Environment is one of the most important sections of the General Studies syllabus. It covers the relationship between living organisms and their surroundings, environmental issues, conservation, biodiversity, pollution, climate change, and sustainable development. This topic is highly relevant for UPSC, State PCS, SSC and other competitive examinations.
Correct Answer:
(D)
All the above
The word environment is derived from the French word ‘Environ’ which means to 'encircle or surround. The environment is a very broad concept and involves everything that affects an organism during its lifetime. It is the totality of all social, biological, physical, and chemical elements individually as well as collectively that compose nature and human-made surroundings. It refers to the total of conditions which surround man at a given point in space and time. The environment is defined as the social, cultural and physical conditions that surround, affect and influence the survival, growth and development of people, animals or plants. As defined in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, "environment includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganisms and property. Hence (d) is the correct answer.
Ques: 2
Which of the following is not related to environmental protection?
Correct Answer:
(B) Poverty Alleviation
Sustainable development and use of paper bags have a positive impact on the environment while air conditioning has a negative impact on the environment as it affects the ozone layer. Poverty alleviation has both positive and negative impact on the environment. Alternatively, poverty is indirectly linked to the environment whereas sustainable development, use of paper bags and air conditioning directly affect the environment. So, if we consider the positive impact on the environment from poverty alleviation, option (c) too may be the correct answer.
Ques: 3
Environment is a composite state of –
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above.
The environment may be divided into biotic and abiotic environments. The biotic environment is made up of biotic factors, that is all living things in the environment. The abiotic or physical environment is made up of all the physical factors that affect organisms, e.g. temperature, light intensity, the amount of available water etc. Physiographic factors refer to the physical characteristics and features of the Earth's surface, including landforms, climate patterns, geological structures, and natural resources. These factors influence the distribution of biotic and abiotic elements in an environment. For example, mountains can create barriers for the movement of organisms, while rivers and lakes provide habitats for aquatic species. Climate patterns such as rainfall and temperature determine the types of ecosystems that can thrive in a particular region.
Note: The Environment (Protection) Act of India was enacted in the year 1986. It extends to the whole of India.
Ques: 4
Generally, environment can be classified as following categories. Which among the following is NOT a part of such category?
Correct Answer:
(A) Operational Environment
Generally, environment can be classified as physical, cultural and biological environment. Physical environment includes landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks, minerals, etc. Biological environment includes plants, animals, microorganisms, etc. whereas cultural environment include man-made features such as economic, social and political elements.
Ques: 5
World Environment Day is celebrated on:
Correct Answer:
(C) 5 June
World Environment Day is celebrated on 5 June every year. China was the global host of 2019 World Environment Day with "Air Pollution" as the theme of that year's edition. In 2021, theme of World Environment Day was 'Ecosystem Restoration'.
Note: ‘Silent Spring’ is an environmental science book published in 1962. It was written by an American biologist and ecologist ‘Rachel Carson’.
Ques: 6
What is the theme for 'World Environment Day 2024?
Correct Answer:
(C) Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1973, World Environment Day is the largest international event focused on the environment, coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Millions of people from governments, businesses, civil society, and educational institutions participate annually to raise awareness and take action on environmental issues, aiming to protect the planet's future.
The theme for 2024, "Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration," emphasizes the importance of restoring land, combating desertification, and enhancing resilience to drought.