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Generate QuizEnvironment – GK Questions
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Which of the following is a challenge to achieving sustainable development in India?
- High literacy rates
- Rapid urbanization and population growth
- Abundant renewable energy resources
- Strong environmental governance
Answer: Rapid urbanization and population growth
Rapid urbanization strains infrastructure, increases waste and pollution, and challenges resource management, hindering sustainable development goals.
The 'Brundtland Report' (1987) is credited with popularizing the term 'Sustainable Development'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The World Commission on Environment and Development, chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, defined sustainable development in its report 'Our Common Future'.
Which of the following is an example of 'Sustainable Agriculture'?
- Monoculture with heavy pesticide use
- Organic farming with crop rotation and natural pest control
- Clearing forests for large-scale farming
- Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation
Answer: Organic farming with crop rotation and natural pest control
Sustainable agriculture maintains soil health, biodiversity, and water resources while producing food without degrading the environment.
The term 'Ecological Footprint' measures the demand on Earth's ecosystems by comparing human resource consumption with the planet's _____ capacity.
- Production
- Biocapacity
- Extraction
- Import
Answer: Biocapacity
Ecological footprint quantifies how much biologically productive area is needed to provide resources and absorb waste generated by a population.
Which of the following is a key principle of 'Green Building' design?
- Maximizing energy consumption
- Using non-renewable materials
- Water and energy efficiency, and use of sustainable materials
- Ignoring local climate conditions
Answer: Water and energy efficiency, and use of sustainable materials
Green buildings minimize environmental impact through efficient resource use, renewable materials, and healthy indoor environments.
The 'Circular Economy' model aims to eliminate waste by keeping resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, and recycling.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Circular economy contrasts with the linear 'take-make-dispose' model, emphasizing resource efficiency and closed-loop systems.
Which of the following best describes the 'Triple Bottom Line' approach to sustainability?
- Profit, Loss, Break-even
- People, Planet, Profit
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Economy, Ecology, Energy
Answer: People, Planet, Profit
The Triple Bottom Line framework evaluates organizational success based on social (people), environmental (planet), and economic (profit) performance.
The concept of 'Carrying Capacity' in sustainable development refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain _____.
- Temporarily
- Indefinitely
- With external aid
- Through migration
Answer: Indefinitely
Carrying capacity is the maximum population an ecosystem can support indefinitely without degradation of resources.
Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- True
- False
Answer: True
This definition, from the Brundtland Report (1987), emphasizes intergenerational equity and balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.
Which of the following is NOT one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- No Poverty
- Climate Action
- Space Exploration
- Clean Water and Sanitation
Answer: Space Exploration
The 17 SDGs, adopted in 2015, focus on ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity; space exploration is not a goal.
Which of the following is a key function of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
- Granting mining leases
- Coordinating State Pollution Control Boards and setting national standards
- Managing national parks
- Regulating international trade in wildlife
Answer: Coordinating State Pollution Control Boards and setting national standards
CPCB advises the Central Government, coordinates SPCBs, and formulates national ambient air and water quality standards.
The 'Appiko Movement' in Karnataka was inspired by the Chipko Movement and focused on forest conservation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Appiko (meaning 'hug' in Kannada) was launched in 1983 in the Western Ghats to protect forests from commercial exploitation.
Which of the following NGOs is known for its 'Green Schools Programme' promoting environmental education in India?
- Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
- World Wildlife Fund-India (WWF-India)
- Greenpeace India
Answer: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI's Green Schools Programme empowers schools to adopt sustainable practices and integrate environmental education into curricula.
The 'Swachh Bharat Mission' launched in 2014 aims to achieve a clean India by focusing on _____ management and sanitation.
- Water
- Waste
- Air
- Noise
Answer: Waste
Swachh Bharat Mission focuses on solid and liquid waste management, eliminating open defecation, and promoting behavioral change.
Which international day is celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection?
- World Environment Day
- Earth Day
- World Water Day
- International Biodiversity Day
Answer: Earth Day
Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, mobilizes global action for environmental issues and is observed annually on April 22.
The 'Save Silent Valley' movement successfully prevented the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Kerala's Silent Valley National Park.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Public pressure and scientific advocacy led to the cancellation of the dam project, preserving the pristine tropical evergreen forest.
Which of the following is a primary objective of the 'Namami Gange' programme?
- Promoting hydroelectric projects on the Ganga
- Pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the Ganga River
- Increasing industrial use of Ganga water
- Diverting Ganga water to other river basins
Answer: Pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the Ganga River
Namami Gange is an integrated conservation mission to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and rejuvenate the Ganga.
The Chipko Movement, which began in the 1970s in Uttarakhand, was inspired by the teachings of _____, a Gandhian environmentalist.
- Vinoba Bhave
- Sunderlal Bahuguna
- Jayaprakash Narayan
- Ram Manohar Lohia
Answer: Sunderlal Bahuguna
Sunderlal Bahuguna was a key leader of the Chipko Movement, advocating for forest conservation through non-violent resistance.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan was primarily a movement against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Led by Medha Patkar, the movement highlighted displacement of tribal communities and environmental impacts of dams like Sardar Sarovar.
Which Indian environmentalist is known as the 'Waterman of India' for his work in water conservation in Rajasthan?
- Sunderlal Bahuguna
- Rajendra Singh
- Medha Patkar
- M. S. Swaminathan
Answer: Rajendra Singh
Rajendra Singh revived traditional water harvesting structures (johads) in Rajasthan, earning him the title 'Waterman of India'.