Home

Exp) Option b is the correct answer.

Indoor air pollution refers to the contamination of indoor air with harmful pollutants that can adversely affect the health of occupants. This type of pollution is commonly associated with the presence of various pollutants in enclosed spaces, such as homes, offices, schools, and other indoor environments.

Pair 1 is incorrect: Formaldehyde can be found in building materials, household products, use of unvented, fuel-burning appliances, like gas stoves etc. and it can be released into the air and cause respiratory issues. Formaldehyde-based resins are used as adhesives and impregnating resins in the manufacture of particleboard, plywood, furniture and other wood products.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Radon is a natural product of the environment that moves freely through the air, groundwater, and surface water. Radon gas escapes from rocks and soils into the air and tends to concentrate in enclosed spaces such as houses and underground mines. The burning of coal and other fossil fuels also releases radon.

Pair 3 is correct: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from solids or liquids and include various chemicals, some with potential short- and long-term health effects. Indoors, VOC concentrations can be up to ten times higher than outdoors, primarily originating from paints, solvents, cleaning products, and certain building materials.

Pair 4 is correct: Carbon monoxide (CO) results from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels,  including charcoal. Widely used in restaurant kitchens for cooking, charcoal combustion produces substantial CO. In Japan, cases of CO poisoning among cooks and waitstaff from burning charcoal occur annually. Determining the precise ventilation needed to prevent CO buildup is challenging due to the lack of established CO generation rates from burning charcoal.

Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

When the pH of the rainwater drops below 5.6, it is called Acid Rain. Acid rain occurs when acidic substances from the atmosphere are deposited onto the Earth's surface. Oxides of nitrogen and Sulphur which are acidic in nature often transported by the wind along with solid particles in the atmosphere, eventually settle as either dry deposition on the ground or as wet deposition in water, fog, and snow.

Statement 1 is correct: The arrival of acidic rainwater on the Earth's surface has the potential to extract aluminum from soil clay particles. Along with aluminum, many other nutrients can get leached away. This will have a negative effect on the nutrient level of the soil. Thus, it has an impact of overall altering the composition of the soil.

Statement 2 is correct: The acidic elements of acid rain corrode metals, weaken stone, and harm paint, hastening the decay of historical buildings and monuments. For instance, acid rain in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal exacerbates this issue. The acid rain reacts with the marble of the Taj Mahal, causing damage to this magnificent monument that has drawn people from across the globe. Consequently, the monument is gradually losing its original form, with the marble becoming discolored and losing its luster.

Statement 3 is correct: Acid rain can cause respiratory issues in humans and animals.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The deposition of acidic particles on tree leaves doesn't enhance the tree's ability to absorb sunlight; instead, it hinders the absorption process and inhibits growth. In the high latitude regions, acidic fog and clouds may strip nutrients from tree leaves, resulting in brown or dead

leaves. Weakened by this process, the trees become less capable of absorbing sunlight, making them vulnerable and less able to endure freezing temperatures.

Exp) Option d is the correct answer.

The Honolulu Strategy is a framework document to address marine debris issues globally. In 2011, the Fifth International Marine Debris Conference was co-organized by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which catalyzed the development of the Honolulu Strategy.

The Honolulu Strategy aims to address the issue of marine debris. It provides a comprehensive approach to reduce the ecological, human health, and economic impacts of marine debris worldwide.

The strategy serves as a framework document that does not replace or override the efforts of national authorities, municipalities, industry, international organizations, or other stakeholders. Instead, it acts as a central reference for enhancing collaboration and coordination among the diverse global stakeholders dedicated to addressing marine debris.

The strategy aims to:

1) Minimize land-based litter and solid waste entering the marine environment.

2) Minimize sea-based sources of marine debris, including solid waste, lost cargo, Abandoned, lost,

or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and abandoned vessels.

3) Minimize the accumulation of marine debris on shorelines, in benthic habitats, and in pelagic waters.

Exp) Option d is the correct answer.

An earthquake is a natural phenomenon characterized by the shaking of the Earth's surface due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust. This release of energy is typically caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.

Statement-I is correct: Kutch district in the State of Gujarat is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Kutch is known for its seismic activity, and it experienced a major earthquake in 2001 with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, which caused major life and livelihood losses to the people of Gujarat. Recently, Kutch experienced a 3.3 magnitude earthquake, and fortunately no loss of lives or property was reported.

Statement - II is incorrect: A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary characterized by the horizontal movement of tectonic plates in relation to each other. On the other hand, a convergent boundary is a zone where two tectonic plates move toward each other. The Kutch district in Gujarat is highly prone to earthquakes because it is located on the convergent plate boundary, where Indo- Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates move toward each other.

The collision and compression of these plates lead to the buildup of stress along faults in the Earth's crust. Eventually, this stress is released in the form of seismic activity, resulting in earthquakes. The energy released during these earthquakes can have significant consequences, causing ground shaking and potentially leading to damage of structures and loss of life.