Environment and Sustainable Development

Total Questions: 95

71. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by executive order of full n the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:National Green Tribunal has been established on 18 October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to the environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal rights relating to environment.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a statutory organization was constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974.

Principal functions of the CPCB are (i) to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and (ii) to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.

72. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) came into force in: [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]

Correct Answer: (a) October, 2010
Solution:National Green Tribunal has been established on 18 October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to the environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal rights relating to environment.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a statutory organization was constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974.

Principal functions of the CPCB are (i) to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and (ii) to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.

73. Given below are the statements- [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]

Assertion (A) : National vegetation is the true index of climate.

Reason (R)     : Water-loving plants are found in a moist climate.

In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct?

Correct Answer: (a) Both statements are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Solution:National vegetation is the true index of climate and an increase in the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also affects the natural vegetation. Water-loving or Aquatic plants are those which are found mostly in muddy land and near the ponds.

They are found in the moist climate. Reduction of moisture in the atmosphere results in the erosion of such plants. Hence both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

74. Eco-Mark is given to an Indian product which is- [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]

Correct Answer: (c) Environment-friendly
Solution:The Government of India has instituted a scheme for labeling environment-friendly products to be known as ECO Mark. Eco-mark is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as a certification mark for the products which are ecologically safe conforming to the standards prescribed by the BIS.

The Eco-mark scheme falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The scheme first saw its application in 1991.Eco-Marks helps in identifying eco-friendly products in the market.

The mark is being issued in around 16 categories like food, medicines, chemicals, electronic goods, paper, lubricating oils, packing materials, etc.

75. The symbol 'ECOMARC' related to which of the following? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

Correct Answer: (b) Safe goods for environment
Solution:To increase consumer awareness, the Government of India launched the eco-labelling scheme known as 'Ecomark' in 1991 for identification of environment-friendly products. Any product which is made, used or disposed of in a that significantly reduces the harm it would otherwise cause the environment could considered Environment-Friendly Product.

76. To label environment-friendly consumer products, the Government has introduced: [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl)(Mains) 2004]

Correct Answer: (b) Eco mark
Solution:Eco Mark scheme was instituted by the Government of India for labeling of environment friendly products. Notably this scheme is being administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

It is important to mention here that the scheme covers products categories like Soaps and detergents, Food items, Lubricating oils, Packing/packaging materials, Architectural paints and powder coatings, Batteries, Electric and Electronic Goods, Food additives, Wood substitutes, Cosmetics, Aerosols and propellants, Plastic products, Textiles, Fire-extinguisher Leather and coir & coir products.

77. The book 'Silent Spring' published in 1962 which set the tone for an environment movement in the world, was written by: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (c) Rachel Carson
Solution:'Silent spring' is an environment science book published in 1962. It was written by an American biologist and ecologist 'Rachel Carson'. Carson was a biologist and science writer who earned a master's degree in zoology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1932.

Following the success of her second book, The Sea Around Us (1951), she quit her job with the Bureau of Fisheries in 1952 to concentrate on her writing career.

Although she had been aware of the use of synthetic pesticides since World War II (when DDT was widely used to control malaria and typhus), she did not concentrate on the topic until 1957, when she was recruited by the National Audubon Society to investigate the dangers of the loosely regulated use of DDT and other pesticides.

In addition to reading scientific literature and attending Food and Drug Administration hearings on the use of chemical pesticides on food crops, Carson conducted extensive interviews with scientists and physicians to learn about the effects of pesticides.

78. Urbanization and industrialisation are harmful [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002]

Correct Answer: (d) All of the above
Solution:Over-urbanization and industrialization are harmful for all these three balanced development, production of environment and ecology and biodiversity.

Industrialization creates jobs and opportunities, attracting people to urban areas, thus fueling urbanization. The growth of urban areas, including the movement of people from rural areas to cities.

Causes of Urbanization:

  • Economic opportunities: Industrialization provides jobs in factories and other urban-based industries.
  • Education and healthcare: Cities often have better educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
  • Better living conditions: Cities may offer a perceived "better" lifestyle with more amenities and services.

79. The author of 'Green Development' is - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]

Correct Answer: (d) W.M. Adams
Solution:William M. Adams is the author of the book green Development. Its first edition was published in 1990. Green Development" analyzes the evolution of the concept of "sustainable development," and assesses how this can be applied in the real world.

William Adams questions the established understanding of the problems of environment and development, stressing the inadequacy of a narrow view of environmental impacts and a limited response based on traditional conservation measures.

He bridges the gap between environmentalism and development studies and argues that the central focus of "green development" should be on the needs of the poor, and their capacity for control, power, and self-determination.

80. The investigator of Natural Farming was- [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002]

Correct Answer: (a) Masanobu Fukuoka
Solution:Masanobu Fukuoka was a Japanese farmer and philosopher, famous for his natural farming and re-vegetation of desertified lands. Fukuoka believed in allowing the soil to naturally regenerate and maintain its structure.

He favored natural methods of enriching the soil, such as using cover crops and allowing natural decomposition. He used straw mulch and other methods to manage weeds naturally, rather than relying on chemical solutions.

Fukuoka relied on natural pest control methods, such as fostering beneficial insects and allowing for a healthy ecosystem. He is known for his work in restoring degraded areas through his natural farming practices, often using seed balls to help establish vegetation.