Read the following passage and answer the question 116-120 :
The word ‘environment’ is derived from the French word ‘environner’, which means ‘to encircle’ or to surround. It is a combination of living and non-living things and their mutual interaction with each other which leads to an ecosystem. The term ‘pollution’ refers to unfavorable alteration to our surroundings, wholly or largely as a by- product of human’s action through direct and indirect effects of changes in energy pattern, chemical and physical construction and abundance of organisms. Industrialization, poverty, population, explosion, urbanization, over- exploitation of resources, etc., are some of the factors which have contributed to environmental deterioration. The most common air pollutants in urban areas include Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen oxide, Carbon monoxide, etc. Apart from this, the gases discharged from refrigerators, air conditioners etc., are responsible for depletion of the Ozone layer. Deforestation, release of toxic substances on the land, throwing unhygienic waste on earth, dumping of garbage, biomedical waste etc., causes land pollution. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal agency of environmental protection in India. It coordinates the environmental policies and programmes. It was the Bhopal Gas Tragedy which necessitated the Government of India to enact a comprehensive environmental legislation, including rules relating to storing, handling and use of hazardous waste.
____ is the nodal agency for protection of environment and promotion of environment policies in India.
Show Hint
- Pollution Control Board
- State Government
- Central Government
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The Correct Option is D
Approach Solution - 1
It coordinates environmental policies and ensures their implementation through legislation and other measures.
Approach Solution -2
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the primary nodal agency responsible for the protection of the environment and the promotion of environmental policies in India.
This Ministry coordinates various environmental policies and programs across the country to address issues related to pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.
The need for strong environmental governance was highlighted after incidents like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which led to the enactment of comprehensive environmental legislation in India. These laws include rules on the storage, handling, and management of hazardous waste to ensure public safety and ecological balance.
Therefore, the Ministry plays a crucial role in implementing measures to mitigate environmental deterioration caused by factors such as industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, and pollution.
Conclusion:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal agency for environmental protection and policy promotion in India.
The gases discharged from air conditioners and refrigerators results in ____.
Show Hint
- Depletion of nitrogen layer
- Water pollution
- Depletion of ozone layer
- Land pollution
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
These gases rise into the stratosphere and break down ozone molecules, leading to a thinner ozone layer.
Approach Solution -2
The gases discharged from air conditioners and refrigerators primarily include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These substances are known to be harmful to the Earth's ozone layer.
When released into the atmosphere, these gases rise up to the stratosphere where they undergo photodissociation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth as it absorbs the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Its depletion results in increased UV exposure, which can lead to health hazards such as skin cancer, cataracts, and adverse effects on ecosystems.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the gases discharged from air conditioners and refrigerators cause the depletion of the ozone layer.
What made it necessary for the Government of India to enact a comprehensive environmental legislation?
Show Hint
- Environmental Deterioration
- Industrialization
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The Correct Option is D
Approach Solution - 1
This led the Government of India to enact comprehensive environmental legislation to prevent such incidents in the future.
Approach Solution -2
This tragedy, which occurred in December 1984, involved the accidental release of toxic methyl isocyanate gas from a pesticide plant in Bhopal, causing thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for the local population.
The scale and impact of this disaster highlighted the urgent need for stricter environmental laws and regulations to ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
As a result, the government established comprehensive legislation to regulate environmental protection, including the management of hazardous waste, to prevent such catastrophic incidents in the future.
Conclusion:
Therefore, it was the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that made it necessary for the Government of India to enact comprehensive environmental legislation.
Which of the following has not contributed to environmental degradation?
Show Hint
- Unemployment
- Industrialization
- Urbanization
- Deforestation
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
On the other hand, industrialization, urbanization, and deforestation are commonly associated with significant environmental impact, leading to issues like pollution, loss of biodiversity, and deforestation.
Approach Solution -2
Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment through the depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; and the extinction of wildlife. Various factors contribute to this process, often as unintended consequences of human activity.
According to the passage, major contributors to environmental degradation include:
- Industrialization
- Poverty
- Population explosion
- Urbanization
- Over-exploitation of resources
These factors lead to pollution of air, land, and water, depletion of the ozone layer, deforestation, and other forms of environmental harm.
Non-Contributing Factor:
Among the options, unemployment is not mentioned as a factor contributing to environmental degradation. While unemployment is a significant social and economic issue, it does not directly cause environmental harm like the other factors listed.
Conclusion:
Therefore, unemployment has not contributed to environmental degradation according to the information provided.
______ is a combination of living and non-living things and their mutual interaction with each other.
Show Hint
- Environmental Legislation
- Land Pollution
- Ecosystem
- Environmental deterioration
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Environmental legislation, land pollution, and environmental deterioration are different concepts that impact ecosystems but do not define them.
Approach Solution -2
An ecosystem is a combination of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that interact with each other in a particular environment.
The living components include plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans, while non-living components consist of air, water, soil, sunlight, and minerals.
These components form a complex network of relationships where energy flows and nutrients cycle, maintaining ecological balance.
The mutual interaction among these living and non-living elements sustains life and supports various ecological processes essential for environmental stability.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the term that represents the combination of living and non-living things and their mutual interaction is an ecosystem.
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I. Right to a wholesome environment is a facet of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India 1. Research Foundation for Science Technology and Natural Resource Policy v. Union of India (2005) 10 SCC 510 II. Right to information and community participation for protection of environment and human health is also a right which flows from Article 21 2. Orissa Mining Corpn Ltd v. Ministry of Environment and Forests (2013) 6 SCC 476 III. Precautionary principle and polluter pays principle are part of law of the land 3. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar AIR 1991 SC 420 IV. Role of gram sabha in safeguarding the customary and religious rights of scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act 4. Vellore Citizen Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) 5 SCC 647 - AILET LLM - 2025
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