Q.1 Which international treaty focuses on controlling greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change?
Kyoto Protocol
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Stockholm Convention
Explanation - The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, unlike the Montreal Protocol which addresses ozone depletion.
Correct answer is: Kyoto Protocol
Q.2 In energy law, what is the primary purpose of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
To regulate environmental impacts
To define tax obligations
To establish terms for electricity sale between producer and buyer
To set labor standards for utility workers
Explanation - A PPA is a legal contract between an electricity generator and a purchaser, specifying pricing, duration, and other sale conditions.
Correct answer is: To establish terms for electricity sale between producer and buyer
Q.3 Which law primarily governs the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in India?
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
Electricity Act, 2003
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Mineral Concession Rules, 1960
Explanation - The PNGRB Act establishes a regulatory framework for the midstream and downstream petroleum and natural gas sectors.
Correct answer is: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
Q.4 What is the main environmental concern associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?
Air pollution
Water contamination
Noise pollution
Soil erosion
Explanation - Fracking involves injecting fluid into rock formations to extract oil/gas, which can contaminate groundwater if not managed properly.
Correct answer is: Water contamination
Q.5 Which international organization primarily monitors global nuclear energy safety?
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
World Nuclear Association (WNA)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)
Explanation - The IAEA promotes safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies internationally.
Correct answer is: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Q.6 Renewable energy certificates (RECs) are primarily used to:
Certify nuclear plant safety
Prove compliance with renewable energy targets
Regulate natural gas distribution
Assess energy efficiency in industries
Explanation - RECs are tradable certificates representing proof that electricity was generated from renewable sources, helping meet regulatory targets.
Correct answer is: Prove compliance with renewable energy targets
Q.7 Which of the following is considered a non-renewable natural resource?
Solar energy
Coal
Wind energy
Tidal energy
Explanation - Coal is a finite resource formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
Correct answer is: Coal
Q.8 The principle of 'sustainable development' in natural resources law emphasizes:
Maximizing resource extraction
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations
Promoting fossil fuel consumption
Limiting renewable energy use
Explanation - Sustainable development balances current economic growth with long-term environmental conservation.
Correct answer is: Meeting present needs without compromising future generations
Q.9 Which act governs the environmental clearance process for large energy projects in India?
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Water Act, 1974
Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Explanation - The EPA provides the framework for environmental clearances, standards, and regulations for projects including energy and mining.
Correct answer is: Environment Protection Act, 1986
Q.10 Which energy source is most commonly associated with the term 'clean coal technology'?
Coal with reduced emissions using advanced methods
Natural gas
Hydroelectricity
Solar energy
Explanation - Clean coal technology involves techniques to reduce pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from coal combustion.
Correct answer is: Coal with reduced emissions using advanced methods
Q.11 The 'polluter pays principle' in environmental law means:
The government compensates the polluter
Polluters must bear the cost of pollution prevention and remediation
Citizens pay fines for environmental damage
Environmental NGOs fund pollution control
Explanation - This principle assigns financial responsibility to the party causing environmental harm.
Correct answer is: Polluters must bear the cost of pollution prevention and remediation
Q.12 In natural resources law, 'common-pool resources' refer to:
Resources owned privately
Resources available to all but susceptible to overuse
Resources that cannot be depleted
Government-owned minerals only
Explanation - Examples include fisheries, forests, and groundwater, where open access can lead to overexploitation.
Correct answer is: Resources available to all but susceptible to overuse
Q.13 Which renewable energy source relies on the Earth's internal heat?
Geothermal energy
Solar energy
Wind energy
Hydropower
Explanation - Geothermal energy harnesses heat from beneath the Earth's surface for electricity and heating.
Correct answer is: Geothermal energy
Q.14 Which law regulates the mining and use of minerals in India?
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
Petroleum Act, 1934
Energy Conservation Act, 2001
Electricity Act, 2003
Explanation - The MMDR Act governs prospecting, mining, and conservation of minerals in India.
Correct answer is: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
Q.15 Which of the following is a major challenge in regulating offshore oil drilling?
Forest clearance
Marine pollution and oil spills
Air pollution in cities
Urban land acquisition
Explanation - Offshore drilling poses risks to marine ecosystems through oil spills, blowouts, and habitat disruption.
Correct answer is: Marine pollution and oil spills
Q.16 The concept of 'carbon trading' is primarily designed to:
Allow companies to emit unlimited CO2
Provide financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Regulate coal mining
Tax fossil fuel imports
Explanation - Carbon trading lets companies buy or sell emission allowances, promoting overall reductions in greenhouse gases.
Correct answer is: Provide financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Q.17 Which natural resource is directly regulated by the Indian Forest Act, 1927?
Water
Forests and timber
Coal
Petroleum
Explanation - The Act governs the protection, management, and conservation of forests and forest products.
Correct answer is: Forests and timber
Q.18 Which of the following is an example of a transboundary natural resource issue?
Air pollution in a single city
River water sharing between countries
Coal mining in a local area
Solar panel installation on rooftops
Explanation - Transboundary resources are shared across political boundaries, requiring international cooperation to manage.
Correct answer is: River water sharing between countries
Q.19 Which international agreement specifically aims to protect the ozone layer?
Kyoto Protocol
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Copenhagen Accord
Explanation - The Montreal Protocol controls substances that deplete the ozone layer, unlike the Kyoto Protocol which targets greenhouse gases.
Correct answer is: Montreal Protocol
Q.20 Which Indian authority issues licenses for exploration and production of petroleum?
Central Pollution Control Board
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
Ministry of Mines
State Electricity Boards
Explanation - PNGRB regulates midstream and downstream petroleum and natural gas activities, including licensing in certain cases.
Correct answer is: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
Q.21 Which energy source is considered intermittent and requires storage or backup for reliability?
Coal
Wind
Nuclear
Hydropower
Explanation - Wind energy depends on weather conditions, so storage or complementary sources are often needed for continuous supply.
Correct answer is: Wind
Q.22 In natural resource law, what does 'usufruct rights' refer to?
Full ownership including sale rights
Right to use and derive benefit without altering substance
Government control over private land
Rights to pollute freely
Explanation - Usufruct allows one to benefit from a resource without owning or depleting it.
Correct answer is: Right to use and derive benefit without altering substance
Q.23 Which legislation in India encourages energy efficiency and conservation?
Energy Conservation Act, 2001
Electricity Act, 2003
Petroleum Act, 1934
Coal Mines Act, 1972
Explanation - This Act establishes standards and measures for efficient use of energy in industries, buildings, and appliances.
Correct answer is: Energy Conservation Act, 2001
Q.24 Which of the following is a challenge specific to renewable energy regulation?
Resource depletion
Intermittency and grid integration
Fossil fuel pricing
Labor union disputes
Explanation - Renewable sources like wind and solar are variable, creating challenges for consistent electricity supply and grid management.
Correct answer is: Intermittency and grid integration
Q.25 Which of the following international principles influences energy and natural resources law to prevent environmental harm?
Precautionary principle
Comparative advantage
Free market principle
Nationalization principle
Explanation - The precautionary principle advises taking preventive action when environmental risks are uncertain, minimizing potential harm.
Correct answer is: Precautionary principle