Daily Static Quiz (Environment) Jan 10, 2026
Daily Static Quiz (Environment) Jan 10, 2026
1. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Living Planet Report 2024’ and its findings on tropical regions:
The report indicates that freshwater species populations in the Western Ghats have declined by 96% since 1970, exceeding the global average decline for freshwater ecosystems.
The primary driver of biodiversity loss in tropical grasslands is identified as agricultural expansion, particularly for biofuel cultivation.
The report establishes that protected areas covering 30% of tropical forests would be sufficient to halt biodiversity decline if effectively managed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. With reference to ‘Blue Carbon Ecosystems’ in India, consider the following pairs:
Sundarbans Mangroves – Largest carbon sequestration potential among Indian blue carbon ecosystems
Gulf of Mannar Seagrass Meadows – Primary habitat for Dugong conservation
Pichavaram Mangroves – Designated as ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under Ramsar Convention
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)’ for Delhi-NCR:
The implementation of GRAP is overseen by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The ‘Severe+’ category under GRAP mandates closure of all industries operating on coal and biomass, regardless of their emission control compliance.
The Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (2016) directed that GRAP provisions shall override all existing industrial licenses during air quality emergencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. Regarding the ‘National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)’ and its tributaries, consider the following statements:
The ‘Namami Gange’ programme includes a specific component for ‘Ganga Gram’ development, focusing on sewage management in villages along the riverbanks.
The National Green Tribunal has prohibited any new hydroelectric projects on the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi tributaries under the mission’s purview.
The mission mandates that all industrial units within 5 km of the Ganga main stem must achieve zero liquid discharge compliance by 2025.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
5. Consider the following statements about ‘Carbon Farming’ initiatives in India:
The ‘National Carbon Farming Scheme’ launched in 2023 provides direct cash incentives to farmers based on quantified soil organic carbon sequestration.
Agroforestry practices under the scheme are eligible for carbon credits under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 mechanism.
The scheme excludes paddy cultivation due to methane emissions, regardless of water management practices adopted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
6. With reference to the ‘Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022’, consider the following statements:
The amendment introduces a new schedule (Schedule V) specifically for ‘vermin species’ that can be hunted without restriction.
It empowers the Central Government to designate ‘Conservation Reserves’ outside protected areas for wildlife corridors.
The amendment prohibits commercial trade in captive-bred specimens of species listed under Appendix I of CITES.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
7. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Marine Heatwaves’ and their impact on Indian Ocean ecosystems:
The 2023 marine heatwave in the Northern Indian Ocean was primarily driven by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event combined with El Niño conditions.
Marine heatwaves in the Arabian Sea have been linked to increased frequency of extremely severe cyclonic storms, as observed in cyclones Tauktae and Mocha.
The IPCC AR6 report projects that marine heatwaves in the Indian Ocean will become 24 times more frequent under a 2°C warming scenario compared to pre-industrial levels.
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
8. Regarding the ‘National Green Tribunal (NGT)’ and its jurisdiction, consider the following statements:
The NGT has the power to hear appeals against decisions of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Tribunal can suo moto take cognizance of environmental violations based on media reports and citizen complaints.
The NGT’s orders are executable as decree of a civil court, and non-compliance can result in imprisonment up to 3 years under its contempt jurisdiction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
9. Consider the following statements about ‘Single-Use Plastic’ regulations in India:
The ‘Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024’ extended the ban on single-use plastics to include all plastic carry bags regardless of thickness.
The rules mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, requiring producers to collect and recycle 100% of their plastic waste by 2027.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is authorized to impose environmental compensation on violators, with amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh per violation.
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
10. With reference to ‘Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)’ adopted in 2022, consider the following statements:
The framework sets 23 targets for 2030, including the protection of 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems globally.
Target 15 of GBF mandates that large multinational companies must monitor and disclose their impacts on biodiversity across their operations and supply chains.
The framework establishes a new financial mechanism called the ‘Global Biodiversity Fund’ under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support developing countries.
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
Answers and Explanations
1. Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Living Planet Report 2024 indicates a 94% decline in freshwater species populations globally since 1970, but the Western Ghats-specific data shows a decline of approximately 85%, not 96%. Statement 2 is correct as the report identifies agricultural expansion for biofuel cultivation as the primary driver in tropical grasslands, particularly in South America and Southeast Asia. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report emphasizes that 30% protection alone is insufficient; it requires effective management, ecological representation, and connectivity to halt biodiversity decline.
2. Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched because while Sundarbans has significant carbon sequestration potential, the mangroves of Pichavaram and Bhitarkanika have higher per-hectare sequestration rates due to species composition and sedimentation rates. Pair 2 is correctly matched as Gulf of Mannar seagrass meadows are the primary habitat for Dugong conservation in India, hosting the largest remaining population. Pair 3 is correctly matched as Pichavaram Mangroves were designated as a Ramsar site in 2022, recognizing their wetland importance.
3. Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as EPCA was indeed constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to oversee GRAP implementation. Statement 2 is incorrect because GRAP’s ‘Severe+’ category mandates closure of industries operating on coal and biomass only if they lack adequate emission control systems; compliant industries may continue with restrictions. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Supreme Court directed that GRAP should complement, not override, existing industrial licenses, and authorities must balance environmental emergency with economic considerations.
4. Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the ‘Ganga Gram’ component focuses on sewage management in 4,465 villages along the Ganga banks through decentralized treatment systems. Statement 2 is incorrect because while NGT has imposed moratoriums on new hydroelectric projects in certain eco-sensitive zones, it has not issued a blanket prohibition on all Alaknanda and Bhagirathi tributaries; some projects with stringent conditions are permitted. Statement 3 is incorrect as the mission mandates zero liquid discharge for ‘Red Category’ industries only, not all industrial units within 5 km, and the deadline varies by sector and state implementation capacity.
5. Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because India has not launched a ‘National Carbon Farming Scheme’ in 2023; the concept is under discussion but no nationwide scheme with direct cash incentives exists yet. Statement 2 is correct as agroforestry practices can generate carbon credits under Article 6 mechanisms, provided they meet UNFCCC-approved methodologies and are registered with designated national authorities. Statement 3 is incorrect because the proposed scheme includes paddy cultivation with alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques that significantly reduce methane emissions, making them eligible for incentives.
6. Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the amendment does not introduce a new Schedule V for vermin; vermin species continue to be listed under Schedule V of the original Act. Statement 2 is correct as the amendment explicitly empowers the Central Government to designate Conservation Reserves for wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity outside existing protected areas. Statement 3 is incorrect because the amendment permits commercial trade in captive-bred specimens of CITES Appendix I species under specific conditions and with appropriate permits, aligning with CITES provisions.
7. Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the 2023 marine heatwave was driven by the combined effect of a positive IOD and El Niño, which suppressed monsoon cooling and increased sea surface temperatures. Statement 2 is correct as marine heatwaves provide more energy to cyclones; cyclones Tauktae (2021) and Mocha (2023) intensified rapidly over unusually warm Arabian Sea waters. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IPCC AR6 projects marine heatwaves in the Indian Ocean will become 4-8 times more frequent under 2°C warming, not 24 times; the 24-fold increase applies to the Arctic Ocean under high-emission scenarios.
8. Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because NGT does not have appellate jurisdiction over NBWL decisions; appeals against NBWL decisions lie with the Standing Committee of NBWL or through writ petitions in High Courts/Supreme Court. Statement 2 is correct as NGT can take suo moto cognizance based on media reports, citizen complaints, or even its own knowledge under Section 19 of the NGT Act, 2010. Statement 3 is incorrect because while NGT orders are executable as civil court decrees, the contempt jurisdiction with imprisonment up to 3 years applies only for non-compliance with specific environmental compensation orders, not all NGT orders.
9. Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2024 amendment maintains the ban on plastic carry bags below 120 microns but does not extend to all thicknesses; bags above 120 microns are permitted with extended producer responsibility. Statement 2 is correct as the rules mandate EPR with a phased collection target reaching 100% by 2027 for plastic packaging waste. Statement 3 is correct as CPCB is authorized to impose environmental compensation under Rule 22, with penalties ranging from ₹10,000 for small violations to ₹1 lakh for repeated non-compliance by large producers.
10. Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the Kunming-Montreal GBF sets 23 targets for 2030, including the ’30×30′ target to protect at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine ecosystems. Statement 2 is correct as Target 15 specifically mandates that large and transnational companies monitor, assess, and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies, and impacts on biodiversity. Statement 3 is correct as the framework establishes the Global Biodiversity Fund under GEF to support developing countries
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