Green Hydrogen is primarily produced through which of the following processes?
A Steam methane reforming
B Coal gasification
C Electrolysis of water using renewable energy
D Pyrolysis of biomass
Answer: C
Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyser powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind, ensuring zero carbon emissions during production.
42.
What is the primary target for annual Green Hydrogen production set by India's National Green Hydrogen Mission by the year 2030?
A 2 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT)
B 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT)
C 10 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT)
D 15 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT)
Answer: B
The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen by 2030, along with significant renewable energy capacity addition and CO2 emission reduction.
43.
As of 2026, which state has been at the forefront of notifying new Biodiversity Heritage Sites, significantly contributing to India's conservation efforts?
A Rajasthan
B Tamil Nadu
C Gujarat
D Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B
Tamil Nadu has been proactive in identifying and notifying Biodiversity Heritage Sites, with several sites being declared in recent years, showcasing its commitment to biodiversity conservation. (Note: This is based on recent trends and may require verification for the exact year 2026, but reflects a strong ongoing effort).
44.
Which of the following is a primary objective behind the expansion of Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in India?
A To promote large-scale industrial development in ecologically sensitive areas.
B To protect unique ecosystems and conserve threatened species and their habitats.
C To facilitate commercial exploitation of biological resources within these sites.
D To reduce the role of local communities in conservation efforts.
Answer: B
The core purpose of BHS is the conservation of unique ecosystems, endemic species, and threatened flora and fauna, along with their habitats. The expansion aims to bring more such critical areas under formal protection.
45.
Under which section of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, are Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) notified by State Governments?
A Section 37
B Section 40
C Section 35
D Section 42
Answer: A
Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, empowers State Governments to notify Biodiversity Heritage Sites in consultation with local bodies. These sites are areas of significant biodiversity, endemism, and ecological importance.
46.
A significant challenge highlighted by the 'Himalayan Glacier Conservation Strategy' is the impact of climate change. Which of the following is identified as a primary driver of accelerated glacial melt in the Himalayas?
A Increased volcanic activity in the region.
B Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns due to global warming.
C Deforestation in the Gangetic plains only.
D Reduced solar radiation reaching the Himalayas.
Answer: B
Global warming, leading to changes in atmospheric circulation and increased temperatures, is the primary driver of accelerated glacial melt in the Himalayas. While deforestation can have localized impacts, global climate change is the overarching factor. Volcanic activity and reduced solar radiation are not the primary causes.
47.
The 'Himalayan Glacier Conservation Strategy' also focuses on community involvement. Which of the following approaches is MOST likely to be integrated into this strategy for local participation?
A Mandatory migration of local communities to urban centers.
B Promoting sustainable livelihood options and traditional knowledge in climate adaptation.
C Establishing large-scale industrial zones in glacial valleys.
D Discouraging local festivals and cultural practices.
Answer: B
Sustainable livelihoods and the integration of traditional knowledge are key to empowering local communities to participate in conservation efforts and adapt to climate change impacts. The other options are detrimental to local communities and conservation goals.
48.
Which of the following is a key component of the recently proposed 'Himalayan Glacier Conservation Strategy' aimed at addressing the rapid melting of glaciers in the region?
A Large-scale artificial snow-making operations.
B Development of advanced glacier monitoring systems using AI and satellite imagery.
C Relocation of major Himalayan settlements to lower altitudes.
D Construction of massive ice walls to prevent glacial retreat.
Answer: B
The strategy emphasizes leveraging technology like AI and satellite imagery for better monitoring and understanding of glacier dynamics, which is crucial for effective conservation efforts. Artificial snow-making and ice walls are not considered viable or scalable solutions, and relocation is a drastic measure not typically part of such strategies.
49.
How does the accelerated glacial melt threaten long-term water security in the Indo-Gangetic plains?
A By causing permanent flooding of the plains
B By initially increasing water flow followed by a long-term decline in river discharge
C By increasing the salinity of groundwater
D By preventing the formation of monsoon clouds
Answer: B
Initially, melting glaciers increase river discharge, but as the glacial mass shrinks, the long-term water supply to perennial rivers will significantly decrease, threatening water security.
50.
Which phenomenon is primarily responsible for the accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers in the current decade?
A Increased volcanic activity in the region
B Anthropogenic global warming and black carbon deposition
C Changes in the Earth's magnetic field
D Decrease in solar radiation reaching the Himalayas
Answer: B
Global warming raises ambient temperatures, while black carbon (soot) from industrial and vehicular emissions reduces the albedo of snow, causing it to absorb more heat and melt faster.
