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The Ganga Action Plan was launched in 1986 to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.
- True
- False
Answer: True
GAP Phase-I was launched in 1986 to intercept, divert, and treat domestic sewage and industrial effluents entering the Ganga.
Which of the following is a primary cause of water pollution in Indian rivers?
- Afforestation
- Industrial effluents and domestic sewage
- Rainwater harvesting
- Organic farming
Answer: Industrial effluents and domestic sewage
Untreated industrial discharge and sewage introduce heavy metals, pathogens, and organic pollutants, degrading river water quality.
Rainwater harvesting helps in recharging groundwater and reducing surface runoff.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rainwater harvesting captures and stores rain for direct use or groundwater recharge, reducing water scarcity and flood risks.
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas involved in the carbon cycle?
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Carbon dioxide
- Argon
Answer: Carbon dioxide
CO2 is a major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is cycled through photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion.
Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves into the atmosphere.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Transpiration is part of the water cycle where plants release water vapor through stomata, contributing significantly to atmospheric moisture.
The process by which water changes from liquid to vapor and enters the atmosphere is called _____.
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Evaporation
- Transpiration
Answer: Evaporation
Evaporation is the conversion of liquid water to water vapor due to solar energy, a key process in the hydrological cycle.
The 'Brundtland Report' (1987) is credited with popularizing the term 'Sustainable Development'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The World Commission on Environment and Development, chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, defined sustainable development in its report 'Our Common Future'.
The term 'Ecological Footprint' measures the demand on Earth's ecosystems by comparing human resource consumption with the planet's _____ capacity.
- Production
- Biocapacity
- Extraction
- Import
Answer: Biocapacity
Ecological footprint quantifies how much biologically productive area is needed to provide resources and absorb waste generated by a population.
Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- True
- False
Answer: True
This definition, from the Brundtland Report (1987), emphasizes intergenerational equity and balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.
The 'Appiko Movement' in Karnataka was inspired by the Chipko Movement and focused on forest conservation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Appiko (meaning 'hug' in Kannada) was launched in 1983 in the Western Ghats to protect forests from commercial exploitation.
Which international day is celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection?
- World Environment Day
- Earth Day
- World Water Day
- International Biodiversity Day
Answer: Earth Day
Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, mobilizes global action for environmental issues and is observed annually on April 22.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan was primarily a movement against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Led by Medha Patkar, the movement highlighted displacement of tribal communities and environmental impacts of dams like Sardar Sarovar.
Which of the following is a fossil fuel?
- Ethanol
- Natural Gas
- Hydrogen
- Biodiesel
Answer: Natural Gas
Natural gas is a hydrocarbon fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter, unlike ethanol, hydrogen, or biodiesel which can be renewable.
The device used to convert mechanical energy from wind into electrical energy is called a wind _____.
- Pump
- Mill
- Turbine
- Generator
Answer: Turbine
Wind turbines capture kinetic energy from wind, rotating blades that drive a generator to produce electricity.
Nuclear energy is classified as a non-renewable energy source because it relies on uranium, a finite resource.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Although nuclear power produces low carbon emissions, uranium ore is finite and non-renewable on human timescales.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of solar energy?
- It is a renewable source
- It produces no greenhouse gases during operation
- It is intermittent and depends on weather/daylight
- It has low maintenance costs
Answer: It is intermittent and depends on weather/daylight
Solar power generation is affected by cloud cover, night time, and seasonal variations, requiring storage or backup systems.
Chilika Lake in Odisha is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar site.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Chilika is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world, designated a Ramsar site for its wetland significance.
Which National Park is famous for the annual migration of Siberian Cranes (though now rare)?
- Bharatpur (Keoladeo) National Park
- Ranthambore National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Kanha National Park
Answer: Bharatpur (Keoladeo) National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan is a UNESCO site and major wintering ground for migratory birds, including historically the Siberian Crane.
Manas National Park in Assam is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Manas is a UNESCO site for its biodiversity and also a Project Tiger reserve, though it faced challenges from insurgency in the past.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
- True
- False
Answer: True
UNCCD addresses land degradation and drought, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, promoting sustainable land use.