are severe, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact. By working together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.How can individuals contribute to reducing their carbon footprint? (Selection Post Higher Secondary level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It is a phenomenon that has been caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and can be felt in many different ways.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. The average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and this rise is expected to continue in the coming years. This increase in temperature is causing a range of changes in the Earth's climate, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Another consequence of climate change is the loss of biodiversity. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species of plants and animals are struggling to adapt. This is leading to a decline in biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on human societies. Rising sea levels, for example, are putting millions of people at risk of flooding and displacement. In addition, changes in weather patterns are leading to crop failures and food shortages, particularly in developing countries where many people rely on subsistence agriculture.
To address the issue of climate change, there needs to be a concerted effort at the global level. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changes that are already taking place.
One of the most important steps that can be taken is to transition to renewable energy sources. This means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Governments can incentivise the adoption of renewable energy by providing subsidies and tax breaks, while businesses can invest in new technologies and sustainable practices.
Individuals can also play a role in reducing their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using public transport instead of driving, reducing meat consumption, and reducing energy consumption at home. Small changes in individual behaviour can add up to make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, climate change is a complex issue that requires a global response. The consequences of inaction are severe, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact. By working together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.What is one of the most important steps that can be taken to address climate change? (Selection Post Higher Secondary level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It is a phenomenon that has been caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and can be felt in many different ways.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. The average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and this rise is expected to continue in the coming years. This increase in temperature is causing a range of changes in the Earth's climate, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Another consequence of climate change is the loss of biodiversity. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species of plants and animals are struggling to adapt. This is leading to a decline in biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on human societies. Rising sea levels, for example, are putting millions of people at risk of flooding and displacement. In addition, changes in weather patterns are leading to crop failures and food shortages, particularly in developing countries where many people rely on subsistence agriculture.
To address the issue of climate change, there needs to be a concerted effort at the global level. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changes that are already taking place.
One of the most important steps that can be taken is to transition to renewable energy sources. This means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Governments can incentivise the adoption of renewable energy by providing subsidies and tax breaks, while businesses can invest in new technologies and sustainable practices.
Individuals can also play a role in reducing their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using public transport instead of driving, reducing meat consumption, and reducing energy consumption at home. Small changes in individual behaviour can add up to make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, climate change is a complex issue that requires a global response. The consequences of inaction are severe, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact. By working together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.What is the central theme of the passage? (Selection Post Higher Secondary level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It is a phenomenon that has been caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This has led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and can be felt in many different ways.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. The average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and this rise is expected to continue in the coming years. This increase in temperature is causing a range of changes in the Earth's climate, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
Another consequence of climate change is the loss of biodiversity. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species of plants and animals are struggling to adapt. This is leading to a decline in biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on human societies. Rising sea levels, for example, are putting millions of people at risk of flooding and displacement. In addition, changes in weather patterns are leading to crop failures and food shortages, particularly in developing countries where many people rely on subsistence agriculture.
To address the issue of climate change, there needs to be a concerted effort at the global level. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changes that are already taking place.
One of the most important steps that can be taken is to transition to renewable energy sources. This means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Governments can incentivise the adoption of renewable energy by providing subsidies and tax breaks, while businesses can invest in new technologies and sustainable practices.
Individuals can also play a role in reducing their carbon footprint. This can be achieved by using public transport instead of driving, reducing meat consumption, and reducing energy consumption at home. Small changes in individual behaviour can add up to make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, climate change is a complex issue that requires a global response. The consequences of inaction are severe, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact. By working together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of climate change, discussed in the passage? (Selection Post Higher Secondary level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city’s urban area by the local urban development authority. Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It’s a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India’s urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it’s not just big cities. India’s urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005, smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India’s urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

What was the protest of the residents of Bhavanpur about? (Selection Post Phase X Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.

Wetlands, the most economically valuable and among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, are disappearing three times faster than forests which will lead to severe consequences. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970 - 2015 with annual rates of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever Global Wetland Outlook of the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty ratified by 170 countries to protect wetlands and promote their wise use. Wetlands, which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands as well as coastal and marine areas such as estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs, are currently estimated to cover more than 12.1 million km2, an area greater than Canada.
Wetlands contribute to climate regulation and support ecosystems and biodiversity. Plants in swamps absorb pollutants, mangroves store carbon, lakes and underground aquifers are a crucial source of water, and coral reefs protect coastlines from wave action and serve as shelter for marine organisms. Wetlands are home to indigenous peoples and a natural source of livelihoods for their communities. They provide drinking water, energy, fisheries, agriculture, transport, recreation, cultural values and tourism. While human-made wetlands - largely rice paddy and reservoirs - have almost doubled between 1970 and 2015, natural wetlands have been progressively declining. Losses have been driven by megatrends such as climate change, population increase, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns that have all fuelled changes to land and water use and to agriculture. Increasing pollution and land overuse significantly affect wetlands’ water quality. This impacts the livelihoods of communities living near wetlands. Untreated wastewater, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and erosion can severely compromise the water by escalating the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, salinity and faecal coliform bacteria. The main international efforts to promote the conservation and prudent use of wetlands are through the secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. 170 countries - or almost 90 per cent of UN member states - from all regions have become Contracting Parties of the treaty.

___________ exerts influence on the sustenance of people dwelling adjacent to the wetland. (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Do you know that fashion accounts for around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity?
It is imperative that we educate ourselves about the ways in which we can reduce the impact our wardrobe has on the climate.
We are a society that is addicted to mindless consumerism. Each of us needs to think deeply about the ways and means through which we can reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. Let us begin with our wardrobe. What is it that leads us to over-purchase? Is there an underlying reason for our compulsive buying?
Psychologists say that underlying the impulse to buy is our need for self-esteem, status and belonging. They also say that the impulse to shop is difficult to control with the emergence of online shopping 24/7 over the internet.
One way to beat this is to simply ration the time you spend looking at clothes online. Another way is to open vintage or second-hand clothes stores. The latter can be more successful as it still gives the buyer the thrill of buying and experiencing the sense of reward and fulfillment. In doing so, one slows down the fast-fashion cycle by giving a second life to clothes.
Besides buying less, one can extend the life of our clothes by mending and repairing them. Websites like Love your Clothes encourage this and also offer tips on how to do this.
Finally, how one disposes one’s worn out clothes at the end of their useful life is also very important. Dumping them only adds to the huge landfills or to increased harmful emissions through incineration. The most environmentally sound way of disposing them is to send them for recycling. Some major manufacturers have now started using recycled fabrics, but it is often hard for consumers to find places to take their old clothes.According to the passage, we can all contribute towards a healthy environment by rethinking about our: (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Do you know that fashion accounts for around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity?
It is imperative that we educate ourselves about the ways in which we can reduce the impact our wardrobe has on the climate.
We are a society that is addicted to mindless consumerism. Each of us needs to think deeply about the ways and means through which we can reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. Let us begin with our wardrobe. What is it that leads us to over-purchase? Is there an underlying reason for our compulsive buying?
Psychologists say that underlying the impulse to buy is our need for self-esteem, status and belonging. They also say that the impulse to shop is difficult to control with the emergence of online shopping 24/7 over the internet.
One way to beat this is to simply ration the time you spend looking at clothes online. Another way is to open vintage or second-hand clothes stores. The latter can be more successful as it still gives the buyer the thrill of buying and experiencing the sense of reward and fulfillment. In doing so, one slows down the fast-fashion cycle by giving a second life to clothes.
Besides buying less, one can extend the life of our clothes by mending and repairing them. Websites like Love your Clothes encourage this and also offer tips on how to do this.
Finally, how one disposes one’s worn out clothes at the end of their useful life is also very important. Dumping them only adds to the huge landfills or to increased harmful emissions through incineration. The most environmentally sound way of disposing them is to send them for recycling. Some major manufacturers have now started using recycled fabrics, but it is often hard for consumers to find places to take their old clothes.Love your Clothes is an organisation that works for a sustainable environment by teaching people how to ______ their clothes. (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Many scientists believe that oceans will not look the same in the future. Oceans will change their colour. The reason behind this scenario will be climatic change as it will make the blue and green colour of the oceans bluer and greener, respectively. Many scientific researchers have proven that it will stimulate the growth of many creatures that live in oceans and affect the colour we see. The reason we find an ocean blue is the combination is the sunlight’s interaction with water molecules and whichever creatures live in the water. The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back. The green colour of the water is because of Phytoplankton which are tiny microscopic organisms like plants that use sunlight to create a chemical energy which is essential for their survival.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Survival (Selection Post Phase X Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

The French capital, Paris, hosts a dozen ‘repair cafes’ – free, monthly initiatives that allow local residents to fix household objects and electronics with the help and advice of enthusiastic volunteers. Pioneered by journalist Martine Postma in Amsterdam in 2009, hundreds of similar workshops take place across Europe. Nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones.
"We're a society of waste and overconsumption," says Emmanuel Vallée, organiser of the Repair Café Paris, which typically sees around 25 people attending per event, including some online, since it launched in May 2019. "We throw things away that we don't need to and buy new gadgets before exploring the possibility of repair. The cycle continues. It's a vicious circle."
For Vallée and repairers like him, there's a lot of work to be done. The world produced nearly 45 million tonnes of e-waste in 2016 as consumers and businesses threw out their old smartphones, computers and household appliances – material worth an estimated $62.5bn. Only 20% was properly recycled. In Europe, where the problem is particularly acute, researchers estimate that only 12% to 15% of mobile phones are properly recycled – despite around 90% of the population owning one.
E-waste, which is often shipped illegally from the West to sprawling, toxic dumpsites in countries like the Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria and China, is expected to grow to more than 52 million tonnes by the end of 2021, and to double by 2050 – making it the fastest growing type of domestic waste in the world. The environmental impact ranges from huge carbon emissions to pollution of water sources and food supply chains.
But significant amounts of that waste could be avoided through repairs. According to a study, only 40% of electronics breakdowns in France are repaired. But surveys have found nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones. French officials truly believe the current system is broken and needs to be fixed.
In an effort to defuse this vast amount of avoidable waste, France's National Assembly last year voted to introduce an index of "reparability" ratings for appliances such as washing machines, lawnmowers, televisions and smartphones. In doing so, the French government hopes to increase the electronics repair rate to 60% within five years.By introducing an index of ‘reparability’ ratings for appliances it is expected: (Selection Post Higher Secondary Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

The French capital, Paris, hosts a dozen ‘repair cafes’ – free, monthly initiatives that allow local residents to fix household objects and electronics with the help and advice of enthusiastic volunteers. Pioneered by journalist Martine Postma in Amsterdam in 2009, hundreds of similar workshops take place across Europe. Nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones.
"We're a society of waste and overconsumption," says Emmanuel Vallée, organiser of the Repair Café Paris, which typically sees around 25 people attending per event, including some online, since it launched in May 2019. "We throw things away that we don't need to and buy new gadgets before exploring the possibility of repair. The cycle continues. It's a vicious circle."
For Vallée and repairers like him, there's a lot of work to be done. The world produced nearly 45 million tonnes of e-waste in 2016 as consumers and businesses threw out their old smartphones, computers and household appliances – material worth an estimated $62.5bn. Only 20% was properly recycled. In Europe, where the problem is particularly acute, researchers estimate that only 12% to 15% of mobile phones are properly recycled – despite around 90% of the population owning one.
E-waste, which is often shipped illegally from the West to sprawling, toxic dumpsites in countries like the Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria and China, is expected to grow to more than 52 million tonnes by the end of 2021, and to double by 2050 – making it the fastest growing type of domestic waste in the world. The environmental impact ranges from huge carbon emissions to pollution of water sources and food supply chains.
But significant amounts of that waste could be avoided through repairs. According to a study, only 40% of electronics breakdowns in France are repaired. But surveys have found nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones. French officials truly believe the current system is broken and needs to be fixed.
In an effort to defuse this vast amount of avoidable waste, France's National Assembly last year voted to introduce an index of "reparability" ratings for appliances such as washing machines, lawnmowers, televisions and smartphones. In doing so, the French government hopes to increase the electronics repair rate to 60% within five years.“The cycle continues. It's a vicious circle." The writer calls it a vicious circle because: (Selection Post Higher Secondary Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

The French capital, Paris, hosts a dozen ‘repair cafes’ – free, monthly initiatives that allow local residents to fix household objects and electronics with the help and advice of enthusiastic volunteers. Pioneered by journalist Martine Postma in Amsterdam in 2009, hundreds of similar workshops take place across Europe. Nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones.
"We're a society of waste and overconsumption," says Emmanuel Vallée, organiser of the Repair Café Paris, which typically sees around 25 people attending per event, including some online, since it launched in May 2019. "We throw things away that we don't need to and buy new gadgets before exploring the possibility of repair. The cycle continues. It's a vicious circle."
For Vallée and repairers like him, there's a lot of work to be done. The world produced nearly 45 million tonnes of e-waste in 2016 as consumers and businesses threw out their old smartphones, computers and household appliances – material worth an estimated $62.5bn. Only 20% was properly recycled. In Europe, where the problem is particularly acute, researchers estimate that only 12% to 15% of mobile phones are properly recycled – despite around 90% of the population owning one.
E-waste, which is often shipped illegally from the West to sprawling, toxic dumpsites in countries like the Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria and China, is expected to grow to more than 52 million tonnes by the end of 2021, and to double by 2050 – making it the fastest growing type of domestic waste in the world. The environmental impact ranges from huge carbon emissions to pollution of water sources and food supply chains.
But significant amounts of that waste could be avoided through repairs. According to a study, only 40% of electronics breakdowns in France are repaired. But surveys have found nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones. French officials truly believe the current system is broken and needs to be fixed.
In an effort to defuse this vast amount of avoidable waste, France's National Assembly last year voted to introduce an index of "reparability" ratings for appliances such as washing machines, lawnmowers, televisions and smartphones. In doing so, the French government hopes to increase the electronics repair rate to 60% within five years.The purpose of starting the project ‘Repair Cafes’ was to: (Selection Post Higher Secondary Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Floods are not new to India and this sub-continent, but in recent years the problem has received much greater attention perhaps largely because it has led to much greater damage than in the past. Even though information on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate and certainly timelier, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by which damage can be minimised. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods resulting from sudden and excessively heavy rain.
In the case of India, flooding is very much a function of the seasonal nature of our rainfall. The monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often bring a concentrated volume of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and finds outlet only in the form of streams that join up with our major river systems. But, flooding is not confined only to the main rivers of the country, often smaller tributaries and streams can cause heavy damage as well. Once these streams spill over their banks they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living near the banks of these streams particularly in mountain areas do not have easy recourse to moving away quickly.
One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future is the danger of climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts resulting from climate change on precipitation and flooding at the regional level is not entirely clear, it could happen that the Indian subcontinent witnesses and suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of monsoons. One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration, but far more intensive. In other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a much shorter period of time, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is the result of human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.
At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of flood through the cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In the case of India, the ecological damage through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes and high levels of siltation. This leads to deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and hence spill-over of water whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With siltation on the river beds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. However, even in cases where forecasts have been timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move away, because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away from a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to make, and often the time available for relief is very short.Which of the following is a consequence of siltation on river beds? (Selection Post Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Floods are not new to India and this sub-continent, but in recent years the problem has received much greater attention perhaps largely because it has led to much greater damage than in the past. Even though information on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate and certainly timelier, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by which damage can be minimised. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods resulting from sudden and excessively heavy rain.
In the case of India, flooding is very much a function of the seasonal nature of our rainfall. The monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often bring a concentrated volume of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and finds outlet only in the form of streams that join up with our major river systems. But, flooding is not confined only to the main rivers of the country, often smaller tributaries and streams can cause heavy damage as well. Once these streams spill over their banks they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living near the banks of these streams particularly in mountain areas do not have easy recourse to moving away quickly.
One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future is the danger of climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts resulting from climate change on precipitation and flooding at the regional level is not entirely clear, it could happen that the Indian subcontinent witnesses and suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of monsoons. One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration, but far more intensive. In other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a much shorter period of time, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is the result of human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.
At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of flood through the cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In the case of India, the ecological damage through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes and high levels of siltation. This leads to deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and hence spill-over of water whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With siltation on the river beds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. However, even in cases where forecasts have been timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move away, because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away from a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to make, and often the time available for relief is very short.Which of the following human actions increases the danger of flooding? (Selection Post Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Floods are not new to India and this sub-continent, but in recent years the problem has received much greater attention perhaps largely because it has led to much greater damage than in the past. Even though information on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate and certainly timelier, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by which damage can be minimised. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods resulting from sudden and excessively heavy rain.
In the case of India, flooding is very much a function of the seasonal nature of our rainfall. The monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often bring a concentrated volume of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and finds outlet only in the form of streams that join up with our major river systems. But, flooding is not confined only to the main rivers of the country, often smaller tributaries and streams can cause heavy damage as well. Once these streams spill over their banks they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living near the banks of these streams particularly in mountain areas do not have easy recourse to moving away quickly.
One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future is the danger of climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts resulting from climate change on precipitation and flooding at the regional level is not entirely clear, it could happen that the Indian subcontinent witnesses and suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of monsoons. One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration, but far more intensive. In other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a much shorter period of time, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is the result of human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.
At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of flood through the cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In the case of India, the ecological damage through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes and high levels of siltation. This leads to deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and hence spill-over of water whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With siltation on the river beds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. However, even in cases where forecasts have been timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move away, because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away from a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to make, and often the time available for relief is very short.Which of the following predictions made by certain scientists creates a larger threat of floods in India? (Selection Post Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Floods are not new to India and this sub-continent, but in recent years the problem has received much greater attention perhaps largely because it has led to much greater damage than in the past. Even though information on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate and certainly timelier, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by which damage can be minimised. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods resulting from sudden and excessively heavy rain.
In the case of India, flooding is very much a function of the seasonal nature of our rainfall. The monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often bring a concentrated volume of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and finds outlet only in the form of streams that join up with our major river systems. But, flooding is not confined only to the main rivers of the country, often smaller tributaries and streams can cause heavy damage as well. Once these streams spill over their banks they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living near the banks of these streams particularly in mountain areas do not have easy recourse to moving away quickly.
One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future is the danger of climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts resulting from climate change on precipitation and flooding at the regional level is not entirely clear, it could happen that the Indian subcontinent witnesses and suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of monsoons. One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration, but far more intensive. In other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a much shorter period of time, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is the result of human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.
At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of flood through the cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In the case of India, the ecological damage through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes and high levels of siltation. This leads to deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and hence spill-over of water whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With siltation on the river beds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. However, even in cases where forecasts have been timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move away, because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away from a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to make, and often the time available for relief is very short.What causes flash floods? (Selection Post Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Floods are not new to India and this sub-continent, but in recent years the problem has received much greater attention perhaps largely because it has led to much greater damage than in the past. Even though information on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate and certainly timelier, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by which damage can be minimised. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods resulting from sudden and excessively heavy rain.
In the case of India, flooding is very much a function of the seasonal nature of our rainfall. The monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often bring a concentrated volume of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and finds outlet only in the form of streams that join up with our major river systems. But, flooding is not confined only to the main rivers of the country, often smaller tributaries and streams can cause heavy damage as well. Once these streams spill over their banks they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living near the banks of these streams particularly in mountain areas do not have easy recourse to moving away quickly.
One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future is the danger of climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts resulting from climate change on precipitation and flooding at the regional level is not entirely clear, it could happen that the Indian subcontinent witnesses and suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of monsoons. One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration, but far more intensive. In other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a much shorter period of time, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is the result of human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.
At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of flood through the cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In the case of India, the ecological damage through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes and high levels of siltation. This leads to deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and hence spill-over of water whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With siltation on the river beds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. However, even in cases where forecasts have been timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move away, because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away from a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to make, and often the time available for relief is very short.The problem of floods has recently received attention due to: (Selection Post Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city’s urban area by the local urban development authority. Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It’s a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India’s urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it’s not just big cities. India’s urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005, smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India’s urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.What are the views of the author of the passage? (Selection Post Phase X Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city’s urban area by the local urban development authority. Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It’s a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India’s urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it’s not just big cities. India’s urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005, smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India’s urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.Why is the template of urban development NOT working successfully ? (Selection Post Phase X Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Do you know that fashion accounts for around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity?
It is imperative that we educate ourselves about the ways in which we can reduce the impact our wardrobe has on the climate.
We are a society that is addicted to mindless consumerism. Each of us needs to think deeply about the ways and means through which we can reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. Let us begin with our wardrobe. What is it that leads us to over-purchase? Is there an underlying reason for our compulsive buying?
Psychologists say that underlying the impulse to buy is our need for self-esteem, status and belonging. They also say that the impulse to shop is difficult to control with the emergence of online shopping 24/7 over the internet.
One way to beat this is to simply ration the time you spend looking at clothes online. Another way is to open vintage or second-hand clothes stores. The latter can be more successful as it still gives the buyer the thrill of buying and experiencing the sense of reward and fulfillment. In doing so, one slows down the fast-fashion cycle by giving a second life to clothes.
Besides buying less, one can extend the life of our clothes by mending and repairing them. Websites like Love your Clothes encourage this and also offer tips on how to do this.
Finally, how one disposes one’s worn out clothes at the end of their useful life is also very important. Dumping them only adds to the huge landfills or to increased harmful emissions through incineration. The most environmentally sound way of disposing them is to send them for recycling. Some major manufacturers have now started using recycled fabrics, but it is often hard for consumers to find places to take their old clothes.Manufacturers can contribute to the environment by motivating people to return their worn out clothes for: (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Many scientists believe that oceans will not look the same in the future. Oceans will change their colour. The reason behind this scenario will be climatic change as it will make the blue and green colour of the oceans bluer and greener, respectively. Many scientific researchers have proven that it will stimulate the growth of many creatures that live in oceans and affect the colour we see. The reason we find an ocean blue is the combination is the sunlight’s interaction with water molecules and whichever creatures live in the water. The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back. The green colour of the water is because of Phytoplankton which are tiny microscopic organisms like plants that use sunlight to create a chemical energy which is essential for their survival.Identify the tone of the given passage. (Selection Post Phase X Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Many scientists believe that oceans will not look the same in the future. Oceans will change their colour. The reason behind this scenario will be climatic change as it will make the blue and green colour of the oceans bluer and greener, respectively. Many scientific researchers have proven that it will stimulate the growth of many creatures that live in oceans and affect the colour we see. The reason we find an ocean blue is the combination is the sunlight’s interaction with water molecules and whichever creatures live in the water. The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back. The green colour of the water is because of Phytoplankton which are tiny microscopic organisms like plants that use sunlight to create a chemical energy which is essential for their survival.Select the word from the passage that best explains the given word.

Phytoplankton (Selection Post Phase X Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Many scientists believe that oceans will not look the same in the future. Oceans will change their colour. The reason behind this scenario will be climatic change as it will make the blue and green colour of the oceans bluer and greener, respectively. Many scientific researchers have proven that it will stimulate the growth of many creatures that live in oceans and affect the colour we see. The reason we find an ocean blue is the combination is the sunlight’s interaction with water molecules and whichever creatures live in the water. The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back. The green colour of the water is because of Phytoplankton which are tiny microscopic organisms like plants that use sunlight to create a chemical energy which is essential for their survival.Choose the most appropriate title for the passage. (Selection Post Phase X Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.

Wetlands, the most economically valuable and among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, are disappearing three times faster than forests which will lead to severe consequences. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970 - 2015 with annual rates of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever Global Wetland Outlook of the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty ratified by 170 countries to protect wetlands and promote their wise use. Wetlands, which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands as well as coastal and marine areas such as estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs, are currently estimated to cover more than 12.1 million km2, an area greater than Canada.
Wetlands contribute to climate regulation and support ecosystems and biodiversity. Plants in swamps absorb pollutants, mangroves store carbon, lakes and underground aquifers are a crucial source of water, and coral reefs protect coastlines from wave action and serve as shelter for marine organisms. Wetlands are home to indigenous peoples and a natural source of livelihoods for their communities. They provide drinking water, energy, fisheries, agriculture, transport, recreation, cultural values and tourism. While human-made wetlands - largely rice paddy and reservoirs - have almost doubled between 1970 and 2015, natural wetlands have been progressively declining. Losses have been driven by megatrends such as climate change, population increase, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns that have all fuelled changes to land and water use and to agriculture. Increasing pollution and land overuse significantly affect wetlands’ water quality. This impacts the livelihoods of communities living near wetlands. Untreated wastewater, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and erosion can severely compromise the water by escalating the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, salinity and faecal coliform bacteria. The main international efforts to promote the conservation and prudent use of wetlands are through the secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. 170 countries - or almost 90 per cent of UN member states - from all regions have become Contracting Parties of the treaty.Select an appropriate title from the given options. (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.

Wetlands, the most economically valuable and among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, are disappearing three times faster than forests which will lead to severe consequences. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970 - 2015 with annual rates of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever Global Wetland Outlook of the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty ratified by 170 countries to protect wetlands and promote their wise use. Wetlands, which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands as well as coastal and marine areas such as estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs, are currently estimated to cover more than 12.1 million km2, an area greater than Canada.
Wetlands contribute to climate regulation and support ecosystems and biodiversity. Plants in swamps absorb pollutants, mangroves store carbon, lakes and underground aquifers are a crucial source of water, and coral reefs protect coastlines from wave action and serve as shelter for marine organisms. Wetlands are home to indigenous peoples and a natural source of livelihoods for their communities. They provide drinking water, energy, fisheries, agriculture, transport, recreation, cultural values and tourism. While human-made wetlands - largely rice paddy and reservoirs - have almost doubled between 1970 and 2015, natural wetlands have been progressively declining. Losses have been driven by megatrends such as climate change, population increase, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns that have all fuelled changes to land and water use and to agriculture. Increasing pollution and land overuse significantly affect wetlands’ water quality. This impacts the livelihoods of communities living near wetlands. Untreated wastewater, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and erosion can severely compromise the water by escalating the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, salinity and faecal coliform bacteria. The main international efforts to promote the conservation and prudent use of wetlands are through the secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. 170 countries - or almost 90 per cent of UN member states - from all regions have become Contracting Parties of the treaty.Select an appropriate tone of the passage. (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city’s urban area by the local urban development authority. Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It’s a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India’s urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it’s not just big cities. India’s urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005, smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India’s urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.What does the term ‘reverse migration’ refer to? (Selection Post Phase X Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.

Wetlands, the most economically valuable and among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, are disappearing three times faster than forests which will lead to severe consequences. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970 - 2015 with annual rates of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever Global Wetland Outlook of the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty ratified by 170 countries to protect wetlands and promote their wise use. Wetlands, which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands as well as coastal and marine areas such as estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs, are currently estimated to cover more than 12.1 million km2, an area greater than Canada.
Wetlands contribute to climate regulation and support ecosystems and biodiversity. Plants in swamps absorb pollutants, mangroves store carbon, lakes and underground aquifers are a crucial source of water, and coral reefs protect coastlines from wave action and serve as shelter for marine organisms. Wetlands are home to indigenous peoples and a natural source of livelihoods for their communities. They provide drinking water, energy, fisheries, agriculture, transport, recreation, cultural values and tourism. While human-made wetlands - largely rice paddy and reservoirs - have almost doubled between 1970 and 2015, natural wetlands have been progressively declining. Losses have been driven by megatrends such as climate change, population increase, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns that have all fuelled changes to land and water use and to agriculture. Increasing pollution and land overuse significantly affect wetlands’ water quality. This impacts the livelihoods of communities living near wetlands. Untreated wastewater, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and erosion can severely compromise the water by escalating the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, salinity and faecal coliform bacteria. The main international efforts to promote the conservation and prudent use of wetlands are through the secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. 170 countries - or almost 90 per cent of UN member states - from all regions have become Contracting Parties of the treaty.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

Fuel (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city’s urban area by the local urban development authority. Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It’s a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India’s urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it’s not just big cities. India’s urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005, smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India’s urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

How much percentage of India’s current population lives in rural areas? (Selection Post Phase X Graduate Level)

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.

Wetlands, the most economically valuable and among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, are disappearing three times faster than forests which will lead to severe consequences. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970 - 2015 with annual rates of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever Global Wetland Outlook of the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty ratified by 170 countries to protect wetlands and promote their wise use. Wetlands, which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands as well as coastal and marine areas such as estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs, are currently estimated to cover more than 12.1 million km2, an area greater than Canada.
Wetlands contribute to climate regulation and support ecosystems and biodiversity. Plants in swamps absorb pollutants, mangroves store carbon, lakes and underground aquifers are a crucial source of water, and coral reefs protect coastlines from wave action and serve as shelter for marine organisms. Wetlands are home to indigenous peoples and a natural source of livelihoods for their communities. They provide drinking water, energy, fisheries, agriculture, transport, recreation, cultural values and tourism. While human-made wetlands - largely rice paddy and reservoirs - have almost doubled between 1970 and 2015, natural wetlands have been progressively declining. Losses have been driven by megatrends such as climate change, population increase, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns that have all fuelled changes to land and water use and to agriculture. Increasing pollution and land overuse significantly affect wetlands’ water quality. This impacts the livelihoods of communities living near wetlands. Untreated wastewater, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and erosion can severely compromise the water by escalating the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, salinity and faecal coliform bacteria. The main international efforts to promote the conservation and prudent use of wetlands are through the secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. 170 countries - or almost 90 per cent of UN member states - from all regions have become Contracting Parties of the treaty.Ramsar Convention was signed in the year ____________. (Selection Post Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Many scientists believe that oceans will not look the same in the future. Oceans will change their colour. The reason behind this scenario will be climatic change as it will make the blue and green colour of the oceans bluer and greener, respectively. Many scientific researchers have proven that it will stimulate the growth of many creatures that live in oceans and affect the colour we see. The reason we find an ocean blue is the combination is the sunlight’s interaction with water molecules and whichever creatures live in the water. The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back. The green colour of the water is because of Phytoplankton which are tiny microscopic organisms like plants that use sunlight to create a chemical energy which is essential for their survival.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Absorb (Selection Post Phase X Matriculation Level)

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

The French capital, Paris, hosts a dozen ‘repair cafes’ – free, monthly initiatives that allow local residents to fix household objects and electronics with the help and advice of enthusiastic volunteers. Pioneered by journalist Martine Postma in Amsterdam in 2009, hundreds of similar workshops take place across Europe. Nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones.
"We're a society of waste and overconsumption," says Emmanuel Vallée, organiser of the Repair Café Paris, which typically sees around 25 people attending per event, including some online, since it launched in May 2019. "We throw things away that we don't need to and buy new gadgets before exploring the possibility of repair. The cycle continues. It's a vicious circle."
For Vallée and repairers like him, there's a lot of work to be done. The world produced nearly 45 million tonnes of e-waste in 2016 as consumers and businesses threw out their old smartphones, computers and household appliances – material worth an estimated $62.5bn. Only 20% was properly recycled. In Europe, where the problem is particularly acute, researchers estimate that only 12% to 15% of mobile phones are properly recycled – despite around 90% of the population owning one.
E-waste, which is often shipped illegally from the West to sprawling, toxic dumpsites in countries like the Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria and China, is expected to grow to more than 52 million tonnes by the end of 2021, and to double by 2050 – making it the fastest growing type of domestic waste in the world. The environmental impact ranges from huge carbon emissions to pollution of water sources and food supply chains.
But significant amounts of that waste could be avoided through repairs. According to a study, only 40% of electronics breakdowns in France are repaired. But surveys have found nearly two-thirds of Europeans would rather repair their products than buy new ones. French officials truly believe the current system is broken and needs to be fixed.
In an effort to defuse this vast amount of avoidable waste, France's National Assembly last year voted to introduce an index of "reparability" ratings for appliances such as washing machines, lawnmowers, televisions and smartphones. In doing so, the French government hopes to increase the electronics repair rate to 60% within five years.Repair Cafés were started in Paris in: (Selection Post Higher Secondary Level)

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the below options.
Many people think of global warming and climate change as synonyms, but scientists prefer to use “climate change” when describing the ________ shifts now affecting our planet’s weather and climate systems.  (ASI Stenographer)

According to the passage, reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants can result in:

What is the main benefit of putting health at the centre of climate policy?

Direction: In each question below is a passage followed by several inferences. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage and decide upon its degree of truth or falsity.
Mark your answer as: 
A. Definitely true, if the inference directly follows from the facts given in the passage. 
B. Probably true, if the inference is not definitely true in the light of the facts given.
C. Inadequate data if you cannot say whether the inference is likely to be true or false from the given facts
D. Probably false, if the inference is not definitely false in the light of the facts given.

Different types of pollution are affecting our environment and the one type which is of the biggest concern is plastic pollution. It pollutes our environment as every year tonnes of plastic are dumped into the rivers, beaches, and streets. As it does not dissolve, thereby hampers the purity of water. It is often seen that plastic polybags are being eaten by cows. Dumping of plastic ruins the image of the country among tourists as well which is the worst as a good share of budget income is incurred from this sector. Just to clean this trash and protect the environment, the government spends an amount that is basically borne by the taxpayers, still, this step has not made a huge and positive impact. 

Choose the correct option for the inference given below:

Inference: Urban people are solely responsible for plastic pollution.

Direction: In each question below is a passage followed by several inferences. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage and decide upon its degree of truth or falsity.
Mark your answer as: 
A. Definitely true, if the inference directly follows from the facts given in the passage. 
B. Probably true, if the inference is not definitely true in the light of the facts given.
C. Inadequate data if you cannot say whether the inference is likely to be true or false from the given facts
D. Probably false, if the inference is not definitely false in the light of the facts given.

Different types of pollution are affecting our environment and the one type which is of the biggest concern is plastic pollution. It pollutes our environment as every year tonnes of plastic are dumped into the rivers, beaches, and streets. As it does not dissolve, thereby hampers the purity of water. It is often seen that plastic polybags are being eaten by cows. Dumping of plastic ruins the image of the country among tourists as well which is the worst as a good share of budget income is incurred from this sector. Just to clean this trash and protect the environment, the government spends an amount that is basically borne by the taxpayers, still, this step has not made a huge and positive impact. 

Choose the correct option for the inference given below:

Inference: The government is using cheap methods or technology to clean beaches, rivers, and streets.

How are baby wipes, apparently harmless enough to be meant for use on infants, harmful for the environment?

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Select the correct option to fill in the blanks.
The World Bank was established to 1_______ global economic stability and reduce poverty. Over the decades, it has 2_______ financial and technical support to developing nations. However, it has also faced criticism for promoting policies that sometimes 3_______ local economies. Recent reforms have aimed to make its operations more 4_______ and inclusive.

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Select the correct option to fill in the blanks.

The shifting of seasons plays a crucial role in our environment, marking changes in temperature, weather, and natural 1_______. These transitions impact agriculture, human health, and animal migration. While spring brings 2_______ and growth, autumn often signals 3_______ and preparation for colder days. However, with climate change, seasonal patterns have become increasingly 4_______, making long-term planning difficult.

The benefits of the Amazon basin as mentioned in the passage are:

A. It comprises of about 400 known indigenous groups.

B. It hosts massive sinks of sequestered carbon.

C. It is unhelpful in regulating the monsoons.

D. It harbours rich biodiversity.