Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 26, 2025

Answer: B [Only two]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Act’s objective is broader than just industrial emissions; it aims to improve air quality and prevent, control, and abate air pollution in general.

Statement 2 is correct: Section 20 of the Act empowers State Governments to regulate fuel usage in designated areas after consulting with the SPCB.

Statement 3 is correct: Section 21 mandates obtaining consent from the SPCB (or the CPCB in Union Territories) for establishing or operating certain industrial plants.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Noise pollution was incorporated into the Act through an amendment in 1987, not in its original 1981 enactment.

Answer: B [Use of biofilters to degrade pollutants]
Explanation:

Biofilters are a form of bioremediation technology that use microorganisms to degrade air pollutants. These systems pass contaminated air through a packed bed of media, such as soil or compost, where microorganisms degrade the pollutants.

Answer: A [1 and 4 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct: Air pollution is a well-known risk factor for various health problems. It can irritate and damage the respiratory system, leading to diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: While contaminated seafood is a significant concern regarding water pollution, it’s not the only way water pollution affects human health. Drinking contaminated water can lead to various diseases like cholera, typhoid, and other gastrointestinal illnesses.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: Soil pollution can directly impact human health.  Contaminants in the soil can be absorbed by crops, which, when consumed, can lead to health problems. Additionally, direct contact with contaminated soil can cause skin diseases or allow harmful substances to enter the body.

Statement 4 is Correct: Exposure to high levels of noise pollution, especially over prolonged periods, can lead to permanent hearing damage. Moreover, noise pollution contributes to stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and can even increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension (high blood pressure).

Answer: B [The CPCB formulates policy guidelines and coordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), in addition to performing the functions of SPCBs in Union Territories.]
Explanation:

A is Incorrect: While the CPCB performs the functions of SPCBs in Union Territories, the day-to-day operation of effluent treatment plants is typically managed by local authorities or designated entities, not directly by the CPCB.

B is Correct: The CPCB plays a central role in establishing policies and coordinating the efforts of various SPCBs. It also assumes the responsibilities of the SPCBs in Union Territories, where no such boards exist.

C: Incorrect: Both the CPCB and SPCBs have enforcement powers, including legal prosecution of polluting industries. The 1988 amendment to the Act further empowered them to close defaulting plants.

D is Incorrect: The CPCB’s mandate extends beyond research and development. It is actively involved in setting standards, formulating policies, and coordinating the activities of SPCBs, demonstrating a significant role in enforcement and monitoring, in addition to research.

Answer: A [The process by which natural processes break down hazardous substances into less harmful ones in the environment without human intervention]
Explanation:

Natural attenuation refers to the process by which natural processes, such as biodegradation, dispersion, dilution, sorption, volatilization, and chemical or biological stabilization, transformation, or destruction of contaminants, reduce the concentration and toxicity of pollutants in the environment without human intervention.