The Stockholm Convention 1972

The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect humans from :

(a) Carbon Monoxide

(b) Hospital acquired infections

(c) Toxic gases

(d) Persistent organic pollutants è

Explanation:

The Stockholm Convention = Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants =

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed on 22 May 2001 in Stockholm and effective from 17 May 2004, that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants.

The Stockholm Convention focuses on eliminating or reducing releases of POPs.

It sets up a system for tackling additional chemicals identified as unacceptably hazardous.

Ultimately, the Convention points the way to a future free of dangerous POPs and promises to reshape our economy's reliance on toxic chemicals.

Dirty Dozen POPs were a group of 12 highly persistent and toxic chemicals: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzen, mirex, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and toxaphen.

India banned 7 of these POPs.

POPs pose a particular hazard because of four characteristics: they are toxic; they are persistent, resisting normal processes that break down contaminants; they accumulate in the body fat of people, marine mammals, and other animals and are passed from mother to fetus; and they can travel great distances on wind.

(a) Carbon Monoxide = Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels.

When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning.

(b) Hospital acquired infections = Hospital-acquired infections are caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens.

The most common types are bloodstream infection (BSI), pneumonia (eg, ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP]), urinary tract infection (UTI), and surgical site infection (SSI).

(c) Toxic gases = Hydrogen Sulfide. Carbon Monoxide. Nitrogen Oxides. Etc. 

==============

Who represented India at the Human Environment Conference at Stockholm in 1972?

(a) Indira Gandhi  è

(b) Jawaharlal Nehru

(c) Lal Bahadur Shastri

(d) Rajiv Gandhi

===========

The principle of "One Earth" was accepted for the first time in _____.

(a) Earth Summit 1992

(b) Paris Conference 1972

(c) Stockholmn Conference 1972 è

(d) Kyoto Conference 1997

Major Principles of Stockholmn Conference:

The Stockholm Declaration, 1972 comprises the proclamation of 26 principles and several other submissions of recommendations.

Principle 1: Right to Protect Environment  = Article 21 of the Indian Constitution

Principle 2: Management of Natural Resources

The human must manage the natural resources available on earth and it applies to all the natural resources which include air, water, land and samples of the natural ecosystem so that the upcoming generations would also be able to enjoy the natural resources.

Principle 3: Management of Renewable Resources

Principle 4: Conservation of Wildlife

Principle 5: Management of Non-Renewable Resources

Principle 6: Pollution Control

The main causes of pollution are the gases, liquid substances, toxic substances or other substances which industries or mills discharge and such quantities of harmful substances pollute the environment in which we live.

Principle 7: Prevention of Pollution of Seas

Principle 8: Economic and Social Development

Economic and Social development is essential for ensuring a comfortable living but the act done by humans shall not affect the environment.

The working environment of men is necessary for the improvement of the quality of life but the act shall be in such a way that our environment does not suffer due to that and we would be able to live in a pollution-free environment.

Principle 9: Underdevelopment and Natural Disaster

Principle 10: Stability of Prices of Primary Commodities

Principle 11: Environmental Policies

The government should introduce some environmental policies for controlling pollution and for the development of countries so that pollution does not affect the present and future generations.

The State should adopt an integrated and coordinated approach to developing such plans.

Principle 12: Environment Protection Education

Humans need to be educated about environmental protection to make them much aware about the issue.

Principle 13: Rational Management of Resources

Principle 14: Rational Planning

Rational planning is an essential tool for confirming any clashes between the needs of development and the need to protect and improve the environment.

Principle 15: Human Settlement

Principle 16: Human Population

The government has to introduce some policies for controlling the population and must work according to such policies, with the view for controlling the population on the earth as it is one of the major issues of the earth and we should work effectively to control it.

Principle 17: Setting of Environmental Pollution Control Agencies at National Level

For the purpose of saving the environment, the government must establish Environmental Pollution Agencies at national level and shall grant them the power to control the pollution at the national level.

Principle 18: Use of Science and Technology

Science and technology must work in a manner to control environmental problems and must come up with new research and innovations.

Principle 19: Education in Environmental Matters

The earth is suffering from pollution and it is essential to educate humans about environmental matters to make people aware of the issues of the environment, so that every individual, enterprise and community could put their joint efforts for protecting and improving the environment in its full human dimension.

Principle 20: Further Scientific Research

The government must promote new scientific research and innovations for the development in the context of environmental problems in all the countries, especially in the developing countries.

Principle 21: Rights and Responsibility of Sovereign Nation

It is the right of the Sovereign Nations to exploit their own resources in pursuit of their own environmental policies. The sovereign nations must look towards the activities of their nation and must take care that it would not affect the environment in their jurisdiction and shall not cause damage to the environment of other states or areas beyond the limits of their national jurisdiction.

Principle 22: Development of International Law

Principle 23: Implementation of Agenda by Every Country

Principle 24: International Cooperation

Principle 25: Coordinated and Dynamic Role

Principle 26: Ban on Nuclear Weapons

No country should use the nuclear weapon against any country, nuclear weapons must be eliminated by every country.

The Declaration proclaims that the human are both the creature as well as the moulder of the environment and it gives them physical sustenance and affords the opportunity for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual growth.

The declaration was made to achieve environmental goals, to live in a pollution-free environment, save the earth from every type of abuse against the environment and the slogan of the declaration was also “Only One Earth”.

Every individual should know their responsibilities and must perform some acts for the protection of the environment and earth for a better tomorrow.

The purpose of the declaration was to work together and fight together against environmental issues so that every country would contribute their common efforts and every country would come up with innovative plans with the help of science and technology and tackle this environmental issue as a whole.

==========

The Stockholm declaration contains _____ principles.

(a) 26 è

(b) 28

(c) 29

(d) 30

==========

The Stockholm Conference on Environment & Development 1972 was held under the auspices of

A. I L O

B. W H O

C. U N O è

D. I A E A

Explanation

A. I L O = International Labour Organisation

B. W H O = World Health Organisation

C. U N O = United Nations Organisation

D. I A E A = International Atomic Energy Agency

==========

The Conference convened in the 20th anniversary of Stockholm Conference is called:

a. Hclenski Conference

b. Kyoto Conference

c. Rio-de-Janeiro Conference è

d. Montreal Protocol

===========

Stockholm Declaration contains ________ .

(a) 7 Truths and 26 principles è

(b) 7 Truths and 27 principles

(c) 26 principles

(d) 8 Truths and 26 principles

==========

Conservation of migratory species of wild animals

 Which of the following convention is related to the conservation of migratory species of wild animals?

(a) Nairobi

(b) Rio

(c) Bonn è

(d) Kyoto

Explanation:

(a) Nairobi = There are two Nairobi conventions as follow:

1] The Nairobi Convention 1985 = Convention for the Development, Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Western Indian Ocean = The Nairobi Convention is a partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector, working towards a prosperous Western Indian Ocean Region with healthy rivers, coasts and oceans. Context: Marine conservation. Signed: June 21, 1985. The Nairobi Convention, which was first signed in 1985 and entered into force in 1996, is part of UN Environment's Regional Seas Programme. The programme aims to address the accelerating degradation of the world's oceans and coastal areas through the sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment.

2] Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 = The Union Cabinet of India on 4 November 2010 approved the proposal to accede to the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks. The Convention provides the legal basis for States to remove, or have removed, shipwrecks that may have the potential to affect adversely the safety of lives, goods and property at sea, as well as the marine environment.

(b) Rio = first Earth Summit

(c) Bonn = Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals = CMS = The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, also known as the Convention on Migratory Species or the Bonn Convention, is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species throughout their ranges. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or the Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. India has been a part of the Bonn Convention since 1983. Signed in 1979 in Bonn, West Germany, the Convention entered into force in 1983. 131 signatories.

(d) Kyoto = reduce greenhouse gas

====================

The objective of Bonn Convention is to protect :

(a) Wild Animals

(b) Migratory Animals è

(c) Wet Lands

(d) Ozone Layer

====================

Earth Summit 1992

Earth Summit means :

(a) Biodiversity Convention 1992 è

(b) Kyoto Protocol 1997

(c) Johannesburg Convention 2002

(d) None of the above

Explanation:

(a) Biodiversity Convention 1992 = Earth Summit 1992 = Rio conference = The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the 'Earth Summit', was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3-14 June 1992. Earth Summit 1992 produced the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the Statement of Forest Principles, and Agenda 21. The Earth Summit also led to the establishment of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Principle 21 = States have the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.

Key principles:

• Principle 5: The eradication of poverty as an indispensable requirement of sustainable development;

• Principle 6: Calls for attention to the special situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least developed and those most environmentally vulnerable.

Principle 7 : States need to cooperate to protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth’s ecosystems with developed countries holding a particular responsibility common but differentiated responsibility

• Principle 8 : Cooperation by states to reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption.

• Principle 16: the polluter should, in principle, bear the cost of pollution;

• Principle 17: The precautionary approach;

• The definition of participation as the best way to handle environmental matters is contained in Principle 10.

(b) Kyoto Protocol 1997 = The Kyoto Protocol was an international treaty which extended the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the scientific consensus that global warming is occurring and that human-made CO₂ emissions are driving it.

(c) Johannesburg Convention 2002 = In the summit, various key issues were addressed, including Poverty, Water quality and availability, Cleaner energy, Health, Good governance, Technology, Production and Consumption, Oceans and Fisheries, Tourism. Other related issues such as globalization, women's rights were also discussed. Also called Earth Summit 2002. The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg adopted a Political Declaration and Implementation Plan which included provisions covering a set of activities and measures to be taken in order to achieve development that takes into account respect for the environment. The United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, also called Earth Summit 2002, was an international convention on the environment and sustainable development held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 26 to September 6, 2002.

===================

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was held in _____.

(a) 1993

(b) 1994

(c) 1997 èKyoto Protocol

(d) 1992

===============

Convention on Global Warming –

a. Montreal Protocol

b. The Brundtland Commission

c. Kyoto Protocol è

d. There is no Convention for Global Warming

==========

The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 is a part of the Convention on Climate Change adopted at -----------

A. China

B. USA

C. Italy

D. Japan è 

==============

The historic earth summit at Rio in the year 1992 has created a framework convention on the Summit Sustainable on

(a) Climate Change

(b) Sea Laws

(c) Bio-Diversity è

(d) Protection of Ozone Layer

===========

28. The U.N. Frame-work Convention on Climate Change, 1992 came into force on:

(a) 21 March, 1993

b) 21 march 1994

(c) 29 March, 1993

d) 29 march 1994

==============

According to Article 1 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, climate change alters the composition of the global atmosphere which is attributed to

(a) Direct Human Activity è

(b)IditHAtiit

(c) Any member of the Board who has been removed from office on account oinability, will not be eligible for renomination

(d) Members nominated from the state boards cannot continue to remain in office on ceasing to be member of the State Board

Article 1 = "Climate change" means a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

===============

The U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 came into force on:

(a) 21 December, 1993 è

(b) 21 December, 1994

(c) 29 December, 1993

(d) 29 December, 1994

The convention was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993.

=============

Along with the achievement of Agenda 21, there are other achievement Rio Declaration:

(a) Convention on Climate Change

(b) Convention on Bio-diversity

(c) Acceptance of the Forest Principle

(d) All of the above è

===========

The Earth Summit was held in the year _____ at Rio de Janerio.

(a) 1975

(b) 1980

(c) 1992 è

(d) 1999

==========

The International Conference on Environment was held in Rio-de-Janerio in :

(a) 1992 è

(b) 1994

(c) 2002

(d) None of the above 

==========

Which among the following is false about ‘the polluter pays principle’?

a. It finds its mention in Principle 16 of the Rio Declaration

b. It provides that producers of goods or other items should bear the financial and practical responsibility of preventing or remedying any pollution caused by their activity

c. It exposes the polluter to two fold liability, namely compensation to the victim of pollution and ecological restoration

d. This principle was to conceal the trade secrets of the manufacturing unit è

===========

The Conference convened in the 20th anniversary of Stockholm Conference is called:

a. Hclenski Conference

b. Kyoto Conference

c. Rio-de-Janeiro Conference è

d. Montreal Protocol

===========

The greatest achievement of the famous Earth Summit is Agenda 21. so named because:

(a) 21 principles have been enunciated in it

(b) It was prepared in 21 days

(c) It partly reminds of 21st principle of Stockholm Declaration and suggests programme of creating better environment for 21st Century. è

(d) none of the above

==========

How many principles were enacted under Rio-Declaration held in 1992 ?

(a) 21

(b) 25

(c) 27 è

(d) 31

The 'Earth Summit' had many great achievements: the Rio Declaration and its 27 universal principles, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity; and the Declaration on the principles of forest management .

===========

On which date and place the Earth Summit was held at?

(a) 6th June, 1997 at Geneva

b) 20th June, 1997 at London

(c) 21st June, 1992 at Rio

(d) 3rd June, I992 at Rio, è

=========

In which year the Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development was established to improve co operation between various UN bodies concerned with environment?

a) 1992 è

b) 1972

c) 2012

d) 1998

The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was a body under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) tasked with overseeing the outcomes of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development/Earth Summit. It was replaced in 2013 by the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which meets both under the General Assembly every four years and the ECOSOC in other years.

The CSD was established in December 1992 by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/191 as a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council, implementing a recommendation in Chapter 38 of Agenda 21, the landmark global agreement reached at the June 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development/Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

==========

Ramsar Convention

 The Ramsar Convention deals with the conservation of :

(a) wet lands è

(b) endangered species of birds

(c) endangered species of wild animals

(d) none of the above

Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971.

The Ramsar Convention's broad aims are to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve, through wise use and management, those that remain.

It was established in 1971 by UNESCO and came into force in 1975. India is a party to the Ramsar Convention. India signed under it on 1st February 1982.

Two new Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) were announced by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav on World Wetlands Day 2022. Thus increasing the total number of Ramsar sites to 49. The two new Ramsar sites are Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.

Sundarbans is the largest Ramsar Site of India. Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were recognized as the first Ramsar Sites of India. Uttar Pradesh has the most number of Ramsar Sites in India. It has 10 Indian Wetlands. Renuka Wetland (Area – 20 ha) in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest wetland of India.

=================

What is not true about the Ramsar Convention?

A. It is a Convention on Wetlands

B. It is an intergovernmental treaty

C. It is part of the United Nations & UNESCO system of environment convention è

D. It was adopted in 1971

Explanation:

Ramsar Convention is adopted by UN for environment protection but UNESCO is an international organisation for for world heritage. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.

==========

Supersession of SPCB by State Government

 A State Board under Water Act may be superseded by the

A. State Government è

B. Central Government

C. High Court of that state

D. Supreme Court

Explanation:

62. Power of State Government to Supersede State Board.

(1) If a any time the state Government is of opinion -

(a) that the State Board has persistently made default in the performance of the functions imposed on it by or under this Act; or

State board is superseded by the State Government in case of default in performance by the board.

(b) that circumstances exist which render it necessary in the public interest so to do, the State Government may, be notification in the Official Gazette, supersede the State Board for such period, not exceeding one year, as may be specified in the notification :

Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub-section for the reasons mentioned in clause (a), the State Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the State Board to show cause why it should not be superseded and shall consider the explanations and objection, if any, of the State Board.

To supersede the board state government has to give reasonable opportunity to the board to show cause why it should not be superseded and also explanations and objections may be given in reply by the board.

To Supersede the board the state Government has to publish a notification in the Official Gazette of the state. Board cannot be superseded for more than a period of one year after publication of such notification.

(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the State Board, the provisions of sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 61 shall apply in relation to the supersession of the State Board as they apply in relation to the suppression of the Central Board or a Joint Board by the Central Government.

Same procedure given in the Section 61 of the Act will be applicable for reconstitution of the board.

After publication of notification to supersede the board

a) all members of the board will vacate their offices

b) state government may appoint and empower person or persons to perform the functions and duties, which may be performed or discharged by the board until the reconstitution of the board.

c) all property owned and controlled by the board will be vested in the state Government until the board is reconstituted.

If board is not reconstituted after one year of notification of supersede then the state government can extend the period of supersession for not exceeding six months or reconstitute as given in clause (b) of Section 61(3)

Any person who vacated his office due to supersession shall not be deemed disqualified for nomination or appointment. The board will be reconstituted by the nomination or appointment of new members.

Central Water Laboratory

Under which provision, the Central Government can establish a ‘Central Water Laboratory’ under Water Act?

A. Sec 51 è

B. Sec 52

C. Sec 16

D. Sec 17

Explanation:

A. Sec 51=

Section 51 in The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

51. Central Water Laboratory.—

(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,—

(a) establish a Central Water Laboratory; or

(b) specify any laboratory or institute as a Central Water Laboratory, to carry out the functions entrusted to the Central Water Laboratory under this Act.

(2) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Central Board, make rules prescribing—

(a) the functions of the Central Water Laboratory;

(b) the procedure for the submission to the said laboratory of samples of water or of sewage or trade effluent for analysis or tests, the form of the laboratory’s report thereunder and the fees payable in respect of such report;

(c) such other matters as may be necessary or expedient to enable that laboratory to carry out its functions.

Section 51(1) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 provides for the establishment of the Central Water Laboratory by the Central Government. Central Government can specify any laboratory or institute as Central Water Laboratory.

Section 52(2) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 provides that the State Government may take consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board and prescribe the rules for functioning of the central water laboratory, procedure for submitting the samples for testing or analysis, format of the report, fees for the testing or analysis, etc.

Samples of water or sewage or trade effluent may be submitted at the state water laboratory for testing or analysis.

 

B. Sec 52 = State Water Laboratory

C. Sec 16 = Functions of Central Board.

D. Sec 17 = Functions of State Board.

================

Supersession of the Board by Central Government

The Central Board or Joint Board under Water Act may be superseded by the

A. State Government

B. Central Government è

C. High Court

D. Supreme Court

Explanation:

Superseded = general definition is ‘take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant.’

Section 61 in The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

61. Power of Central Government to supersede the Central Board and Joint Boards.—

(1) If at any time the Central Government is of opinion—

(a) that the Central Board or any Joint Board has persistently made default in the performance of the functions imposed on it by or under this Act; or

If central board or joint board made default in performance of the functions imposed on it then the Central Government can take place of the board. (board includes central board or joint board as the case may be)

(b) that circumstances exist which render it necessary in the public interest so to do, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, supersede the Central Board or such Joint Board, as the case may be, for such period, not exceeding one year, as may be specified in the notification:

Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub-section for the reasons mentioned in clause (a), the Central Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the Central Board or such Joint Board, as the case may be, to show cause why it should not be superseded and shall consider the explanations and objections, if any, of the Central Board or such Joint Board, as the case may be.

To supersede the board central government has to give reasonable opportunity to the board to show cause why it should not be superseded and also explanations and objections may be given in reply by the board.

To Supersede the board the Central Government has to publish a notification in the Official Gazette. Board cannot be superseded for more than a period of one year after publication of such notification.

(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the Central Board or any Joint Board,—

(a) all the members shall, as from the date of supersession vacate their offices as such;

(b) all the powers, functions and duties which may, by or under this Act, be exercised, performed or discharged by the Central Board or such Joint Board shall, until the Central Board or the Joint Board, as the case may be, is reconstituted under sub-section (3) be exercised, performed or discharged by such person or persons as to Central Government may direct;

(c) all property owned or controlled by the Central Board or such Joint Board shall, until the Central Board or the Joint Board, as the case may be, is reconstituted under sub-section (3) vest in the Central Government.

After publication of notification to supersede the board

a) all members of the board will vacate their offices

b) central government may appoint and empower person or persons to perform the functions and duties, which may be performed or discharged by the board until the reconstitution of the board.

c) all property owned and controlled by the board will be vested in the Central Government until the board is reconstituted.

(3) On the expiration of the period of supersession specified in the notification issued under sub-section (1), the Central Government may—

(a) extend the period of supersession for such further term, not exceeding six months, as it may consider necessary; or

If board is not reconstituted after one year of notification of supersede then the central government can extend the period of supersession for not exceeding six months or reconstitute as given in clause (b) of Section 61(3)

(b) reconstitute the Central Board or the Joint Board, as the case may be, by fresh nomination or appointment, as the case may be, and in such case any person who vacated his office under clause (a) of sub-section (2) shall not be deemed disqualified for nomination or appointment:

Provided that the Central Government may at any time before the expiration of the period of supersession, whether originally specified under sub-section (1) or as extended under this sub-section, take action under clause (b) of this sub-section.

Any person who vacated his office due to supersession shall not be deemed disqualified for nomination or appointment. The board will be reconstituted by the nomination or appointment of new members.