UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Chapter 15: Science, Environment and Disaster Management (20 MCQs)

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UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Chapter 15: Science, Environment and Disaster Management (20 MCQs) – 20 questions, subject: Mains Answer Writing. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

Microplastics are plastic pieces smaller than:

Correct Answer: A [5 mm]

Explanation:

By the widely used definition, microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, whether made small or broken down.

2.  

Microplastics formed by the breakdown of larger plastic are called:

Correct Answer: C [secondary]

Explanation:

Secondary microplastics form when larger items such as bottles, bags or packaging break down; primary ones are made small.

3.  

Global talks on a legally binding plastics treaty began after a UN Environment Assembly resolution adopted in:

Correct Answer: C [2022]

Explanation:

UNEA-5.2 adopted resolution 5/14, 'End plastic pollution', in March 2022.

4.  

Extended producer responsibility means that:

Correct Answer: D [makers must help collect and recycle what they sell]

Explanation:

Under extended producer responsibility, producers, importers and brand owners must arrange collection and recycling of the packaging and products they sell.

5.  

The Dam Safety Act was passed in:

Correct Answer: A [2021]

Explanation:

The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament in December 2021 and became the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

6.  

The Dam Safety Act created:

Correct Answer: A [the National Dam Safety Authority]

Explanation:

The Act set up a National Dam Safety Authority as the regulator, alongside a National Committee and State-level dam safety bodies.

7.  

The Machchhu dam failure of 1979 devastated the town of:

Correct Answer: B [Morbi]

Explanation:

The Machchhu-II dam in Gujarat failed on 11 August 1979 and its floodwaters swept through Morbi town downstream.

8.  

Under the Dam Safety Act, the owner of a specified dam must:

Correct Answer: D [inspect the dam regularly and prepare an emergency action plan]

Explanation:

Owners must carry out regular inspections and keep an emergency action plan for people downstream.

9.  

In "source – pathway – receptor", a river carrying microplastics is a:

Correct Answer: D [pathway]

Explanation:

A river is the route by which particles travel from sources such as tyres to receptors such as fish and people.

10.  

Consider the following statements:

1. A science answer should explain the idea in plain words before using technical terms.
2. Long-term health effects of microplastics should be stated as fully proven.
3. A disaster answer should discuss vulnerability as well as the hazard.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 3 only]

Explanation:

Plain words before jargon and attention to vulnerability are both good practice; health effects of microplastics are still under study.

11.  

Assertion (A): A small labelled diagram can improve a pollution answer.

Reason (R): A diagram tracing a pollutant from its origin to the people and places it harms shows causes and effects in little space.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

Both are true, and the diagram helps precisely because it shows origin, route and those harmed in very little space.

12.  

Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, was made in:

Correct Answer: C [1907]

Explanation:

Leo Baekeland made Bakelite in 1907 from phenol and formaldehyde, the first plastic made entirely from synthetic materials.

13.  

Polyethylene was discovered in 1933 at:

Correct Answer: B [ICI]

Explanation:

Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson at Imperial Chemical Industries in Britain produced polyethylene, partly by accident, in March 1933.

14.  

Parkesine is associated with:

Correct Answer: B [Alexander Parkes]

Explanation:

Alexander Parkes made Parkesine, an early man-made plastic, and displayed it at the 1862 International Exhibition in London.

15.  

Vigyan Prasar was set up by the Department of Science and Technology in:

Correct Answer: C [1989]

Explanation:

Vigyan Prasar was set up by DST on 12 October 1989 to popularise science; it was wound up in 2024.

16.  

Arrange the following in chronological order:

1. "Microplastics" in a Science paper
2. Parkesine shown in London
3. Bakelite
4. Polyethylene

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [2-3-4-1]

Explanation:

1862, 1907, 1933, 2004.

17.  

"Applications of drones in disaster response" needs the frame:

Correct Answer: A [concept – working – uses – issues]

Explanation:

Drones are a technology, so the answer explains the concept, how it works, its uses in disasters and its issues.

18.  

A strong point on a law:

Correct Answer: A [names the law with its year]

Explanation:

Naming the law with its year, such as the Dam Safety Act, 2021, shows accuracy and makes the point checkable.

19.  

"S-P-R-L-W" is the frame for:

Correct Answer: D [pollution answers]

Explanation:

S-P-R-L-W stands for Source, Pathway, Receptor, Law and Way forward – the five parts of an answer on a pollutant.

20.  

A question on environmental impact assessment and clearances is best framed as:

Correct Answer: C [purpose – process – weaknesses – reforms]

Explanation:

EIA is judged by its purpose, its process, its weaknesses and the reforms needed.

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