Environment – GK Questions

Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of Earth's atmosphere by volume, followed by oxygen at 21%, with other gases making up the remainder.

The tropopause is the transition layer where temperature stops decreasing with height, marking the upper limit of weather activity.

The troposphere extends from Earth's surface to about 8-15 km and contains about 75% of the atmosphere's mass, where clouds, rain, and winds form.

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, approximately 15-35 km above Earth's surface, absorbing most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation.

NAPCC recognizes that climate change intensifies disasters; thus, adaptation measures are integrated into DRM to build resilience.

IMD monitors weather systems, provides forecasts, and issues warnings to enable preparedness and response to meteorological hazards.

Non-structural measures use policy, planning, and information to reduce flood risk without physical infrastructure, complementing structural approaches.

The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides a legal and institutional framework for disaster management at national, state, and district levels.

Climate-resilient crops and water-saving techniques like drip irrigation help farmers cope with water scarcity during droughts.

Filling lakes, concreting over drains, and unplanned urbanization reduce infiltration and block natural water flow, increasing flood vulnerability.

The Sendai Framework emphasizes proactive risk reduction, multi-hazard approaches, and building back better to minimize disaster losses.

NDMA, established under the Disaster Management Act 2005, is chaired by the Prime Minister to coordinate disaster response and mitigation.

Improved forecasting, communication, and evacuation protocols by IMD and NDMA have enhanced preparedness and saved lives during cyclones.

Removal of vegetation, slope cutting for roads/buildings, and intense monsoon rains destabilize slopes, triggering landslides in fragile Himalayas.

GIS enables spatial analysis and visualization of environmental data for informed decision-making in conservation, planning, and monitoring.

Building-integrated rainwater harvesting collects roof runoff for non-potable uses or groundwater recharge, enhancing water security.

Smart grids use digital technology to optimize electricity distribution, integrate renewables, and enable consumer participation in energy management.

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) supports EV market growth to reduce fossil fuel dependence and emissions.

LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing electricity demand and waste.

Algae can grow rapidly in non-arable land using wastewater or seawater, offering higher oil yields without competing with food crops.