04 AUGUST CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)

Q1. Which of the following is/are included in the category of secondary pollutant?

1. Acid rain
2. Photochemical smog
3. Ozone
   Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   a) 1 and 3 only
   b) 2 only
   c) 1 and 2 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: d)
Explanation:
Secondary pollutants are pollutants which form in the atmosphere. These
pollutants are not emitted directly from a source (like vehicles or power plants).
Instead, they form as a result of the pollutants emitted from these sources reacting
with molecules in the atmosphere.
Pollutants that are emitted into the environment from a source are called primary
pollutants.
Different types of secondary pollutants include:
• Ozone (O3)
• Sulfuric acid and nitric acid (component of acid rain)
• Particulate matter
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs)

Q2. Which of the following gases is/are considered for calculating Air Quality Index
(AQI) data?

1. Ozone
2. Carbon Monoxide
3. Methane
4. Lead
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
   a) 3 and 4 only
   b) 1, 2 and 4 only
   c) 1 and 2 only
   d) 1, 2,3 and 4

Solution: b)
Explanation:
The air quality index (AQI) is an index for reporting air quality on a daily basis.
It is a measure of how air pollution affects one’s health within a short time period.
The purpose of the AQI is to help people know how the local air quality impacts
their health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates the AQI for five major air
pollutants, for which national air quality standards have been established to
safeguard public health.

1. Ground-level ozone
2. Particle pollution/particulate matter (PM2.5/pm 10)
3. Carbon Monoxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Nitrogen dioxide

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. BCIM Economic Corridor does not pass through Dhaka.
2. Akhaura-Agartala rail project supports India’s “Act East policy”.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   a) 1 only
   b) 2 only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: b)
Explanation:
• Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor: The 2800
km BCIM corridor proposes to link Kunming in China’s Yunnan province
with Kolkata, passing though nodes such as Mandalay in Myanmar and
Dhaka in Bangladesh before heading to Kolkata. 1 is incorrect.

• Akhaura-Agartala rail project is a big boost to the development of
Bangladesh and India’s North East. It also supports “Act East policy”. 2 is
correct.
• Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur Railway project will improve connectivity between
the two countries and generate more revenue.

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to Coir Geo Textiles

1. It is an impermeable fabric used for improvement of sub-grade soil strength in
   road pavements and stabilization of side slopes.
2. Coir Geo Textiles are being used for the construction of roads under the
   Bharatmala project.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
   a) 1 only
   b) 2 only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: a)
Explanation:
Coir Geotextiles

• They are natural eco-friendly, erosion control blankets in woven and non-
woven preparations.

• It protects land surface and promote quick vegetation.
• They are bio-degradable geo-textiles used for improvement of sub-grade soil
strength in road pavements and stabilization of side slopes, as it can retard
soil erosion.
• It has been used in various places for improving the properties and strength of

sub-grade soil layer by providing a physical separation of sub-base and sub-
grade layers.

• The Indian Road Congress (IRC) has also accredited the use of coir geo-textiles
in construction of roads.
• The coir geo textiles are being used for construction of rural roads under
the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III).

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. Article 243 G of Indian Constitution mandated Panchayats to prepare and
   implement plans for economic development and social justice.
2. Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas is a campaign for inclusive and holistic preparation
   of Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
   a) 1 only
   b) 2 only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: c)
Explanation:
Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas Campaign
• Under Article 243 G of Indian Constitution, Panchayats have been mandated
for preparation and implementation of plans for economic development and
social justice.
• Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas is a campaign for inclusive and holistic preparation
of Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
• In this endeavor, convergence was sought with all Departments relating to 29
devolved subjects listed in XIth Schedule of the Constitution.
• The objectives of ‘Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas’ broadly include strengthening of
elected representatives and Self Help Groups.