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Air Pollution

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Air Pollution

Consider the following statements with regard to Air Pollution:

The government has banned import of pet coke for purpose of trading in Delhi and its neighbouring states.
Government launched a people’s campaign #SelfiewithSapling.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has set a target to reduce 10 per cent of the pollution in three years and 30 per cent in the next 5 years.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

	A	1, 2 and 3

	B	Only 1

	C	1 and 2

	D	1 and 3

Your Ans is

Right ans is C

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

In a move to curb air pollution, the Union Environment Ministry banned import of pet coke for purpose of trading in Delhi and its neighbouring states. As part of its dedicated air pollution abatement programme for 100 polluting cities, the Centre formulated a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to fight the menace through a long-term strategy. It set a target to reduce 35 per cent of the pollution in three years and 50 per cent in the next 5 years for the 100 identified cities.

Related Question

Hydrogen Production

Consider the following hydrogen production options:

Blue hydrogen is made from CH₄ where CO₂ is captured and stored.
Green Hydrogen is made from renewable energy and no CO₂ is emitted.
Brown Hydrogen is made from coal where CO₂ is emitted to the atmosphere.
Grey hydrogen is made from CH₄ and CO₂ is captured and liquefied.

Which of the above statements are correct?

	A	1, 2 and 3 only

	B	1, 2 and 4 only

	C	2, 3 and 4 only

	D	All are correct

Your Ans is

Right ans is A

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Blue hydrogen is made from CH₄ and CO₂is stored underground to prevent them causing climate change.
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and electrolysis to split water. It does not emit CO₂.
Brown hydrogen is created through coal gasification and CO₂ is emitted to the atmosphere.
Grey hydrogen is produced from methane and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Fly Ash

Consider the following statements with reference to the Fly ash:

Fly ash is a byproduct from burning pulverized coal in electric power generating plants.
It consists primarily of oxides of silicon, aluminum iron and calcium.
There are two common types of fly ash: Class D and Class H.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	1 and 2

	B	2 and 3

	C	1 and 3

	D	1, 2 and 3

Your Ans is

Right ans is A

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Context: Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) Ltd. has started to collaborate with cement manufacturers across the country to supply fly ash as part of its endeavour to achieve 100% utilisation of the by-product produced during power generation.

About Fly Ash

Fly ash is a fine powder that is a byproduct of burning pulverized coal in electric generation power plants.
During combustion, mineral impurities in the coal (clay, feldspar, quartz, and shale) fuse in suspension and float out of the combustion chamber with the exhaust gases.
As the fused material rises, it cools and solidifies into spherical glassy particles called fly ash.
It is collected from the exhaust gases by electrostatic precipitators or bag filters.
All fly ashes exhibit cementitious properties to varying degrees depending on the chemical and physical properties of both the fly ash and cement.
Fly ash includes substantial amounts of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3), Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) and Calcium Oxide (CaO).

Types

Fly ash is classified as either Class C or Class F ash based on its chemical composition.

Class C ashes are generally derived from sub-bituminous coals and consist primarily of calcium alumino-sulfate glass, as well as quartz, tricalcium aluminate, and free lime (CaO). Class C ash is also referred to as high calcium fly ash because it typically contains more than 20 per cent CaO.
Class F ashes are typically derived from bituminous and anthracite coals and consist primarily of an alumino-silicate glass, with quartz, mullite, and magnetite also present. Class F, or low calcium fly ash has less than 10 percent CaO.

Applications

Fly ash can be used as prime material in many cement-based products, such as poured concrete, concrete block, and brick.
One of the most common uses of fly ash is in Portland cement concrete pavement.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Consider the following statements:

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are a group of man-made compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine and carbon.
These are ozone depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases that are controlled under the Montreal Protocol.
HCFCs usually dissolve in water, but do not dissolve in organic (carbon-containing) solvents.
HCFCs are used in a wide variety of applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing, solvents, aerosols, and fire suppression.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

	A	1 and 2

	B	1 and 3

	C	2 and 3

	D	2 and 4

Your Ans is

Right ans is D

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are a large group of compounds, whose structure is very close to that of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), but including one or more hydrogen atoms.
These contain carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine.
Under normal conditions, HCFCs are gases or liquids which evaporate easily. They are generally fairly stable and unreactive.
HCFCs do not usually dissolve in water, but do dissolve in organic (carbon-containing) solvents. HCFCs are also part of a group of chemicals known as the volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are ozone depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases that are controlled under the Montreal Protocol.
HCFCs are used in a wide variety of applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing, solvents, aerosols and fire suppression.

Green Credit Scheme

Consider the following statements with reference to the “Green Credit Scheme”:

The scheme allows agencies like private companies, village forest communities to identify lands for forest cultivation and ensures plantations are carried out.
After 2 years, these identified lands would be considered as compensatory forest land after meeting forest department’s criteria.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

	A	Only 1

	B	Both1 and 2

	C	Only 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is A

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

On 9^th January, 2020, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) approved Green Credit Scheme that would allow forests to be traded as a commodity.
The scheme allows agencies like private companies, village forest communities, etc. to identify lands for forest cultivation and ensures plantations carried out.
After 3 years, these identified lands would be considered as compensatory forest land after meeting forest department’s criteria.
An industry that needs forest land could approach these agencies and pay them for such forested land. This would then be transferred to the forest department and also recorded as forest land.

Impact

Will encourage plantation by individuals outside the traditional forest area.
Will also help in solving land acquiring issues of various industries which find it hard to acquire appropriate non-forest land.
Will help in meeting international commitments such as Sustainable Development Goals and Nationally Determined Contributions.

Coastal Regulation Zone

Consider the following statements:

The coastal areas have been classified into four categories—CRZ-I, CRZ-II, CRZ-III and CRZ-IV—in the 1991 notification, which aimed at restricting establishment of industries in these areas.
CRZ-I includes areas situated between the high and low tide lines. Exploration of natural gas and extraction of salt are permitted in this zone.
CRZ-III includes rural and urban areas which fall outside CRZ-I and CRZ-II are covered under CRZ-III. Only agriculture-related activities and public facilities are permitted in this zone.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	1 and 3

	C	Only 2

	D	1, 2 and 3

Your Ans is

Right ans is D

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Coastal stretches of creeks, bays, seas, rivers and back waters that are affected by the tidal actions of up to 500 metres from the High Tide Line and the land between the Low Tide Line and the High Tide line are Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ).
The coastal areas have been classified into four categories—CRZ-I, CRZ-II, CRZ-III and CRZ-IV.
CRZ-I: these are ecologically sensitive areas; these are essential in maintaining the ecosystem of the coast. They lie between low and high tide line. Exploration of natural gas and extraction of salt are permitted here.
CRZ-II: these areas are urban areas located in the coastal areas. Now under new coastal zone regulations 2018, the floor space index norms have been de-freezed.
CRZ-III: these are rural and urban localities which fall outside the CRZ-I and CRZ-II. Only certain activities related to agriculture even some public facilities are allowed in this zone.
CRZ-IV: this lies in the aquatic area up to territorial limits. Fishing and allied activities are permitted in this zone. Solid waste should be let off in this zone. This zone has been changed from 1991 notification, which covered coastal stretches in islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

National Ganga Council

Recently, the Prime Minister chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Consider the following statements about the National Ganga Council:

The National Ganga Council, also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga was set up in 2016. It replaced the National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA).
The jurisdiction of the National Ganga Council extends to the States comprising River Ganga Basin, namely, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Rajasthan,Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Haryana and the National Capital Territory of Delhi and such other States, having major tributaries of the River Ganga.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Only 2

	C	Both 1 and 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is C

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

The National Ganga Council, also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga was set up in 2016, replacing the National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA).
The Council, formed under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986, is chaired by Prime Minister.
The jurisdiction of the National Ganga Council shall extend to the States comprising River Ganga Basin, namely, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Rajasthan,Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Haryana, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi and such other States, having major tributaries of the River Ganga.
The Council is overall responsible for the superintendence, direction, development and control of River Ganga and the entire River Basin (including financial and administrative matters) for the protection, prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution in River Ganga and its rejuvenation to its natural and pristine condition and to ensure continuous adequate flow of water in the River Ganga and for matters connected therewith.

Etalin Hydroelectric Project

Recently, the Union Government recommended a biodiversity study of the proposed 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh : Consider the following statements about the Etalin Project:

The proposed hydropower project is supposed to be built in the biodiversity-rich Dihang valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
The project involves the construction of two concrete gravity dams, one on the Tangon and other on the Dri rivers.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Only 2

	C	Both 1 and 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Limited (EHEPCL), a joint venture company of Jindal Power Limited (JPL) & Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited, is supposed to be built in the biodiversity-rich Dibang river valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
The project was first identified in 2003 and was granted Terms of Reference (ToRs) by the environment ministry in 2009.
It envisages construction of two dams - a 101.5 metre high dam on the Dirriver near Yuron village and a 80-metre high dam on Tangon river.
The Dri and Tangon rivers are tributaries of Dibang.

Reason for Opposition to Project

The proposed project location falls at the junction of the Palaearctic, Indo-Chinese, and Indo-Malayan bio-geographic regions having luxuriant forests and plethora of flora and fauna.
About six globally threatened mammal species are found in this region of which three are endangered and three are under the vulnerable category.
In addition, the entire region falls under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) management categories III and IV, Endemic Bird Area, Global Biodiversity Hotspot, and Key Biodiversity Area indicating its importance at global scale.

River Dibang

Dibang River, also known as Sikang in Adi and Talon in Idu, is a tributary river of the Brahmaputr (Known as Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh) that originates and flows through the Mishmi Hills & northeast India from the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Sisar, Mathun, Tangon, Dri, Ithun and Emra are the major tributaries of the Dibang.

Geochemical Baseline Atlas Of India

Recently, the CSIR- National Geophysical Research Institute has brought out the Geochemical Baseline Atlas of India for environment management purpose.Consider the following given statements about the Atlas:

The atlas consist 45 maps of metals, oxides and elements present in top and bottom soils across India.
The map trace elements from top soil i.e. top 25 cm depth and bottom soil at 100 cm depth from the year 2006 to 2011.

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Only 2

	C	Both 1 and 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Geochemical Baseline Atlas of India has been developed by CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad for use by policy makers to assess environmental damage.
This is the third map among the series of maps published by NGRI. Earlier, The Gravity map of India and Seismic map of India were released by the research institute.
The geochemical data presented in these maps will be a part of the Global Map to be prepared by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGC).
The atlas consisting 45 maps of metals, oxides and elements present in top and bottom soils across India will serve as a reference against which future generations of the country would be able to assess the chemical compositional changes on Earth’s surface.
To develop the maps, the globe was divided into 5,000 cells of 160 km by 160 km each. Of it, India has 122 cells.
The map trace elements from top soil i.e. top 25 cm depth and bottom soil at 100 cm depth from the year 2006 to 2011. Across India, over 545 samples were collected.

Significance

It will help the country to assess the presence of toxic chemicals in soil and how it varies from place to place.
It also helps in identifying how soil pollution is contributing to groundwater contamination.
The map will also support in choosing the right soil that’s rich in certain micronutrient elements required for each plant growth.
It will help to plan the land use in different parts of the country.
It helps in finding out future contamination caused by industries or other bodies which cause pollution.

Green Crackers

In order to tackle the menace of air pollution due to traditional fire crackers, the government has introduced eco-friendly Green crackers. Consider the following statements about the Green crackers:

It is based on formulations developed by a consortium of eight laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) led by Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute(NEERI).
The green crackers do not have barium and strontium salts as constituents and so create less polluting particles.

Choose the Correct answer from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Only 2

	C	Both 1 and 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is C

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

Green crackers are developed by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with eight other government labs.
CSIR had taken up the project to develop eco-friendly crackers in the wake of directions of the Supreme Court restricting the use of fireworks to address the growing problem of pollution in different parts of the country.
The green crackers do not have barium and strontium salts as constituents and so creates less polluting particles. This means, however, that unlike earlier, the fireworks will have a limited colour palette, producing mainly white and yellow sparks.
A green logo as well as a Quick Response (QR) coding system has been developed for differentiation of green crackers from conventional crackers.

National Mission For Clean Ganga

Recently, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) issued a 15-point directive to prevent idol immersion into river Ganga and its tributaries and on their banks. Consider the following statements about the directives:

1. According to the directive, a fine of Rs. 100,000 would be imposed if immersion of idols took place in the Ganga or its tributaries during festivals, including Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath and Saraswati Puja.

2. These directives were issued by NMCG under Section-5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Choose the correct answers from the codes given below:

	A	Only 1

	B	Only 2

	C	Both 1 and 2

	D	Neither 1 nor 2

Your Ans is

Right ans is B

Your Answer Is Correct

Your Answer Is Wrong

Explanation :

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) issued a 15-point directive to the 11-Ganga basin states to prevent idol immersion into river Ganga and its tributaries and on their banks, including cordoning off the ghats.
According to the directive, a fine of Rs. 50,000 would be imposed if immersion of idols took place in the Ganga or its tributaries during various upcoming festivals.
These directives were issued by NMCG under Section-5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
11 States-Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Ganga River

It is a trans-boundary river originating in the western Himalayas (Gangotri glacier) in Uttarakhand, and flows south and east through the Gangetic Plain of India and Bangladesh, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
Tributaries of Ganges from the North: Yamuna, Ramganga, Karnali (Ghaghra), Tapti, Gandak, Kosi.
Tributaries of Ganges from the South: Chambal, Son, Betwa, Ken, Southern Tons
Namami Gange Programme was launched in 2014, as an Integrated Conservation Mission, to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation, and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.

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