Which of the following is NOT one of the eight missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)?
A National Solar Mission
B National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
C National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
D National Mission for Urban Development
Answer: D
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) comprises eight missions: National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, National Water Mission, National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission for a Green India, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. The National Mission for Urban Development is not part of NAPCC.
22.
Which Indian state is NOT part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot?
A Kerala
B Karnataka
C Tamil Nadu
D Andhra Pradesh
Answer: D
The Western Ghats span across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh is not part of this biodiversity hotspot.
23.
A new conservation strategy for the Western Ghats emphasizes the importance of 'landscape-level conservation'. What does this approach primarily entail?
A Focusing conservation efforts only within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
B Protecting individual species in isolation from their habitat.
C Conserving biodiversity across entire ecological regions, including human-dominated areas and corridors connecting protected zones.
D Relocating all wildlife to zoos and botanical gardens for safekeeping.
Answer: C
Landscape-level conservation recognizes that biodiversity exists beyond protected areas and requires a holistic approach that considers the entire ecosystem, including connectivity between habitats and human-wildlife interactions.
24.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its exceptionally high biodiversity. Which of the following is a major threat to its biodiversity?
A Increased rainfall due to climate change.
B Expansion of agriculture, infrastructure development, and deforestation.
C Introduction of invasive alien species from other continents.
D Overfishing in the coastal areas.
Answer: B
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities like agriculture, infrastructure projects, and deforestation are the primary drivers of biodiversity loss in the Western Ghats.
25.
India's commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes strengthening its national biodiversity targets. Which of the following is NOT a stated priority for India in this context?
A Increasing the protected area network.
B Promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
C Phasing out all forms of pollution by 2025.
D Enhancing the conservation of endemic and endangered species.
Answer: C
While India is committed to reducing pollution, a complete phase-out of all forms of pollution by 2025 is not a specific target aligned with the Kunming-Montreal framework. The framework focuses on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
26.
Which of the following is a key target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?
A To increase the global average temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius.
B To protect at least 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030 (30x30 target).
C To phase out all renewable energy sources by 2035.
D To reduce the global population by 50% by 2040.
Answer: B
Target 3 of the framework is to ensure that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed.
27.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, sets out a plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by which year?
A 2030
B 2040
C 2050
D 2060
Answer: C
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to achieve the 'Living in Harmony with Nature' vision for 2050, which includes halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
28.
Which of the following is a significant ecological benefit of healthy wetlands?
A Increased soil salinity.
B Water purification and flood control.
C Reduction in biodiversity.
D Increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Answer: B
Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water by removing pollutants. They also absorb excess water, thus playing a crucial role in flood control.
29.
The 'Amrit Dharohar Yojana' is a recently launched initiative by the government aimed at:
A Promoting industrial development near wetlands.
B Restoring and conserving wetlands to enhance their ecological value and economic benefits.
C Converting wetlands into agricultural land.
D Draining wetlands for urban development.
Answer: B
The Amrit Dharohar Yojana aims to conserve the unique biodiversity of wetlands and promote their sustainable use, thereby enhancing their economic benefits and ecological value.
30.
Which Union Ministry is the nodal ministry for the 'Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules' in India?
A Ministry of Jal Shakti
B Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
D Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: B
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal ministry responsible for the conservation and management of wetlands in India.
