The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is awarded in how many scientific disciplines?
A 5
B 6
C 7
D 8
Answer: C
The prize is awarded in seven disciplines: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
42.
Which organization is responsible for awarding the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology?
A Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
B Department of Science & Technology (DST)
C Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
D Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Answer: A
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is awarded annually by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for notable and outstanding research in various branches of science and technology.
43.
As of 2026, which Indian government body is often involved in the formulation and implementation of policies related to coastal zone management and ecosystem restoration?
A Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
B Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
C Ministry of Tribal Affairs
D Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Answer: B
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the primary government body responsible for environmental policies, including those related to coastal zone management, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
44.
Which of the following is a critical component of coastal ecosystem restoration efforts?
A Construction of large concrete seawalls.
B Planting of native mangrove species and other coastal vegetation.
C Dredging of coastal waterways for increased shipping traffic.
D Conversion of wetlands into commercial real estate.
Answer: B
Restoration of mangrove forests and other native coastal vegetation is crucial for rebuilding natural defenses, supporting biodiversity, and improving water quality in coastal areas.
45.
What is a key objective of the new policy framework aimed at boosting coastal ecosystem restoration in India (as of 2026)?
A To promote industrial development along the coastline.
B To enhance the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems against climate change impacts and pollution.
C To encourage large-scale aquaculture farms in mangrove areas.
D To reduce the area of protected marine zones.
Answer: B
The policy framework aims to restore and protect coastal ecosystems, thereby enhancing the resilience of both the environment and the communities living along the coast against threats like sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and pollution.
46.
Besides protected areas, what is a significant challenge for tiger conservation in India as of 2026?
A Overpopulation of prey species within protected areas.
B Increased human-tiger conflict due to habitat fragmentation and encroachment.
C Lack of suitable breeding grounds within reserves.
D Excessive rainfall impacting tiger habitats.
Answer: B
Habitat fragmentation and encroachment into tiger territories lead to increased human-tiger conflict, posing a significant challenge to conservation efforts outside of strictly protected zones.
47.
Which organization conducts the All India Tiger Estimation, a comprehensive survey of the country's tiger population?
A Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
B National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
C Both WII and NTCA, in collaboration
D Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Answer: C
The All India Tiger Estimation is a collaborative effort, primarily conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), often with support from state forest departments.
48.
According to the latest available reports (as of 2026), what has been the general trend of the tiger population in India's protected areas?
A A significant decline due to habitat loss.
B A steady increase attributed to conservation efforts.
C A stagnant population with no significant change.
D A sharp increase followed by a rapid decline.
Answer: B
Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and habitat management within protected areas, have led to a steady increase in the tiger population in India.
49.
As of 2026, which ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation and oversight of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission?
A Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
B Ministry of Power
C Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
D Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Answer: C
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for the National Green Hydrogen Mission, responsible for its formulation, implementation, and coordination.
50.
What is the primary method for producing 'green' hydrogen, as targeted by India's initiatives?
A Steam methane reforming using natural gas.
B Electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
C Gasification of coal.
D Partial oxidation of heavy fuel oil.
Answer: B
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water, where electricity generated from renewable sources splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, avoiding carbon emissions.
