The MISHTI scheme, aimed at mangrove protection and afforestation, is implemented through convergence between which two major existing schemes/funds?
A MGNREGS and CAMPA Fund
B PM-KISAN and Fasal Bima Yojana
C Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Jal Jeevan Mission
D National Food Security Act and Ayushman Bharat
Answer: A
The MISHTI scheme leverages the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Fund for its implementation, ensuring broader reach and resource utilization.
162.
Which major initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, aligns with the objective of a 'Coastal Mangrove Protection Mission' by promoting mangrove plantation along the coastline?
A MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
B PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
C National Green Hydrogen Mission
D Amrit Dharohar Scheme
Answer: A
The MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to promote mangrove plantations along the coastline and on salt pan lands, aligning perfectly with coastal mangrove protection efforts.
163.
Which international designation recognizes the Western Ghats as a region of global ecological significance, making it a target for conservation efforts?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
B Ramsar Site
C Man and the Biosphere Reserve
D All of the above
Answer: D
The Western Ghats have been recognized under multiple international designations, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Man and the Biosphere Reserves, and several Ramsar Sites, highlighting their immense ecological importance and the need for concerted conservation efforts.
164.
The Western Ghats, a region of immense biodiversity, is facing significant threats. Which of the following is a major anthropogenic threat to its biodiversity as of 2026?
A Sustainable agriculture practices.
B Habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development and land-use change.
C Strict enforcement of conservation laws.
D Growth of native forest cover.
Answer: B
Habitat fragmentation, driven by infrastructure projects (roads, dams), agricultural expansion, and urbanization, is a primary anthropogenic threat to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. This fragmentation isolates populations, disrupts ecological processes, and increases vulnerability.
165.
In 2026, a new biodiversity conservation initiative was launched in the Western Ghats. What is a key focus area of this initiative?
A Promoting large-scale industrial development.
B Protecting endemic species and their habitats.
C Developing tourism infrastructure without environmental considerations.
D Encouraging monoculture plantations of non-native species.
Answer: B
The Western Ghats are a global biodiversity hotspot. New conservation initiatives in this region typically focus on protecting its rich endemic flora and fauna and their fragile ecosystems from threats like habitat fragmentation and climate change.
166.
Which of the following activities is NOT typically recognized as a basis for generating Green Credits under the expanded GCP framework as of 2026?
A Water conservation and management
B Waste management and recycling
C Air pollution control measures
D Construction of new fossil fuel power plants
Answer: D
The Green Credit Programme (GCP) focuses on incentivizing environmentally positive actions. Construction of new fossil fuel power plants is generally considered detrimental to the environment and would not be eligible for generating Green Credits. Activities like water conservation, waste management, and air pollution control are aligned with the program's objectives.
167.
As of 2026, the Green Credit Programme (GCP) is being implemented by which Union Ministry in India?
A Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
B Ministry of Power
C Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
D Ministry of Jal Shakti
Answer: A
The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is being implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India. It is a part of the broader efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
168.
The Green Credit Programme (GCP), expanded in 2026, aims to incentivize environmentally positive actions. Which of the following is a primary objective of the GCP?
A To promote afforestation and reforestation activities.
B To encourage the development of renewable energy sources.
C To facilitate the trading of environmental credits generated by individuals and organizations.
D To regulate industrial pollution through strict emission standards.
Answer: C
The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is a market-based mechanism designed to encourage environmentally positive actions by individuals, organizations, and local governments. It facilitates the trading of environmental credits generated through activities like afforestation, water conservation, and waste management, thereby creating a demand for environmental protection.
169.
Which of the following is a key recommendation often put forth in reports to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on Himalayan ecosystems?
A Promoting unrestricted tourism and construction
B Implementing stringent land-use planning, sustainable infrastructure development, and community-based conservation
C Ignoring traditional ecological knowledge of local communities
D Shifting focus entirely from environmental protection to economic growth
Answer: B
Sustainable development in the Himalayas requires careful and stringent land-use planning, eco-friendly and resilient infrastructure, and active involvement of local communities in conservation efforts to balance development with environmental protection.
170.
The rapid and unplanned urbanization in the Himalayan region often exacerbates which of the following critical resource challenges?
A Abundant availability of clean energy
B Improved waste management and sanitation
C Water scarcity, pollution of rivers and springs, and increased pressure on local resources
D Reduced demand for construction materials
Answer: C
Unplanned urbanization in the Himalayas strains local water sources due to increased demand, leads to inadequate waste disposal polluting rivers and springs, and puts immense pressure on other local natural resources, creating severe environmental degradation.
