The 'National Circular Economy Policy for Plastics 2026' is expected to cover which part of the plastic value chain?
A Only the manufacturing of new plastics.
B Only the collection and disposal of plastic waste.
C The entire lifecycle of plastics, from design to end-of-life management.
D Only the import and export of plastic products.
Answer: C
A circular economy approach addresses the entire value chain, from sustainable design and production to consumption, collection, sorting, recycling, and reuse, ensuring that plastic resources are managed efficiently throughout their lifecycle.
2.
Which principle is central to the concept of a circular economy for plastics, as envisioned by the policy?
A Planned obsolescence and rapid consumption.
B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
C Mass production and disposal.
D Extraction, manufacturing, and landfilling.
Answer: B
The 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' (3R's) principle is fundamental to a circular economy, aiming to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.
3.
What is the core objective of India's 'National Circular Economy Policy for Plastics 2026'?
A To completely ban the production and use of all plastics by 2026.
B To promote a linear 'take-make-dispose' model for plastic consumption.
C To maximize the recycling, reuse, and recovery of plastic resources across its lifecycle.
D To increase the export of plastic waste to other countries.
Answer: C
The policy aims to transition from a linear to a circular economy for plastics, focusing on reducing waste, increasing recycling rates, and promoting the reuse and recovery of plastic materials.
4.
What is identified as the primary driver behind the accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers?
A Increased seismic activity in the region.
B Local deforestation and urbanization.
C Global warming and climate change.
D Changes in monsoon patterns.
Answer: C
Scientific consensus points to global warming and climate change as the primary drivers of accelerated glacial melt worldwide, including in the Himalayas, due to rising global temperatures.
5.
Which of the following major river systems is NOT primarily fed by Himalayan glaciers?
A Indus River
B Ganga River
C Brahmaputra River
D Godavari River
Answer: D
The Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers are all major transboundary rivers originating in or significantly fed by the Himalayan glaciers. The Godavari River, however, originates in the Western Ghats of India.
6.
According to recent reports, what is the most significant immediate threat posed by accelerated Himalayan glacial melt?
A Increased agricultural productivity in downstream regions.
B Enhanced hydropower generation capacity.
C Long-term water scarcity for millions of people.
D Expansion of new tourist destinations.
Answer: C
Himalayan glaciers are a crucial source of water for major river systems in Asia. Their accelerated melt threatens long-term water security for millions who depend on these rivers for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower.
7.
The 'Coastal Resilience & Ecosystem Restoration Mission' (CREM) aligns with India's broader commitments to which global environmental agenda?
A Space exploration and asteroid mining.
B Climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
C Nuclear energy development and proliferation.
D International trade agreements for fossil fuels.
Answer: B
CREM directly contributes to India's efforts in climate change adaptation by strengthening coastal ecosystems against extreme weather events and supports biodiversity conservation by protecting critical marine habitats.
8.
Which of the following activities is most likely to be a key component of the CREM mission?
A Construction of offshore oil drilling platforms.
B Promotion of coastal tourism through luxury resorts.
C Mangrove plantation and coral reef conservation.
D Expansion of commercial fishing fleets.
Answer: C
CREM focuses on ecosystem restoration, which includes activities like mangrove plantation, coral reef conservation, and protection of other critical coastal habitats to build natural resilience.
9.
What is the primary objective of India's 'Coastal Resilience & Ecosystem Restoration Mission' (CREM)?
A To promote deep-sea mining activities along the coast.
B To enhance coastal defense infrastructure and restore marine ecosystems.
C To develop new ports and shipping routes.
D To regulate fishing practices in international waters.
Answer: B
The Coastal Resilience & Ecosystem Restoration Mission (CREM) aims to strengthen coastal defense mechanisms and restore degraded marine and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, to enhance resilience against climate change impacts.
