MCQs - 2026-04

Plastic debris in freshwater can physically harm aquatic organisms, block their digestive systems, and leach toxic chemicals into the water, impacting the health of the ecosystem.

Freshwater ecosystems are vital for life and human use, and they are also significant pathways through which plastic waste travels to the oceans, making them a critical intervention point.

The initiative aims to reduce, not encourage, the production and use of single-use plastics, focusing instead on sustainable alternatives and better waste management.

The FPI is specifically designed to address the significant problem of plastic pollution in freshwater environments, which are often overlooked compared to marine pollution.

As permafrost thaws, the ground loses its stability, leading to subsidence and damage to infrastructure built upon it, such as buildings, roads, and pipelines.

The release of ancient microbes raises concerns about the potential emergence of novel diseases that could affect humans and animals, posing a risk to public health.

Recent studies indicate that thawing permafrost is releasing ancient microbes, including bacteria and viruses, that have been dormant for thousands of years.

Permafrost is defined as ground that remains frozen for a minimum of two consecutive years, and it plays a critical role in storing organic matter and influencing Arctic ecosystems.

Arctic amplification refers to the disproportionately rapid warming of the Arctic compared to the rest of the planet, driven by feedback mechanisms related to ice and snow cover.

Green hydrogen is particularly crucial for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify or switch to other renewable sources, such as heavy industries (steel, cement) and long-haul transportation.