The Sundarbans mangrove forest is the largest contiguous mangrove ecosystem in the world.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Sundarbans, spanning India and Bangladesh, covers about 10,000 sq km and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar site.
Easy Level – GK Questions
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Which of the following is a Ramsar site located in India?
- Dal Lake
- Chilika Lake
- Naini Lake
- Powai Lake
Answer: Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake in Odisha was designated India's first Ramsar site in 1981 for its rich biodiversity and importance as a wetland habitat.
Mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Mangrove root systems stabilize shorelines, reduce wave energy, and protect inland areas from cyclones and tsunamis.
Which of the following projects typically requires Environmental Clearance in India?
- Small retail shop
- Residential building under 20,000 sq.m.
- Thermal power plant
- Primary school
Answer: Thermal power plant
Large infrastructure and industrial projects like thermal power plants have significant environmental impacts and require mandatory EC.
EIA stands for Environmental _____ Assessment.
- Evaluation
- Impact
- Effect
- Examination
Answer: Impact
Environmental Impact Assessment is a process to evaluate potential environmental effects of proposed projects before decisions are made.
Mulching helps in conserving soil moisture and suppressing weed growth.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Mulch (organic or inorganic material) covers soil surface, reducing evaporation, moderating temperature, and inhibiting weed germination.
Which of the following is a benefit of using organic manure in agriculture?
- Increases soil salinity
- Improves soil structure and water retention
- Reduces microbial activity
- Causes soil compaction
Answer: Improves soil structure and water retention
Organic manure enhances soil porosity, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Terrace farming is a soil conservation technique used on hilly slopes to reduce water runoff.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Terracing creates stepped levels on slopes, slowing water flow, reducing erosion, and retaining soil moisture for cultivation.
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.