Q.1 Which of the following is the primary purpose of environmental law?
To regulate human behavior affecting the environment
To control international trade
To promote corporate profits
To regulate family disputes
Explanation - Environmental law ensures that activities impacting the environment are controlled to prevent harm and promote sustainability.
Correct answer is: To regulate human behavior affecting the environment
Q.2 The 'polluter pays principle' means:
The government pays for pollution cleanup
The person causing pollution must bear the cost
The community pays equally
No one is responsible for cleanup
Explanation - This principle ensures accountability by making the polluter financially responsible for damage caused.
Correct answer is: The person causing pollution must bear the cost
Q.3 Which international agreement focuses on climate change?
Paris Agreement
Geneva Convention
Rome Statute
Basel Convention
Explanation - The Paris Agreement (2015) seeks to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Correct answer is: Paris Agreement
Q.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is primarily used to:
Forecast weather
Assess the effect of projects on the environment
Evaluate financial returns
Resolve international disputes
Explanation - EIA evaluates potential environmental consequences of proposed projects before approval.
Correct answer is: Assess the effect of projects on the environment
Q.5 Which Indian constitutional article deals with protection of the environment?
Article 21
Article 48A
Article 19
Article 14
Explanation - Article 48A directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
Correct answer is: Article 48A
Q.6 The Stockholm Conference of 1972 is also known as:
Earth Summit
UN Conference on the Human Environment
Kyoto Protocol
Montreal Protocol
Explanation - The Stockholm Conference (1972) was the first global meeting focused on environmental issues.
Correct answer is: UN Conference on the Human Environment
Q.7 Which body in India enforces environmental regulations?
Supreme Court
Central Pollution Control Board
Election Commission
Reserve Bank of India
Explanation - The CPCB monitors and enforces standards for air, water, and other pollution control.
Correct answer is: Central Pollution Control Board
Q.8 The principle of 'sustainable development' emphasizes:
Economic growth only
Meeting present needs without harming future generations
Technological advancement alone
Short-term benefits
Explanation - Sustainable development balances environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.
Correct answer is: Meeting present needs without harming future generations
Q.9 Which case is known as the foundation of environmental jurisprudence in India?
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Shah Bano case
Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain
Explanation - M.C. Mehta cases expanded environmental protection under Article 21 (Right to Life).
Correct answer is: M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
Q.10 Which gas is primarily responsible for ozone layer depletion?
Carbon dioxide
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Methane
Nitrogen
Explanation - CFCs break down ozone molecules, leading to depletion of the ozone layer.
Correct answer is: CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Q.11 Which principle asserts that lack of full scientific certainty should not delay environmental action?
Precautionary principle
Equity principle
No harm principle
Proportionality principle
Explanation - The precautionary principle calls for preventive action even without complete scientific certainty.
Correct answer is: Precautionary principle
Q.12 Which Act in India regulates air pollution?
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Water Act, 1974
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Forest Act, 1927
Explanation - This Act provides measures to prevent, control, and abate air pollution in India.
Correct answer is: Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Q.13 Which international treaty addresses hazardous waste movement across borders?
Basel Convention
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Doha Declaration
Explanation - The Basel Convention regulates transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and disposal.
Correct answer is: Basel Convention
Q.14 Which Indian law regulates biodiversity?
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Water Act, 1974
Air Act, 1981
Explanation - The Act provides conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in India.
Correct answer is: Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Q.15 The Rio Earth Summit (1992) produced which key document?
Agenda 21
Kyoto Protocol
Paris Agreement
Stockholm Declaration
Explanation - Agenda 21 outlined a global plan for sustainable development.
Correct answer is: Agenda 21
Q.16 Which environmental law doctrine requires industries to adopt the best available technology to reduce pollution?
Polluter pays
Precautionary principle
Absolute liability
Best practicable means
Explanation - This doctrine ensures industries use the most effective methods to limit pollution.
Correct answer is: Best practicable means
Q.17 What does Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantee in relation to the environment?
Right to equality
Right to life including a clean environment
Right to free trade
Right to education
Explanation - The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 to include the right to a pollution-free environment.
Correct answer is: Right to life including a clean environment
Q.18 Which court has played a pioneering role in environmental protection in India?
High Court
District Court
Supreme Court
Family Court
Explanation - The Supreme Court has delivered landmark judgments expanding environmental rights.
Correct answer is: Supreme Court
Q.19 Which protocol regulates substances that deplete the ozone layer?
Montreal Protocol
Kyoto Protocol
Doha Protocol
Rio Protocol
Explanation - The Montreal Protocol (1987) successfully phased out many ozone-depleting substances.
Correct answer is: Montreal Protocol
Q.20 Which is an example of renewable energy?
Coal
Petroleum
Solar power
Natural gas
Explanation - Solar power is renewable as it uses sunlight, which is inexhaustible.
Correct answer is: Solar power
Q.21 Which body in India grants environmental clearances for large projects?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Reserve Bank of India
Supreme Court
Election Commission
Explanation - The MoEFCC is responsible for granting environmental clearances to major projects.
Correct answer is: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Q.22 What does 'carbon footprint' measure?
Human population
Amount of greenhouse gases emitted
Deforestation rate
Amount of waste generated
Explanation - Carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, company, or activity.
Correct answer is: Amount of greenhouse gases emitted
Q.23 Which Indian Act addresses forest conservation?
Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Water Act, 1974
Air Act, 1981
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Explanation - The Act restricts de-reservation of forests and regulates forest use.
Correct answer is: Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Q.24 Which principle emphasizes international cooperation for global environmental issues?
Common but differentiated responsibility
Absolute liability
Precautionary principle
Public trust doctrine
Explanation - This principle recognizes that developed and developing countries have different responsibilities in addressing global environmental problems.
Correct answer is: Common but differentiated responsibility
Q.25 Which Indian Act is considered an umbrella legislation for environmental protection?
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Water Act, 1974
Air Act, 1981
Explanation - Passed after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, it gives wide powers to protect and improve the environment.
Correct answer is: Environment Protection Act, 1986