Daily Current Affairs Quiz: November 07, 2025

Answer: C [All three]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was indeed enacted in 1974. It establishes a framework for preventing and controlling water pollution and for maintaining or restoring the wholesomeness of water bodies in India.

Statement 2 is Correct: While seemingly counterintuitive, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,does cover noise pollution.This is because noise is considered an air pollutant under this Act through an amedment in 1987.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, a horrific industrial disaster, served as a wake-up call for India’s environmental regulations. The Environment Protection Act was enacted in 1986, shortly after the tragedy, to provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.

Answer: C [1, 3 and 4 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct: The NCAP, launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is India’s first national framework for air quality management. It targeted a 20–30% reduction in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ levels by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. The target year has now been extended to 2026.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The CPCB, established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, also derives authority from the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. It functions as an apex body for both air and water pollution control, providing technical services and setting standards.

Statement 3 is Correct: The GRAP, implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), lays out graded actions to be taken when air quality deteriorates to specific categories (Moderate, Poor, Very Poor, Severe). It includes steps like ban on construction, restriction on vehicular movement, and closure of industries during high pollution periods.

Statement 4 is Correct: The NGT, set up in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, ensures speedy adjudication of cases concerning environmental protection, forest conservation, and pollution control. It upholds citizens’ right to a healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Answer: A [1, 2 and 3 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 was enacted to prevent, control, and abate air pollution and to establish Boards at the Central and State levels for implementing pollution control measures. It empowers the CPCB and SPCBs to monitor air quality and regulate emissions from industries and vehicles.

Statement 2 is Correct: The NGT, set up under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, is a quasi-judicial body for fast-track disposal of environmental disputes. It covers issues related to forests, environment, biodiversity, and pollution, and upholds citizens’ right to a healthy environment under Article 21.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched in 1986 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, following a proposal by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It aimed to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the river Ganga, marking India’s first large-scale river cleaning initiative.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: While the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2021) restrict the manufacture, sale, and use of certain single-use plastics, a complete nationwide ban on all types of plastic bags does not exist. Implementation varies across states and some exemptions continue for specific thicknesses or uses.

Answer: B [Only two]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The European Union has been proactive in establishing regulations to prevent greenwashing. It has set strict guidelines that companies must follow when making environmental claims, ensuring that such claims are clear, accurate, and substantiated.

Statement 2 is correct: In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued the ‘Green Guides’ which serve as voluntary guidelines for companies making environmental claims. These guides aim to prevent misleading green marketing practices, though they are not strict regulations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While India has taken steps towards sustainability and environmental protection, it does not have a dedicated regulatory body that specifically addresses and penalizes greenwashing practices. However, general consumer protection laws can apply to misleading environmental claims.

Answer: D [It allows citizens to file complaints regarding hazardous substance offences after providing 60 days' notice to the Central Government, supplementing government-initiated actions.]
Explanation:

A: The Act does not mandate the creation of specialized disposal sites managed solely by the CPCB. State agencies are involved in hazardous waste management.

B: The Act’s “Citizens’ Suit” provision requires a 60-day notice to the Central Government before filing a lawsuit related to environmental offences. Direct lawsuits without prior notice are not permitted.

C: The Act specifies penalties of up to Rs. 1 lakh and imprisonment up to 5 years, with additional fines for continuing violations and increased penalties for offences lasting over a year. The penalty is not capped at Rs. 1 lakh.

D (Correct Option): Section 19 of the Act allows any person to file a complaint with a court after giving 60 days’ notice to the Central Government about the alleged offence. This complements government-initiated actions.