Part 3
Important MCQ on Environmental law
1. Where the stock holm conference was held?
(A) France (B) Sweden (C) America (D) England.
Answer : (B) Sweden.
Explanation : The Stockholm Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, was held in Stockholm, Sweden, during June 5–16, 1972. It was the first world conference to make the environment a major issue and to declare the right to live in a healthy environment as a basic human right. The conference adopted a declaration containing 26 principles, an action plan with 109 recommendations, and several resolutions on environmental protection.
2. When the stock holm conference was held?
(A) 1972 (B) 1974 (C) 1976 (D) 1978
Answer : (A) 1972.
Explanation : The Stockholm Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, was held in Stockholm, Sweden, during June 5–16, 197212. It was the first world conference to make the environment a major issue and to declare the right to live in a healthy environment as a basic human right.
- The conference adopted a declaration containing 26 principles, an action plan with 109 recommendations, and several resolutions on environmental protection.
- One of the major results of the Stockholm conference was the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- The Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact nations boycotted the conference due to the lack of inclusion of East Germany, which was not allowed to participate.
- China, being a new member of the United Nations, did not take part in the preparational talks. To include their views they reopened at the conference the declaration, which was negotiated at the preparational talks, introducing text to counter language of the declaration regarding population as a threat to the environment and cause of its degradation.
(A) 42nd (B) 40th (C) 44th (D) 39th
Answer : (A) 42nd.
Explanation : The 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, also known as the Mini-Constitution, was enacted in 1976. It introduced specific provisions directly related to the environment in the Constitution. Some of these provisions are:
- Article 48A: It states that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
- Article 51A(g): It states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
- Article 253: It empowers the Parliament to make laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement or convention with any other country or countries or any decision made at any international conference, association or other body. This enables the Parliament to enact laws to fulfil India’s obligations under international environmental agreements.
(A) Water (prevention & control of pollution Act.1974
(B) AIR (prevention & control of pollution Act 1981
(C) Environment (protection)Act.1986
(D) Protection of HUMAN Right Act.1993
Answer : (D) Protection of Human Right Act.1993.
Explanation : This act is not an environmental statute, but a law that provides for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Courts for the protection of human rights.
An environmental statute is a law that governs how humans interact with their environment, such as air quality, water quality, and natural resources. Some examples of environmental statutes in India are:
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants.
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act aims to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water.
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This act seeks to prevent, control and abate air pollution in the country.
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: This act empowers the central government to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality
(A) 26 (B) 30 (C) 28 (D) 40
Answer : (A) 26.
Explanation : The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has 26 sections divided into four chapters. The chapters are:
- Chapter I: Preliminary (Sections 1 and 2)
- Chapter II: General Powers of the Central Government (Sections 3 to 6)
- Chapter III: Prevention, Control and Abatement of Environmental Pollution (Sections 7 to 17)
- Chapter IV: Miscellaneous (Sections 17 to 26)
6. Chairman of standing committee on environment in parliament was?
(A) Indira Gandhi
(B) Jail Singh
(C) V. Narayan swami
(D) Menka Gandhi
Answer : (D)
Explanation : 1989–91 – Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Environment and Forests.
7. Which in not the subject of environmental Pollution?
(A) Prevention
(B) Control
(C) Abatement
(D) Spread
Answer : (D) Spread.
Explanation : Environmental pollution is the effect caused by undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful impacts on plants, animals, and human beings. The subjects of environmental pollution are usually related to the causes, effects, and solutions of pollution, such as prevention, control, abatement, management, economics, etc. Spread is not a subject of environmental pollution, but rather a consequence of it.
8. How many principles were laid down in Stockholm Declaration?
(A) 26 (B) 32 (C) 20 (D) 22
Answer : (A) 26.
Explanation : The Stockholm Declaration, which was adopted by the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, contained 26 principles for sound management of the environment. The principles covered topics such as human rights, natural resources, pollution, development, education, and international cooperation. The Stockholm Declaration was the first world conference to make the environment a major issue and marked the start of a dialogue between industrialized and developing countries on the link between economic growth and environmental protection.
9. Water fit for Consumption is known as
(A) Fresh water
(B) Polluted water
(C) Sea water
(D) Rain water
Answer : (A) Fresh water.
Explanation : Fresh water is fit for human consumption. It can be used for drinking and household purposes after purifying it. Salt water, polluted water, and sewage water are not fit for consumption because they contain high concentrations of salt, chemicals, or other contaminants that can harm human health234. Rain water is a type of fresh water, but it may not be safe to drink without treatment because it can be contaminated by air pollution or other substances.
10. World environment protection day is celebrated on
(A) 05 June
(B) 05 May
(C) 10 June
(D) 10 May
Answer : (B) 05 May.
Explanation : World Environment Protection Day is celebrated on 26 November every year to raise global awareness of the need to take positive actions to protect environment. This event is organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
World Environment Protection Day is different from World Environment Day, which is observed annually on 05 June. World Environment Day is the largest platform that advocates the practice of sustainable development around the world. The theme of World Environment Day 2024 is “Restore Our Earth” and the host country is Côte d’Ivoire.
11. Air Pollution is mainly due to
(A) Emergence of Industrial pollutants
(B) Discharge of Auto mobiles
(C) A & B Both
(D) Neither A nor B
Answer : (C) A & B Both.
Explanation : Air pollution is mainly caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air1. These pollutants can come from various sources, such as burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, agricultural activities, mining activities, and domestic sources. Among these sources, the emergency of industrial pollutants and the discharge of automobiles are the most significant contributors to air pollution. Industrial pollutants include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, which can harm human health and the environment. Automobiles emit greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, as well as other harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, acid rain, and global warming. Therefore, both industrial pollutants and automobile emissions are major causes of air pollution.
12. Polluted air is that in which is-
(A) Smell
(B) Noise
(C) A & B Both
(D) Neither A nor B
Answer : (D) Neither A nor B.
Explanation : Polluted air is that in which there are substances called pollutants that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials. Smell and noise are not pollutants, but rather sensory perceptions that may indicate the presence of pollutants. Smell is the sense of detecting odors, which are volatile chemical compounds that stimulate the olfactory receptors in the nose. Noise is the sense of hearing unwanted or unpleasant sounds, which are vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and reach the ear. Smell and noise can be subjective and vary from person to person, depending on their sensitivity and preference. Therefore, smell and noise are not the definition of polluted air, but rather possible signs of it.
13. Year in which the Air (prevention & control of pollution) Act was enacted?
(A) 1974
(B) 1981
(C) 1986
(D) 1990
Answer : (B)
Explanation : The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 is an Act of the Parliament of India to control and prevent air pollution in India. The law was amended in 1987. This was the first attempt by the Government of India to combat air pollution.
Some additional information are:
- The act comprises 54 sections in 7 chapters, covering definitions, powers and functions of boards, prevention and control of air pollution, fund, accounts and audit, penalties and procedure, and miscellaneous provisions.
- The act also mandated the state pollution control boards to prevent and control air pollution and established the Central Pollution Control Board as the apex body for the same purpose.
- The act empowers the boards to declare air pollution control areas, restrict the use of certain industrial plants, take samples of air or emission, and give directions to any person, officer, or authority.
(A) Nitrogen
(B) Carbon-Di- Oxide
(C) Oxygen
(D) Proportionate mixture of nitrogen, carbon di oxide and oxygen.
Answer : (D) Proportionate mixture of nitrogen, carbon di oxide and oxygen.
Explanation : Fresh air is a mixture of gases that make up the Earth’s atmosphere. The composition of fresh air varies depending on the location, altitude, weather, and human activities, but the average percentages of the main gases are as follows-
- Nitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>): 78.08%
- Oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>): 20.95%
- Argon (Ar): 0.93%
- Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>): 0.04%
- Other gases (Ne, He, CH<sub>4</sub>, Kr, H<sub>2</sub>, Xe, O<sub>3</sub>, etc.): 0.01%
(A) 19
(B) 20
(C) 30
(D) 31(A)
Answer : (A)
Explanation : section 19- (1) The State Government may, after consultation with the State Board, by notification in the Official Gazette declare in such manner as may be prescribed, any area or areas within the State as air pollution control area or areas for the purposes of this Act.
(2) The State Government may, after consultation with the State Board, by notification in the Official Gazette,—
(a) alter any air pollution control area whether by way of extension or reduction;
(b) declare a new air pollution control area in which may be merged one or more existing air pollution control areas or any part or parts thereof.
16. Ancient Law of Indian environmental protection is rooted in -
(A) B.C from 321 to 300
(B) ArtShastra of Kautilya
(C) A & B Both
(D) Neither A nor B
Answer : (C)
Explanation : Ancient Law of Indian environmental protection is rooted in both the period of B.C from 321 to 300 and the Arthashastra of Kautilya.
The Arthashastra is an ancient book on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy, written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, who was a minister of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. The Arthashastra contains several references to environmental protection and conservation, such as prescribing punishments for cutting trees, damaging forests, and killing animals. The Arthashastra also realized the necessity of forest administration and Ashoka’s 5th Pillar Edict expressed his view about the welfare of creatures in the state.
The period of B.C from 321 to 300 is the time when the Mauryan Empire was established and expanded under Chandragupta and his successors, especially Ashoka. The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India, and it also had a strong emphasis on environmental protection and ethics. Ashoka, who ruled from 268 to 232 B.C, is considered as one of the greatest rulers in history, and he is also known for his edicts on dhamma, which included respect for all living beings, protection of animals and plants, and promotion of peace and harmony.
Therefore, both the Arthashastra of Kautilya and the period of B.C from 321 to 300 reflect the ancient law of Indian environmental protection.
17. "Polluter pays” . principle was laid down in the case of-
(A) Enviro legal Action
(B) M.C. mehta
(C) Sheila Barsey
(D) Peoples union for Democratic
Answer : (A)
Explanation : According to my web search, the correct answer is (A) Enviro legal Action. The polluter pays principle was laid down in the case of Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action vs Union of India in 1996. In this case, the Supreme Court held that the polluter is liable to pay for the damage caused to the environment and the victims of pollution, as well as the cost of restoring the environmental quality. This principle is now an integral part of environmental law in India.
18. Cause of Pollution is-
(A) Population Growth
(B) Industrialization
(C) Both A & B
(D) Neither A nor B
Answer : (C)
Explanation : Cause of pollution is both population growth and industrialization.
Population growth increases the demand for resources such as food, water, energy, and land, which in turn leads to more waste generation, deforestation, agricultural runoff, and greenhouse gas emissions. Industrialization involves the development of factories, mines, power plants, and transportation systems, which produce various pollutants such as smoke, dust, chemicals, metals, and noise. These pollutants can harm the quality of air, water, and soil, and affect the health of humans and other living beings.
19. Classification of pollution is
(A) Natural pollution
(B) Artificial pollution
(C) Both A & B
(D) Neither A nor B
Answer : (C)
Explanation : Classification of pollution is both natural pollution and artificial pollution.
Natural pollution is caused by natural events or processes, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, biological decay, etc. Natural pollution is usually not harmful to the environment, as it is part of the natural cycle.
Artificial pollution is caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, mining operations, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, etc. Artificial pollution is harmful to the environment, as it disrupts the natural balance and introduces new contaminants.
20. 42nd amendment introduced which article in Indian constitution?
(A) 51 A
(B) 52 A
(C) 53 A
(D) 54 A
Answer : (A)
Explanation : The 42nd amendment introduced Article 51A in the Indian constitution, which lays down the fundamental duties of the citizens of India. These duties include respecting the constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem, cherishing the noble ideals of the freedom struggle, promoting harmony and brotherhood, preserving the rich heritage of the nation, protecting the environment, developing scientific temper, safeguarding public property, and striving for excellence.
21. Which is the provision relating to environment in Indian Penal code 1860
(A) Offences affecting the Public Health, safety, convenience. Decency & morals.
(B) Offences affecting the human body
(C) Offences related to marriage.
(D) Offences related to marriage
Answer : (A)
Explanation : Offences affecting the Public Health, safety, convenience. Decency & morals. morals. The Indian Penal Code, 1860, under Chapter XIV, deals with the offences related to environmental protection and pollution, such as fouling water, making atmosphere noxious, killing or injuring animals, etc.
22. Kyoto protocol takes effect on-
(A) 16 February 2005
(B) 26 June 2005
(C) 16 February 2006
(D) 20 January 2006
Answer : (A) 16 February 2005.
Explanation : The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and entered into force on 16 February 2005, 90 days after being ratified by at least 55 Annex I signatories that together accounted for at least 55 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions in 1990123. The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming by setting binding targets for 41 industrialized countries and the European Union. The protocol had two commitment periods: the first from 2008 to 2012, and the second from 2013 to 2020.
Some additional points are-
- The Kyoto Protocol was based on the principles and provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was signed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- The Kyoto Protocol was widely hailed as the most significant environmental treaty ever negotiated, though some critics questioned its effectiveness and fairness.
- The Kyoto Protocol was succeeded by the Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 and entered into force in 2016. The Paris Agreement aims to limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
(A) 2002 to 2012
(B) 2004 to 2014
(C) 2005 to 2015
(D) 2006 to 2016
Answer : (C) 2005 to 2015.
Explanation : This was the period of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), which aimed to integrate the principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. UNESCO was the lead agency for the DESD and coordinated the efforts of various UN agencies, programmes and organizations related to ESD. The DESD was followed by the Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD (2015-2019) and the current global framework for ESD, ESD for 20302.
Some additional points are:
- The DESD focused on five key themes: gender equality, health promotion, environmental conservation, rural development and cultural diversity.
- The DESD produced and shared knowledge, provided policy guidance and technical support to countries, and implemented projects on the ground. It also monitored progress on SDG Indicator 4.7.1, on the extent to which global citizenship education and ESD are mainstreamed in national education policies, curricula, teacher education and student assessment.
- The DESD gave rise to Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) networks, and the GUPES universities’ partnership, which are platforms for collaboration and exchange of good practices on ESD.
(A) Discharge of pollutants in to air
(B) Inappropriate management of electromagnetic energy
(C) Discharge of pollutants in to water
(D) Hydrogen cycle
Answer : (D) Hydrogen cycle. The hydrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of hydrogen between its various forms in the environment. It does not contribute to the pollution in environment, as it is a natural process that does not introduce any harmful substances or energies into the environment.
Some points are:
- The hydrogen cycle is closely linked to the carbon cycle and the water cycle, as hydrogen is a component of both organic molecules and water.
- The hydrogen cycle involves various processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and electrolysis, which can either produce or consume hydrogen.
- Hydrogen is also an important source of clean energy, as it can be used to generate electricity through fuel cells or turbines, without emitting any greenhouse gases or pollutants.
(A) National environmental advisory committee
(B) Department of environment forests and wild life
(C) National waste land Development board
(D) District Magistrate
Answer : is (D) District Magistrate.
Explanation : The District Magistrate is not directly related to the environment, but is the chief executive and revenue officer of a district in India. The District Magistrate is responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting land revenue, supervising the police and other administrative agencies in the district.
Additional points are:
The administrative machinery related to the environment in India consists of various ministries, departments, boards, committees, and agencies at the central, state, and local levels. Some of the key institutions are:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): The apex body for environmental policy, planning, and coordination in India. It also oversees the implementation of various environmental laws and programmes.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): A statutory body established in 2010 to adjudicate on environmental matters and provide speedy and effective justice to the affected parties.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): A statutory body under the MoEFCC that monitors and regulates the quality of air, water, and soil in India. It also advises the central and state governments on environmental issues and policies.
- National Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC): A statutory body under the MoEFCC that advises the ministry on various environmental matters and reviews the environmental impact assessment reports of development projects.
- Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife (DEFW): A department under the MoEFCC that deals with the conservation and management of forests, wildlife, and biodiversity in India. It also administers various schemes and programmes related to afforestation, eco-development, wildlife protection, etc.
- National Wasteland Development Board (NWDB): A board under the MoEFCC that coordinates and monitors the activities of various agencies involved in the reclamation and development of wastelands in India. It also provides technical and financial assistance to the state governments and other stakeholders for wasteland development projects.
(A) COP 8
(B) WSSD
(C) UNCED
(D) COP7
Answer : (B) WSSD.
Explanation : The Johannesburg conference is also known as the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which took place in South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 20021. It was a follow-up forum of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which took place in Rio de Janeiro in 19922. The WSSD adopted a Political Declaration and Implementation Plan, which included provisions covering a set of activities and measures to be taken in order to achieve sustainable development in various areas such as water, energy, health, agriculture, and biodiversity.
27. Green peace is a
(A) High court Bench
(B) Social organization
(C) Environmental organization
(D) None of above
Answer : (C)Environmental organization.
Explanation : Greenpeace is an international non-governmental organisation working for the protection and conservation of the environment. It was set up in Vancouver, Canada in 1971 and now has regional and national offices in 46 countries. Greenpeace states its goal is to “ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity” and focuses its campaigning on worldwide issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling, genetic engineering, anti-war and anti-nuclear issues. It uses direct action, advocacy, research, and ecotage to achieve its goals. The network does not accept funding from governments, corporations, or political parties, relying on three million individual supporters and foundation grants.
28. Civil remedy available with respect to environmental pollution-
(A) Damage
(B) In Junction
(C) A & B Both
(D) Not A nor B
Answer : (C) A & B Both.
Explanation : Civil remedies for environmental pollution are legal actions that can be taken by individuals or groups who have suffered harm or loss due to environmental degradation caused by others. Civil remedies can include damages, injunctions, or both.
- Damages are monetary compensation awarded by a court to the plaintiff for the injury or loss suffered due to the defendant’s wrongful act. Damages can be classified into different types, such as nominal, compensatory, exemplary, or restitutionary, depending on the nature and extent of the harm and the intention of the wrongdoer.
- Injunctions are court orders that require the defendant to stop, prevent, or refrain from doing something that is causing or likely to cause harm to the plaintiff or the environment. Injunctions can be temporary or permanent, mandatory or prohibitory, depending on the urgency and duration of the relief sought.
- Punishment for a public nuisance is a penalty imposed by a court on the offender for causing injury, obstruction, danger, or annoyance to the public or to any person by polluting the environment. Punishment for a public nuisance can be imprisonment, fine, or both, depending on the nature and gravity of the offence. Punishment for a public nuisance can be sought under section 268 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, or under the specific provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 198113.
- Removal of nuisance under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 is a remedy that empowers the magistrate to order the removal of any nuisance that is injurious to the health or physical comfort of the community. Removal of nuisance under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 can be sought under section 133 of the Code, which authorizes the magistrate to issue a conditional order requiring the person causing the nuisance to remove it within a specified time or to show cause why it should not be removed. If the person fails to comply with the order or to show sufficient cause, the magistrate may direct the removal of the nuisance by the police or any other person appointed by him.
- Criminal remedies for environmental pollution are different from civil remedies, which are legal actions that can be taken by the affected parties themselves to seek compensation or injunction for the harm or loss suffered due to environmental degradation. Civil remedies for environmental pollution can be sought under common law or statutory law, depending on the type and extent of the damage and the intention of the wrongdoers.
- Criminal remedies for environmental pollution are also different from administrative remedies, which are actions taken by the regulatory authorities to enforce compliance with the environmental laws and regulations. Administrative remedies for environmental pollution can include issuing notices, directions, orders, or permits, imposing fines or penalties, suspending or revoking licenses or consents, or taking over the management or control of the polluting activity or facility.
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