The 59th Jnanpith Award for 2023 was conferred upon renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
22.
When industries fail to comply with effluent discharge norms, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) often imposes environmental compensation based on which principle?
A Precautionary Principle
B Sustainable Development Principle
C Polluter Pays Principle
D Public Trust Doctrine
Answer: C
The 'Polluter Pays Principle' holds that the polluter should bear the cost of pollution, including the costs of preventing pollution and of cleaning up pollution. The NGT consistently applies this principle when imposing environmental compensation on industries for non-compliance with environmental norms, including those related to effluent discharge.
23.
In its efforts to curb unregulated industrial effluents, the NGT often emphasizes the importance of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). What is the primary purpose of a CETP?
A To provide financial subsidies to polluting industries.
B To collectively treat wastewater from a cluster of small and medium industries.
C To monitor air quality around industrial zones.
D To promote the use of fossil fuels in industries.
Answer: B
Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) are designed to provide a cost-effective solution for small and medium-scale industries, which may not have the resources to set up individual effluent treatment plants, to treat their industrial wastewater collectively before discharge. The NGT frequently directs states to ensure the proper functioning and upgradation of CETPs.
24.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) frequently mandates action against industries discharging unregulated effluents. Which of the following Acts primarily empowers the NGT and other regulatory bodies to control water pollution from industrial sources?
A Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
B Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
C Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
D Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Answer: C
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, is the foundational legislation in India for the prevention and control of water pollution. It establishes the Central and State Pollution Control Boards and grants them powers to regulate the discharge of effluents. The NGT draws its powers from the NGT Act, 2010, to enforce compliance with such environmental laws.
25.
As per the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, and subsequent NGT directives, India implemented a ban on identified single-use plastic items from which date?
A January 1, 2022
B July 1, 2022
C October 2, 2023
D April 1, 2024
Answer: B
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, prohibiting identified single-use plastic items from July 1, 2022. The NGT has consistently monitored and directed states to ensure the effective implementation of this ban.
26.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) frequently directs state authorities to ensure strict compliance with Plastic Waste Management Rules. Under which Act was the NGT established, granting it powers to issue such directives?
A Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
B Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
C National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
D Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Answer: C
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. This Act grants it the power to issue directives for compliance with environmental laws, including plastic waste management rules.
27.
Which of the following is a key feature of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as frequently emphasized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for strict compliance?
A Mandatory use of only biodegradable plastics for all packaging.
B Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste management.
C Complete ban on all types of plastic manufacturing by 2025.
D Central government's sole responsibility for waste collection and processing.
Answer: B
The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and subsequent amendments, prominently feature Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), making producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for the collection and recycling of plastic waste. The NGT consistently directs authorities to ensure strict implementation of EPR.
28.
Which Indian Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) is primarily responsible for the development and production of the Akash missile system?
A Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
B Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
C Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
D Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Answer: C
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is the lead integrator and manufacturer for the Akash missile system, including its next-generation variant.
29.
The Akash-NG missile system is designed to intercept which type of aerial threats?
A Low-flying aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
B Ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
C Satellites in low Earth orbit.
D Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Answer: A
The Akash-NG is an upgraded version designed to counter a wider range of aerial threats, including low-flying aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with improved range and accuracy.
30.
The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of Akash-NG missiles. What does 'NG' stand for in Akash-NG?
A Next Generation
B Naval Guard
C New Generation
D Northern Guard
Answer: A
'NG' in Akash-NG stands for 'Next Generation', indicating an advanced version of the Akash missile system.
