Which of the following is considered a significant impact of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem, directly affecting its resilience?
A Increased snowfall at lower altitudes
B Accelerated glacial melt and formation of new glacial lakes
C Expansion of temperate forests into arid zones
D Decrease in frequency of extreme weather events
Answer: B
Accelerated glacial melt, leading to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes (and potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods - GLOFs), is one of the most critical and well-documented impacts of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem, severely affecting water resources and increasing disaster risk.
832.
Under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, which of the following activities is generally prohibited within wetlands and their zone of influence?
A Sustainable fishing practices
B Setting up of new industries and expansion of existing ones
C Regulated ecotourism activities
D Traditional agricultural practices by local communities
Answer: B
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, prohibit certain activities within wetlands and their zone of influence, including setting up of new industries, expansion of existing industries, dumping of solid waste, discharge of untreated effluents, and encroachment. Sustainable practices and traditional uses are often regulated or permitted.
833.
Which recent initiative, launched by the Government of India, aims to conserve wetlands and promote their optimal use, building upon the existing wetland conservation framework?
A Project Dolphin
B Amrit Dharohar
C Green India Mission
D National River Conservation Plan
Answer: B
The Amrit Dharohar initiative, launched in 2023, is a key government program focused on the conservation and optimal use of wetlands, particularly Ramsar sites, promoting local livelihoods and ecotourism. It works in conjunction with the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
834.
Which of the following is the primary legal framework governing wetland conservation and management in India as of 2026?
A Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
B National Wetland Policy, 2023
C Environment Protection Act, 1986 (with specific wetland amendments)
D Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (with specific wetland provisions)
Answer: A
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, remain the primary legal framework for wetland conservation in India. While initiatives like Amrit Dharohar complement it, the 2017 Rules define the regulatory aspects.
835.
What is a significant advantage of using loitering munitions in modern warfare?
A They are very expensive and require extensive training.
B They provide a cost-effective and precise strike capability against specific targets.
C They are primarily used for reconnaissance and not for attack.
D They have a very limited operational range.
Answer: B
Loitering munitions offer a balance between the cost of traditional missiles and the flexibility of drones, providing a precise and relatively cost-effective way to engage targets.
836.
The approval of indigenous loitering munitions by the Ministry of Defence is aimed at boosting which sector?
A Space Exploration
B Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
C Cybersecurity
D Nuclear Energy
Answer: B
The approval signifies a push towards self-reliance and strengthening India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
837.
The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of indigenous loitering munitions. What is the primary characteristic of a loitering munition?
A It is a long-range ballistic missile.
B It can hover over a target area, identify a target, and strike it.
C It is a defensive weapon system used for anti-aircraft purposes.
D It is a communication satellite.
Answer: B
Loitering munitions, often called 'kamikaze drones' or 'suicide drones', are designed to loiter in the target area for a period, search for a target, and then attack it.
838.
What is the primary objective of the Malabar exercise?
A To conduct joint land warfare operations.
B To enhance interoperability and coordination among participating navies for maritime security.
C To train air force pilots in aerial combat.
D To share intelligence on cyber warfare.
Answer: B
The Malabar exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, coordination, and joint operations between the navies of the participating countries, primarily for maritime security and disaster relief.
839.
The Malabar exercise is a joint naval exercise. Which countries are the founding members and regular participants?
A India, Japan, and USA
B India, Japan, USA, and Australia
C India, USA, and Russia
D Japan, USA, and China
Answer: B
The Malabar exercise, which began in 1992, initially involved India and the USA. Japan joined as a permanent member in 2015. Australia joined in 2020, making it a Quad Plus exercise.
840.
In which year did India and Japan commence planning for the Malabar exercise, as per the provided context?
A 2025
B 2026
C 2024
D 2027
Answer: B
The context explicitly states that India and Japan commenced planning for Malabar 2026.
