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Generate QuizEnvironment – MCQ – GK Questions
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The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Its core focus is:
- Conservation of Marine Biodiversity
- Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
- Prevention of Invasive Alien Species
- Protection of Indigenous Tribes
Answer: Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
The Nagoya Protocol aims to share the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way.
Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992. It is primarily related to:
- Nuclear Disarmament
- Global Sustainable Development
- Protection of the High Seas
- Space Exploration
Answer: Global Sustainable Development
Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntary action plan of the UN with regard to sustainable development globally, nationally, and locally.
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in 1992 is popularly known as the:
- Kyoto Summit
- Earth Summit
- Copenhagen Summit
- Paris Summit
Answer: Earth Summit
The 1992 Rio conference is widely referred to as the Earth Summit, leading to the creation of the UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD.
CITES is an international agreement between governments. What does it aim to regulate?
- Deep-sea mining
- International trade in specimens of wild animals and plants
- Emissions from shipping vessels
- Use of nuclear energy
Answer: International trade in specimens of wild animals and plants
CITES ensures that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is an international treaty primarily focused on the conservation of:
- Migratory Birds
- Wetlands
- Endangered Flora
- Ozone Layer
Answer: Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
In the context of Indian environmental laws, what does CAMPA stand for?
- Central Animal Management and Protection Authority
- Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
- Coastal Area Monitoring and Protection Agency
- Central Afforestation and Mineral Planning Authority
Answer: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
CAMPA manages the funds collected from project proponents diverting forest land for non-forest use for compensatory afforestation.
The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications are issued by the Ministry of Environment under which of the following acts?
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Water Act, 1974
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Answer: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
CRZ notifications are issued under Section 3(1) and (v) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate coastal development.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in India in:
- 1974
- 1981
- 1986
- 1992
Answer: 1974
The Water Act of 1974 was the first major environmental legislation in India aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution.
Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which schedule provides the absolute highest level of protection to species?
- Schedule I
- Schedule II
- Schedule III
- Schedule V
Answer: Schedule I
Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection, and an offence involving these species attracts the highest penalties.
The comprehensive Environment (Protection) Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in which year?
- 1974
- 1981
- 1986
- 1992
Answer: 1986
Enacted in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the EPA 1986 is an umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India.
Which of the following atmospheric gases is NOT considered a greenhouse gas?
- Water vapor
- Methane
- Argon
- Carbon dioxide
Answer: Argon
Argon is a noble gas and does not absorb and emit infrared radiation, unlike greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4, and water vapor.
The El Niño phenomenon is primarily associated with:
- Cooling of the Indian Ocean
- Warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean
- Increased monsoon rainfall in India
- Melting of the Arctic ice cap
Answer: Warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean
El Niño is the periodic warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, disrupting global weather patterns.
What does the term 'Carbon Sequestration' refer to?
- Release of CO2 from oceans
- Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide
- Burning of fossil fuels
- Conversion of CO2 to Oxygen
Answer: Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide
Carbon sequestration is the process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming.
Which international treaty was specifically designed to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs?
- Kyoto Protocol
- Montreal Protocol
- Basel Convention
- Vienna Convention
Answer: Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol (1987) is a landmark environmental agreement that successfully phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ODS.
Which of the following greenhouse gases has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP) per molecule over a 100-year period?
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
Answer: Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
SF6 is the most potent greenhouse gas evaluated by the IPCC, with a GWP of 23,500 times that of CO2 over 100 years.
Which of the following greenhouse gases is commonly known as 'laughing gas'?
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Chlorofluorocarbon
Answer: Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is known as laughing gas and is also a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance.
Blue Baby Syndrome (Methemoglobinemia) in infants is primarily caused by the contamination of drinking water with:
- Chlorides
- Nitrates
- Fluorides
- Sulphates
Answer: Nitrates
Excess nitrates in drinking water are converted to nitrites in the infant's body, which bind to hemoglobin, reducing its oxygen-carrying capacity.
The intensity of noise pollution is measured in which of the following units?
- Joules
- Decibels
- Hertz
- Watts
Answer: Decibels
Decibels (dB) is the logarithmic unit used to measure sound level or noise pollution.
Which of the following is classified as a secondary air pollutant?
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulphur dioxide
- Tropospheric Ozone
- Particulate Matter
Answer: Tropospheric Ozone
Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly but form when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere. Ground-level ozone is a classic example.
Minamata disease was first identified in Japan and was caused by severe poisoning from:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Mercury
- Arsenic
Answer: Mercury
Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning, specifically methylmercury in industrial wastewater.