Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on the topic “Environmental Degradation and India’s Response” suitable for Civil Services Examination preparation

1. What is the main cause of environmental degradation in India?

a) Overpopulation
b) Deforestation
c) Industrialization
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

2. Which Act was enacted by the Government of India to address water pollution?

a) The Environment Protection Act, 1986
b) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
c) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
d) The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Answer: b) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

3. The Chipko Movement is associated with the protection of:

a) Wildlife
b) Forests
c) Rivers
d) Wetlands
Answer: b) Forests

4. Which of the following is a major effect of deforestation in India?

a) Soil erosion
b) Increase in carbon sequestration
c) Higher agricultural productivity
d) Greater groundwater recharge
Answer: a) Soil erosion

5. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) includes how many national missions?

a) 8
b) 6
c) 10
d) 5
Answer: a) 8

6. Which Indian state is known for the successful implementation of watershed management programs?

a) Rajasthan
b) Maharashtra
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Kerala
Answer: b) Maharashtra

7. The 2016 National Forest Policy aims to bring how much of India’s total geographical area under forest cover?

a) 33%
b) 50%
c) 25%
d) 20%
Answer: a) 33%

8. What is the primary objective of the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Indian Government?

a) Water conservation
b) Cleanliness and sanitation
c) Air pollution control
d) Wildlife protection
Answer: b) Cleanliness and sanitation

9. Which of the following is a key initiative for reducing carbon emissions in India’s energy sector?

a) National Solar Mission
b) National Water Mission
c) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
d) National Clean Energy Program
Answer: a) National Solar Mission

10. The Kyoto Protocol is associated with:

a) Ozone layer protection
b) Wildlife conservation
c) Reduction of greenhouse gases
d) Control of water pollution
Answer: c) Reduction of greenhouse gases

11. What percentage of India’s total energy production is from renewable sources as of 2023?

a) 30%
b) 20%
c) 40%
d) 15%
Answer: c) 40%

12. Which organization is responsible for monitoring environmental standards and pollution control in India?

a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
b) National Biodiversity Authority
c) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
d) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Answer: c) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

13. Which river cleaning project was launched as part of India’s response to environmental degradation?

a) Namami Gange
b) Yamuna Action Plan
c) Cauvery River Development Plan
d) Brahmaputra Clean-up Initiative
Answer: a) Namami Gange

14. Which Indian legislation specifically targets the management of hazardous waste?

a) The Environment Protection Act, 1986
b) Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016
c) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
d) The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
Answer: b) Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

15. Which mission under the NAPCC focuses on enhancing water efficiency and water conservation?

a) National Water Mission
b) National Solar Mission
c) National Green Mission
d) National Clean Energy Mission
Answer: a) National Water Mission

16. Which gas is the largest contributor to global warming?

a) Methane
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Nitrous oxide
d) Sulphur dioxide
Answer: b) Carbon dioxide

17. India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions is targeted for which year?

a) 2040
b) 2050
c) 2060
d) 2070
Answer: d) 2070

18. Which of the following is a major cause of air pollution in Indian cities?

a) Overuse of groundwater
b) Vehicular emissions
c) Desertification
d) Increased afforestation
Answer: b) Vehicular emissions

19. Which Indian state implemented the “Pani Bachao, Paise Kamao” (Save Water, Earn Money) scheme to conserve water?

a) Punjab
b) Rajasthan
c) Maharashtra
d) Gujarat
Answer: a) Punjab

20. What does the acronym “EIA” stand for in environmental governance?

a) Environmental Information Act
b) Ecological Impact Assessment
c) Environmental Impact Assessment
d) Environment and Industry Analysis
Answer: c) Environmental Impact Assessment

21. Which of the following is not part of India’s national response to climate change?

a) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
b) National Biodiversity Act
c) National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency
d) International Solar Alliance
Answer: b) National Biodiversity Act

22. Which of the following chemicals is responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?

a) Carbon dioxide
b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
c) Methane
d) Nitrous oxide
Answer: b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

23. Which of the following is a major initiative of the Indian government to reduce air pollution?

a) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
b) Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards
c) Atal Bhujal Yojana
d) National River Linking Project
Answer: b) Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards

24. What is the primary purpose of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)?

a) Promote clean energy
b) Control deforestation
c) Manage compensatory afforestation
d) Protect wetlands
Answer: c) Manage compensatory afforestation

25. India’s per capita carbon footprint is relatively low because:

a) India has low industrial activity
b) A significant part of India’s energy comes from renewable sources
c) India’s population uses minimal fossil fuels
d) Both b) and c)
Answer: d) Both b) and c)

26. Which of the following best describes the Green India Mission?

a) A project aimed at increasing the GDP
b) A mission to enhance carbon sinks in forests
c) A program for wildlife conservation
d) An initiative to clean the Ganges
Answer: b) A mission to enhance carbon sinks in forests

27. What is the function of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?

a) Promote international trade
b) Address issues of environmental protection and conservation
c) Enforce wildlife protection laws
d) Plan urban development projects
Answer: b) Address issues of environmental protection and conservation

28. Which initiative by the Indian government encourages individuals to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles?

a) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
b) Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
c) Jal Jeevan Mission
d) National Clean Energy Mission
Answer: b) Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)

29. Which city is home to India’s first International Carbon Market platform?

a) New Delhi
b) Bengaluru
c) Mumbai
d) Hyderabad
Answer: b) Bengaluru

30. Which of the following sectors is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in India?

a) Agriculture
b) Transport
c) Energy
d) Industry
Answer: c) Energy

These MCQs cover key aspects of environmental degradation and India’s responses, making them helpful for Civil Services Examination preparation.