Environment – MCQ – GK Questions

Blackfoot disease, a peripheral vascular disease, is linked to chronic arsenic exposure through contaminated drinking water, notably in West Bengal.

Sagarmala aims to harness India's coastline and waterways for economic growth while ensuring sustainable coastal management.

An estimated 80% of marine plastic originates from land via rivers, runoff, and inadequate waste disposal systems.

Chilika Lake in Odisha was designated India's first Ramsar site in 1981 for its rich biodiversity and importance as a wetland habitat.

CRZ-I includes ecologically sensitive areas where development is highly restricted to protect biodiversity and natural processes.

Warmer waters cause corals to expel symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), leading to bleaching, reduced growth, and potential mortality.

EIA emphasizes precaution (acting despite uncertainty to prevent harm) and inclusive public consultation for transparent, sustainable decisions.

Large infrastructure and industrial projects like thermal power plants have significant environmental impacts and require mandatory EC.

Scoping determines the scope and depth of the EIA, ensuring focus on significant impacts and efficient use of resources.

EIA reports focus on environmental, social, and health impacts; financial analysis is part of project feasibility studies, not EIA.

The EIA Notification 2006 lists 39+ project categories requiring EC based on scale, location, and potential environmental impact.

Soil organic matter and microbial diversity indicate fertility, structure, nutrient cycling capacity, and overall ecosystem health.

Planting rows of trees or shrubs as windbreaks reduces wind speed at ground level, minimizing soil particle displacement by wind.

Organic manure enhances soil porosity, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity, promoting sustainable agriculture.

Crop rotation improves soil fertility, breaks pest cycles, and reduces erosion by alternating crops with different nutrient needs and root structures.

Removal of vegetation cover by deforestation and overgrazing exposes soil to wind and water, accelerating erosion and land degradation.

Contour bunding involves building embankments along contours to reduce runoff, conserve soil moisture, and prevent erosion on slopes.

Oligotrophic lakes have low productivity, clear water, and high oxygen levels, contrasting with nutrient-rich eutrophic lakes.

Untreated industrial discharge and sewage introduce heavy metals, pathogens, and organic pollutants, degrading river water quality.

The Indus Water Treaty (1960) covers the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (to Pakistan) and Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (to India); Yamuna is not part of this treaty.