Which of the following is a significant ecological role of the Western Ghats that makes afforestation efforts crucial?
A It acts as a major barrier to monsoon winds, preventing rainfall in peninsular India.
B It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its outstanding universal value and biodiversity.
C It is the primary source of freshwater for the Thar Desert.
D It is a major breeding ground for migratory birds from Siberia.
Answer: B
The Western Ghats are recognized globally for their immense biodiversity and ecological significance, earning them the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afforestation is vital for maintaining this status and protecting its unique flora and fauna.
192.
The recent major afforestation drive in the Western Ghats is primarily aimed at:
A Promoting industrial development and mining activities.
B Ecological restoration and enhancing biodiversity.
C Developing large-scale agricultural plantations for export.
D Constructing new urban settlements.
Answer: B
Afforestation drives in ecologically sensitive regions like the Western Ghats are typically focused on restoring degraded ecosystems, increasing forest cover, and enhancing the region's rich biodiversity, which has been impacted by deforestation and other human activities.
193.
What is a common policy recommendation from UNEP reports to combat plastic pollution?
A Increasing subsidies for virgin plastic production.
B Promoting a circular economy approach for plastics, including reduction, reuse, and improved recycling.
C Relaxing regulations on plastic waste disposal in landfills.
D Focusing solely on international treaties without national-level action.
Answer: B
UNEP strongly advocates for a transition towards a circular economy for plastics. This involves strategies to reduce plastic consumption, promote reuse of plastic products, and enhance the collection and recycling infrastructure to minimize waste and pollution.
194.
According to recent UNEP reports (as of 2026), what is a major concern regarding global plastic pollution?
A The complete elimination of all single-use plastics by 2030.
B The increasing effectiveness of current recycling technologies.
C The persistent and widespread presence of microplastics in ecosystems and food chains.
D A significant decrease in global plastic production.
Answer: C
UNEP reports consistently highlight the pervasive issue of microplastic contamination in oceans, freshwater bodies, soil, and even the air, which poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. While efforts are being made, complete elimination or significant decrease in production are long-term goals, and recycling effectiveness varies greatly.
195.
What is the full form of UNEP, the organization that released a landmark report on global plastic pollution policies?
A United Nations Environmental Programme
B United Nations Economic Programme
C United Nations Educational Programme
D United Nations Exploration Programme
Answer: A
UNEP stands for the United Nations Environment Programme, which is the leading environmental authority in the United Nations system, responsible for setting the global environmental agenda, promoting the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development, and acting as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
196.
Which of the following regions in India are the primary focus for snow leopard conservation efforts under projects like 'Project Snow Leopard 2.0'?
A The Western Ghats and the Andaman Islands.
B The Gangetic Plains and the Sundarbans.
C The Trans-Himalayan regions, including Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
D The Eastern Ghats and the Northeast hills.
Answer: C
Snow leopards are native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. In India, their primary habitat is in the high-altitude, snow-covered Trans-Himalayan regions, such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
197.
What is a key objective of 'Project Snow Leopard 2.0' in the context of high-altitude ecosystems?
A To promote large-scale commercial tourism in snow leopard habitats.
B To enhance the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile mountain ecosystems.
C To facilitate the relocation of snow leopard populations to lower altitudes.
D To exclusively focus on research without involving local communities.
Answer: B
'Project Snow Leopard 2.0' aims to strengthen the conservation efforts for snow leopards, which are an indicator species for the health of high-altitude ecosystems, and to protect these vulnerable environments.
198.
Which organization is primarily associated with the launch of 'Project Snow Leopard 2.0' for high-altitude conservation in India?
A Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
B National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
C Forest Survey of India (FSI)
D Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Answer: A
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is the nodal agency and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of conservation projects for snow leopards in India, including the updated 'Project Snow Leopard 2.0'.
199.
Which term is often used to describe the Himalayan region due to its vast ice reserves?
A The Third Pole
B The Frozen Desert
C The Global Heat Sink
D The Alpine Reservoir
Answer: A
The Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is known as the 'Third Pole' because it contains the largest volume of ice outside the polar regions.
200.
What is a major downstream consequence of the accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers?
A Permanent increase in river water levels
B Increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
C Expansion of agricultural land in high altitudes
D Decrease in monsoon rainfall
Answer: B
The rapid melting creates unstable glacial lakes, significantly increasing the risk of GLOFs, which can cause catastrophic flooding downstream.
