Project Tiger was launched in India in which year, marking a pivotal moment in wildlife conservation efforts?
A 1962
B 1973
C 1985
D 1991
Answer: B
Project Tiger, a landmark conservation program, was launched on April 1, 1973, to protect the Bengal tiger and its habitats in India. Its 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2023.
62.
Which of the following initiatives was a significant focus or achievement highlighted during Project Tiger's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2023, continuing to show progress in 2026?
A Introduction of tigers to non-forested urban areas
B Expansion of tiger habitats through community-led conservation and anti-poaching efforts
C Complete cessation of all human activities near tiger reserves
D Shifting focus from tiger conservation to other big cats
Answer: B
A major success and ongoing focus of Project Tiger has been the expansion and protection of tiger habitats, coupled with robust anti-poaching measures and the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts, leading to a steady increase in tiger numbers.
63.
As of the latest comprehensive tiger census released around Project Tiger's 50th anniversary (2023), what was the estimated average tiger population in India?
A Approximately 2,500
B Approximately 3,000
C Approximately 3,700
D Approximately 4,500
Answer: C
The latest tiger census data, released in April 2023, indicated an estimated average tiger population of 3,682 in India, showing significant progress since the inception of Project Tiger. The minimum population was 3,167.
64.
The National Biodiversity Strategy 2026 is expected to set targets for India, primarily aiming to achieve significant progress by which year, in line with global biodiversity goals?
A 2030
B 2035
C 2040
D 2050
Answer: A
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which the National Biodiversity Strategy 2026 aligns with, sets ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, including halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Therefore, India's national strategy would also set its primary targets for 2030.
65.
Which of the following is a key pillar expected to be emphasized in India's National Biodiversity Strategy 2026?
A Promoting fossil fuel exploration
B Sustainable use of biodiversity and equitable benefit-sharing
C Rapid industrialization without environmental impact assessment
D Expansion of monoculture farming
Answer: B
A core principle of any national biodiversity strategy, especially one aligned with global frameworks like the GBF, is the sustainable use of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. This is a fundamental aspect of biodiversity conservation.
66.
The recently launched National Biodiversity Strategy 2026 by India primarily aims to align its national biodiversity conservation efforts with which global framework?
A Paris Agreement on Climate Change
B Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
C Kyoto Protocol
D Ramsar Convention
Answer: B
The National Biodiversity Strategy 2026 is India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), designed to align its conservation goals with the global targets set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted in December 2022, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
67.
Which of the following materials is often recommended for pavements and surfaces in Indian cities to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, due to its high reflectivity?
A Dark asphalt
B Standard concrete
C Light-colored, reflective materials (cool pavements)
D Porous asphalt
Answer: C
Light-colored and reflective materials, often referred to as 'cool pavements', have a higher albedo (reflectivity) than dark materials like asphalt. This means they reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, thus helping to lower surface temperatures and reduce the UHI effect.
68.
To mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, Indian cities are increasingly adopting strategies like 'Green Roofs'. What is the primary benefit of implementing green roofs?
A Increased structural load on buildings.
B Reduced insulation and increased energy consumption for cooling.
C Absorption of solar radiation and reduction of surface temperature.
D Creation of habitats for invasive species.
Answer: C
Green roofs, covered with vegetation, absorb solar radiation and reduce the amount of heat transferred into the building and released into the surrounding environment. This helps in lowering surface temperatures and mitigating the UHI effect, while also providing insulation benefits.
69.
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. Which of the following is a major contributing factor to UHI in Indian cities?
A Increased green cover and parks.
B Use of reflective materials in construction.
C Dense concentration of concrete structures and reduced vegetation.
D Widespread use of solar energy.
Answer: C
The dense concentration of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure made of concrete and asphalt, coupled with a lack of vegetation, absorbs and retains more heat, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural surroundings. This is a primary driver of the UHI effect.
70.
Which international convention, actively supported by India's conservation initiatives, aims to combat desertification and land degradation?
A Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
B United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
C Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
D Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Answer: B
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the primary international treaty addressing land degradation and desertification. India's conservation efforts, including those focused on biodiversity, often align with and contribute to the goals of the UNCCD.
