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Generate QuizEnvironment – Medium Level – GK Questions
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Which of the following is a method of treating biomedical waste?
- Open burning
- Autoclaving and incineration
- Composting
- Landfilling without treatment
Answer: Autoclaving and incineration
Biomedical waste is treated by autoclaving (steam sterilization) or incineration to destroy pathogens before disposal, as per BMW Rules.
The 'Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban' aims to make Indian cities free of _____ waste by promoting scientific management.
- Plastic
- Open defecation and solid
- Electronic
- Hazardous
Answer: Open defecation and solid
SBM-U focuses on eliminating open defecation, improving solid waste management, and creating behavioral change for cleanliness.
E-waste contains valuable metals like gold and copper but also hazardous substances like lead and mercury.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Proper e-waste recycling recovers precious metals while preventing toxic substances from contaminating soil and water.
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects is called _____.
- Incineration
- Landfilling
- Recycling
- Composting
Answer: Recycling
Recycling reduces the need for raw material extraction, saves energy, and minimizes waste sent to landfills or incinerators.
Which of the following is a key feature of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India?
- Ban on all plastic use
- Mandatory segregation of waste at source into biodegradable, recyclable, and domestic hazardous waste
- Prohibition of waste-to-energy plants
- Export of all municipal waste
Answer: Mandatory segregation of waste at source into biodegradable, recyclable, and domestic hazardous waste
Source segregation is fundamental to effective waste management, enabling recycling, composting, and safe disposal of different waste streams.
Which of the following is a strategy to reduce the health impacts of heatwaves?
- Increasing use of fossil fuels
- Developing early warning systems and heat action plans
- Reducing green cover in cities
- Limiting access to drinking water
Answer: Developing early warning systems and heat action plans
Heat action plans include forecasts, public awareness, cooling centers, and healthcare preparedness to protect vulnerable populations.
Which of the following is a health impact of noise pollution?
- Improved sleep quality
- Hearing loss and increased stress levels
- Enhanced cognitive performance
- Reduced blood pressure
Answer: Hearing loss and increased stress levels
Chronic noise exposure can cause permanent hearing damage, hypertension, sleep disturbance, and psychological stress.
The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India considers _____ key pollutants for calculating the index value.
- 5
- 6
- 8
- 10
Answer: 8
India's AQI is based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb, providing a comprehensive assessment of air quality.
Fluorosis is a health condition caused by excessive intake of fluoride through drinking water.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Chronic fluoride exposure causes dental fluorosis (tooth discoloration) and skeletal fluorosis (bone/joint damage), prevalent in parts of India.
The term 'One Health' recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal health, and the _____.
- Economy
- Environment
- Technology
- Politics
Answer: Environment
One Health is a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing links among people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
Which of the following diseases is primarily associated with arsenic contamination of groundwater?
- Minamata disease
- Itai-Itai disease
- Blackfoot disease
- Blue Baby Syndrome
Answer: Blackfoot disease
Blackfoot disease, a peripheral vascular disease, is linked to chronic arsenic exposure through contaminated drinking water, notably in West Bengal.
Which of the following is a key objective of the 'Sagarmala Programme' of the Government of India?
- Promoting inland waterways only
- Port-led development through modernization, connectivity, and coastal community development
- Banning all fishing activities
- Privatizing all ports
Answer: Port-led development through modernization, connectivity, and coastal community development
Sagarmala aims to harness India's coastline and waterways for economic growth while ensuring sustainable coastal management.
Which of the following is a major source of marine plastic pollution?
- Natural weathering of rocks
- Land-based activities and improper waste management
- Volcanic eruptions
- Oceanic upwelling
Answer: Land-based activities and improper waste management
An estimated 80% of marine plastic originates from land via rivers, runoff, and inadequate waste disposal systems.
The phenomenon of 'Red Tide' in coastal waters is caused by algal blooms of _____ organisms.
- Bacterial
- Dinoflagellate
- Fungal
- Viral
Answer: Dinoflagellate
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) by dinoflagellates can discolor water, produce toxins, and cause fish kills and human health issues.
Ocean acidification, caused by absorption of excess CO2, threatens marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Lower pH reduces carbonate ion availability, making it harder for corals, mollusks, and plankton to build and maintain shells/skeletons.
The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification in India classifies coastal areas into _____ categories for regulating development activities.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer: 4
CRZ-I to CRZ-IV classify areas based on ecological sensitivity, human settlements, and water areas to balance development and conservation.
Which of the following is a major threat to coral reefs globally?
- Increased ocean alkalinity
- Coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures
- Decreased salinity
- Overfishing of herbivorous fish only
Answer: Coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures
Warmer waters cause corals to expel symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), leading to bleaching, reduced growth, and potential mortality.
Which of the following is a key principle of the EIA process?
- Confidentiality of project details
- Precautionary principle and public participation
- Expedited approval without scrutiny
- Exclusion of local communities
Answer: Precautionary principle and public participation
EIA emphasizes precaution (acting despite uncertainty to prevent harm) and inclusive public consultation for transparent, sustainable decisions.
Environmental Monitoring is conducted only before project implementation as part of the EIA process.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Environmental monitoring occurs before (baseline), during (construction), and after (operation) project implementation to ensure compliance and impact management.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in India reviews EIA reports and recommends environmental clearance to the _____.
- Supreme Court
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- State Legislature
- National Green Tribunal
Answer: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
EACs, constituted by MoEFCC, appraise projects and advise the regulatory authority on granting or rejecting environmental clearance.