Daily Static Quiz (Environment) Nov 8, 2025
Daily Static Quiz (Environment) Nov 8, 2025
1. Consider the following statements about Sacred Groves in India:
Sacred groves are recognized under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 as community reserves.
They are found extensively across the Deccan Plateau with minimal presence in Western Ghats.
These areas serve as genetic reservoirs for rare and endemic species of flora and fauna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
2. With respect to Project Tiger in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with 9 tiger reserves to conserve the national animal.
Currently, there are 57 tiger reserves spread across 18 tiger range states.
Tiger reserves are demarcated on the basis of ‘core-buffer strategy’ where core areas have the legal status of national parks or sanctuaries.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
3. Which one of the following statements about the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme is NOT correct?
A) It was launched by UNESCO in 1971 as an intergovernmental scientific programme.
B) It aims to establish a scientific basis for improving the relationship between people and their environment through interdisciplinary research.
C) The MAB programme is primarily focused on industrial development rather than biodiversity conservation.
D) Biosphere reserves under the MAB programme integrate ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis):
Over 80% of the global population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is found in Assam.
The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Kaziranga National Park alone hosts approximately 90% of the population found in Assam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
5. The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) was established primarily to:
Promote eco-tourism in South Asian countries.
Combat illegal wildlife trade through regional cooperation and coordination.
Establish a platform for harmonizing wildlife protection and enforcement in the region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
6. Consider the following statements about Mangroves in India:
West Bengal has the largest mangrove cover in India, accounting for over 40% of the nation’s total mangrove area.
The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) was launched to increase mangrove cover along coastlines.
According to IUCN assessments, South Indian mangrove ecosystems are categorized as ‘Critically Endangered’.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
7. The Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol are related in which of the following ways?
The Vienna Convention provided the framework for the Montreal Protocol which was signed in 1987.
The Montreal Protocol specifies legally binding measures to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
The Vienna Convention is the primary international agreement that mandates the phase-out of ODS.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 only
C) 2 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
8. Consider the following statements about the National Green Tribunal (NGT):
The NGT is a statutory body established in 2010 to expedite environmental justice in India.
The NGT has jurisdiction over cases arising under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
The NGT is mandated to dispose of appeals and applications within six months from the date of filing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
9. The National Mission for Electric Mobility (NEMM) in India aims to achieve which of the following?
National energy security and reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.
Promotion of hybrid and electric vehicles in all segments including cars, buses, and two-wheelers.
Immediate replacement of all conventional vehicles by 2020.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
10. The National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP) established by the IPCC is primarily designed to:
A) Develop international standards for carbon credit trading.
B) Provide methodologies for countries to estimate national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
C) Monitor and enforce emissions targets set by developed countries only.
D) Replace national environmental monitoring agencies with global oversight.
ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATIONS
QUESTION 1: Answer: A (1 and 3 only)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: Sacred groves are legally recognized as community reserves under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002. The Act provides government protection to areas managed by local communities for conservation purposes.
Statement 2 – INCORRECT: While sacred groves do exist in parts of the Deccan Plateau, they are NOT extensively found there. The Western Ghats, Northeast India (particularly Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh), and Central India (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh) are particularly rich in sacred groves. There are an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 sacred groves in India, with the highest concentrations in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and the northeastern states.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Sacred groves are biodiversity-rich areas that serve as genetic reservoirs of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. They preserve species that have disappeared from surrounding areas due to habitat destruction, making them important centers for biodiversity conservation.
Topic Coverage: Sacred Groves – Biodiversity hotspots, community conservation, legal protection
QUESTION 2: Answer: D (1, 2 and 3)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: Project Tiger was indeed launched in 1973 with 9 tiger reserves to conserve India’s national animal. This landmark initiative followed the realization that tiger numbers had declined drastically from about 40,000 in 1900 to only 1,800 by 1972, necessitating urgent conservation action.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: Currently, there are 57 tiger reserves in India (as of 2024), spread across 18 tiger range states. India is home to approximately 80% of the world’s tiger population, demonstrating the success of Project Tiger. The expansion from 9 to 57 reserves shows the growing recognition of the need for tiger habitat conservation.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Tiger reserves are constituted on a ‘core-buffer strategy’ where core areas have the legal status of national parks or sanctuaries (strictly protected), while buffer or peripheral areas consist of a mix of forest and non-forest land managed as multiple-use areas. This approach balances conservation with sustainable use by local communities.
Topic Coverage: Tiger Reserves, Project Tiger – NTCA administration, core-buffer strategy, conservation status
QUESTION 3: Answer: C
Explanation:
Option A – CORRECT: The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme launched by UNESCO in 1971.
Option B – CORRECT: MAB aims to establish a scientific basis for improving relationships between people and their environment through interdisciplinary research combining natural and social sciences.
Option C – INCORRECT (This is the correct answer): This statement is false. The MAB Programme is primarily focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, NOT on industrial development. The core objectives of MAB include fostering interdisciplinary research, promoting sustainable resource management, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and integrating the relationship between humans and nature. Industrial development that harms ecosystems directly contradicts MAB’s conservation mandate.
Option D – CORRECT: Biosphere reserves under MAB integrate ecological, social, and economic dimensions, serving as sites for conservation, research, education, and sustainable resource management.
Topic Coverage: Man and Biosphere Programme – Objectives, structure, global network of biosphere reserves
QUESTION 4: Answer: D (1, 2 and 3)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: Over 80% of the global population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is found in Assam. This state has emerged as the global leader in rhino conservation, with approximately 3,700 to 4,000 individuals out of the worldwide population of around 3,700-4,000 rhinos.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and is placed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the highest level of protection in India. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, indicating it is threatened with extinction.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Kaziranga National Park in Assam harbors approximately 70-90% of the rhino population within Assam, making it the primary stronghold for this species. The population has shown remarkable recovery, increasing from about 600 rhinos in the 1960s to over 4,000 by 2024, representing a success story in wildlife conservation.
Topic Coverage: One-Horned Rhinoceros – Habitat, conservation status, distribution, population growth, protected areas
QUESTION 5: Answer: B (2 and 3 only)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – INCORRECT: While some secondary benefits like eco-tourism may occur, the primary objective of SAWEN is NOT to promote eco-tourism but to combat wildlife crime and illegal trade.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: SAWEN was established in January 2011 in Paro, Bhutan, to combat illegal wildlife trade through regional cooperation, coordination, capacity building, and communication among member countries.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: SAWEN’s core function is to harmonize and enforce wildlife protection across South Asian member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). The network operates as a regional intergovernmental body to strengthen wildlife law enforcement and prevent transboundary wildlife crimes.
Additional Context: The secretariat of SAWEN is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. India is an active member committed to controlling trans-boundary wildlife crimes through coordination with other member states.
Topic Coverage: SAWEN – Member countries, objectives, functioning, regional cooperation in wildlife conservation
QUESTION 6: Answer: D (1, 2 and 3)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the total mangrove cover in India is 4,992 sq. km (0.15% of India’s total geographical area). West Bengal accounts for 42.45% of this, making it the largest mangrove-holding state, followed by Gujarat (23.66%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.39%). The South 24 Parganas district alone accounts for 41.85% of India’s mangrove cover.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) was launched in 2023 as a government initiative to increase mangrove cover along coastlines and saltpan lands while providing livelihood benefits to coastal communities.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: According to the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE), the mangrove ecosystem in South India (shared with Sri Lanka and Maldives) is categorized as “Critically Endangered.” In contrast, mangrove ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal region and western coast are classified as “Least Concerned.”
Additional Context: Climate change is the major threat to mangrove ecosystems globally, affecting 33% of mangroves, followed by deforestation, development, pollution, and dam construction.
Topic Coverage: Mangrove conservation – Distribution, MISHTI initiative, IUCN status, threats, conservation efforts
QUESTION 7: Answer: A (1 and 2 only)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: The Vienna Convention (1985) provided the foundational framework and collaborative mechanism for international cooperation on ozone layer protection. The Montreal Protocol (1987) was subsequently signed as a specific protocol to the Vienna Convention, outlining legally binding measures to address ozone depletion.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: The Montreal Protocol, which entered into force in January 1989, specifies legally binding measures for phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as CFCs and halons. It has undergone nine amendments, including the recent Kigali Amendment (2016), which addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Statement 3 – INCORRECT: While the Montreal Protocol implements the Vienna Convention’s framework, it is the Montreal Protocol (NOT the Vienna Convention) that mandates the phase-out of ODS. The Vienna Convention sets the general framework; the Montreal Protocol provides the specific, legally binding obligations.
Additional Context: The Montreal Protocol is considered one of the most successful international environmental agreements, having contributed to the gradual recovery of the ozone layer. Both developed and developing countries have different timelines for phasing out ODS based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”
Topic Coverage: Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol – Relationship, provisions, amendments, effectiveness in environmental protection
QUESTION 8: Answer: A (1 and 3 only)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. It is a statutory body (not a constitutional body) dedicated to expediting environmental justice in India by handling cases related to environmental protection, forest conservation, and environmental rights.
Statement 2 – INCORRECT: This is a significant limitation of the NGT. The tribunal’s jurisdiction EXCLUDES cases arising under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. NGT’s jurisdiction is limited to seven specific environmental laws:
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
Statement 3 – CORRECT: The NGT is mandated by the NGT Act to dispose of appeals and applications within six months from the date of filing. This six-month disposal target is a defining feature of the tribunal, designed to ensure expeditious resolution of environmental disputes.
Additional Context: The NGT operates with a main seat in New Delhi and regional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. It follows principles of natural justice and has suo motu powers to initiate proceedings on environmental issues.
Topic Coverage: National Green Tribunal – Establishment, jurisdiction, composition, powers, limitations, case disposal mandate
QUESTION 9: Answer: A (1 and 2 only)
Explanation:
Statement 1 – CORRECT: The National Mission for Electric Mobility (NEMM), with its operational arm being the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 launched in 2013, has two inter-related key objectives:
Achievement of national energy security
Reduction of dependence on fossil fuels and imported oil
These objectives align with India’s broader climate commitments and sustainable development goals.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: The NEMMP 2020 promotes the adoption and manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles (xEVs) across all segments including:
Electric cars
Electric buses
Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers
Light commercial vehicles (LCVs)
The mission supports various schemes like FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) India to incentivize both manufacturers and consumers.
Statement 3 – INCORRECT: This statement is unrealistic and incorrect. The government’s target is not the “immediate replacement of all conventional vehicles by 2020” (which would have been impossible). Instead, the initial goal was to introduce 5-6 million electric and hybrid vehicles by 2020 and to make EVs the “first choice” of consumers through market development, demand incentives, and technological advancement. The transition is gradual and market-driven, not mandated.
Additional Context: The FAME India scheme focuses on four main areas: technology development, demand creation, pilot projects, and charging infrastructure. The scheme provides subsidies to support approximately 62,000 electric passenger cars and buses, plus 15 lakh electric three- and two-wheelers.
Topic Coverage: National Mission for Electric Mobility – Launch, objectives, FAME scheme, targets, focus areas
QUESTION 10: Answer: B
Explanation:
Option A – INCORRECT: While NGGIP works with UNFCCC frameworks that support climate negotiations, its primary purpose is NOT to develop carbon credit trading standards. That function is handled by other mechanisms like the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
Option B – CORRECT: The NGGIP was established by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) to provide scientific methodologies and guidance for countries to estimate their national inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals from the atmosphere. The program provides:
Methods for calculating national GHG emissions by sources
Methods to quantify and manage uncertainties
Guidelines for emission factors
Quality assurance and quality control procedures
Guidance on data documentation and reporting
These methodologies are used by countries that are Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to meet their reporting obligations.
Option C – INCORRECT: NGGIP provides methodologies for ALL countries (both developed and developing) to estimate their GHG emissions. It is not designed to monitor only developed countries’ emissions; rather, it emphasizes the importance of comprehensive emissions data from all nations.
Option D – INCORRECT: NGGIP does not replace national environmental monitoring agencies. Instead, it provides technical guidance and standardized methodologies that national agencies use to compile their inventories. The actual inventory preparation remains the responsibility of individual national governments.
Additional Context: The NGGIP has evolved through multiple revisions since its inception in the early 1990s, including the Revised 1996 Guidelines, Good Practice Guidance (GPG2000), and Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (GPG-LULUCF). The program’s Technical Support Unit (TSU) is based in Hayama, Japan, and has been supported by the Government of Japan since 1999.
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