Who was selected for the 2016 National Geoscience Award in the field of geo environmental studies, recognising significant contributions to environmental aspects of geology?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about the National Geoscience Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions in various branches of earth sciences. Specifically, it asks who was selected for the 2016 award in the field of geo environmental studies. Such questions test knowledge of scientific honours in India and awareness of researchers working on the environmental aspects of geology and earth systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The award is the National Geoscience Award.
- The year under consideration is 2016.
- The specialisation mentioned is geo environmental studies, which concerns environmental aspects of geology and earth science.
- Four names are given as options, including scientists and a political personality.
- We assume that one of the listed scientists is documented as the awardee in this category for that year.

Concept / Approach:
Geo environmental studies focus on understanding how geological processes interact with the environment, including resources, hazards and sustainability. According to official announcements and science news reports, Keshav Krishna was selected for the 2016 National Geoscience Award in the field of geo environmental studies. The approach is to identify which option is the earth scientist linked to that award and category.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the National Geoscience Award is conferred by the Government of India to honour outstanding work in geosciences. Step 2: Recall from science news and GK sources that in 2016, Keshav Krishna received this award in the geo environmental studies category. Step 3: Examine the options and note that Keshav Krishna appears as option A. Step 4: Ashok Kumar Singhvi is a distinguished geoscientist but is linked to different recognitions, not this specific 2016 category. Step 5: P V Joseph and Vishnu Deo Sai are not identified in standard references as recipients of this particular award for that year, so the correct answer remains Keshav Krishna.

Verification / Alternative check:
Government press releases and reputable science news portals from 2016 list awardees of the National Geoscience Awards, including Keshav Krishna for geo environmental studies. These reports provide details on his research contributions and the reasons for the award. Cross checking such authoritative sources confirms that Keshav Krishna is indeed the correct choice for this category and year.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ashok Kumar Singhvi is a respected geoscientist but does not match the precise award and category combination described here for 2016.
P.V. Joseph is not documented in standard GK or official lists as the 2016 National Geoscience Award winner in geo environmental studies.
Vishnu Deo Sai is a political figure and not the scientist honoured with this geoscience award.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to choose a more familiar name without verifying the specific year and category, particularly in science awards where multiple distinguished scientists may have similar honours. Another pitfall is not recognising that one of the options is a politician, which helps in eliminating that distractor quickly. Focusing on the exact award year and field helps narrow down to the correct scientist.

Final Answer:
The 2016 National Geoscience Award in geo environmental studies was given to Keshav Krishna.