Environment & Ecology MCQs

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is the nodal agency for air quality monitoring and management in India.

Standard air quality monitoring networks focus on common outdoor air pollutants like PM, O3, CO, SO2, and NOx. Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas primarily monitored indoors.

Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala and is a significant area for tiger conservation.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, responsible for the conservation of tigers in India.

Habitat fragmentation due to development and agriculture, along with increasing human-wildlife conflict, are the primary threats to tiger populations in the Western Ghats.

NMSA is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), reflecting its focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation in agriculture.

The National Mission for Soil Health and Fertility (often referred to as the 'Soil Health Card Scheme') is a key component under NMSA, aimed at issuing soil health cards to farmers and promoting balanced nutrient management.

NMSA focuses on sustainable practices like soil health, water efficiency, and crop diversification. Promotion of GM crops is not a primary component, and the mission emphasizes organic and traditional farming methods.

Buffer zones are designed to protect the core protected area by regulating human activities in the surrounding areas. They help reduce pressure on the core habitat and mitigate conflicts between human needs and wildlife conservation.

When local communities are actively involved and have a stake in conservation, they are more likely to protect the habitat and ensure the long-term success of conservation initiatives. This fosters a sense of ownership.