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Generate QuizEnvironment – GK Questions
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Which of the following is a challenge in implementing environmental laws in India?
- Excessive public participation
- Weak enforcement capacity, regulatory overlap, and limited technical expertise
- Overabundance of environmental clearances
- Lack of industrial development
Answer: Weak enforcement capacity, regulatory overlap, and limited technical expertise
Despite robust legal frameworks, implementation gaps due to institutional constraints, coordination issues, and resource limitations hinder effective environmental protection.
The 'Right to Information Act, 2005' can be used by citizens to seek information on environmental clearances and pollution data from public authorities.
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTI empowers citizens to access government records, enhancing transparency, accountability, and public participation in environmental governance.
Which of the following is a key feature of the 'Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016' (amended)?
- Complete ban on all plastic use
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging waste management
- Mandatory incineration of all plastic waste
- Export of plastic waste without restrictions
Answer: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging waste management
EPR makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for collecting and processing plastic packaging waste, promoting circular economy approaches.
The 'Biological Diversity Act, 2002' establishes a three-tier structure for regulating access to biological resources: National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and _____.
- District Collectors
- Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
- Panchayat Raj Institutions only
- Private corporations
Answer: Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
BMCs at local level document biodiversity, promote conservation, and ensure equitable benefit-sharing from use of biological resources and traditional knowledge.
Which of the following is a function of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)?
- Granting mining leases
- Granting consent to establish and operate for industries under Water and Air Acts
- Managing national parks
- Regulating international trade
Answer: Granting consent to establish and operate for industries under Water and Air Acts
SPCBs implement pollution control laws at state level, monitor compliance, and enforce standards for industrial and municipal discharges.
The 'Environmental Impact Assessment' (EIA) Notification, 2006 categorizes projects into Category A (requiring central clearance) and Category B (state clearance).
- True
- False
Answer: True
This classification streamlines the clearance process based on project scale and potential impact, with Category B further divided into B1 (EIA required) and B2 (no EIA).
Which of the following principles was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the 'Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs Union of India' case?
- Absolute liability for hazardous industries only
- Precautionary Principle and Polluter Pays Principle as part of Indian environmental law
- Exemption of small industries from norms
- Privatization of environmental governance
Answer: Precautionary Principle and Polluter Pays Principle as part of Indian environmental law
The Court held that these international environmental principles are part of customary international law and applicable in India under Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g).
The 'National Green Tribunal' (NGT) was established under the NGT Act, _____ for effective and expeditious disposal of environmental cases.
- 2005
- 2010
- 2015
- 2020
Answer: 2010
NGT has jurisdiction over civil cases involving substantial environmental questions, with powers to grant relief, compensation, and enforce environmental laws.
The 'Public Trust Doctrine' holds that certain natural resources are preserved for public use, and the government must protect them for public benefit.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Indian courts have applied this doctrine to safeguard rivers, forests, and other ecological assets from privatization or degradation, ensuring intergenerational equity.
Which of the following is a key provision of the 'Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority' (CAMPA) Act, 2016?
- Allowing unrestricted forest diversion
- Mandating that funds from forest land diversion be used for afforestation and ecosystem restoration
- Exempting projects from environmental clearance
- Privatizing all forest lands
Answer: Mandating that funds from forest land diversion be used for afforestation and ecosystem restoration
CAMPA ensures that monetary compensations for diverted forest land are utilized for planned afforestation, wildlife conservation, and related activities.
Which of the following is a key component of India's 'National Hydrogen Mission'?
- Promoting fossil fuel-based hydrogen only
- Producing green hydrogen through electrolysis using renewable electricity
- Banning all hydrogen research
- Importing all hydrogen needs
Answer: Producing green hydrogen through electrolysis using renewable electricity
Green hydrogen, made from water using renewable power, offers a clean fuel alternative for industry, transport, and energy storage to decarbonize the economy.
The 'Beehive' model of rural electrification promotes community-managed microgrids powered by renewable sources.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Such decentralized models empower local communities to own and operate energy systems, ensuring reliability and affordability in remote areas.
Which of the following is a benefit of using biomass energy from agricultural residues?
- Increasing open burning of crop waste
- Reducing air pollution from stubble burning and providing renewable energy
- Depleting soil nutrients permanently
- Requiring fossil fuel inputs
Answer: Reducing air pollution from stubble burning and providing renewable energy
Converting crop residues into bioenergy or biochar manages waste sustainably, cuts emissions, and generates income for farmers.
The 'International Solar Alliance' (ISA), initiated by India, aims to promote solar energy deployment in countries lying between the Tropics of _____ and Capricorn.
- Cancer
- Capricorn
- Equator
- Arctic
Answer: Cancer
ISA mobilizes resources, technology, and finance to scale up solar projects in sun-rich nations, contributing to climate goals and energy access.
Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?
- Coal
- Natural gas
- Wind power
- Nuclear fission
Answer: Wind power
Wind energy harnesses kinetic energy from air movement using turbines, providing clean electricity without fuel costs or direct emissions.
Energy efficiency measures, such as using LED bulbs and efficient appliances, reduce electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Improving energy efficiency is often the most cost-effective way to cut emissions, enhance energy security, and lower consumer bills.
Which of the following is a key advantage of decentralized renewable energy systems for rural electrification?
- High transmission losses
- Reduced dependence on grid extension, faster deployment, and community ownership
- Exclusive use of fossil fuels
- Centralized control only
Answer: Reduced dependence on grid extension, faster deployment, and community ownership
Mini-grids and standalone solar systems can provide reliable, affordable power to remote areas, enhancing energy access and local development.
The 'Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana' (UDAY) aims to improve the financial health of power distribution companies to support _____ sector reforms.
- Agricultural
- Power
- Banking
- Transport
Answer: Power
UDAY addresses DISCOM losses through debt restructuring, operational improvements, and tariff rationalization to enable sustainable power sector growth.
Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity without moving parts or emissions during operation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
PV technology uses semiconductor materials to generate electric current from photons, offering clean, decentralized energy with minimal maintenance.
Which of the following is a challenge associated with hydropower projects?
- Zero environmental impact
- Displacement of communities, ecosystem fragmentation, and sedimentation issues
- Unlimited water availability
- No need for environmental clearance
Answer: Displacement of communities, ecosystem fragmentation, and sedimentation issues
While hydropower is renewable, large dams can cause social displacement, affect aquatic biodiversity, and alter river hydrology, requiring careful planning.