Topic Acid Rain
Asked 3 times across 3 UPSC exams over 35 years (1988–2023), peaking in 1988.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 3 PYQs
- Most asked in 1988
- Recurs across 3 years (1988–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1988 → EPFO 2015 → CAPF 2023
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (2 of 3) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CAPF2023
Which one of the following is the main cause of the acid rains ?
- A The Sun causes heating of upper layer of atmosphere.
- B The burning of fossil fuels releases oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere. ✓
- C The electrical charges are produced due to friction amongst clouds.
- D The atmosphere of the Earth contains acids.
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
EPFO2015
Acid rain is due to
- A Sulphur dioxide pollution ✓
- B Carbon monoxide pollution
- C Pesticide pollution
- D Dust particles in the atmosphere
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
CSE1988
Acid rain is caused by pollution of environment by
- A Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
- B Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
- C Ozone and carbon dioxide
- D Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
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