Manas National Park in Assam is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Manas is a UNESCO site for its biodiversity and also a Project Tiger reserve, though it faced challenges from insurgency in the past.
GK Questions
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Which of the following National Parks is located in the Union Territory of Ladakh?
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Hemis National Park
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Great Himalayan National Park
Answer: Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, the largest in India, is in Ladakh and is famous for snow leopards and high-altitude biodiversity.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides funding for projects related to which of the following?
- Only climate change
- Biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and other global environmental issues
- Only ozone layer protection
- Only marine conservation
Answer: Biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and other global environmental issues
GEF is a financial mechanism for several conventions, funding projects in biodiversity, climate, land, chemicals, and international waters.
The London Convention (1972) regulates the dumping of wastes and other matter into the ocean.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter aims to control marine pollution from dumping.
Which protocol under the UNFCCC established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries for the first commitment period 2008-2012?
- Paris Agreement
- Kyoto Protocol
- Montreal Protocol
- Cartagena Protocol
Answer: Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) assigned binding emission reduction targets to Annex I (developed) countries for 2008-2012.
The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were adopted under the _____ at its 10th Conference of Parties in 2010.
- UNFCCC
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Ramsar Convention
- CITES
Answer: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The 20 Aichi Targets aimed to address biodiversity loss by 2020; they were part of the CBD's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity.
The 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR) principle is a cornerstone of which international environmental framework?
- Montreal Protocol
- UNFCCC
- Basel Convention
- CITES
Answer: UNFCCC
CBDR acknowledges that while all states share responsibility for environmental protection, developed countries have greater historical emissions and capacity to act.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
- True
- False
Answer: True
UNCCD addresses land degradation and drought, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, promoting sustainable land use.
Which of the following agreements focuses on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals?
- Ramsar Convention
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- Basel Convention
- Stockholm Convention
Answer: Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, aims to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their range.
The Minamata Convention, which entered into force in 2017, aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of _____.
- Lead
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
Answer: Mercury
The Minamata Convention addresses mercury pollution from sources like coal plants, mining, and products, named after the Japanese city affected by mercury poisoning.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has three appendices that list species according to the level of protection they need.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Appendix I lists species threatened with extinction (trade prohibited), Appendix II regulates trade, and Appendix III includes species protected in at least one country.
The Rotterdam Convention primarily deals with:
- Trade in endangered species
- Prior Informed Consent procedure for hazardous chemicals and pesticides
- Climate change mitigation
- Marine pollution
Answer: Prior Informed Consent procedure for hazardous chemicals and pesticides
The Rotterdam Convention promotes shared responsibility in international trade of hazardous chemicals through a PIC procedure.
The 'Polluter Pays Principle' in Indian environmental law implies that:
- The government pays for pollution cleanup
- The polluter bears the cost of preventing and remedying environmental damage
- Victims of pollution are compensated by the state
- Industries are exempt from environmental liabilities
Answer: The polluter bears the cost of preventing and remedying environmental damage
This principle, upheld by the Supreme Court, holds polluters financially responsible for environmental harm they cause.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- True
- False
Answer: True
NBA, headquartered in Chennai, regulates access to biological resources and ensures equitable benefit-sharing as per the Act.
Which of the following is a function of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) under the Water Act, 1974?
- Granting licenses for industrial expansion
- Consent to establish and operate for industries discharging effluents
- Setting international environmental standards
- Managing national parks
Answer: Consent to establish and operate for industries discharging effluents
SPCBs grant consent under Sections 25/26 of the Water Act and Sections 21/22 of the Air Act for industrial operations.
The concept of 'Environmental Impact Assessment' (EIA) in India is legally backed by the _____ Notification, 2006.
- Forest Conservation
- EIA
- Coastal Regulation Zone
- Wildlife Protection
Answer: EIA
The EIA Notification 2006 mandates environmental clearance for specified projects after assessing potential impacts and mitigation measures.
The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules were first notified under which Act?
- Water Act, 1974
- Air Act, 1981
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Answer: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
These rules regulate the management, handling, and transboundary movement of hazardous wastes under the umbrella EPA 1986.
The National Mission for a Green India is one of the eight missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Green India Mission aims to increase forest/tree cover, improve ecosystem services, and enhance forest-based livelihoods.
Which of the following is a key provision of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended 2022) in India?
- Complete ban on all plastic use
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging
- Mandatory incineration of plastic waste
- Export of plastic waste to other countries
Answer: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging
EPR makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for collecting and managing plastic packaging waste they introduce to the market.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides for the establishment of _____ to protect wildlife.
- Zoos only
- National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Botanical Gardens
- Aquariums
Answer: National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Act enables the creation of protected areas like National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves for wildlife conservation.