Environment – Medium Level – GK Questions

Carrying capacity is the maximum population an ecosystem can support indefinitely without degradation of resources.

The 17 SDGs, adopted in 2015, focus on ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity; space exploration is not a goal.

CPCB advises the Central Government, coordinates SPCBs, and formulates national ambient air and water quality standards.

TERI's Green Schools Programme empowers schools to adopt sustainable practices and integrate environmental education into curricula.

Swachh Bharat Mission focuses on solid and liquid waste management, eliminating open defecation, and promoting behavioral change.

Public pressure and scientific advocacy led to the cancellation of the dam project, preserving the pristine tropical evergreen forest.

Namami Gange is an integrated conservation mission to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and rejuvenate the Ganga.

Sunderlal Bahuguna was a key leader of the Chipko Movement, advocating for forest conservation through non-violent resistance.

Rajendra Singh revived traditional water harvesting structures (johads) in Rajasthan, earning him the title 'Waterman of India'.

While high-temperature geothermal resources are found in tectonically active areas, low-temperature resources exist widely and can be used for heating via heat pumps.

Biofuels can be carbon-neutral if the CO2 released during combustion is offset by CO2 absorbed during feedstock growth.

China leads in hydroelectric generation, with massive projects like the Three Gorges Dam contributing significantly to its energy mix.

Biogas is produced when microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, yielding a clean-burning fuel.

The water cycle (evaporation, precipitation) continuously replenishes water in reservoirs, making hydropower renewable, though dams have ecological impacts.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats provides critical habitat for the endemic and endangered Lion-tailed Macaque.

While Satpura is a Tiger Reserve now (added later), historically Pench, Panna, and Bandipur were earlier declared; however, as of recent updates, all are Tiger Reserves. For exam purposes, Satpura was added later than others.

The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch was established in 1982 to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and marine biodiversity.

It was recognized for its significant habitats for conservation of biodiversity, including threatened mammal and bird species.

Keibul Lamjao National Park consists of phumdis (floating vegetation) on Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.

Hemis National Park, the largest in India, is in Ladakh and is famous for snow leopards and high-altitude biodiversity.