General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Which major UN initiative, coordinated by UNEP, aims to prevent and reverse the degradation of land and ecosystems globally?
Answer:
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
UNEP and FAO co-lead this Decade, mobilizing political and financial support for restoring degraded ecosystems.
2
The **UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)** primarily engages with which sector?
Answer:
The global financial sector (banks, insurers, investors) to integrate sustainability into their operations and decision-making.
UNEP FI works to align the financial system with sustainable development goals.
3
UNEP’s approach to **Ecosystem Management** emphasizes the restoration and protection of:
Answer:
Key natural habitats like forests, marine ecosystems, and wetlands, recognizing their services for human well-being.
Ecosystem services (clean water, pollination, climate regulation) are central to this work.
4
The **Global Mercury Partnership**, in which UNEP plays a key role, supports the implementation of which specific MEA?
Answer:
The Minamata Convention.
The Minamata Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.
5
The UNEP-hosted Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) primarily protects animals that:
Answer:
Cross national jurisdictional boundaries in their life cycle.
CMS aims to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their ranges.
6
What is the primary focus of UNEP's work related to **Environmental Governance**?
Answer:
Helping countries develop and implement effective environmental laws, institutions, and policies.
Effective governance is necessary to ensure compliance and progress on international environmental commitments.
7
The **Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)**, which provides the scientific basis for climate negotiations, was jointly established by UNEP and which other UN agency?
Answer:
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The IPCC was established in 1988 by WMO and UNEP.
8
Which UNEP initiative is dedicated to encouraging and assisting countries in eliminating plastic pollution from the environment?
Answer:
The Clean Seas Campaign.
The Clean Seas Campaign aims to raise awareness and support countries in tackling marine plastic pollution.
9
UNEP promotes the transition to a **Green Economy** by focusing on:
Answer:
Investing in renewable energy, green jobs, and sustainable infrastructure to foster economic growth while reducing environmental risks.
The Green Economy approach seeks to integrate environmental considerations into economic policy.
10
The UNEP-hosted **Ozone Secretariat** primarily manages which successful global environmental agreement?
Answer:
The Montreal Protocol (on substances that deplete the ozone layer).
The Montreal Protocol is widely considered the most successful multilateral environmental agreement for its role in phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances.