Which of the following types of pollution is most likely to attract stringent penalties from the NGT when industries fail to comply with norms?
A Minor aesthetic pollution like graffiti on factory walls.
B Non-compliance leading to significant air and water pollution.
C Noise pollution from office equipment.
D Light pollution from decorative lighting.
Answer: B
The NGT typically imposes severe penalties on industries for violations that cause significant environmental damage, such as major air and water pollution, hazardous waste mismanagement, and ecological destruction. Minor aesthetic or localized pollution issues are usually addressed with less stringent measures.
2.
When the NGT imposes heavy penalties on industries for non-compliance with pollution norms, what is a common objective behind such punitive actions?
A To encourage industries to relocate to less regulated regions.
B To generate revenue for the NGT's operational expenses.
C To deter future violations and ensure environmental protection.
D To provide financial compensation to the polluting industries.
Answer: C
The primary objective of imposing heavy penalties by the NGT is deterrence – to discourage industries from violating environmental norms and to ensure compliance, thereby protecting the environment and public health. While penalties might contribute to funds, revenue generation is not the primary goal.
3.
In 2026, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been active in penalizing industries for violating pollution norms. Which of the following is a primary environmental law that governs pollution control in India and is often invoked by the NGT?
A The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
B The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
C The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
D The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Answer: B
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is an umbrella legislation that provides the framework for the coordination of environmental protection activities and lays down standards for pollution control. The NGT derives significant powers from this Act to impose penalties and issue directions.
4.
The NGT's recent directives on Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, often highlight the issue of legacy waste. What does 'legacy waste' typically refer to in this context?
A Waste generated from historical monuments.
B Waste that has accumulated in landfills over many years without proper management.
C Waste generated from the manufacturing of old products.
D Waste that is biodegradable and decomposes quickly.
Answer: B
Legacy waste refers to the large quantities of solid waste that have accumulated in dumpsites or landfills over decades without adequate management, posing significant environmental and health risks. The NGT often directs authorities to remediate these sites.
5.
According to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, who is primarily responsible for ensuring the collection of waste from households and its segregation at source?
A The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
B The local authorities (Municipalities).
C The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
D The National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Answer: B
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, clearly delineate the responsibilities, with local authorities (municipalities) being primarily responsible for the collection of solid waste from households, its segregation at source, and its management.
6.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently emphasized strict compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Which of the following is a key objective of these rules?
A To promote the use of single-use plastics in waste management.
B To ensure scientific collection, segregation, and scientific processing of solid waste.
C To increase the landfilling of untreated solid waste.
D To delegate all waste management responsibilities to informal sector workers without regulation.
Answer: B
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, aim to ensure the scientific collection, segregation, and processing of solid waste, including composting and waste-to-energy, to reduce landfill burden and environmental pollution. Promoting single-use plastics or increasing landfilling of untreated waste are contrary to the rules' objectives.
7.
What is the name of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) developed by DRDO, which is a crucial step towards developing advanced hypersonic missile systems?
A Agni-V
B BrahMos-II
C HSTDV
D Prithvi-III
Answer: C
The Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) is DRDO's project to develop and demonstrate the capabilities of a scramjet engine, essential for future hypersonic cruise missiles.
8.
Which Indian organization is primarily responsible for the development and testing of advanced missile systems, including hypersonic technology?
A ISRO
B DRDO
C HAL
D BHEL
Answer: B
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India's premier agency for military research and development, including the design, development, and testing of various missile systems.
9.
What is the primary characteristic that defines a hypersonic missile system?
A Travels at Mach 1-2
B Travels at Mach 2-5
C Travels at Mach 5 or greater
D Travels below Mach 1
Answer: C
Hypersonic missile systems are defined by their ability to travel at speeds of Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) or greater, offering significant advantages in terms of speed and maneuverability.
10.
In which year did the India-France joint naval exercise 'Varuna' officially commence?
A 1993
B 1998
C 2001
D 2005
Answer: A
The India-France joint naval exercise commenced in 1993, though it was formally christened 'Varuna' in 2001.