Beyond ecological benefits, what is a significant socio-economic advantage of establishing urban forests through restoration campaigns?
A Increased reliance on imported timber.
B Creation of local employment opportunities in horticulture and eco-tourism.
C Reduced public engagement in community development.
D Decreased property values in surrounding areas.
Answer: B
Urban forest restoration can lead to job creation in areas like planting, maintenance, nursery management, and eco-tourism. It also enhances the quality of life, potentially increasing property values and fostering community engagement.
362.
Which government ministry or agency is typically at the forefront of launching and coordinating nationwide campaigns related to forest and environmental restoration in India?
A Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
B Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
D Ministry of Jal Shakti
Answer: B
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency responsible for environmental protection, forest conservation, and related policy-making and implementation in India. Therefore, it would lead such a nationwide campaign.
363.
In 2026, a Nationwide Urban Forest Restoration Campaign was launched. What is a primary objective of such a campaign in urban areas?
A To replace all existing green spaces with concrete structures.
B To increase green cover, improve air quality, and enhance urban biodiversity.
C To promote the use of artificial plants in public parks.
D To reduce the number of trees to facilitate urban expansion.
Answer: B
Urban forest restoration campaigns aim to reintroduce or enhance forest ecosystems within cities. This helps in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants, mitigating the urban heat island effect, providing habitats for urban wildlife, and enhancing the aesthetic and recreational value of cities.
364.
India's commitment to the global biodiversity framework is often linked to its national initiatives. Which of the following is a significant national program that aligns with biodiversity conservation goals?
A National Solar Mission
B Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
C National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
D Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Answer: C
The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to increase forest and tree cover, improve ecosystem services, and enhance biodiversity, aligning with global biodiversity commitments.
365.
What is a key target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to which India is committed, concerning protected areas?
A To protect at least 10% of marine and terrestrial areas.
B To protect at least 30% of terrestrial and inland water areas, and 30% of marine and coastal areas.
C To designate 50% of all land as national parks.
D To reduce protected areas by 15% to allow for economic development.
Answer: B
Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to ensure that by 2030 at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions, are effectively conserved and managed.
366.
Which international agreement, significantly updated in recent years, aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and to which India has reaffirmed its commitment?
A The Paris Agreement
B The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
C The Kyoto Protocol
D The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Strategic Plan
Answer: B
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, sets out 23 targets for 2030 to protect and restore ecosystems. India has been actively participating and reaffirming its commitment to this framework.
367.
India's DRDO has been actively working on hypersonic technology. Which of the following is India's indigenous technology demonstrator for hypersonic flight, a precursor to advanced hypersonic missile systems?
A Agni-V
B BrahMos
C Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)
D Prithvi-II
Answer: C
The Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft for hypersonic flight, developed by DRDO, and is a crucial step towards developing advanced hypersonic missile systems.
368.
An advanced hypersonic missile system, recently tested by DRDO, is characterized by its ability to travel at what speed relative to the speed of sound?
A Subsonic
B Transonic
C Supersonic
D Mach 5 or greater
Answer: D
Hypersonic missiles are defined by their ability to travel at speeds of Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) or greater, making them extremely difficult to intercept.
369.
Following the successful test of an advanced hypersonic missile system, which Indian organization is primarily responsible for the research, development, and testing of such defense technologies?
A Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
C Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
D Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Answer: B
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is the premier agency of the Ministry of Defence in India, responsible for the research, development, and testing of various defense technologies, including missile systems.
370.
What is one of the primary objectives of the 'Yudh Abhyas' series of exercises, including the recently concluded 'Yudh Abhyas 2026'?
A To test new nuclear weapon systems
B To enhance interoperability and share best practices in peacekeeping and disaster relief operations
C To conduct joint naval blockades
D To develop offensive cyber warfare capabilities
Answer: B
The 'Yudh Abhyas' exercises primarily focus on enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices, and developing joint capabilities for various scenarios, including peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief operations.
