Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Zojila tunnel, endemic species to the Brahmaputra floodplain and more (Week 121)

Indian Express

a day ago

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress.
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With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), consider the following statements:
1. It is known to be a key indicator species of the grassland habitat.
2. It is classified as vulnerable.
3. The seven-member committee was set up to suggest steps for the conservation of the critically endangered bird while balancing it with the growth of renewable energy infrastructure in its habitat.
4. Its population has increased over the past period.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Explanation
— A committee appointed by the Supreme Court has proposed dedicated corridors for renewable power lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat in order to protect the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The committee has suggested that existing lines should be rerouted, and some stretches should be sent underground.
— The seven-member committee was set up in March 2024 to suggest steps for the conservation of the critically endangered bird while balancing it with the growth of renewable energy infrastructure in its habitat. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
— GIBs are a critically endangered species. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— It is recognised as a vital indicator species of the grassland habitat, which means that its survival indicates the health of grassland ecosystems. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— According to the Rajasthan Forest Department, its population has steadily fallen over the last four decades, from over 700 individuals to less than 150 presently. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
With reference to Kaziranga, consider the following statements:
1. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has the highest density of tigers in the world.
2. The first-ever grassland bird census was held in Kaziranga National Park.
3. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
4. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2021.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Explanation
— The Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has the world's third-highest tiger density, according to the first large-scale survey of the big cat population. Officials estimate that the reserve has 18.65 tigers per 100 square km. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— The first grassland bird census was conducted at Assam's Kaziranga National Park. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— Kaziranga National Park is one of the last unaltered natural places in India's northeast.
— The variations of the Brahmaputra River create stunning examples of riverine and fluvial processes in this huge area of wet alluvial tall grassland, intermingled with several broad shallow lakes bordered with reeds and patches of deciduous to semi-evergreen woods.
— Kaziranga National Park was included to the World Heritage List in 1985 because of its enormous population of one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, panthers, bears, and many birds, as well as its portrayal of the Brahmaputra floodplain and grassland ecology that has not been altered by humans. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.
— It is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: whc.unesco.org)
With reference to mercury, consider the following statements:
1. Its consumption can result in a variety of brain, skin, and heart disorders.
2. There is no mercury contamination in groundwater in India.
3. It is produced through a variety of industrial processes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— Mercury is one of the most toxic substances for humans. Its consumption can result in a variety of brain, skin, and heart disorders, and can even be fatal. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— In a paper published last year, the Central Pollution Control Board stated that 1 gramme of mercury found in a clinical thermometer was enough to contaminate a water body with a surface area of nearly 20 acres to the point where the fish in it would be unsafe to eat.
— Mercury is produced naturally, such as in volcanic eruptions, as well as through a variety of industrial processes. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
— Mercury contamination is not widespread in India, but it has been found in dangerous concentrations in water in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Odisha. Water bodies are prone to contamination in mining areas and near leather industries, which emit mercury. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Zojila tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir will provide an all-weather connectivity between:
(a) Jammu and Srinagar
(b) Keylong and Leh
(c) Jammu and Leh
(d) Srinagar and Ladakh
Explanation
— Zojila tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir will provide an all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. Strategically located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, the road project is being constructed in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
— On completion, the project will not only play an important role in the country's infrastructure development but also enhance civilian and military mobility in the region. This under-construction project is set to become India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Which of the species are endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplain?
1. Bengal Florican
2. Swamp Francolin
3. Bristled Grassbird
4. Slender-billed Babbler
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
— In his Mann ki Baat radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a 'first-ever grassland bird census' in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and the technology used for this.
— It all started when Chiranjib Bora, a PhD student studying the threatened grassland bird Black-breasted parrotbill, obtained an INSPIRE scholarship from the central government's Department of Science & Technology, as well as acoustic monitoring gear for his research. A team of forest officials, scientists, and environmentalists conducted a census of Kaziranga National Park's grassland bird population from March 18 to May 25.
— The primary purpose was to monitor the grassland bird species that inhabit in Kaziranga. The majority of grassland bird species are no longer common. Unlike wetland birds, these birds are small and well-camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. Furthermore, they dwell in unique ecosystems that are fast disappearing.
— The survey prioritised 10 species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains: Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Finn's Weaver, Swamp Grass Babbler, Jerdon's Babbler, Slender-billed Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler, Bristled Grassbird, and Indian Grassbird. Including these, it recorded a total of 43 grassland bird species, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, according to the IUCN Red List.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to India's first private test facility for heavy water upgradation, consider the following statements:
1. It has been set up by a private company under technology transfer from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
2. The facility will manufacture and test equipment such as distillation columns needed for heavy water purification.
3. The main purpose is to convert normal water (H₂O) into heavy water (D₂O) for use in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
4. It aims to reduce the equipment testing time by at least one to two years.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Explanation
— Mumbai‑based TEMA India has been entrusted with setting up this test facility under a technology transfer arrangement from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), formally commissioned under an order from NPCIL .
— The facility manufactures and tests key equipment (such as distillation columns and modules) used in the upgrading (re-purification) of depleted heavy water (D₂O), including integration and validation before delivery to reactor sites .
— The facility does not produce new heavy water from ordinary water. Rather, it upgrades or re-purifies existing, depleted heavy water back to operational purity levels (~99.9% D₂O). So it's not about converting H₂O into D₂O, but restoring purity to D₂O .
— Previously, BARC handled equipment testing, and the entire process—from production to test—took around 7–8 years. TEMA India states that it can cut this duration by at least 1–2 years by integrating manufacturing and testing under one roof .
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Which of the following countries is not listed as a member of the 'Mangrove Alliance for Climate'?
(a) India
(b) Japan
(c) United Kingdom
(d) United States of America
Explanation
According to mangrovealliance4climate.org,
— 'Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), spearheaded by the United Arab Emirates in partnership with Indonesia, will promote mangroves as a nature-based solution to climate change. The MAC was launched at COP27.'
— No, USA is not a listed member.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to the Etalin Hydel Project, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a run-of-the-river project located in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. It is being built on the Subansiri and Lohit rivers.
3. Area is part of a biodiversity hotspot with rare and endangered fauna like Mishmi takin, red panda, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and many bird species.
Which of the following statements is/are true?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
— A 3,097 MW hydroelectric project located in the Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh is promoted by Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Ltd., a joint venture of Jindal Power Ltd. And the Arunachal Pradesh government.
— It is Planned on two tributaries of the Dibang river: the Dri and the Talo (Tangon) rivers.
— It is designed as a run-of-the-river project involving two concrete gravity dams and a network of tunnels and powerhouse units.
— It requires diversion of 1,165.66 hectares of forest land.
— It is estimated to result in the felling of approximately 2.7 lakh trees.
— The area is part of a biodiversity hotspot, rich in: 680+ plant species with rare and endangered fauna like Mishmi takin, red panda, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and many bird species.
— The project falls in the Dibang Valley, part of the Eastern Himalayas — one of India's most ecologically sensitive zones.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
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