What is the primary mandate of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in India?
A To conduct wildlife tourism promotions in tiger reserves.
B To provide statutory authority to Project Tiger and ensure its effective implementation.
C To manage the financial aspects of all national parks in India.
D To regulate international trade of tiger products.
Answer: B
The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 2006, with the primary mandate to provide statutory authority to Project Tiger and ensure its effective implementation for tiger conservation.
22.
Approximately how many non-attainment cities are currently covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) for targeted air quality improvement efforts?
A 80
B 100
C 131
D 150
Answer: C
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) currently covers 131 non-attainment cities across India, which have consistently failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These cities are the focus of targeted interventions to improve air quality.
23.
Which of the following are the primary air pollutants targeted for reduction under India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?
A Carbon Monoxide and Sulfur Dioxide
B Ozone and Nitrogen Oxides
C Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
D Lead and Ammonia
Answer: C
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) primarily focuses on reducing the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in non-attainment cities across India, as these are major contributors to air pollution and health issues.
24.
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has revised its target for particulate matter concentration reduction. What is the new target percentage and the revised target year for non-attainment cities?
A 30% reduction by 2025
B 40% reduction by 2026
C 50% reduction by 2027
D 25% reduction by 2024
Answer: B
The NCAP, initially aiming for a 20-30% reduction by 2024, revised its target in 2022-23 to achieve a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2026 in 131 non-attainment cities.
25.
Which Union Ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation and oversight of wetland conservation policies and initiatives like the Amrit Dharohar in India?
A Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
B Ministry of Jal Shakti
C Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
D Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: C
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal ministry for wetland conservation in India, including the formulation and implementation of policies and programs such as the Amrit Dharohar Initiative.
26.
As of early 2026, what is the approximate number of Ramsar Sites designated in India, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation?
A 50
B 65
C 80
D 95
Answer: C
As of early 2024, India has 80 designated Ramsar Sites. Assuming no significant additions by early 2026 for exam purposes, this number reflects India's growing commitment to wetland conservation under the Ramsar Convention.
27.
Which of the following initiatives, launched in 2023, aims to promote the unique conservation values of India's Ramsar Sites?
A Project Tiger
B Amrit Dharohar Initiative
C National River Conservation Plan
D Green India Mission
Answer: B
The Amrit Dharohar Initiative, launched in June 2023, aims to conserve and promote the unique conservation values of India's Ramsar Sites, ensuring their sustainable use and enhancing local livelihoods.
28.
Which of the following is a key mission under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) specifically aimed at addressing climate change impacts and promoting sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region?
A National Solar Mission
B National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
C National Mission for Green India
D National Water Mission
Answer: B
The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is one of the eight missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Its primary objective is to evolve measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan ecosystem, considering the impacts of climate change.
29.
To enhance the resilience of Himalayan communities and ecosystems against climate change, which of the following approaches is most crucial?
A Promoting large-scale industrial development in sensitive zones
B Implementing early warning systems for disasters and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure
C Shifting entirely to monoculture farming practices
D Reducing international cooperation on transboundary water management
Answer: B
Enhancing resilience in the Himalayas requires a multi-faceted approach, with crucial elements including the implementation of early warning systems for hazards like GLOFs and landslides, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable land use, and strengthening local adaptive capacities.
30.
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.
