Environment – GK Questions

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.

Led by Medha Patkar, the movement highlighted displacement of tribal communities and environmental impacts of dams like Sardar Sarovar.

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

Natural gas is a hydrocarbon fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter, unlike ethanol, hydrogen, or biodiesel which can be renewable.

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.

Wind turbines capture kinetic energy from wind, rotating blades that drive a generator to produce electricity.

Wind speed fluctuations cause variable power output, requiring grid management strategies like storage, forecasting, and backup generation.

Although nuclear power produces low carbon emissions, uranium ore is finite and non-renewable on human timescales.

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.

Solar power generation is affected by cloud cover, night time, and seasonal variations, requiring storage or backup systems.

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

Chilika is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world, designated a Ramsar site for its wetland significance.

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.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan is a UNESCO site and major wintering ground for migratory birds, including historically the Siberian Crane.

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