Environment & Ecology·Prelims Questions

Smog and Acid Rain — Prelims Questions

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Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026
Q1medium

Which of the following statements about photochemical smog is/are correct? 1. It is primarily formed in cold, humid conditions. 2. Ground-level ozone is a major component of photochemical smog. 3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are precursors to its formation. 4. It is also known as London Smog. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q2easy

Consider the following statements regarding acid rain: 1. The pH of normal rainwater is typically around 7.0. 2. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the primary precursors of acid rain. 3. Acid rain can accelerate the deterioration of marble monuments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3medium

Which of the following initiatives/legislations are directly aimed at controlling air pollution in India? 1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2. Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms 3. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q4medium

Consider the following statements: 1. Thermal inversion is a meteorological condition that can exacerbate smog formation. 2. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is a significant contributor to winter smog in Delhi. 3. Ground-level ozone is beneficial for human health as it protects against UV radiation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q5hard

Which of the following is NOT a direct impact of acid rain on the environment?

Q6easy

The term 'marble cancer' is associated with the deterioration of monuments due to:

Q7medium

Which of the following is a primary pollutant that contributes to both smog and acid rain?

Q8easy

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to achieve a reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by what percentage by 2024 (from 2017 levels)?

Q9medium

Which of the following statements best describes the 'polluter pays' principle in the context of environmental law?

Q10easy

Consider the following pairs: 1. Sulfurous Smog: London Smog 2. Photochemical Smog: Los Angeles Smog 3. Acid Rain: pH below 7.0 Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Q11easy

Which of the following statements about BS-VI emission norms is/are correct? 1. They were implemented across India from April 1, 2020. 2. They aim to reduce emissions of particulate matter, NOx, and SO2 from vehicles. 3. India directly transitioned from BS-IV to BS-VI norms. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q12medium

The term 'transboundary air pollution' is most relevant to which of the following phenomena?

Q13medium

Which of the following is NOT a meteorological factor that typically exacerbates smog formation?

Q14easy

The 'Eco-sensitive Zone' around the Taj Mahal was established primarily to address which environmental concern?

Q15medium

Which of the following statements correctly describes the impact of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems?

Q16medium

What is the primary difference between wet deposition and dry deposition in the context of acid rain?

Q17medium

Which of the following is a major source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that contribute to photochemical smog?

Q18hard

The 'Vyyuha Analysis' section highlights the socio-economic inequality dimension of smog impacts. Which of the following best exemplifies this dimension?

Q19easy

Which of the following is a key objective of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?

Q20easy

The term 'non-attainment cities' in the context of NCAP refers to cities that:

Q21medium

Which of the following pollutants is primarily responsible for the brownish-yellow haze characteristic of photochemical smog?

Q22easy

The 'Vyyuha Exam Radar' section suggests a trend towards case study-based questions. Which of the following would be a suitable case study for a Mains question on smog and acid rain?

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