Consider the following statements regarding Radioactive Pollution:
1. It occurs when radioactive materials are present or deposited in the atmosphere.
2. Human activities are considered to be 100 percent responsible for the radiation we are exposed to.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
1 only
Radioactive Pollution is defined as the increase in the natural radiation levels in the environment that pose a serious threat to humans and other life forms.
Radioactive pollution occurs when radioactive materials are present or deposited in the atmosphere or environment, especially when their presence is unintentional and poses a risk to the environment due to radioactive decay.
The radioactive materials destroying emitting hazardous ionizing radiation (radioactive decay) such as beta or alpha particles, gamma rays, or neurons into the environment where they exist.
Human activities are considered to be responsible for around 20% of the radiation we are exposed to.
Ques:
82
Consider the following:
1. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
2. Ammonia (NH3)
3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
4. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
Which of the given above are considered as gaseous pollutants:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Key Gaseous Pollutants and Their Sources:
Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels and other materials.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO), formed during combustion processes in vehicles, power plants, and other industries.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals with high vapor pressure, released from various sources like paints, cleaning products, and gasoline.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): A gas produced by the burning of coal and oil in power plants, as well as industrial processes.
Ammonia (NH3): A gas emitted from agricultural processes, particularly livestock waste and fertilizer use.
Greenhouse Gases: Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to global warming and climate change.
Ques:
83
With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :
High content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Correct Answer:
(B)
3 only
Soil water holding capacity is the amount of water that a given soil can hold for crop use. Soil texture and organic matter are the key components that determines soil water holding capacity. Organic matter influences the physical conditions of soil in several ways. Plant residues that cover the soil surface, prevent the soil from sealing and crusting by raindrop impact, thereby enhancing rainwater infiltration and reducing runoff organic matter improves the water holding capacity of the soil. Sulphur is one of the three nutrients that are cycled between the soil, living matter and the atmosphere. Salinization is a major problem associated with irrigation because deposits of salts build up in the soil and can reach levels that are harmful to crops.
Ques:
84
Consider the following:
Neem coating of Urea.
PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Soil health management under NMSA.
Which of the given above are the initiatives related to soil conservation:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Government Initiatives Related to Soil Conservation:
Soil Health Management under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) – Soil Health Card Scheme.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Neem Coating of Urea
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme
Five-pronged strategy for soil conservation
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
PM-PRANAM Scheme
Ques:
85
Consider the following statements regarding Soil Pollution:
1. Soil Pollution is the presence of toxic chemicals to pose a risk to human health and the ecosystem.
2. Soil Pollution is not considered as Environmental Pollution.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
1 only
Soil Pollution is the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and the ecosystem.
The contaminating substances that cause soil pollution are called Soil Pollutants.
Soil Pollution is one of the prominent types of Environmental Pollution.
Ques:
86
Consider the following statements regarding Plastic bags:
They accumulate in soil and prevents germination of seeds.
They stay in the soil for centuries without decomposing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Both 1 and 2
Plastic bags
They accumulate in soil and prevents germination of seeds. They stay in the soil for centuries without decomposing (non-biodegradable).
Burning of plastic in garbage dumps release highly toxic and poisonous gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosgene, dioxins and other poisonous chlorinated compounds.
Toxic solid residue left after burning remains in the soil. The harmful gases enter soils through chemical cycles.
Ques:
87
Consider the following statements:
1. Soil naturally contains a few harmful chemicals.
2. The amounts of contaminants found naturally in soil are high enough to constitute a risk.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
1 only
"Soil Pollution"
Soil pollution is defined as the "adding of substances to the soil that has a negative impact on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the soil and lowers its productivity."
It's a build-up of poisonous compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease-causing agents in the soil that harm plant development and human and animal health.
Soil naturally contains a few harmful chemicals.
The amounts of contaminants found naturally in soil are not high enough to constitute a risk.
Soil pollution can also be defined as when the levels of contaminants in soil surpass the levels that should be present naturally.
Ques:
88
The 'World Water Day' is celebrated on:
Correct Answer:
(B)
22 March
World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on March 22. The day focuses attention on the importance of fresh water and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme of World Water Day 2024 is 'Water for Peace'. When we cooperate on water, we create a positive ripple effect – fostering harmony, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges.
Ques:
89
Who among the following environmentalists is known by the name of ‘Jal Purush’?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Rajendra Singh
Rajendra Singh is a well-known water conservationist from Alwar district, Rajasthan also known as ‘waterman of India’. He won the Stockholm Water Prize, an award as in 2015. Previously he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2001 for his pioneering work in community-based efforts in water harvesting and water management.
Ques:
90
Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss?
Hard and waxy leaves
Tiny leaves or no leaves
Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of these
Due to the scarcity of water in the desert, in some plants, leaves are modified to reduce water loss. Hard and waxy leaves help to minimise water loss through diffusion. Water loss is also prevented in the form of gummy substance in leaves minimising the surface area to volume ratio. Thorns have a high surface area but they help in water conservation. They also help in condensing moisture from the air which then drips to the ground and is absorbed by the roots.