Environmental Science MCQ – Asked in Previous Years, WBCS Mains

Answer – C. UNESCO
Explanation-
▪ The concept of ‘Biosphere Reserve’ was evolved by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Biosphere Reserves are designated areas that aim to promote the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, and research. They are internationally recognized and serve as sites for demonstrating innovative approaches to balancing conservation and human activities.

Answer – C. Rachel Carson
Explanation-
▪ ‘Silent Spring’ was written by Rachel Carson. It is a pioneering environmental science book published in 1962. The book highlights the detrimental effects of pesticides, particularly DDT, on the environment, wildlife, and human health. “Silent Spring” played a significant role in raising awareness about the ecological impact of pesticides and catalyzed the environmental movement and the development of modern environmental policies.

Answer – A. Methyl isocyanate
Explanation-
▪ The Bhopal tragedy refers to the industrial disaster that occurred on December 2-3, 1984, in Bhopal, India. The disaster resulted from a massive release of toxic gases, primarily methyl isocyanate (MIC), from a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide India Limited. The release of MIC gas led to the immediate death of thousands of people and caused long-term health issues for many more.

Answer – B. 1992 at Rio de Janeiro
Explanation-
▪ The Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The summit brought together world leaders, government officials, and representatives from various organizations to discuss environmental issues and sustainable development. It resulted in the adoption of important international agreements, including the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and the Agenda 21 action plan.

Answer – C. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation-
▪ The ‘Chipko’ movement, also known as the Chipko Andolan, was organized in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The movement originated in the early 1970s and involved local communities, especially women, who protested against deforestation and commercial logging. The participants hugged and protected trees from being cut down, inspiring a broader movement for environmental conservation and community-based forestry.

Answer – D. Carbon dioxide
Explanation-
▪ Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that is produced when fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, burn. Fossil fuel combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global climate change. Methane (CH4) is another greenhouse gas associated with human activities, particularly from sources such as livestock farming , rice cultivation, and natural gas production.

Answer – B. 5th June
Explanation-
▪ World Environment Day is celebrated on the 5th of June every year. It is a global observance initiated by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote action for the protection of the environment. Each year, World Environment Day focuses on a specific environmental theme, engaging individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to take positive environmental actions.

Answer – C. Jim Corbett
Explanation-
▪ Jim Corbett National Park, located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is the first National Park in India. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, a British-Indian hunter, and conservationist who played a crucial role in the park’s establishment. Jim Corbett National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its population of Bengal tigers.

Answer – B. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation-
▪ India’s first commercial-scale biomass-based hydrogen plant is located in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh 123. The plant is being put up by a joint venture of Watomo Energies Ltd and Biezel Green Energy with an investment of Rs 24 crore. Every day this plant will produce one tonne of hydrogen, from 30 tonnes of biomass feedstock

Answer – D. All of the above
Explanation-
▪ Cattle waste, such as cow dung, has a higher Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) compared to Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) due to various factors. Cattle waste contains high levels of fiber, cellulose, lignin, and other organic compounds that are resistant to biological degradation.

▪ These compounds contribute to the COD, which represents the total amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic matter in the waste. The presence of microflora, including bacteria and fungi, in cattle waste also contributes to its high COD levels.